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The City Council of Boston commemorated Dominican Republic Independence Day, recognizing the significant contributions of the Dominican community to the city's cultural and economic landscape. With over 550 Dominican-owned businesses, the community plays a vital role in Boston's growth and diversity. The celebration also honors national heroes and highlights Dominican history, arts, and traditions.
Boston celebrates Irish-American Heritage Month this March, recognizing the invaluable contributions of Irish immigrants and their descendants to the city's evolution. The proclamation highlights their vital roles in various sectors, reinforcing cultural diversity and community resilience. The Irish flag will be raised on March 12, 2025, as a tribute to this enduring legacy.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Youth Engagement have launched the Youth Lead the Change (YLC) voting process, allowing youth aged 14-25 to vote on how to allocate $1 million of the city's capital budget. This initiative empowers young residents to address community needs through project proposals, with voting open until May 31, 2025. The program promotes civic engagement and leadership among Boston's youth, fostering a more inclusive decision-making process.
WCVB invites college and university students to apply for internships at its television station. The program offers hands-on experience in various roles, including reporting and production. Students can gain valuable insights into the industry while building their resumes.
Councilors Durkan, Breadon, and Fitzgerald have passed a resolution to condemn proposed funding cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which threaten critical medical research funding in Boston and Massachusetts. The cuts could jeopardize thousands of jobs and the economic stability of the region, as NIH funding supports numerous projects aimed at combating diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer.
Councilor Flynn's resolution to denounce recent layoffs at the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) highlights the significant impact on over 1,000 veterans and their families in Boston. The resolution calls for the reinstatement of VA employees and advocates for uninterrupted services for veterans, addressing urgent concerns regarding healthcare and benefits. This response underscores the city's commitment to supporting its veteran community during a challenging time.
The Boston City Council is advocating for continued funding for the Parent Mentor Program (PMP), essential for community engagement and student support in Boston Public Schools. With over 12,000 hours of mentorship provided annually, the program faces potential cuts due to the end of ESSER funding, prompting calls for at least $476,000 to sustain its operations in the FY26 Budget.
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program has been instrumental in supporting affordable housing and economic development in Boston for over 50 years. In FY25, the Mayor’s Office of Housing allocated $2.2 million to over 40 community organizations, significantly impacting low to moderate-income residents, particularly BIPOC individuals, by enhancing job training and access to essential services.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has announced the upcoming "Lift Every Voice" event, celebrating Black History, to be held at the Strand Theatre. The event, organized in collaboration with the A. Philip Randolph Institute and the AFL-CIO, aims to honor African American history and contributions in Greater Boston. This initiative highlights the city's commitment to recognizing and promoting diversity and inclusion within the community.
Boston.gov provides essential updates for residents, including City Hall operating hours, normal schedules for trash, recycling, and street cleaning, and information on parking meters. The site features resources for job applications, curb ramp requests, and community services, reflecting its commitment to transparency and accessibility in local governance.