In Brief

By Phil Orlandella

Boston Alumni Engagement Campaign Underway

The first-ever Boston Public Schools (BPS) Alumni Engagement Campaign, aimed at connecting former BPS students of all ages with networking and volunteering opportunities as well as resources to assist them with their careers and families has been launched.

“Boston Public Schools alumni are in our community, and across the country, achieving and succeeding every day,” said Mayor Martin Walsh. “Students who attend BPS are exceptional. With the Alumni Engagement Campaign, we’re aiming to bring this community together so alumni can reconnect, help one another and give back to the Boston community.”

BPHC Receives National Accreditation

Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) has achieved national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB).

PHAB program works to improve and protect the health of the public by advancing and ultimately transforming the quality and performance of the nation’s public health departments.

BPHC is the 2nd local health department in the State and one of fewer than 200 departments that have thus far achieved accreditation through PHAB since the organization launched in 2011.

Mayor Names Chief Financial Officer

Emme Handy has been appointed as the City of Boston Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Collector-Treasurer and Chief of Administration and Finance by Mayor Martin Walsh.

Handy brings more than a decade of experience in government finance, administration, and fiscal policy and management to the job.

“Emme has an impressive record of managing government finances and overseeing operations at a statewide level,”  Walsh said.

 

New Initiative       to Achieve          Climate Goals

An initiative to become carbon neutral by 2050 (Carbon Free Boston) has been launched by the City of Boston, with the first step within the initiative a report that will analyze the cost and benefits of policies and technologies that could enable Boston to reach its goal.

The report is slated to be completed and released next fall.

“Boston has committed to being carbon neutral by 2050,” Mayor Martin Walsh said. “That’s no small feat, and we have to be smart about how we get there.”

Single Use     Plastic Bags

Calling the Boston City Council vote for the reduction of single-use plastic bags a “critical step towards a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Boston” Boston At Large Councilor Ayanna Pressley supported the ordinance.

She also noted, “There is no single solution for our city, Commonwealth and country’s environmental challenges.”

While Councilor Pressley recognizes, shares and is sensitive to the concerns expressed regarding the possible impact of this policy (which needs the Mayor’s signature to move on) on low-income and senior communities.

“It is important to note these are the very same communities and populations burdened by toxic dumping grounds, rampant litter and the threat of rising sea levels,” Pressley said

Former V.P. will preside swearing in ceremony in Boston

Mayor Martin J. Walsh’s second mayoral inauguration, and the swearing-in of the new Boston City Council will take place on Monday, January 1, 2018 at 10 a.m. at the Cutler Majestic Theatre.

Former Vice President Joe Biden will preside at the swearing-in ceremony, followed by Mayor Walsh’s inaugural address that will lay out his vision and priorities for his second term.

“It has been an honor to serve Boston and its residents over the past four years,” said Walsh.

Council hearing to review sexual harassment

     Boston City Councilors Josh Zakim and Ayanna Pressley filed a hearing order to review current internal sexual harassment policies and procedures for Boston City Council staff and visitors. No specific incident in the Council prompted this action.

The hearing order serves as the Council’s recognition of the need to ensure that best practices are in place to protect the right for all to feel safe and respected during interactions with the City’s legislative body.

  The co-sponsors plan to host a joint working session in the Council’s Special Committee on Civil Rights and Committee on Healthy Women, Families, and Communities, chaired by Zakim and Pressley, respectively. The working session will serve as an opportunity for Councilors to discuss existing policies and to recommend changes where necessary to clarify and strengthen procedures moving forward.

     “We owe it to the public to ensure that the Boston City Council is a safe place to work, visit or do business,” said Councilor Zakim.

     “This is a watershed moment for raising awareness around sexual harassment in general, and specifically to workplace cultures and systems which perpetuate hostile working conditions,” said Councilor Pressley.

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