Looking for information on MAPC’s official meetings and legal notices? Find it here.
Cities and towns are deploying a number of strategies to identify the spread of COVID-19 in their communities. One emerging method: testing sewage from households and buildings for the presence of the virus.
Knowing that COVID-19 is present in wastewater can be an important indicator of where its spread may be accelerating. In places where wastewater testing has been deployed, changes in the virus’ wastewater concentration have been observed several days before changes in reported new cases.
At this webinar, you will hear from experts on the science of wastewater testing for disease surveillance, as well as public health leaders who have deployed wastewater testing in their communities.
Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMod-2sqzgoH9aWTW1FkK9U1lS39EeXLn5x
The Commonwealth recently announced that residents and staff of public and subsidized senior housing are eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccinations as part of the first tier of Phase II of the vaccine rollout. This step is anticipated to begin later this month.
With this opportunity comes the need to quickly arrange vaccination opportunities for some of state’s most vulnerable residents. This requires coordination among three groups: municipal officials and staff, including local boards of health; owners and managers of public and subsidized senior housing, including local housing authorities; and medical providers who can staff clinics and vaccinate residents.
Please join us on Tuesday, February 9 to learn how cities and towns can support vaccination in senior housing facilities.
Webinar speakers will include:
Robin Lipson, Deputy Secretary, Executive Office of Elder Affairs
Emily Cooper, Chief Housing Officer, Executive Office of Elder Affairs
There will be an opportunity to ask questions!
More information from the Commonwealth on COVID-19 vaccinations for senior housing setting is available here.
Local Examples and Launch of Shared Communications Hub
As the pace of COVID-19 vaccinations picks up Massachusetts, local officials, health organizations, and community groups are vital messengers to raise confidence in vaccines and communicate updates to Massachusetts residents.
With the tiered rollout plan and frequent news, this can seem daunting for municipalities and organizations big and small.
At this webinar on Tuesday, March 23, you will hear about municipal efforts to raise awareness about vaccines in ways that resonate with residents; and learn more about an online hub for municipalities and local organizations to share communications resources.
Looking to fund economic recovery and development in your city or town?
The Economic Development Administration offers multiple funding opportunities to help local governments, nonprofits, and other organizations serve economically-distressed areas.
MAPC helps support the funding process in our region and is available to assist with applications. At this information session, learn about the various grants available, find out how to apply, and hear from EDA grant recipients about their recent projects. There will time for Q&A.
We especially encourage community colleges, CDCs, and arts organizations to attend!
Funded projects could include planning and implementation projects that focus on economic development strategies, public facilities and infrastructure, and economic recovery. Successful applications must match MAPC’s and EDA’s funding priorities.
Municipal Webinar
Economic Development Administration American rescue plan act programs and funding
The Economic Development Administration received $3 billion in supplemental funding to assist communities in their economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
EDA is making funding available through six innovative “challenges.” This webinar will review those funding categories and provide guidance about eligible projects, submitting applications, and developing partnerships.
Read more about EDA’s ARPA funding and the six challenges here.
After you register for this webinar, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Municipal Webinar
How Municipalities can make meaningful investments with ARPA dollars
Massachusetts cities and towns have received $3.4 billion dollars through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. These dollars present an opportunity to make critical investments in communities and especially those that were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. This federal funding can help set the stage for an equitable and resilient recovery.
Join us for a discussion with Doug Howgate from the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation on how cities and towns can make these strategic investments for a more prosperous and equitable region.
Speakers include:
- Lizzi Weyant, Director of Government Affairs, Metropolitan Area Planning Council
- Doug Howgate, Executive Vice President, Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Webinar: Stretch Code Proposals Info Session for Municipal Stakeholders
Wednesday, March 2, 2022 | 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
We will be joined by staff from the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to talk through the integral components of the two straw proposals DOER announced on March 8, 2022. The first proposal is to update the existing Stretch Code, already adopted by 299 municipalities in Massachusetts, and the second is a proposal for a new municipal specialized opt-in “net zero” code, which municipalities will have the option to adopt starting in December 2022.