Equity in Clean Energy and Climate Planning Written by Francelis Morillo Suarez, Clean Energy & Climate Planner I September 14, 2023 – While climate change impacts everyone, it doesn’t impact everyone in the same way. From the urban heat island effect and its connections to historic redlining, to siting affordable housing in flood zones, people […]
Continue reading...Climate Emergency Communications in Metro West Written by Sharon Ron, Assistant Director of Public Health August 25, 2023 – The residents of Metro West were concerned; in surveys and focus group conversations, they reflected that climate change was causing more extreme weather and wanted to know, “How can we be ready for climate emergencies?” In […]
Continue reading...Heat Preparedness Week 2023: Climate Change is a Public Health Issue Written by Sasha Shyduroff, Senior Clean Energy and Climate Planner August 21, 2023 – The Greater Boston region is experiencing more frequent and intense heat waves, as well as rising temperatures due to climate change. Just this year, a heat emergency was declared on July […]
Continue reading...FY2024 Budget: How MAPC Priorities Fared MAPC thanks Governor Healey for approving a FY2024 budget that increases or maintains funding for key MAPC priorities, including the District Local Technical Assistance program, Shannon Grant, and more. August 18, 2023 – Governor Healey signed her first budget into law on August 9. The legislation includes $55.98 billion […]
Continue reading...The Metro Mayors Coalition Shannon Grant Summerfest Annual event for communities involved in the Metro Mayors Shannon Grant to come together and celebrate a safe summer. Written by Rosemary Volinski, Program Specialist August 11, 2023 – Local youth, community-based organization workers, and law enforcement officials joined together for this year’s Shannon Grant Summerfest last weekend, in a […]
Continue reading...New Subsidized Housing Inventory Figures Provide an Estimate of Affordable Housing Available in each Massachusetts Community While the new SHI provides important information about the state’s progress toward greater housing affordability, the picture remains incomplete. Written by Tim Reardon, Data Services Director August 4, 2023 – The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) […]
Continue reading...Introducing the MAPC Municipalities Emoji Map Written by Stephen Larrick, Digital Services Manager July 24, 2023 – Sometimes “civic technology” means building tools to analyze government data, solve public problems, and support transparent and informed decision making. And, sometimes, civic tech means having fun with emoji. 😃 Last Monday (July 17) was world emoji day, […]
Continue reading...Burgeoning Support for Local Option Transfer Fees Legislation would grant cities and towns the ability to establish real estate transfer fees to fund affordable housing. Pictured, MAPC Policy Analyst Matt Walsh speaks at the Local Option for Housing Affordability Coalition’s day of advocacy at the State House. July 19, 2023 – Back in March, hundreds of […]
Continue reading...It’s Time to Pay Attention to Broadband The Broadband & Digital Equity Summit in Worcester preceded a significant announcement by the Biden Administration to provide Massachusetts with $147 million to expand high-speed internet in the state. Written by Sophie Arjevanidze, Civic Action Project Fellow July 7, 2023 – Last month, the Broadband and Digital Equity […]
Continue reading...Community Liaison Model: An Emerging Best Practice for Community Engagement at the Intersection of Climate and Public Health Written by Julia Nassar, Clean Energy and Climate Planner II, and Sharon Ron, Senior Public Health and Regional Planner June 27, 2023 – Meaningful climate action requires meaningful, community-driven engagement. Community engagement can build local awareness of […]
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