People, Power, and Politics

While Beacon Hill Democrats press ahead with plans to significantly increase state spending, Gov. Maura Healey on Wednesday paused executive branch hiring due to what her office described as "widespread economic uncertainty at the national level and a tightening budget outlook." Healey announced a "hiring freeze" will take effect May 27, blocking executive branch agencies and departments from bringing on most new employees for a period that could last several months. Exemptions will be available for some positions such as public safety officers and direct care providers.

FRANKLIN

New
Town Website Does Not Support “Cut and Paste” of calendar
entries. Go to https://franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
However, Steve Sherlock from Franklin Matters has compiled and and
shared the below information. Thanks Steve!

Early voting opened on Friday with a steady stream of folks coming to the Town Clerk's Office to mark their ballot for the Special Election on the override question. Town Clerk Nancy Danello reported 214 voters on the first day.

Early voting continues at the Town Clerk's office during office hours and then on Saturday, May 24 until 3 PM. Registration to vote closes out also in the office that Saturday at 5 PM.

The Town Council gets to their public hearing on the FY 2026 budget. Wednesday night is usually the long night as the major questions are asked of each department. Thursday will be somewhat different in that while questions left unanswered Weds should be answered Thursday, the multiple votes on the budget will be continued to the Council's June 4 meeting.

With the results from June 3 available, the Town Council’s June 4 meeting will either approve the budget as proposed or make the significant cuts outlined should the override fail to pass.

The Town and School Dept have prepared all the info needed to cast an informed vote. If you still have a question, please raise it Wednesday.

From the Town page, as of 7:00 PM Friday, May 16

BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING

Monday, May 19, 2025 9:00 am

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05192025-1743

Library Board of Directors Regular Meeting

Monday, May 19, 2025 7:00 pm

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/Library-Board-of-Directors-20/?

Franklin Agricultural Committee Agenda

May 19, 2025 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05192025-1734

Recreation Advisory Board Meeting

Monday, May 19, 2025 7:00 pm

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05192025-1750

Norfolk County Regional Emergency Planning Committee

May 20, 2025, 10:30 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05202025-1739

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 5:45 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05212025-1754

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05212025-1752

Town Council Meeting

Thursday, May 22, 2025, 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05222025-1753

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting (CANCELED)

Thursday, May 22, 2025, 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05222025-1723

*** Looking back at the week that was ***

Monday saw the Franklin Housing Authority rename the Community Center at Central Park Terrace for the late & long time board member Peter L Brunelli. Recap of the event including video of the exterior unveiling ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/franklin-housing-authority-renamed.html

The Franklin Housing Authority held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday. The recap and audio recording (an exclusive) is available here ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/franklin-housing-authority-meets-in.html

The School Committee met for the first of their regular monthly meetings and heard about the traffic study results, plans for capital funding perhaps later this year. There will be no significant dollars spent to prepare for September, 2025. Any projects would be scoped and funded later this year for Sept 2026. In the meantime, consider having the kiddos ride the bus or expect car queue lengths to double for elementary school drop-offs. Recap & video -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/school-committee-gets-update-on-traffic.html

The newest volume of "Franklin First" the updated Town of Franklin newsletter was posted on Friday -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5671/Newsletter-3

Shared-worthy interviews to be aware of:

• We have a labyrinth in town at the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF). Find out about the recent renovation of it and how to approach waking it. It can be a tool to help deal with all that is going on -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/talking-about-labyrinths-with-bobbi.html
• Tuhina Pal, a junior at FHS, wrote a book of poetry to help her navigate life post COVID -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/tuhina-pal-talks-about-her-book-they.html

--------------

For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendars at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.

Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html

Subscribe for the weekly dose of information ->

https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html

MEDWAY

Medway’s
new website, likewise, does not readily support cut and paste. Go to
medwayma.gov.

STATE
HOUSE and BEYOND

Most of the attention this week will be on the Senate Chamber, where senators begin consideration Tuesday of the $61.32 billion budget proposed by the Senate Ways and Means Committee for fiscal year 2026, as well as the 1,058 ways in which senators want to amend it. Amidst economic tightening and now-confirmed indications that the federal government is curbing support to the states, the plan would raise state budget spending by more than $3.6 billion or 6.3% -- more than twice the rate of growth as the last budget, but less than the 7.4% bump Gov. Maura Healey sought and the 6.6% the House supports. It relies on about $1.2 billion in one-time revenues, does not increase taxes and does not call for withdrawal from the state's main savings account. The Healey administration and legislative Democrats agreed in January to build the fiscal 2026 budget on a $43.614 billion consensus revenue estimate and Healey's plan expects federal MassHealth reimbursement to be $14.2 billion. Federal Medicaid supports are in serious jeopardy and, aside from the surtax on wealthy households, other state tax collections have come in mostly flat. Despite those headwinds, the House and Senate are pressing ahead with budgeting for fiscal 2026 based on their January assumptions. "We have no idea exactly what is being cut, as I said, because everything is flipped from hour to hour, or minute to minute even," Senate President Spilka said last month of the uncertainty from D.C. "So we're going on the premise that the same dollars that the governor went on in January because we don't have anything else definitive." Of the 1,058 amendments filed, 624 or about 59% are earmarks for local projects or initiatives, according to an analysis from the Mass. Taxpayers Foundation. The other 434 amendments are outside policy sections, including 39 focused on education, 37 on health and human services, 30 on government, 25 on housing, and 22 related to taxes. If the Senate were to adopt every amendment, it would add about $2.09 billion to the budget, MTF found. It's more likely the Senate will come in around or below the average $88 million it has added through amendments in the last three budget cycles. The Senate usually dispenses with many of its budget amendments by "bundling" -- leadership privately makes a list or bundle of amendments it is OK with adopting and another of amendments it plans to reject, and then senators take a single public vote per bundle. But the Senate does generally discuss far more individual amendments on the floor than does the House during its budget process, though true debate is usually limited to a few hot-button issues.

Aside from the budget action, next week looks to be a relatively quiet one for the Legislature. The only committee that had posted a hearing for next week on the Legislature's website as of Friday afternoon was the Senate Art Committee. But there will be plenty else going on around Beacon Hill. Monday will bring music to the halls of the State House as an association of music educators holds its first-ever Hill Day for Music Education. Tuesday brings a meaty agenda for the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, a meeting of MBTA overseers, and a rally in support of rent control policies. On Wednesday, the Children's League brings its advocacy efforts to the State House, and students from the New England Culinary Arts training program cook and host a lunch for lawmakers and others. State officials, lawmakers and military families will gather in the House Chamber on Thursday for an inaugural Military Appreciation Day. The Senate is expecting to be done with its budget debate by Thursday, which means Friday is likely to be a quiet day at the State House as many legislators and staffers get an early jump on Memorial Day weekend.

Sunday, May 18, 2025

ROONEY JOINS KELLER: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce President Jim Rooney joins Jon Keller to talk about the economic outlook, forecasts for the tourism season and the Chamber's policy agenda. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV)

KENNEALY ON THE RECORD: Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Kennealy is the guest on WCVB's "On The Record" with co-hosts Ed Harding and Sharman Sacchetti. Democratic political analyst Mary Anne Marsh and Republican political analyst Rob Gray participate in a roundtable discussion after Kennealy's segment. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV)

HERRING FESTIVAL: Charles River Watershed Association hosts its second annual Herring Festival to celebrate migration of the fish from the ocean into the Charles River. "Each spring, the Charles River becomes a vital spawning ground for numerous fish species such as the Alewife, Blueback Herring, and American Shad," organizers said. "These fish and their annual migration hold cultural significance to the Massachusett, Wampanoag, and Nipmuc Nations – the past, present, and future caretakers of the Charles River and its watershed lands." Event features guided tours of the Watertown Dam, food trucks and indigenous speakers. (Sunday, 11 a.m., Watertown Dam, 64 Pleasant St., Watertown | More Info)

HAITIAN DAY: Boston mayoral candidate Josh Kraft marches with supporters in the Haitian Day Parade. (Sunday, 12 p.m., Mattapan Square, 1624 Blue Hill Ave., Mattapan)

Monday, May 19, 2025

MUSIC EDUCATION: Massachusetts Music Educators Association holds its first-ever Hill Day for Music Education. Nine student groups from across the state will perform throughout the day. (Monday, 9:30 a.m., Grand Staircase)

HEALTH EQUITY: Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities hosts a hybrid informational hearing to discuss health equity for people with disabilities. The panel invited 10 experts and advocates to participate in the hearing. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., Room 428 | Zoom Registration)

HOUSE: House meets in an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)

SENATE: Senate meets in an informal session one day before beginning debate on the Senate Ways and Means Committee's $61.32 billion budget for fiscal 2026. Senate budget chief Rodrigues will deliver opening remarks about the spending plan. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)

CAMPBELL COMMENCEMENT SPEECH: Attorney General Campbell delivers the keynote address at Quincy College's commencement. (Monday, 11 a.m., Marriott Boston Quincy, 1000 Marriott Drive, Quincy)

LATINO-SERVING ORGS: Latino Equity Fund at the Boston Foundation, The Mauricio Gastón Institute at UMass Boston and Philanthropy MA release a report on the state of Latino-serving community-based organizations in Massachusetts. Researchers will discuss the report's findings during a webinar. (Monday, 11 a.m. | Register)

MUNI ADA: Massachusetts Office on Disability holds a webinar about the Municipal ADA Improvement Grant, which can help cities and towns boost accessibility for individuals with disabilities. (Monday, 11 a.m. | Register)

GOLDBERG AT INVESTORS SYMPOSIUM: Treasurer Goldberg offers a welcome address at the opening of the three-day Top100Funds Fiduciary Investors Symposium. The event "looks at the challenges long-term investors face in an environment of disruption including ongoing geopolitical risk and shifts in global economic dynamics," according to organizers. (Monday, 12:10 p.m., Harvard University | More Info)

LARGE BUILDING ENERGY REPORTING: Department of Energy Resources holds a webinar on energy reporting guidelines for the Large Building Energy Reporting Law, which applies to buildings with a gross floor area of more than 20,000 square feet. Attendees will learn how to report energy usage ahead of a June 30 deadline. (Monday, 12:30 p.m. | Register)

CREATIVE GRANTS: Mass Cultural Council announces the nearly 450 recipients of the agency's fiscal 2025 Grants for Creative Individuals program. The $5,000 unrestricted grants support artists, "culture bearers" and "creative practitioners." Event attendees included Mass Cultural Council Executive Director Michael Bobbitt, Treasurer Goldberg, Sen. Mark, Rep. Garballey, and MASSCreative Executive Director Emily Ruddock. (Monday, 1 p.m., Great Hall)

SENATE ART COMMITTEE: Senate Art Committee meets virtually to discuss the next steps of its work. The panel in March selected Abigail Adams and Elizabeth Freeman as the subjects of the first busts of women to be displayed in the State House, and Senate leaders said at the time the panel needs to select an artist. Susan Cross, the senior curator at MASS MoCA, will give a presentation. (Monday, 3 p.m., Agenda and Access Info)

LOBSTER REGS: Division of Marine Fisheries hosts a virtual public hearing on recently-enacted emergency regulations to repeal pending lobster gauge size and escape vent rules. The regulations affect commercial and recreational trap fishers. Officials say the repeal of lobster conservation regulations will ensure the state's fishing and seafood industry isn't at a "competitive disadvantage compared to neighboring states." Written comments will be accepted through 5 p.m. Friday. (Monday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

STRAC PITCH: Lt. Gov. Driscoll speaks at InnoVets and Massachusetts Fallen Heroes’ STRAC Pitch Competition, where veteran entrepreneurs pitch their innovations to investors. (Monday, 7:45 p.m., 10 World Trade, Harborwalk, Boston)

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT BREAKFAST: Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts hosts its annual Women's Empowerment Breakfast, which recognizes "exceptional women who lead, inspire, and drive change." Award recipients include Sheena Collier of Boston While Black, Monalisa Smith of Mothers for Justice and Equality, and Tiffany Vassell of the Boston Public Health Commission. The program also includes a fireside chat with Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeuene, which will be moderated by Aba Taylor of YW Boston. (Tuesday, 7:30 a.m., Fenway Park, Aura Pavilion, 4 Jersey St., Boston | Tickets)

BOARD OF ED: Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meets. The board will vote on final proposed regulations to reform the admissions process for career technical schools. The regulations would use a weighted lottery system to admit students to the limited spots in vocational schools. The proposal is controversial, and received 1,295 responses during the public comment period via email/mail and 782 responses through a dedicated public comment survey tool, prompting a few minor changes to the final regulations the board will vote on Tuesday. The board will also take votes on regulations related to the MCAS competency determination and alternative paths to educator licensure. The final regulations related to the voter-approved law that removed the requirement that students pass the MCAS exam to graduate would specify minimum requirements of coursework that students must now pass to earn the so-called competency determination to get state approval to earn a diploma. On educator licensure, the board will take a final vote on regulations meant to bolster the teaching corps. It will decide whether to authorize alternative assessments for teacher licensure, an idea that was tested with a four-year pilot program. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Methuen High School, 1 Ranger Road, Methuen | Agenda | Livestream)

BILLERICA BROWNFIELDS: Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup hosts a meeting to share information about brownfields resources. Attendees will learn about brownfields funding, technical assistance, and opportunities for networking. Presentations will be offered by MassDEP, MassDevelopment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the University of Connecticut Technical Assistance for Brownfields Program. Northern Middlesex Council of Governments co-hosts. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Billerica Town Hall, 365 Boston Road, Billerica | Register)

AUGUSTUS IN WORCESTER: Housing Secretary Augustus joins Worcester Regional Research Bureau for a discussion of the statewide housing plan, housing production recommendations, and regional housing efforts in Central Massachusetts. Augustus is a former Worcester city manager. Leah Bradley of the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance and the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission also speaks. (Tuesday, 9:15 a.m., Top of the Tower, 446 Main St., Worcester | Register)

SENATE BUDGET DEBATE: Senate begins consideration of the $61.32 billion budget proposed by the Senate Ways and Means Committee for fiscal year 2026 and the 1,058 amendments to the bill. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Senate Chamber)

HIGHER ED: Board of Higher Education meets virtually. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Zoom)

CHARLTON HOUSING AUTHORITY: Housing Secretary Augustus tours the Charlton Housing Authority. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., 1 Meadowview Dr., Charlton)

TRAFFIC RECORDS: Executive-level Traffic Records Coordinating Committee meets. It's hosted by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security's Office of Grants & Research. Agenda includes presentations on projects tied to mobile computing solutions, traffic control improvement, the Vulnerable Road Users Crash Safety Data Exchange, improving data accuracy from crash scenes, and a crash report data tool. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

LIBERTY, FIDELITY MEDALS: Gov. Healey gives remarks at a Memorial Day ceremony to honor recipients of the Massachusetts Medal of Liberty -- given to the next of kin of service members who died in the line of duty while in a designated combat area or who died as a result of a training accident -- and the Massachusetts Medal of Fidelity, given to next of kin of service members or veterans who died of service-related PTSD, traumatic brain injury or related conditions or injuries. Veterans Services Secretary Santiago and Massachusetts National Guard Maj. Gen. Gary Keefe also give remarks. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Memorial Hall)

MBTA BOARD: MBTA Board of Directors meets. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., State Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | Agenda and Livestream)

CORE PLAN: CORE Plan Statutory Committee meets virtually. Treasurer Goldberg chairs. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Zoom)

PRIMARY CARE DATA: Primary Care Access, Delivery and Payment Task Force, created in a hospital oversight law Gov. Healey signed in January, holds its first Data and Research workgroup meeting. The workgroup will discuss proposals to define and measure spending on primary care and utilization of primary care service. Beacon Hill instructed the broader task force with crafting recommendations to stabilize and strengthen the state's strained primary care system. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Agenda and Livestream)

ELECTRICAL INTERPRETATION: Electrical Interpretation Code Committee, housed in the Department of Fire Services, meets. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | Livestream)

GAS SUPPLY HEARING: Department of Public Utilities holds a public hearing on a proposed gas supply agreement between Eversource and NRG Business Marketing. Eversource says the agreement would ensure service reliability and is "the most viable, cost-effective alternative available," according to the hearing notice. DPU says the hearing might be followed by a procedural conference. (Tuesday, 2 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

AMHERST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Amherst holds a ceremony to place the final beam on its new Fort River Elementary School. Rep. Domb plans to attend, as well as representatives from Sen. Comerford and Congressman McGovern's offices. (Tuesday, 4 p.m., Fort River Elementary School, 70 S. East St., Amherst)

GREATER BOSTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Gov. Healey speaks at Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting, which is slated to bring together more than 1,500 business and civic leaders. This year's theme is "Accelerating Growth." Chamber CEO Jim Rooney will moderate a keynote conversation with Suzanne Clark, CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, at 6 p.m. Other featured speakers include Boston Mayor Wu and Corey Thomas of Rapid7. The 2025 honorees who will be inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians are Dr. Anne Klibanski of Mass General Brigham, Michael Curry of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers and Jane Steinmetz of EY. Meeting registration and reception begin at 4:30 p.m. (Tuesday, 4:30 p.m., Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, 450 Summer St., Boston | Register)

RENT CONTROL RALLY: Housing activists, homeowners, tenants, union workers and other demonstrators participate in a rally in opposition to President Trump's budget, which organizers say would cut federal rental aid by 40%. Participants will call on state leaders to support rent control -- a policy that's failed to gain traction on Beacon Hill -- and permanently affordable social housing. The rally will start outside the John F. Kennedy Federal Building, before attendees march down Tremont and Beacon streets to the State House. Beyond the Boston rally, organizers say rent control demonstrations are planned in another dozen cities across the country. (Tuesday, 5 p.m., 15 Sudbury St., Boston)

BOSTON STORM STUDY: City officials and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provide an update on the Boston Storm Study. This session is focused on Charlestown, as part of a series exploring five coastal neighborhoods. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | Register)

WHITE STADIUM CONTRACT FAIR: Boston city officials hold a White Stadium contracting opportunity fair. Local contractors, small business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to attend. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Grove Hall Library, 41 Geneva Ave., Dorchester)

ROSLINDALE, HYDE PARK HOMES: Boston hosts a virtual community meeting about the "Welcome Home, Boston" initiative, which aims to create new homes for first-time homebuyers on city-owned land. This session will focus on design guidelines for parcels in Roslindale and Hyde Park. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | Access)

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

SENATE BUDGET DEBATE: Senate continues debate of the $61.32 billion budget proposed by the Senate Ways and Means Committee for fiscal year 2026 and the 1,058 amendments to the bill. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Senate Chamber)

COFFEE HOUR WITH WU: Boston Mayor Wu and city staff hold a coffee hour in the South End. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Titus Sparrow Park, 75 W. Rutland Square, Boston)

CHILDREN'S LEAGUE ADVOCACY DAY: Children's League of Massachusetts hosts its annual advocacy day at the State House, featuring legislator awards and meetings with lawmakers. Rep. Livingstone and Sen. Comerford are being honored this year, as is Child Advocate Maria Mossaides. CLM Executive Director Rachel Gwaltney will discuss the organization's priority legislation. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Great Hall)

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT TRUST: Economic Empowerment Trust Fund Board meets remotely. Treasurer Goldberg chairs. Email samantha.c.perry@tre.state.ma.us or call 617-352-4820 for access info. (Wednesday, 10 a.m.)

JEWISH HERITAGE MONTH: Boston hosts a Jewish American Heritage Month celebration. It will feature remarks from Boston Jewish history expert Jonathan Sarna and city officials, as well as music from a klezmer band. (Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., Boston City Hall, 1 City Hall Square, Boston)

CULINARY STUDENTS MAKE LUNCH: Students at the New England Culinary Arts training program, which offers workforce training for Boston-area adults with barriers to employment, prepare and host a lunch and speaking program at the State House. Speakers include Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Jones, NECAT founder Maarten Hemsley, NECAT Executive Director Maddrey Goode, Rep. Moran and Sen. Collins. (Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., Nurses Hall)

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS: Massachusetts Municipal Association holds a mental health awareness webinar, which is free and open to all municipal managers and supervisors. Attendees will learn how to identify mental health challenges among their employees and how to offer support. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Register)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council meets for its weekly assembly. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chambers | Livestream)

ALZHEIMER'S, DEMENTIA CARE: Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association hosts a webinar about diagnosing, treating and caring for individuals with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Register)

MUNI POLICE HEARING: Municipal Police Training Committee's Police Standards Subcommittee holds an appeals hearing for former instructor Michael Doran. (Wednesday, 12:30 p.m., 42 Thomas Patten Dr., Randolph | Livestream)

CITY OF BELONGING FESTIVAL: Boston Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement hosts City of Belonging Festival. Large banners promoting a message of belonging are on display in City Hall until July 18, when they will go on a tour. The festival features a gallery launch at 1 p.m., which includes a speaking program. The event runs through 3 p.m. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Boston City Hall, Mezzanine, Boston)

NEW BEDFORD DTA: Department of Transitional Assistance's New Bedford Advisory Board meets. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

MWRA BUDGET AND BOARD: Mass. Water Resources Authority hosts a committee of the whole hearing on its fiscal 2026 budget and capital investment plan, with a regular meeting of the MWRA Board of Directors to immediately follow. One agenda item calls for discussion of correspondence from Sen. Comerford and Rep. Saunders regarding "equity for the Quabbin Region." (Wednesday, 1 p.m., MWRA Administration Facility, conference rooms 2C and 2D, 2 Griffin Way, Chelsea | Agenda)

ASHA WHITE HEARING: Governor's Council holds a hearing to review Gov. Healey's nomination of Woburn District Court Judge Asha White to a position on the Superior Court. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Council Chambers | Livestream)

AGING POLICY UPDATE: Dignity Alliance Massachusetts hosts a webinar with Bob Blancato, national coordinator of the 3,000-member Elder Justice Coalition, to talk about aging policy and programs affecting older adults, persons with disabilities, and caregivers. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Register)

MUNI POLICE HEARING: Municipal Police Training Committee's Police Standards Subcommittee holds an appeals hearing for two dismissed student officers, John O’Leary and Nyasialys Ortiz Williams, who were from the Fitchburg State University Police Academy. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., 42 Thomas Patten Dr., Randolph | More Info)

GENOME EDITING SUMMIT: Three-day Global Observatory for Genome Editing International Summit kicks off in Cambridge. The event "will explore multiple understandings of the meaning of being human—cultural, legal, religious, and scientific—and their implications for genome editing and other emerging biotechnologies," according to organizers. It will run from Wednesday through Friday. (Wednesday, 4 p.m., Norton's Woods Conference Center at the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 136 Irving St., Cambridge | More Info | Media RSVP)

STONEHAM POOL: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a public meeting about upgrades to Hall Memorial Pond in Stoneham. Officials say they want to have the pool ready for reconstruction at the end of this session, with improvements finished for summer 2026. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | Zoom)

THE STATE OF WORCESTER: Worcester City Manager Eric Batista gives a "state of the city" address at an event co-hosted by the city and the Worcester Regional Research Bureau. Media RSVP to MatthewsT@worcesterma.gov. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Jean McDonough Arts Center, 20B Franklin St., Worcester)

Thursday, May 22, 2025

REAL ESTATE PROJECTS: Boston Real Estate Times hosts an event called "Building Forward: Smarter Real Estate Project Delivery in Challenging Times." Commercial real estate, design, construction and finance professionals will explore how to adopt new tools and strategies to withstand "economic headwinds" while still completing projects on-time and on-budget. Luciana Burdi, Massport's chief infrastructure office for capital programs, is the featured speaker. (Thursday, 7 a.m., Burlington Marriott Hotel, One Burlington Mall Road, Burlington | Register)

NORTH CENTRAL REAL ESTATE SUMMIT: North Central Chamber of Commerce and Association of Realtors host a real estate summit to discuss the future of the real estate market in north central Massachusetts. Housing Secretary Augustus provides the keynote speech. (Thursday, 7:30 a.m., Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Dr., Fitchburg)

COLLABORATIVE CARE FORUM: Mass. Health Policy Forum at Brandeis University's Heller School for Social Policy and Management convenes an event focused on advancing the collaborative care model. Concert Health Co-founder Virna Little will present research, and several experts will participate in a panel discussion moderated by Mass. League of Community Health Centers President Michael Curry. Sen. Cyr speaks during the welcome. The event will open with a tribute to Philip Johnston, who founded MHPF in 1997 and died in April. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m., Omni Parker Hotel Ballroom, 60 School St., Boston)

ALLIED HEALTH: Board of Registration of Allied Health Professions meets virtually. Members will go into executive session to "discuss and evaluate the physical condition or mental health of a licensee as it relates to a licensee’s monitoring reports." (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

MANUFACTURING ENERGY: Toxics Use Reduction Institute, an independent government agency with a mandate to help protect workers, communities and the environment from toxic chemicals and pollution, hosts a webinar about energy conservation opportunities that Massachusetts manufacturers can take advantage of as part of the resource conservation alternative to toxics use reduction planning. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Register)

PRIM BOARD: Pension Reserve Investment Management Board meets remotely. Treasurer Goldberg chairs. (Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)

SENATE: Senate meets. Senators have been advised of a "potential" formal session, according to Senate President Spilka's office, if more work still needs to be done on the $61.32 billion budget proposed by the Senate Ways and Means Committee for fiscal year 2026 and the 1,058 amendments to the bill. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Senate Chamber)

COFFEE HOUR WITH WU: Boston Mayor Wu and city staff host a coffee hour in the North End. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Langone Playground, 529 Commercial St., Boston)

CANNABIS COMMISSION: Cannabis Control Commission meets. Agenda topics TBD. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)

DRISCOLL AT BHCC GRADUATION: Lt. Gov. Driscoll delivers the keynote address at Bunker Hill Community College's 51st commencement exercises. BHCC said it graduates approximately 1,000 students each year from associate degree and certificate programs, most of whom go on to complete a bachelor's degree at a four-year college or university. (Thursday, 11 a.m., MGM Fenway Music Hall, 2 Lansdowne St., Boston)

COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES: The Arc of Massachusetts, The Arc of Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod, Rep. LaNatra, Rep. Livingstone and Sen. R. Kennedy host a briefing and panel discussion on the importance of home- and community-based services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and brain injury, as well as "the monumental evolution from the dark days of institutionalization." Panelists include authors and experts Susan Senator and Alex Green. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Room 428)

PEPPERELL HOUSING AUTHORITY: Housing Secretary Augustus tours the Pepperell Housing Authority. (Thursday, 11 a.m., 4 Foster St., Pepperell)

GROTON HOUSING AUTHORITY: Housing Secretary Augustus tours the Groton Housing Authority. (Thursday, 12 p.m., 19 Lowell Road, Groton)

MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY: Executive Office of Veterans Services holds its first annual Military Appreciation Day. All lawmakers were given an opportunity to nominate a member of the military community from their district, including active-duty service members, veterans and military spouses. Senate President Spilka attends. (Thursday, 1 p.m., House Chamber)

FED-STATE RELATIONSHIP: Suffolk University's National Center for Public Performance hosts a webinar with former Mass. Municipal Association head Geoff Beckwith. The former state representative will discuss the impacts of federal policies on state and local governments, ethical leadership, and strategies for adapting to today's challenges. Sonia Alleyne, executive in residence and faculty member at Suffolk University, moderates. (Thursday, 1 p.m., Register)

SOCIAL SECURITY WEBINAR: Dignity Alliance Massachusetts hosts a webinar with James Roosevelt, former associate commissioner of the U.S. Social Security Administration, about the history of Social Security, its current issues and advocacy options. (Thursday, 2 p.m., Register)

ORAL HEALTH: Special Commission on Oral Health meets remotely. Members will review and discuss a draft plan for conducting a statewide oral health needs assessment. (Thursday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

TRANSPORTATION ACCESS GROUP: Riders' Transportation Access Group holds an advisory meeting. (Thursday, 3 p.m., State Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | More Info)

SOUTH COAST RAIL TROUBLESHOOTING: MBTA General Manager Phil Eng and representatives from commuter rail operator Keolis host a public meeting in Fall River to discuss concerns about the South Coast Rail extension's first two months of operations, "including noise, weekend service cancellations, Keolis staffing, and other service challenges." Officials have canceled several weekend trips on South Coast Rail due to an insufficient number of available conductors, prompting the Senate Post Audit and Oversight Committee to examine the situation and the T to issue fines against Keolis. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Morton Middle School, 1135 North Main St., Fall River | More Info)

BOSTON STORM STUDY: Boston's Office of Climate Resilience and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hold office hours about the Boston Storm Study through 8 p.m. The public can ask questions, share concerns and provide feedback on draft plans for Charlestown. (Thursday, 6 p.m., 114 16th St., Charlestown)

BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL: Historian Alexander Cain gives a talk about the Siege of Boston and the Battle of Bunker Hill. He will discuss the "high-stakes decisions, the fiery destruction of Charlestown, and the fierce colonial resistance that stunned the British," organizers say. The event is presented by the Bunker Hill Monument Association with the Friends of Charlestown Library. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Charlestown Branch of the Boston Public Library, 179 Main St., Charlestown | More Info)

GAMING COMMISSION: Mass. Gaming Commission is expected to meet. (Thursday, More Info TBA)

Friday, May 23, 2025

CAMBRIDGE CIVICS SHOWCASE: Eighth graders from Cambridge Public Schools showcase their civics projects, which is a hallmark of the 2018 law to promote and boost civic engagement. (Friday, 1:30 p.m., Great Hall)

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