December 2025
MAPC Matters
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Need to Know Now
MAPC Receives the 2025 APA-MA President's Award
On Friday, December 5, MAPC was honored to receive the American Planning Association - Massachusetts (APA-MA) Chapter's President's Award for our work on the creation of the Climate Resilience Playbook (the Playbook).
This distinguished award is given by the President of
APA-MA.
The Climate Resilience Playbook project was a partnership between MAPC, the Municipal Vulnerability Program (MVP), and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC). This project was made possible with funding from The Barr Foundation.
Read MAPC's Recent Blog Post about the Playbook
| MAPC staff from left to right: Stephen Larrick, Digital Services Manager; Emma Zehner, Senior Clean Energy and Climate Planner; Van Du, Director of Environmental Planning; and Eric Hove, Director of Strategic Initiatives | Photo Credit: MAPC | |
Youth Climate Summit 2026 - Metro Boston High School Students Needed!
We are seeking applications from high school students (10th and 11th grades from Metro Mayors Coalition communities) passionate about climate issues to join the Youth Climate Summit Taskforce and help us plan the Summit!
The half-day Youth Climate Summit will bring together high school students from around Metro Boston to connect on local climate action efforts, interact with local elected officials, and hear from inspiring speakers.
The Taskforce will consist of seven to ten 10th and 11th grade students who will help provide input on the agenda, speakers, and support outreach. The Taskforce Application deadline is Monday, December 22, 2025 (5:00 p.m. ET).
Go to the Youth Climate Summit webpage for Full Information
The MMC communities consist of: Arlington, Boston, Braintree, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Lynn, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Newton, Quincy, Revere, Somerville, Watertown, and Winthrop.
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Strengthening North Shore Resilience through a Regional Emergency Shelter
After completing Manchester-by-the-Sea’s local emergency shelter plan, MAPC’s Emergency Preparedness team was asked to determine whether a regional sheltering approach could better serve the surrounding North Shore communities. Our feasibility assessment confirmed that a shared model was both practical and more resilient than individual town-by-town shelters. With that direction,
Manchester-by-the-Sea partnered with Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Middleton, Rockport, Topsfield, and Wenham to develop a coordinated regional physical shelter (at Gordon College) and plan. After numerous steps with different local partners and municipalities, the shelter and plan is now a reality!
To help inform the surrounding communities, MAPC worked with Manchester-by-the-Sea on a Public Service Announcement (PSA).
Watch the Shelter PSA
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Winter Weather Planning and Preparation - Keep Your Communities Informed
With winter upon us, we wanted to share two resources to help you plan, prepare, and keep your communities informed.
Snow Removal and Accessibility
Local, state, and federal laws make it a requirement for businesses, homes, and public rights of way to be accessible to everyone. On the snow removal and accessibility in Massachusetts webpage provided by the Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD), you can find information on snow removal laws, snow removal accessibility violations, snow removal best practices, and more.
MBTA Snow Routes and Snow Removal at Bus Stops
For more details on MBTA snow routes, snow and ice clearing from bus stops, and how to report an un-shoveled bus stop, please go to the MBTA Bus Service During Winter Storms webpage.
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Monthly Minute
Transportation Department
Three Short Facts About the Department
- The department is made up of seven full-time staff.
- A major focus of our planning is at the intersection of transportation and land use.
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We recently facilitated a grant award of $21.6 million as part of the federal Congestion Relief Grant Program for Boston and other municipalities of the Inner Core Committee (ICC) subregion.
Three Current Projects to Check Out
- Perfect Parking
- Boston to Blue Hills
- Chelsea Everett Greenway Connector
Something Unique About the Department
In addition to local and regional transportation planning, we also play a role in identifying and selecting transportation projects to be constructed with federal and state funding via the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).
Contact the Transportation Department
Eric Bourassa, Director of Transportation, ebourassa@mapc.org
Visit the Transportation Webpage
| Monthly Minute is a new MAPC Matters section that will highlight the work of MAPC departments. It will provide you with a chance to get to know each of our departments and their work more, and will take you less than a minute to read every month. | | | | |
Joint Rule 10 - What It Is and Why It Matters
"Joint Rule 10 is when (almost) all Joint Committees in the Massachusetts Legislature have to have held a hearing and made an initial decision on every bill before them that was filed that legislative session. In 2025, Joint Rule 10 Day was moved up from its typical time in mid-February to the first Wednesday in December. Though we have seen many MAPC bills move out of committee already, Joint Rule 10 is the first marker in the two-year legislative session that signifies the future of our priority legislation."
Read the Full What is Joint Rule 10? Blog Post
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Thank you
Thank you to those of you who took action last month to protect our 2030 emissions goals and ensure that the State Legislature passes the strongest possible energy affordability bill that it can. Since the bill is currently in the House Committee on Ways and Means, there is still time to weigh in with your state representative and push for the strongest possible bill before it is debated by the full House. If you have any questions about this, please reach out to Norman Abbott, nabbott@mapc.org.
| | *New* Cyber Resilient Massachusetts Grant Program | | |
Application Deadline
Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
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Grant Authority
The Mass Cyber Center
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Description
The focus of this grant is for funding Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services for eligible entities. Grants will help said entities defend against cybersecurity threats. For full information, please visit the grant webpage.
Eligibility
Municipalities, small businesses, and nonprofits in Massachusetts. For full information on the eligibility and application requirements, please visit the grant webpage.
| | Massachusetts Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program | | |
Application Deadline
Thursday, January 8, 2026 (3:00 p.m. EST)
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Grant Authority
EEA - Division of Conservation Services
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Description
This grant provides up to 50% of a total project cost (acquisition, development, and renovation of parks, trails, conservation areas) for eligible entities and projects. More information can be found on the grant's webpage.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include but are not limited to municipalities that have an up-to-date Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP). For information on all eligible applicants and projects, please visit the grant's webpage.
| | *New* Shared Streets and Spaces Program | | |
Application Deadline
January 9, 2026
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Grant Authority
Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)
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Description
This program is to provide funding to municipalities and public transit authorities for implementing improvements to bus stops, parking areas, streets, curbs, plazas, sidewalks, and other public spaces. This program is in support of public health, safe mobility, and strengthened commerce. For full information, visit the grant webpage.
Eligibility
Only Massachusetts municipal officials may apply. For full information, including on eligible activities, please visit the grant webpage.
| | *New* Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program | | |
Application Deadline
February 24, 2026 (5:00 p.m. ET)
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Grant Authority
U.S. Department of Transportation
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Description
This federal funding opportunity is for projects that will have a local and regional impact and improve transportation infrastructure. For full information, please view the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
Eligibility
Includes but is not limited to local governments, transportation agencies, and more. Please see the "Eligible Applicants" section of the NOFO for full information on all eligible applicants.
| | Municipal and Tribal Technical Assistance Grant Program | | |
Application Deadline
Accepted on a rolling basis.
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Grant Authority
Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office (FFIO)
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Description
This grant program is for eligible entities who are seeking or have received federal funding for projects. Visit the grant program webpage for examples of qualifying projects. Funding priority will be given to requests from Gateway Cities, rural communities, and localities with capacity and financial needs in underserved communities. Awarded applications will receive upfront funding. Applications are reviewing on a rolling basis.
Eligibility
Massachusetts municipalities, federally recognized tribes, regional organizations whose membership is exclusively composed of municipal governments, community development corporations, and and other development authorities or agencies. Please visit the grant webpage for full eligibility information.
| | Local Early and Actionable Planning (LEAP) Program | | |
Application Deadline
Accepted on a rolling basis. Please see below.
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Grant Authority
MA Dept of Transportation (MassDOT)
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Application Deadline
Applications accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed/approved to move forward based on available funding.
Description
To provide support (planning and early-design support) to municipalities for transportation infrastructure projects. MassDOT's support will include capacity building for transportation projects, department staff support, and on-call staff support. Learn more about this program on their LEAP webpage.
Eligibility
Priority will be given to rural communities, Gateway Cities, and those that have similar capacity and funding needs. Visit the program webpage to learn more about the program eligibility, as well as to view a list of eligible projects.
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Technical Assistance
If your municipality is interested in applying for grant funding but lacks staff capacity, MAPC may be able to help. Grant Assistance Program (GAP) funding could allow you to seek assistance from knowledgeable Regional Planning Agency (RPA) staff, which can also lead to more competitive regional and multi-municipal applications, increasing the likelihood of receiving funding. For inquiries or questions, contact Gloria Huangpu (ghuangpu@mapc.org).
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*New* MAPC Tools, Resources, and Opportunities to Participate | | |
The Speaker Series is part of the overarching ACR work MAPC is doing in partnership with The Barr Foundation to accelerate climate resilience in the region by helping municipalities advance strategies that protect people, places, and communities from the impacts of climate change.
The first FY26 Speaker Series session is tomorrow, December 11, at 12:00 p.m., via Zoom - Decision-Making Tools for Heat and Stormwater Mitigation with the Smart Surfaces Coalition. There's still time to register to join us!
Go to the ACR Speaker Series Webpage | Register for the December 11 Webinar
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Senior Full-Stack Developer
Full-time | $100-108k/annually | Benefits
| We encourage you to continuously check out the employment page on our website for any upcoming positions. | |
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‘People have a right to know’: Flood disclosures poised to step into legislative limelight next year
Publication Date: December 1, 2025 | Source: CommonWealth Beacon
“Supporters of Healey’s proposal in Massachusetts recognize the real estate industry could play a pivotal role in whether the state is able to enact a flood disclosure requirement. Norman Abbott, senior government affairs specialist at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, said the sector is ‘an influential group’ and that ‘this may be an issue where we ultimately don’t see eye to eye.’”
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School-based Codman Square Health Center brings pediatric care to Randolph
Publication Date: November 26, 2025 | Source: The Bay State Banner
“A 2019 community wellness plan developed by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council found there were no outpatient facilities, urgent care centers, lab services, or medical specialists located in Randolph.”
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Community discusses future of E. Milton Fire Station
Publication Date: November 20, 2025 | Source: Milton Times
“The Metropolitan Area Planning Council’s Director of Community Engagement Javier Gutierrez and Community Engagement and Subregional Programs Manager Sasha Parodi, as well as Town Administrator Nicholas Milano hosted the meeting and interactive discussion.
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‘They’re making a huge bet’: Rent control referendum splits progressives
Publication Date: November 19, 2025 | Source: CommonWealth Beacon
“’Municipalities often have the most success when they are able to implement the solutions that work best for them,’ said Adam Ploetz, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council’s manager of housing and neighborhood development. He noted two locally tailored proposals before lawmakers this session…”
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Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars for these upcoming events, and we encourage you to check our online events calendar often for new and updated event postings.
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Happening tomorrow!
ACR Speaker Series | Decision-Making Tools for Heat and Stormwater Mitigation with the Smart Surfaces Coalition (virtual)
December 11 2025 | 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
This webinar will preview tools and resources developed by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) and the Smart Surfaces Coalition (SSC) to help municipalities, non-profits, and other stakeholders make decisions on extreme heat and stormwater mitigation.
MAPC will present the Cool Roofs Toolkit and SSC will demo their Benefit Cost Analysis Tool, Decision Support Tool, and Smart Surfaces Policy Tracker.
Questions? Please contact:
Francelis Morillo Suarez, Clean Energy and Climate Planner II, fmorillosuarez@mapc.org
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MPO Corner: News from our partner in transportation planning
The Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is Boston’s regional transportation planning agency. MAPC is one of 23 voting MPO board members. Subscribe for updates and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Bluesky, and X at @BostonRegionMPO.
| 2025 Annual Meeting of the Boston Region MPO | |
The 2025 Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 1:00 PM in the Transportation Board Room on the second floor of the State Transportation Building at 10 Park Plaza, Boston. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual option is available on Zoom.
The Annual Meeting will bring together the MPO board—including representatives of municipalities, federal and state agencies, and regional transit authorities—to reflect on the year’s accomplishments and plan for the future of the region's transportation system. Phillip Eng, the Interim Secretary and CEO of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, will deliver remarks. A panel discussion will follow, exploring how the MPO, MassDOT, the MBTA, and municipalities can work together to improve project delivery.
For more information, including meeting materials and agenda, visit: bostonmpo.org/annual-meeting-2025
| Apply for Project Funding for FFYs 2027 - 31 | |
Applications for the 2027 - 31 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) are open until Friday, January 2, 2026. This cycle marks the first year in which the MPO has dedicated funding for supporting new project design work. Applications for different project types are available on the MPO website.
Learn more and apply for funding
| Seeking Technical Assistance to Advance a Transportation Project? The MPO can help! | |
The MPO offers planning, design, and analysis services to municipalities, regional transit authorities, and transportation management associations in the Boston region. We’re seeking applicants for technical assistance to support multimodal transportation projects that align with our goals and will improve the regional transportation system.
What types of technical assistance do we provide?
- Planning support to identify sites for new bike-share stations
- Project design to enhance safety and traffic flow at major intersections
- Analysis to help improve safety for students walking and biking to school
We welcome your proposals and project ideas. Please contact Jenn Emiko Concannon, MPO staff, at jconcannon@ctps.org.
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- Graphic Designer
- HR Generalist
- Office Manager
- Senior Planner, Public Engagement
- Transportation Planner
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Upcoming MPO Meetings and Events:
Thursday, December 11: Annual MPO Meeting
Thursday, December 18: MPO Meeting
Monday, January 12: Community Advisory Council Meeting
Public attendance and comments are welcome at all MPO meetings and events. Visit the MPO’s website for more information. Meeting dates and materials are available on the MPO meeting calendar. Submit questions and comments via the MPO’s feedback forms.
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