Good morning!

Up until now, any municipality considering thumbing its nose at the MBTA Communities Law knew doing so would disqualify their city or town from a long list of state grants, including funding for roads, bridges, water and sewer improvements, housing and other discretionary local aid.

Oh, and the attorney general will sue you.

Yesterday Gov. Maura Healey added some carrots to go with those sticks.

As part of her Capital Investment Plan (CIP), Healey announced the creation of the MBTA Communities Catalyst Fund, a three-year, $15 million pilot to reward communities in compliance with the state housing law.

Funding can be used for infrastructure projects and planning for housing, housing development, and acquisition of properties to develop housing units.

This Boston Globe map shows that most communities across eastern Massachusetts are complying with the law.

Newton Council has second thoughts about a ban it once unanimously sought

Last week the Newton City Council appeared to be on the verge of passing an ordinance that would prohibit the use of fossil fuels in new construction and substantial renovations.

But then City Councilor Lenny Gentile introduced an amendment that would have allowed for an exemption for gas cooking. (There was already a provision in the ordinance that opened the way for restaurants to apply for an exemption and outdoor gas cooking was also permitted.)

Gentile’s amendment passed 13-11. 

A final vote on the ordinance (part of a state pilot program that the previous council, including Gentile, and Mayor Ruthanne Fuller unanimously supported) is expected next week.

This week, the state agency running the pilot sent a note to the city saying that, while Newton could proceed with the cooking exemption for both new construction and renovations it  “strongly recommends against Newton adopting either exception.”

The Department of Energy Resources  “views exceptions for indoor and permanent outdoor cooking appliances as contrary to the intent of the [program] and is concerned that allowing such an exception will provide an incomplete picture of the impact of banning the use of fossil fuels in new construction and major renovations.”

Newton is the only municipality in the nine-community pilot that has yet to pass its ordinance and would be the only participant with a cooking exemption. 

Auchincloss to meet with chamber’s young professionals  

Our Young Professionals Group, serving those between 21 and 40 years old, is quickly growing into one of the most vibrant, active subgroups within the chamber.

Next Friday (June 21) at 8:30 a.m. this group is meeting with Congressman Jake Auchincloss. This will be a town meeting-style event where attendees can ask the Congressman anything they want, or raise issues important to them.

If you fall into the 21-40 bracket, or if there’s anyone in your office or mentoring circle who qualifies, you, or they, can RSVP here.

Voters likely to decide on restaurant industry revamp  

A ballot question seeking to eliminate Massachusetts' tipped minimum wage moved closer to going before voters in November, after a state Supreme Judicial Court ruling yesterday.

State law sets the minimum wage at $15 per hour. But tipped employees – such as restaurant workers – can be paid as little as $6.75 per hour as long as the combination of wages and gratuities totals at least $15 per hour. 

The ballot question would gradually increase the tipped rate over five-years until it matches the minimum wage. Employees could still earn tips but the ballot question would also allow gratuities to be shared with kitchen or other staff, something not currently allowed. 

The proposal is being closely watched by restaurant operators . Most argue that it will force menu prices to rise and potentially lead to some closures. Others suggest the tip model needs reform, particularly state rules barring sharing tips with kitchen staff. 

Friday grab bag

• Massachusetts' annual sales tax holiday weekend will be Aug.10 and 11. The sales tax exemption applies to any retail purchase made in Massachusetts (in-store and online) of $2,500 or less, with certain exceptions.
  
  
• The Street in Chestnut Hill opened its 90,000-SF addition yesterday at the site of the former Container Store and an AMC movie theater. The addition will eventually add more than 25 retailers and restaurants along with office space.
  
  
• All the best to Tango Mango, which is celebrating its new location on Langley Road in Newton Centre on Tuesday (June 18). They’ll be open for lunch at 11 a.m.
  
  
• Wellesley has issued a mandatory restriction on outdoor watering for residents and businesses. The ban is the result of the town shutting down its main water treatment plant while it replaces filter media used to block PFAS chemicals from getting into the drinking water.  (Swellesley Report)
  
  
• Don’t miss our event next Thursday (June 20) with chamber friend Colette Phillips, who was our partner for our Most Influential Business Leaders of Color lists. Phillips will discuss her new book  “The Includers: The 7 Traits of Culturally Savvy, Anti-Racist Leaders.” Everyone who attends will get a signed copy.
  
  
• Elliot House, a service of Riverside Community Care, helps individuals with mental health challenges find part-time jobs through its Transitional Employment program. Members work in entry-level positions for 6-9 months, with Elliot House staff managing the job placements and providing onsite training, support and back up coverage.” Go here and choose "Employment" to learn more.
  
  
• Hail to the chiefs: Wellesley Deputy Police Chief Scott Whittemore will be the town’s new top cop, succeeding retiring chief Jack Pilecki. And Steve Mortarelli, current deputy fire chief is taking that department’s top job. (Swellesley Report)
  
  
• A request to the Newton Beacon and Fig City News: Can we please have some actual reporting on where the candidates in the two open state rep seats stand on issues? So far coverage has only been about endorsements. (Same goes for the two Needham pubs where there’s also an open seat.)
  
  

Help Newton choose a new city seal

A committee charged with helping Newton pick a new city seal is presenting three options.  Vote for your favorite here. 

Life science sector still growing, only slower

Life sciences employment in the Bay State increased by 11.6% from 2021 to 2023, outpacing national growth of 6.3% over the same period, according to Mass Bio Ed’s latest annual report.

Even last year -- when layoffs and other cost-cutting measures hit many biotechs -- job growth slowed, but still increased by 2.5%.

With more than 140,000 total life sciences jobs, Massachusetts’ life sciences industry continues to compete with other states and other local industries for talent, the report adds.

Commander stops by for lunch before shipping off

Finally today, that woman in the middle of this photo is Billie J. Farrell, the first female commanding officer of the USS Constitution. 

She’s surrounded by attendees at our first Women's Leadership Luncheon, held Wednesday at One Wingate Way in Needham.

Commander Farrell shared insights, anecdotes and inspiration from her life journey, her naval career and her leadership experience. She knew she wanted to be a Naval Officer at age ten in landlocked Kentucky and shared what it's like day-to-day at “Old Ironsides,” as well as tips and reflections on leadership and legacy. 

Fittingly, Wednesday was the 76th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, allowing women to serve in the US Armed Forces. 

Commander Farrell leaves her post next week. But she’s taking the Constitution for a spin around Boston Harbor this week with 200 female Navy vets before handing off the post to the next female commander. 

That’s what you need to know for today — the day the Celtics should claim banner No. 18 — unless you need another reason why if someone tells you who they are you should believe them.

Happy Father’s Day. Buy dad something local, okay?

Greg Reibman (he, him)

President & CEO

Charles River Regional Chamber

617.244.1688

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P.S. Did you miss last week’s Spring Business Breakfast?  Here’s the video.