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          9:45am - 11:00am

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          Our Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL) program provides emerging leaders with a socially conscious and civically engaged leadership toolkit, as well as the opportunity to apply their knowledge through experiential assignments.

          Read More
          Massachusetts Apprentice Network

          The Massachusetts Apprentice Network convenes employers, training providers, and talent sources interested in developing and implementing apprenticeship programs in occupations across industries and statewide in fields such as tech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and more.

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          Strategic Communication for Better Collaboration

          Level up your leadership and communication in this Boston Chamber workshop for professionals—gain essential skills in team alignment.

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Chamber testimony on proposed MBTA Board of Directors

June 18, 2020

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce submitted testimony on S.2746 An act financing improvements to municipal roads and bridges. While many aspects of this bill provide enhanced oversight of the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA), certain provisions can be strengthened to ensure a well-managed system.

To see the full version of our letter click here.

The Chamber supports the creation of a permanent Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority board of directors (MBTA Board) to replace the Fiscal and Management Control Board which would otherwise sunset on June 30, 2020. And while we support the expanded number of seats on the Board as outlined in the bill, we urge you to include a permanent seat for the City of Boston to reflect its large financial contributions to the system.

To ensure a well-managed transit system, the new MBTA Board must have the ability to operate independently. To this end, we support the provision granting the MBTA Board the authority to appoint the general manager position. We also support the provision that implements the MBTA Safety Review Panel’s recommendation to require fewer meetings. This will allow the MBTA staff to refocus on safety and improved operations rather than continuously preparing for Board meetings. However, to strengthen and maintain the Board’s independence, we believe any ex officio members should not have voting powers.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever that the state prioritizes the MBTA’s smooth, efficient, and safe operations. By authorizing the MBTA Board to continue the work of the FMCB this legislation provides some of the tools needed to maintain strong and independent oversight of the MBTA system.

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