Worcester, MA

Worcester, MA relaunches upgraded online data portal

Worcester has reinstated and upgraded its online date portal, which had been closed for improvements. The revamped portal now offers a more user-friendly interface and enhanced features for scheduling city services and appointments. This update aims to improve accessibility and efficiency for residents interacting with municipal services.

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Worcester, MA

United States

Worcester, MA revamps open data portal

Worcester has revamped its open data portal, Informing Worcester, to enhance public access to municipal data. The updated portal features over 300 data sets, including new interactive elements like StoryMaps, and offers daily updated statistics on various city services. This initiative aims to promote transparency and data-driven decision-making within the city, allowing residents to engage more effectively with municipal information​

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Worcester, MA

United States

Worcester, MA combines universal basic income payments and financial coaching during pilot

The Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) operates the two-year pilot using $250,000 in federal funding allocated by the city. Two cohorts of 26 low-income households each receive monthly payments of $100 to $500 for one year. Recipients establish financial goals during empowerment workshops and receive guidance if payments disqualify them from other benefits. This approach follows the Mobility Mentoring model for establishing self-sufficiency through continuous improvement.

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Worcester, MA

United States

Worcester, MA Police Department is launching a drone program for search warranted investigations

The Worcester City Council approved the Worcester Police Department's (WPD) drone program with stipulations to address concerns of potential civil liberty violations. According to the WPD, the drone will not record unless the department has issued a search warrant for a specific criminal investigation. Reporting on the drone's usage will be made available to the Acting City Manager on a quarterly basis.

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Worcester, MA

United States

Worcester, MA launched the free 15-week Worcester Parks Summer Fitness Series to encourage exercise

The City of Worcester's Department of Public Health partnered with Blue Cross/Blue Shield and the YWCA of Central Massachusetts to launch the Worcester Parks Summer Fitness Series. The 15-week program offers free fitness classes including tai chi, yoga, Pilates, dance fitness, karate, etc. along with boot camp-style workouts and other exercise opportunities. The free program was designed to encourage visits to the local parks, help residents exercise, and improve public health.

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Worcester, MA

United States

Worcester, MA combines revenue generation with resident engagement through digital kiosk pilot

The city and the Out-of-Home Advertising Agency Committee are considering vendors for the pilot. This program will evaluate the frequency and quality of use for up to 10 digital kiosks throughout Worcester. Proposed features of the kiosks include fee payments, wayfinding, and basic online searches. The city will generate revenue from kiosk ads and the selected vendor will cover operating costs in exchange for real-world tests of their product.

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Worcester, MA

United States