Published On: December 19, 20250.3 min read

Full and original article posted on The Worcester Telegram & Gazette.

According to a Worcester Regional Research Bureau report released in June, which cited data from the MBTA, total and average monthly weekday ridership has been steadily increasing since June 2020, approaching 90% of pre-pandemic levels. Weekend ridership has exploded and has exceeded pre-pandemic since April 2022.

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WRRB releases a 2026 Update of Understanding Your Neighborhood Schools. These dashboards, developed by Worcester Regional Research Bureau in partnership with Worcester Education Collaborative, update the 2024 dashboard with 2025-2026 enrollment data for the Worcester Public Schools, MSBA's 2025 survey data, and data from the 2024 5-YR American Community Survey. As of the 2025-2026 academic year, the Worcester Public Schools (WPS) enrolls 24,677 scholars across 45 elementary, middle, and high schools. These dashboards serve as a valuable resource offering a comprehensive view of each school in the WPS District, including catchment zone maps. Use the Interactive Data Dashboards - link is in the bio. #WorcPoli
The Opportunity Zone (OZ) program uses federal tax incentives to encourage private investment in low-income communities. This brief brings attention to the next round of OZ designations and examines all 49 OZ eligible census tracts across Worcester County, including the 26 in the City of Worcester. An accompanying interactive map provides demographic, economic, tax, and transportation data to help stakeholders evaluate eligible census tracts for the next round of Opportunity Zone designations. The Healey-Driscoll Administration is seeking input from municipalities, developers, community organizations, and residents to help inform which eligible census tracts Governor Healey should nominate for OZ designation. The Administration has also created a 2026 Massachusetts Opportunity Zone Program website with general information about the OZs. Feedback about OZs and the designation process can be submitted through the Opportunity Zone 2.0 Municipal Input Form, which is open until June 17th. Members of the public can also submit feedback through the Community Feedback Form on how Massachusetts should approach OZ designation, which will remain available until June 30th. Read the Brief or Interact with the Map - link in bio #WorcPoli
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The Thomas S. Green Public Service Awards Committee is now accepting nominations! This Award is open to all employees from city/town governments, public school districts, and regional agencies who have made outstanding and exemplary contributions to public service in Worcester County, except top executive positions and department or division heads. We invite you to submit nominations by Friday, March 27, 2026. Nomination forms can be downloaded and submitted electronically through email at wrrb@wrrb.org or submitted via the online form at www.wrrb.org. #WorcPoli

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