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Welcome to the August newsletter from State Representative Tara Hong's office! We're thrilled to share some exciting updates from August, and plans for the coming months. |
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The Massachusetts House Asian Caucus at the National Asian Pacific American Caucus of State Legislators event in Boston. |
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Hello Everyone,
As August comes to a close, I hope you’ve been able to spend time with family, friends, and loved ones. These moments of connection remind us of what truly matters—and why we work so hard to build a stronger, more caring community.
Over the past eight months, I’ve stayed focused on one goal: making sure families in our district have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. Whether through community events, listening to your concerns, or advocating at the State House, I am committed to ensuring your voices are heard.
As we look ahead to September, let’s continue standing together in unity. When we care for one another and speak up for what’s right, we create a brighter future for everyone.
And please remember—our city election is right around the corner: your voice and your vote matter. Let’s make sure we show up and make our community’s priorities heard at the ballot box.
As always, if you or your family need assistance with housing, unemployment, education, or anything else, my office is here to help. Please reach out anytime.
With gratitude,
Tara T. Hong
State Representative
18th Middlesex District
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Saying Goodbye to our Summer Interns! |
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At the end of July, we said goodbye to two of our incredible summer interns. We enjoyed having William and Vienna in our office very much, and wish them well when they return to high school in the fall. We know you’ll both go on to do amazing things!
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National Night Out events in the 18th Middlesex District |
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It was great to see so many folks from the community gathering at the Morey School in the Highlands and North Common in the Acre for National Night Out! Held annually in August, National Night Out began in 1984 as a way to foster police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. |
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It was an honor to join the Puerto Rican Festival on August 2 at the John F. Kennedy Civic Center in Lowell! The energy, music, and community spirit were incredible.
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It was an honor to stand in front of the Massachusetts State House on August 6th alongside colleagues from across the country and members of the Texas Democratic State Legislators to express our solidarity with the Texas Democrats.
We stand firmly against the mid‑decade redistricting scheme proposed by Texas Republicans—backed by President Trump and Gov. Abbott—that aims to redraw congressional maps to flip up to five Democratic-held seats. This act is against all of our democratic processes, and it will hurt the voting power of Black and Latino communities, undercut the Voting Rights Act, and represents a blatant power grab designed to weaken democratic representation.
I proudly stand with them—not just against gerrymandering, but for the principle of voter representation. Democracy deserves better. We will defend fair maps and an authentic political voice for every community. |
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Congratulations to Lowell Community Charter Public School’s on the ceremonial groundbreaking for their new Athletic and Community Center! This project reflects LCCPS’s strong commitment to student wellness, creativity, and community, while also investing in the future of our city. Thank you to LCCPS and the Learn to Lead Foundation of Lowell for including me in such a meaningful celebration. |
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I was honored to join Refuge Art School at Western Avenue Studios! I got to take part in the Dunk Tank to support this amazing group inspiring our youth to dream big. Big congrats to all involved. Support Refuge Art School: Click Here! |
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Groundbreaking for the Rourke Bridge Replacement Project
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After years of waiting, the Rourke Bridge Replacement Project is officially underway — bringing us a safer, stronger bridge for our community! I was honored to join with Senator Markey, Congresswoman Trahan, MassDOT, my colleagues from the State House, and the leaders and community members from the City of Lowell to celebrate the official groundbreaking for the Rourke Bridge Replacement Project. The groundbreaking represents the tireless efforts from individuals in our community to elected leaders across all levels of government.
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Acre Neighborhood one of six projects included
in first HDIP funding round of 2025
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Above: rendering showing completed Sophia's Greek Pantry storefront, which will relocate to 484 Merrimack Street, Lowell. |
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On Monday, August 25th, Governor Maura Healey and Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus announced $15 million in Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP) awards to create 829 new homes in six Gateway Cities, including $1.3 million for 484 Merrimack Street in Lowell’s Acre Neighborhood.
When completed, 484 Merrimack Street will be a mixed use building, with a retail first floor and 24 housing units above. It will serve as the new home for Sophia’s Greek Pantry, allowing the business to expand its offerings.
Check out InsideLowell's coverage of the story.
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Local Business Recognition |
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On Thursday, August 7th, I was thrilled to be joined by the Small Business Development Team from the Executive Office of Economic Development for a Small Business Tour. Our team met with small business owners in the Highlands and Acre neighborhoods to discuss the challenges faced by small business owners, and what supports could be offered by the State, like the newly launched Business Front Door!
Check out the highlight video on
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It was great to stop by Mestiza Latin Kitchen and welcome this exciting new restaurant to the neighborhood. Mestiza Latina Kitchen specializes in made-from-scratch dishes inspired by flavors from Brazil, El Salvador, Colombia, and the United States. Whether you’re craving tacos, tres leches cake, pupusas, you can find that and more at:
Mestiza Latin Kitchen,
491 Dutton Street.
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I was honored to stop by Ratanakiri Market - Grocery Store at 4 Pine St. in Lowell and offer a citation to congratulate them on their business! They’ve been serving our community for almost a year now, offering amazing products at great prices. Let’s continue to support our local businesses—stop by and check them out! |
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Things to Know, Things to Do |
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Are you a young person who cares about the environment and wants to inform climate policy in the Commonwealth? You should apply to joint the 2025-2026 Youth Climate Council Cohort!
The deadline to apply is 11:59 pm on Monday, September 1st!
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Lowell Alliance, in partnership with the Office of Economic Empowerment, is thrilled to bring a new resource to our community — the Worth & Wealth Seminar Series and its Spanish-language version, Valor y Dinero.
These free, 10-week virtual seminars will give residents the tools to build smart saving strategies, reduce debt, strengthen credit confidence and create generational wealth.
Worth & Wealth (English) – Wednesday, September 10 at 12:00 PM (noon)
Valor y Dinero (Español) – Thursday, September 11 at 12:00 PM (noon)
mass.gov/Valor-y-Dinero
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The School Bus Lookup Tool is now updated and live. (Note: charter and private school students are not included in the bus lookup tool). Student bus passes will be mailed out.
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City Hall Language Access Hours
Translators will be present in the lobby of City Hall to assist residents with permits, certificates, applications, and a range of other City services in Spanish, Portuguese, and Khmer. Additional languages may be requested as needed. |
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As we gear up to celebrate the City of Lowell’s Bicentennial in 2026, we’re inviting you to share your memories with us! Whether it’s a family story, a moment from growing up in the city, your time working or serving in the community, or any Lowell connection that’s meaningful to you—we want to hear it!Select stories will be featured on the new Lowell Bicentennial website as part of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
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Grant applications for funding from the Mass Cultural Council are opening soon!
Whether you’re an individual artist or creative, or you’re part of a community or organization—there may be a funding opportunity available.
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The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) invites adventurers of all ages to discover the beauty and history our state parks, forests, and watersheds. This program encourages outdoor exploration, environmental awareness, and fosters a deeper connection to nature and history.
Click Here to learn amore about the Park Passport Challenge!
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Are You Registered to Vote? |
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Important dates to remember for the upcoming city election:
Preliminary Election: Tuesday, September 9
Municipal Election: Tuesday, November 4
Polling Hours: 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
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As always, we love to hear from you! Please reach out any time.
email: tara.hong@mahouse.gov phone: 617-722-2080
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