Official Roundup: City Council Meeting and Public Works Advisories for March 18

City Council to Address School Funding and Election Leadership

The Boston City Council will convene for its regular meeting today, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 12:00 PM in the Christopher A. Iannella Chamber on the fifth floor of City Hall. A significant portion of today’s agenda is dedicated to infrastructure and personnel oversight. Specifically, the Council is slated to review Dockets #0567 and #0568, which request the authorization of over $33,000 for collective bargaining reserves and significant funding for repairs across the Boston Public Schools system. These funds are designated for critical window and door replacements as part of the ongoing Accelerated Repair Program.

Additionally, the Council will formally address the resignation of Election Commissioner Eneida Tavares. This leadership change follows recent state-level discussions regarding the oversight of the Elections Department. The Council is expected to discuss the timeline for appointing new leadership to ensure the integrity of upcoming municipal proceedings. Members of the public may attend in person or view the session via the city’s dedicated cable channels and livestream services.

Public Works: Storrow Drive Overnight Maintenance

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), in coordination with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), has issued a traffic advisory for overnight work affecting major commuter arteries. Maintenance on the Storrow Drive tunnel and Soldiers Field Road inbound will continue tonight, Wednesday, March 18, through early Thursday morning. The inbound lanes from North Harvard Street to Mugar Way will be closed to all vehicular traffic from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM.

A marked detour will guide drivers over the Anderson Bridge to Memorial Drive in Cambridge, utilizing the Longfellow Bridge for reentry into Boston. State police details will be on-site to assist with traffic flow. This closure is necessary for essential site work within the tunnel system and is subject to change based on late-night weather conditions.

Public Health Update: Respiratory Illness and Pest Control

The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) remains on high alert following the confirmation of two measles cases within the state earlier this month. Residents are strongly urged to verify their vaccination status, as measles is highly contagious. Additionally, while seasonal flu activity is beginning to subside, health officials report that flu-related fatalities in the Commonwealth have surpassed 300 this season. Public health clinics continue to offer vaccinations for both influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Furthermore, following a recent City Services hearing, officials are monitoring reports of leptospirosis in various neighborhoods. The city is currently reviewing enhanced pest control measures and public education campaigns to mitigate the risk of this bacterial disease, particularly in areas with high construction activity.

Scheduled Board and Commission Meetings

Several municipal boards are holding public sessions today to conduct city business:

• Boston Retirement Board: Meeting at 9:00 AM in City Hall, Room 816, to discuss pension fund allocations and the Fiscal Year 2027 budget.
• Boston Employment Commission: A virtual public meeting will be held from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM regarding worker empowerment initiatives and local hiring compliance.
• Boston School Committee: A virtual session is scheduled for 5:30 PM to review academic performance goals and school safety protocols.