Public Alert: Snow Emergency Declared and Official City Notice Roundup
Snow Emergency and Parking Ban Effective Today
The City of Boston has declared a snow emergency and a citywide parking ban in response to a major winter storm expected to bring up to two feet of snow. The parking ban will officially go into effect at 2:00 p.m. today, Sunday, February 22, 2026. Residents are advised that any vehicles remaining on designated emergency arteries after the 2:00 p.m. deadline will be subject to ticketing and towing. To assist residents, discounted parking is available at several city-authorized garages. Overnight street cleaning has been canceled for the duration of the emergency.
City Council Public Hearing: Student-Athlete Eligibility
The Boston City Council Committee on Education has issued a formal notice for a public hearing scheduled for Monday, February 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. The hearing will address Docket #0166, an order regarding Boston Public Schools student-athlete transfer and eligibility policies. The meeting will be held in the Iannella Chamber on the fifth floor of Boston City Hall. Members of the public are invited to testify in person or virtually. Written testimony may also be submitted to the committee via email to be included in the official record.
Public Health Advisory: Respiratory Health and Air Quality
The Boston Public Health Commission reminds residents to remain vigilant during the current peak of the respiratory virus season. Following a recent dip in air quality to levels considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, health officials recommend that individuals with asthma, COPD, or heart disease limit strenuous outdoor activity during the storm's onset. Additionally, with pediatric flu cases remaining high across the Commonwealth, the city encourages residents to stay up to date with vaccinations and to practice frequent handwashing and indoor masking in crowded spaces.
Waste Collection and Municipal Services
Due to the weekend and the active snow emergency, there is no residential trash or recycling collection today, Sunday, February 22. Residents are urged to keep sidewalks clear of trash receptacles to allow snow plows to widen streets effectively. Boston City Hall and administrative offices remain closed for the weekend; however, the 311 service remains operational 24/7 for reporting non-emergency issues such as downed trees or heating failures in residential buildings.
Tax Preparation Services for Residents
The Boston Tax Help Coalition continues to offer free tax preparation services for residents earning $70,000 or less per year. While physical sites may have delayed openings due to the weather, residents are encouraged to utilize the city's virtual filing portals to maximize their returns and ensure they receive all eligible credits for the 2025 tax year.