SPECIAL ISSUE

On this Earth Day, support our work!
Enter our photo contest
Attend the Mayor’s budget hearing April 27!
Upcoming events

On this Earth Day, support our work!

Happy Earth Day, Energize Framingham community! Don’t forget to stop by our table at the Framingham Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 25 (from 10-3) and say hello.

We are asking for your help this year.

This is our fifth year of bringing you climate and sustainability coverage. We need your help so we can continue to keep you informed while advocating for earth-friendly measures like solar on schools, tree planting in downtown, and curbside food waste pickup.

Help us celebrate Earth Day by contributing to our work!  We are an all-volunteer organization. You will help keep us sustainable and support our membership in MassEnergize, a nonprofit that supports our web and social media presence and provides connections with other communities.

Ways to support us:

• Contribute online (you will be directed to a secure MassEnergize page) and mention Energize Framingham in the comments box.

• By a check made out to MassEnergize, with Energize Framingham in the memo line. Mail to: MassEnergize, 15 Common Street #184, Natick, MA 01760.

Note: Contributions are not tax deductible at this time, but no contribution is too small. Thank you!!

Show us your sustainability!

How do you support a healthy planet?

Snap a photo highlighting your eco-friendly habits and post it to our Facebook group, or email it ([email protected]) so we can share. These could be anything from recycling/reuse to solar panels, composting, a pollinator garden, a bicycle, and more. Selfies welcome! Please include a short description of your image.

DEADLINE: All entries must be submitted by May 15!

JUDGING & PRIZES: Photos will be judged by the Energize Framingham steering committee based on impact, creativity, and uniqueness. One winner will be selected and will receive a $50 gift card. Winners will be featured on Facebook, Instagram, and our next newsletter!

Monday April 27: Attend the Mayor’s budget hearing!

The Mayor’s budget hearing has now been rescheduled to 6 p.m. April 27 (Blumer Room, Memorial Building). It’s the first step in adding a Chief Climate and Sustainability Officer to the city budget, fulfilling the intent of the new Charter. 

We believe adding this executive-level officer – and retaining the existing Sustainability Coordinator position – are important to Framingham’s fiscal health, increasing grant funding and saving money down the road. If you agree, we’re looking for brief public comments of support, in-person or on Zoom. 

Climate and sustainability are multifaceted, spanning buildings, energy, green space, tree cover, transportation, waste management, and more. That’s why we want both positions. The Sustainability Coordinator would continue to provide valuable research, data collection, grant management, and ongoing project management. The Chief Climate and Sustainability Officer would spearhead long-range climate goal-setting and planning across city departments, initiate projects, lead community outreach, and apply for additional grants.

Climate change and its weather effects aren’t going away. Energy costs are rising. WIth the loss of federal support, municipal investment is critical. See our April issue for more reasons to fund the new position!

Check the City meeting calendar as it gets closer for the agenda and Zoom link. If you cannot attend the hearing, you can email the Mayor’s office at [email protected] or call 508-532-5401 over the next week.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Stay updated about events by visiting energizeframingham.org/events. You can sign up for email notifications by creating a profile (“Sign In/Join” button on the top right corner on the page).

Tonight!!
Thinking about installing a heat pump? Heat pumps provide efficient heating and cooling, lower your carbon footprint, and can qualify for thousands of dollars in rebates through programs like Mass Save. Join this webinar from plugIN Metrowest to learn how heat pumps work, explore incentives, and find out how to get quotes from trusted installers. Register

Through Sunday! 
Join hundreds of Framingham’s finest for this city-wide clean-up bonanza! It’s not too late to participate – this event runs until Sunday April 26. You can do cleanups on your own, organize a small group, or join one of KFB’s group cleanups on April 24 or 25. Details and sign-up

May 1 through September 1: Art on the Cochituate Rail Trail
The trail will transform into an open-air gallery featuring eight unique installations by talented local artists.

Sat., May 30, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Cooler Communities Fair 
Location TBD. Students from Framingham Public Schools will create displays on a variety of climate and sustainability topics.

Thurs., Jun. 18, 3-7 p.m. Framingham Farmer’s Market opens
Framingham Centre Common, Edgell Road and Oak Street.
The market will take place weekly through early October 2026. Apply to be a vendor.

ABOUT US

Energize Framingham provides climate education, outreach, and advocacy to promote a healthy, equitable, and resilient community.

Have a tip for us? Email [email protected].
In case you missed it… Back issues! 

Editors: Nancy Fliesler and Aimee Powelka