Priorities Update – Fall 2025
Date Published: October 28, 2025
Priorities Established During Campaign
Invest in
Braintree
Innovate with Our Schools
Inviting Neighbors to our Table
A Plan for Braintree Public Schools
Braintree continues to deliver high-quality public education for our young people — especially following the override led by Mayor Joyce, which provided a critical boost to our schools.
Key Highlights:
- Developing a School Visioning Plan — a community-supported and data-informed effort that is now at the halfway mark.
- Partnering with industry experts and local stakeholders to plan for aging school buildings and sustainable maintenance.
- Supporting the expansion of innovative “Pathway” (vocational) programs at Braintree High School — both Business and Healthcare pathways now have waitlists, and we are exploring ways to expand access.
- Continuing our commitment to fiscal stewardship while maintaining strong educational programs.
Stay tuned — opportunities to get involved in the months ahead.
Restoring Fiscal Responsibility
We’ve made major strides in putting Braintree on a stable and forward-looking financial path.
Key Highlights:
- Created a Five-Year Budget Outlook with both short- and long-term fiscal goals.
- Revamped the Five-Year Capital Plan to prioritize sustainability and efficiency.
- Supported an $8 million operational override with a plan to sustain its benefits over multiple years.
- Expanded Senior Tax Relief Programs, ensuring Braintree’s older residents can continue to live and thrive in our community.
Open and Responsive Government
We’re making government more accessible, transparent, and connected than ever before.
Key Highlights:
- Added a Communications Coordinator to the Mayor’s Office.
- Updated the town website and expanded outreach through CivicPlus, flyers, and non-emergency text alerts.
- Launched The 02184 Newsletter and the Weekly Snapshot for timely community updates.
- Welcomed new board and commission members — a healthy mix of new voices and experienced leaders.
- Strengthened department collaboration, aligning leadership with Mayor Joyce’s vision for a responsive, engaged local government.
Investing in Town Amenities
We’re committed to improving and maintaining the spaces that make Braintree special.
Key Highlights:
- Supporting the Monatiquot River restoration and the establishment of a Herring Commission.
- Prioritizing field and facility maintenance, with dedicated maintenance accounts ensuring rental fees directly support upkeep.
- Reestablished rental agreements and fee structures, now regularly evaluated for fairness and reinvestment into community assets.
Neighbors to the Table
Reconnecting our community around food, conversation, and shared experiences.
Key Highlights:
- Planning the return of Farm to Table in collaboration with Sustainable Braintree.
- Relaunching Food Truck Wednesdays, bringing people together for food, fun, and local connection.
- Exploring Mayor’s Coffee Hours and other informal meet-ups to foster ongoing community dialogue.