Chelsea: Council reviews $500,000 hospital grant

City Manager Fidel Maltez has asked the Chelsea City Council to formally accept a $500,000 grant from Mass General Hospital. The funds are part of the hospital's Determination of Need process through Mass General Brigham. The council referred the request to its ways and means subcommittee during its meeting last week.

Maltez described the money as an investment in the health and economic stability of Chelsea residents. He said the grant will support community service needs and expand access to essential resources. The city plans to use the funds to improve access to healthy and affordable food. It will also expand workforce development and living-wage employment opportunities for young adults. The money will strengthen job placement services and support the economic mobility of survivors of domestic violence.

The distribution of the award is structured over three years. The city expects to receive an initial installment of $250,000 in 2026. Two additional installments of $125,000 are scheduled for 2027 and 2028. These payments are subject to the terms of the agreement and applicable reporting requirements. Maltez stated that the city will spend the funds responsibly in accordance with the grant agreement.

The proposed memorandum of understanding outlines a non-competitive approach to funding. Tracy Sylven, Mass General Brigham's Director of Community Health, said this strategy enables timely action. It also reduces administrative burden on community-based organizations. Sylven noted that these groups often need time and staff capacity for urgent frontline work.

The MOU states that the non-competitive approach allows resources to reach the field more quickly. It ensures funding goes to organizations already positioned to respond to immediate harm. The strategy also aims to protect communities and advance longer-term solutions. Maltez thanked Mass General Brigham for its partnership in advancing health equity.

Maltez requested that the council authorize the City of Chelsea to accept the $500,000 award. He asked the council to take any necessary action to facilitate the receipt and administration of the funds. The city manager said the funding is an opportunity to strengthen essential services and expand access to opportunity for residents.

The council has not yet voted on the request. The ways and means subcommittee will review the details before making a recommendation. The initial payment of $250,000 is expected in 2026.