Making the connection between transportation, housing and economic development this morning at the inaugural Annual Meeting of the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization and focusing my remarks on the critical need to improve Newton’s three MBTA Commuter Rail stations to make them accessible and to improve service.

Newton is among 14 regional cities and towns with a seat on the MPO Board, which votes to support many transportation projects with federal and state funds.

MassDOT Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu 吳弭 Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, and Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria also spoke to the urgency of transportation leadership to address our climate, congestion and equity challenges.