MAYOR WALSH RELEASES REVISED JOINDER AGREEMENT FOR BOSTON'S OLYMPIC BID

MAYOR WALSH RELEASES REVISED JOINDER AGREEMENT FOR BOSTON'S OLYMPIC BID

BOSTON - February 24, 2015 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced today a critical revision to the Joinder Agreement between the City of Boston and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) that removes any language that had the potential to discourage city employees from speaking openly regarding Boston's bid for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic games. The original agreement contained boilerplate language that all cities have historically signed regarding city employees and their participation in the Olympic process. 

"This revised agreement is the result of positive negotiations with the United States Olympic Committee to reach a consensus that accurately represents how Boston is moving forward with our Olympic bid," Mayor Walsh said. "I want to thank those who have already offered their thoughts on Boston's bid and I continue to encourage all residents, including city employees, to share their opinions over the coming months. My top priority is to ensure an open and transparent process, and it is important that any proposal is shaped by the input and ideas of people from every neighborhood in order to offer the greatest benefit to our city."

"Today's announcement is indicative of the true spirit of partnership and cooperation among the City of Boston, the USOC, and Boston 2024 in advancing the shared goal of bringing the Olympic and Paralympic Games to Boston," Boston 2024 Chief Executive Officer Rich Davey said. "Boston 2024 applauds Mayor Walsh and the USOC for signing this new agreement and we believe it will strengthen Boston’s efforts to work with communities to build a stronger Olympic bid and a lasting legacy for the Commonwealth."

The next citywide Olympic discussion is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. at the Condon School Cafeteria in South Boston. Additional citywide meetings include:

• March 31, 6:30 p.m. - Harvard Business School 
• April 28, 6:30 p.m. - Roxbury Community College
• May 19, 6:30 p.m. - Cleveland Community Center
• June 30, 6:30 p.m. - English High School
• July 28, 6:30 p.m. - Mildred School
• August 25, 6:30 p.m. - Ohrenberger School
• September 29, 6:30 p.m. – East Boston High School

To be included on future updates on Boston's bid, please text your e-mail address to 617-431-4100. Any questions can be e-mailed to Olympics@boston.gov.

The revised Joinder Agreement is attached.