Burlington's May Town Meeting 2026: Conversations to Watch
Shawsheen's troubled budget, a wireless tower fight, no Fourth of July fireworks — here's what's on the table at Burlington's May 11 Town Meeting.
Shawsheen's troubled budget, a wireless tower fight, no Fourth of July fireworks — here's what's on the table at Burlington's May 11 Town Meeting.
The Annual Town Meeting for Burlington, MA, features major items such as capital and operational budgets for schools and town departments, changes to animal bylaws, and a crypto ATM ban.
Some open seats remain; others were filled by write-in candidates.
Burlington voters returned Katherine Bond and Jeremy Brooks to the School Committee; a number of new Town Meeting Members are seated.
Burlington's April 11 election has open Town Meeting seats in Precincts 2 and 7. Here's how to run as a write-in — or vote for one.
Your final list of candidates on the ballot for the Burlington, Massachusetts, 2026 local election
Community
Here's how to celebrate with your community this Independence Day.
After a year without a parade, Burlington residents will once again line Cambridge and Winn Streets on July 4 to enjoy the entertainment provided by some of the area’s most fun and dynamic personalities – and afterward, the community will gather on the Town Common to celebrate a new favorite tradition.
Burlington’s 4th of July Committee, headed up by Select Board member Nick Priest and consisting of a dwindling number of resident volunteers, made the difficult decision to cancel the 2025 parade. Priest cited a number of factors for the cancellation, including the state’s repaving project on Cambridge St. (Route 3A) and the Committee’s small size, which made fundraising and outreach an ever more difficult task each year.
Residents were sad about the loss of the parade, and Burlington Buzz opted to host a Community Picnic in its place. Hundreds came out for music, treats, and the opportunity to spend the beautiful summer’s day with friends and neighbors.
Coming soon online — now arriving in Burlington mailboxes.
This year, on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Burlington residents can have their cake and eat it, too. The town announced this spring that the Fourth of July parade will proceed this year, and in May Town Meeting appropriated $34,000 to support the Committee’s efforts.
The parade will take the familiar route beginning at the Presbyterian Church at 335 Cambridge St., marching down to Winn St., taking a left, and continuing down Winn to Marshall Simonds Middle School. This year’s entertainment offerings will include Ghostbusters, a diverse array of band performances, classic cars, and maybe even some favorite children’s characters.
Following the parade, the party doesn’t stop. Residents can join their neighbors at the Town Common for the second annual 4th of July Community Picnic, hosted by Burlington Buzz and made possible by the generosity of local businesses. Full Throttle Boston will be back to play energizing rock hits, and families can enjoy games and activities together.
The 4th of July parade begins at 11:00 AM, and participants and spectators are encouraged to continue on to the Town Common from 1:00 to 3:00 for fun with friends and neighbors.
Bring a picnic blanket and your best 4th of July face paint, accessories, and clothing!
The summer edition of Buzz Magazine is almost in your mailbox — and this one felt different to make.
Committe Members and Superintendent hope this compromose increases learning time and support delivery while allowing a mid-June end date
The complex project can move forward, and "The final result should be beautiful," says Conservation Chair.
Hive members keep the Buzz thriving.
Burlington's Select Board didn't move to block cannabis home delivery after a new MA law made it the default — even in towns without dispensaries.
The town's municipal aggregation contract expires this fall. Officials say the program has saved residents $2.6 million — but locking in the next rate is a trickier call.
The Wellness Committee presented a list of 267 standards to the School Committee for a vote so curriculum planning can begin. Here's what's there and was was tabled for next year.
Burlington's Class of 2026 celebrated Senior Scholarship Night, with more than 100 students recognized and hundreds of thousands of dollars awarded.
Burlington High School is launching MyCAP blocks next fall — short sessions designed to help students explore careers, build a four-year plan, and graduate with more than a diploma.
Marshall Simonds Middle School's National History Day club is having its best year yet.
Boys' volleyball and boys' tennis both fall in Tuesday's Round of 16, closing the books on a spring that saw four Burlington programs reach the MIAA tournament.
Team 2876 qualified for the post-season and competed against the best robotics programs in New England
Town switches to new deputy collector vendor, adding digital payment option for the first time
Boys' volleyball heads to Milford and boys' tennis to Walpole in Tuesday's Round of 16 after the Red Devils went 1–1 in Friday tournament play.
After two years of planning, approvals, and redesigns, work has officially begun.
A Burlington tradition since 1991, the BHS All-Night Graduation Party keeps seniors safe and celebrating — but organizers still need chaperones and community support for this year's event.
Boys' lacrosse and volleyball open tournament play Friday while boys' tennis waits in the Round of 16, and baseball's 9–9 season ends without a tournament berth.
Burlington's School Committee voted down a teacher union proposal to extend elementary early release days, sparking frustration ahead of contract talks.
Burlington High School's unified basketball and bowling programs are giving students with and without intellectual disabilities a place to belong.