The Massachusetts Gaming Commission visits Medford’s Chevalier Theatre
- October 29, 2025
- by Connor Donahue
- 0 comments
On Tuesday, October 28, commissioners and staff from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) visited the City of Medford’s Chevalier Theatre for a tour of the building and a discussion of projects funded through the Community Mitigation Fund (CMF) Grant Program. The MGC was joined by local community leaders, including City of Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn, State Representatives Paul Donato and Sean Garballey, Chevalier Theatre General Manager Raul Morales, and other invited guests.
Administered by the MGC, the CMF provides financial support to Massachusetts communities affected by casino construction and operations. The program has distributed nearly $80 million since launching in 2015, with approximately $22.8 million awarded in the most recent funding cycle alone.
Medford received over $1 million in FY2026 CMF grants, directing those resources toward public safety initiatives, pedestrian safety improvements, and the development of a strategic plan for problem gambling.
Among Medford’s funded initiatives was a $325,600 allocation for improvements to the interior of the Chevalier Theatre. Located in Medford Square, the historic venue was originally built in 1939 and has been revitalized to host top names in music, comedy, and politics.
Tuesday’s group was led on a tour of the theatre, which included a display of the Chevalier’s new LED ceiling lights. The lights were installed as part of Medford’s FY2025 CMF grants. The group then gathered on stage for remarks and to highlight the CMF.
MGC Chair Jordan Maynard welcomed attendees and thanked the city of Medford before introducing Commissioner Paul Brodeur.
Brodeur emphasized the Commission’s commitment to local communities through the CMF, while highlighting the collaborative partnership between the MGC, Mayor Lungo-Koehn, and state officials.
“My fellow Commissioners and I often say our role is to maximize the benefits and minimize the harms of legalized gaming,” Brodeur said. “It is my hope that the CMF can help accomplish both these goals through the projects underway here in Medford.”
Mayor Lungo-Koehn and Representatives Donato and Garballey echoed Brodeur’s sentiments in their own remarks on Tuesday. All three acknowledged their appreciation for the CMF and detailed how these funds enable cities and towns, such as Medford, to fund important work across their communities.
More information on the Community Mitigation Fund can be found on the MGC’s website.