Public Meetings - Boston, Massachusetts

On May 26, 2026, the Boston City Council's Committee on Ways and Means, chaired by Councilor Ben Weber, held a hearing to review the Fiscal Year 2027 operating budgets for the Assessing, Auditing, and Treasury departments, as well as the FY27 capital budget and FY27-2031 capital plan. The hearing began at 10:09 a.m. and included presentations from department heads, councilor questions, and public testimony. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational. Public Comments & Testimony - Gregory Maynard (Boston Policy Institute): Argued that the Wu administration's revenue forecasts have been significantly less accurate than those of the Walsh administration. He cited figures showing Wu's first three fiscal years over forecast by 6.5%, 4.4%, and 2.3% respectively, compared to Walsh's 1.7%, 0.9%, and 0.7%. He stated that inaccurate forecasts contribute to fiscal mismanagement and urged the administration to fix its forecasting methods. - Kevin Norton (Brighton resident): Expressed frustration over the lack of a community center in Allston/Brighton, specifically criticizing the delayed Jackson Mann Community Center project. He noted that other neighborhoods have multiple centers and called the situation a pattern of political emasculation and isolation of Allston/Brighton. - Ryan Kelso (Allston/Brighton DSA and Housing Action): Presented per capita capital budget data showing Allston/Brighton ranked fourth lowest among neighborhoods. He contrasted this with Roslindale ($190/capita, two centers), Hyde Park ($348/capita, one center), and Mission Hill ($478/capita, two centers) while Allston/Brighton ($500/capita) has only one underfunded center. He questioned the equity of investment. - Jason Yukins (President, BPA EMS Division): Urged that EMS station construction and renovation be made a capital priority, especially in Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan. He stated that facilities are out of date and undersized, impacting response times and workforce retention. Discussion Items Auditing Department (Scott Finn, City Auditor) - Finn outlined the department's mission: presenting the city's complete financial statement, processing payroll (29,800 employees, $2.46 billion in FY25), vendor payments (146,000 vouchers for 11,000 vendors), and publishing the annual comprehensive financial report. He noted the single audit included 12 federal programs in FY24. - He highlighted plans to transition a compliance officer position from ARPA funding to the operating budget to strengthen oversight, especially for sub-recipient monitoring, which is the most common audit finding. The city will also publish a simplified public annual financial report (10–20 pages) to supplement the lengthy technical report. - Councilor Flynn asked about the Wolf & Company audit of the Main Streets program; Finn confirmed it is a public document and would be provided. Flynn also asked about city credit cards; Finn stated very few exist (Mayor, himself, possibly one other) and offered a list. Finn addressed overspending concerns, stating controls were tightened mid-year as issues were identified. Assessing Department (Nick Aronello, Commissioner) - Aronello described assessing 190,000 real estate and personal property accounts valued at over $295 billion, with FY26 property taxes generating over $3.5 billion. About 75,000 properties received the residential exemption. The department has roughly 20 vacancies (about 13% below needed staff) due to a specialized, aging workforce; hardest to fill are experienced valuation positions. - On commercial property values, Aronello acknowledged declining office values but defended the assessment process, noting that assessments are backward-looking (values based on prior-year data). He explained that a sale occurring after the assessment date cannot be used for that year's value. - Regarding assessments of luxury properties, Aronello rejected claims of systemic underassessment, arguing that the Small Property Owner Association's report used sales from different time periods for low- and high-value properties, creating an artificial gap. He emphasized that the department uses mass appraisal with CAMA software, MLS data, permit data, annual street-view photography, and field visits. Abatement requests (under 3,000 out of 190,000 parcels) and appeals (under 0.5%) are low, suggesting overall accuracy. - On residential exemption: Boston is at the maximum state-allowed percentage. Increasing it would require state action and would shift the tax burden from lower-value to higher-value properties (progressive effect). Changes to exemptions (e.g., by neighborhood) would likely violate constitutional equity standards. - On senior tax relief (41D): Aronello stated that implementing the local option would not require additional staff, only changes to application materials. He noted the current elderly exemption helps around 1,300 seniors. Cost-of-living adjustments under 41D would accumulate over time but have a small initial impact. - Councilor Flynn asked about Moody's rating and the commercial property lawsuit; Aronello and Finn noted a negative judgment could impact the city's AAA stable rating, depending on liability amount. - Aronello announced he is leaving the department after 20 years (not retiring), with a transition plan in place. Councilors expressed appreciation for his service. Treasury Department (Jerica Bradley, First Assistant Collector Treasurer; Johnny Hernandez, Second Assistant Collector Treasurer) - Hernandez detailed collection rates: FY23: 99.2%, FY24: 99.2%, FY25: 99.1%. The division recovered $19.6M (FY23), $25.5M (FY24), and $26.1M (FY25) from delinquent accounts. Special projects in FY25 reduced tax takings by 700 accounts through outreach. - Bradley described the treasury side: managing cash flow, debt, investments, and fraud controls. Monthly volumes: over $100M payroll, $60M retiree payments, $200M vendor payments, $30M state/federal taxes. The city issues over 20,000 W-2s and transmits 1099s. - On revenue projections: Bradley attributed the drop in interest income to Federal Reserve rate cuts. The city is exploring alternative asset allocations within state guidelines (U.S. Treasuries, etc.) to stabilize revenue. Other revenue line items (jet fuel, permits) were deferred to the budget office. - On municipal depositories: Bradley noted the city already produces a lending deposit report and has BI tools to analyze branch availability by neighborhood; she expressed willingness to work with Councilor Louijeune on stronger reinvestment metrics. Capital Budget (Ian Donnelly, Deputy Budget Director and Director of Capital Plan) - Donnelly explained the five-year capital plan: bond authorizations carry over multiple years, so a project may not appear in a new loan order if prior authorization exists. Project timelines shift due to revenue projections, inflation, and bidding delays. - Councilors pressed for neighborhood equity: Louijeune, Pepin, and others cited concerns that Allston/Brighton, Mattapan, Hyde Park, and other areas see lower capital investment despite high homeownership. Donnelly acknowledged that citywide investments (e.g., repaving, parks) are the largest category but often not transparently allocated. He committed to improving communication and providing quarterly project-level reports including budget, timeline changes, and reasons for delays. - Specific project updates: - Jackson Mann Community Center: no immediate timeline; but state-of-good-repair work funded. - North End Library: state-of-good-repair work (windows, masonry) planned within next few years; larger project remains to be scheduled due to cash flow constraints. - South Boston Library: similar—short-term HVAC repairs, no major renovation planned. - Mattapan projects: Shaw Taylor Elementary advancing through MSBA process; Mattapan Hunt upgrades—outside work going to bid, interior later this year; Bookmark project moving forward with new artist. - Charlestown BCYF: recently studied; current facility considered adequate. - Donnelly noted a new debt policy allowing more flexible amortization (30% paid in first five years instead of 35%) to save about $30M in debt service in FY27, with potential long-term cost depending on future rates. Other Topics - Revenue forecasting: Chair Weber asked about interest income decline and the accuracy of projections. Bradley deferred specifics to the budget office but noted different economic conditions between administrations. Maynard's testimony criticized current forecasts. - Overtime expenditures: Councilor Culpepper requested data on departments exceeding overtime budgets; Finn agreed to provide it. - Good Landlord Tax Abatement: Aronello stated implementation is challenging due to constitutional fairness and direct city expenditure; administration has not yet found a viable structure. - Office of Residential Conversion: Aronello explained that the 75% abatement for up to 29 years defers new growth; the actual revenue loss is hard to calculate because without the incentive projects likely would not happen. - ISD ownership data: Aronello noted assessing data lags (quarterly updates) and that they work with ISD to improve accuracy. Key Outcomes - The city auditor committed to providing the Wolf & Company audit report on Main Streets and a list of employees with city-issued credit cards. - The assessing department will provide data on abatement applications and historical counts, as well as information on senior exemption uptake and denials. - The treasury department will explore enhanced community reinvestment reporting in its depository report. - The capital budget office will work to improve neighborhood-level transparency, including quarterly project updates by district. - No formal votes were taken; the hearing was part of the budget review process. The council will hold a public listening session at 6 p.m. that evening (May 26, 2026) and a supplemental hearing with the CFO on May 27. - Commissioner Nick Aronello announced his departure after 20 years; a transition plan is in place with the management team.

The Boston City Council Ways and Means Committee convened its fourth and final public testimony session on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget on May 26, 2026, at 6:11 PM in the Council Chamber. Chair Ben Weber (District 6) presided, joined by Councillors Mejia, Flynn, Culpepper, Durkin, Braden, Santana, Orell, and Louis Jen. The hearing was recorded and live-streamed, with interpretation available in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Haitian Creole. Over seven pages of speakers registered to testify, with strict two-minute limits enforced. The session focused on docket 0733–0740, the proposed operating budget submitted by Mayor Michelle Wu on April 8, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Youth and Community Members – Over two dozen youth, parents, teachers, and community organizers testified, overwhelmingly opposing the proposed cuts. Speakers from organizations such as NUBE (Neighbors United for a Better East Boston), the Boston Teachers Union (BTU), the Massachusetts Alliance of HUD Tenants, the NAACP Boston Education Committee, the Chinatown Community Land Trust, the Democratic Socialists of America, and the Boston People’s Response Campaign presented positions. - Cuts to Youth Jobs – Many youth speakers (Ozdear, 15, East Boston; Sasha Pilcher, 7th grader; Quincy Pierre, 17; Star Nunez; Develle Moore, 17; Henry Santana, 18; Sheri Williams, 16; and others) described youth jobs as life-changing opportunities providing income, mentorship, and safe spaces. They noted the proposed $6 million cut from 23.4 to 17.4 million would eliminate approximately 1,800 school-year youth jobs. Speakers argued this reduction would increase violence, mental health crises, and instability. - Cuts to Boston Public Schools – BTU Executive Vice President Leia Serena stated cuts would eliminate over 400 educator jobs, including more than 100 paraprofessionals. Teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents (Johanna Cordero, Tanya Escobar, Annabel Tavares, and others) highlighted the impact on students with disabilities and multilingual learners. Speakers called for a supplemental budget to restore student-facing positions and for long-term investment in social housing, citing Seattle’s model. - Cuts to Housing and Rent Subsidies – Representatives from the Mass Alliance of HUD Tenants and community land trusts (David Nolan, Michael Kane, Michelle De Lima, Lydia Lowe) argued that the proposed $2 million reduction in the city rent subsidy program would displace 83 previously homeless, extremely low-income families. They also urged restoration of the Acquisition Opportunity Program (AOP), which had saved 1,400 affordable units, and requested $3.5 million for AOP in FY27. - Cuts to Immigrant Services, LGBTQ+ Grants, Food Access – Several speakers (Adriana Manis, Simel Rodriguez, Fatima Pena, and others) decried cuts to the Office of Immigrant Advancement, the Office of Food Justice, and grants for Black male advancement and LGBTQ+ communities. They described these as essential for keeping families together and preventing exploitation. - Lack of Community Center in Allston-Brighton – Residents (Ricky Menke, Kate Wen, Sam Cooper, and others) noted that Allston-Brighton, the city’s second-largest neighborhood with 85,000 residents, lacks a fully functional BCYF community center. The Jackson Mann Community Center is condemned. They demanded $65 million in the capital budget for design and construction, and interim operating funding. - Boston People’s Response Campaign – Approximately 20 speakers (Yasmin Bailey, Amy Takanami, Marina Varhani, Maya Millis Cherkai, Thara Venkatraman, and others) urged the council to reject the mayor’s budget and include $4 million for a non-police, non-carceral, community-based mental health crisis response pilot. They argued that current police-led responses escalate crises and that such a model would save lives and money, citing national examples. - Library Funding – Librarians Bryce Kieran Healy and Madeline Wright noted that the Boston Public Library’s budget of $62 million and 550 staff is far below peer cities (Chicago: $113M, 1,152 staff). They stated the police overtime budget alone exceeds the library’s entire operating budget and called for increased library funding. - Police Budget – Several speakers (Michael Kane, David Nolan, Indigo D’Agnillo, and others) criticized the proposed $7 million increase in the police budget while social programs face cuts. They called for redirecting funds from police overtime to community services, noting that youth jobs reduce violence by 35% per city data. - Overall Demand to Reject the Budget – The overriding position from nearly every speaker was that the council should reject Mayor Wu’s proposed budget, restore all cuts, and use reserves or other sources to fully fund youth jobs, schools, housing, immigrant services, and mental health crisis response. Many emphasized that a budget is a moral document and that the city has sufficient free cash ($500M+ in reserves) to meet community needs. Discussion Items - Council Opening Statements – Each council member gave a one-minute statement. Councillor Mejia filed amendments to restore cuts and support the BTU’s call for a better BPS budget. Councillor Flynn noted that previous councils had voted down budgets initially to leverage more funding. Councillor Culpepper expressed solidarity with community concerns. Councillor Durkin advocated for vouchers, arts, ESOL for BPS parents, and the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute. President Braden thanked attendees and looked forward to amendment working sessions. Councillor Santana made restoring youth jobs his top priority. Chair Weber acknowledged the difficulty of the amendment process and thanked participants. Key Outcomes - No Immediate Vote – No formal vote was taken during this listening session. The hearing concluded at approximately 10:30 PM. - Next Steps – The council will hold working sessions to discuss amendments to the operating budget. Two additional budget hearings were scheduled for the following day. Chair Weber stated the committee must restore programs through a majority vote of the council. - Public Demand for Rejection – A strong, consistent call from the public urged the council to reject the mayor’s budget outright to force the addition of more funds from reserves, rather than relying on limited amendment powers. Several speakers noted that a rejection would allow the council to advocate for a revised budget with restored cuts.

The Boston City Council Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice, chaired by Councillor Henry Santana, held a hearing on Docket 0638 to examine the Boston Police Department's protocols for releasing police body-worn camera (BWC) and dashboard camera footage. The hearing took place on May 22, 2026, at 10:18 AM, was live-streamed, and included testimony from Police Commissioner Michael Cox, Chief of Staff Nicole Toob, General Counsel David Um Freddie, and Superintendent Paul McLaughlin. The hearing focused on Rule 405, which governs the release of BWC footage, and explored issues of transparency, timelines, officer access, and the role of oversight bodies like the Office of Police Accountability and Transparency (OPAT). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to testify. The chair noted that public testimony would have been taken at the end of the hearing, but no one had registered. Discussion Items - Overview of Rule 405: Commissioner Cox confirmed that Rule 405 is the internal policy governing BWC footage. He stated that the rule is updated as needed and was last revised on January 15, 2025. The rule does not set a specific timeline for releasing footage; decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, with the commissioner having final authority. The rule references the state public records law (Mass General Law Chapter 66, Section 10) for responding to public information requests. - Officer Access to Footage: Councillor Culpepper noted that under Rule 405 Section 6.2, officers involved in a shooting or use of deadly force may view their own BWC footage before giving a statement, with their attorney present, if approved by the supervisor in charge. In fatal incidents, however, the District Attorney's policy generally prohibits such review. Councillor Culpepper questioned whether this access should be clarified or limited, especially for witnesses. - Transparency and Timelines: Councillor Culpepper highlighted that Rule 405 provides no timeline for releasing footage after critical incidents. He contrasted this with New York's 45-day release policy. Commissioner Cox responded that the department follows the public records law, which has its own timelines and exemptions, including for active investigations. Councillor Culpepper noted that even the District Attorney must request footage from the BPD, as per Section 8.1. - OPAT and Oversight: Councillor Culpepper questioned why OPAT's recommendations are sometimes reinvestigated by Internal Affairs. The commissioner's legal counsel argued that the department must independently verify facts to sustain disciplinary actions. Councillor Culpepper pressed for a timeline for responding to OPAT's recommendations, referencing eight outstanding cases. Councillor Weber explored whether OPAT or an independent authority should have special access to footage during critical incidents; Commissioner Cox noted that OPAT's access is the same as the public's. - Public Records Requests: Councillor Luján asked about the backlog of BWC footage requests, noting that BPD reportedly received about 800 requests last year and fulfilled about 500. The department's general counsel clarified that of 1,273 requests, 722 were released and 551 were denied. Common denial reasons included active investigations, privacy concerns, and statutory exemptions (e.g., from the District Attorney). Requesters can appeal to the Supervisor of Public Records or file a lawsuit. - Revision Process and Community Input: Councillor Morrell asked how Rule 405 is updated. Commissioner Cox stated that updates are driven by changes in law, technology, or operational needs (e.g., federal task force assignments). The rule is drafted internally, but changes affecting officer working conditions are bargained with the union. Councillor Worrell requested a working session to compare the current rule with the 2022 Task Force recommendations, which included broader public access and clearer discipline procedures. Commissioner Cox indicated openness to such a review. - Form 26 Process: Councillor Culpepper questioned the use of Form 26, an internal form used by officers to forward subpoenas for BWC footage to the Video Evidence Unit. The commissioner and counsel clarified that Form 26 is not specific to officer-involved shootings but is a general internal communication tool; the Video Evidence Unit handles all requests. - Officer-Involved Shooting Protocols: Superintendent McLaughlin described that in an officer-involved shooting, BWC footage is immediately uploaded and access is restricted to a very small group (the investigative team). The Bureau of Investigative Services chief can expand access to additional investigators, but this does not extend to the public or non-investigative personnel. Councillor Fitzgerald inquired about basic protocols for camera activation, deactivation, and charging; the panel confirmed that patrol officers have two cameras to ensure battery life, and footage is retained per a schedule ranging from one year to indefinite, depending on the incident type (e.g., felony arrests are kept indefinitely). Key Outcomes - Hearing Purpose: The hearing served as an educational session to clarify existing protocols. No binding votes or decisions were taken. - Next Steps: Councillor Morrell and the chair agreed to a working session to compare the 2022 Task Force recommendations with Rule 405 and propose potential updates. Councillor Luján requested a detailed list of denied FOIA requests and the exemptions used. - Commissioner's Commitment: Commissioner Cox stated that the department will review Rule 405 for clarity, particularly regarding officer access provisions, and will consider input from the council's working session. The hearing was adjourned at approximately 12:30 PM.

On May 21, 2026, the Boston City Council Committee on Ways and Means, chaired by Councilor Ben Weber, held the second hearing of the day on the Boston Public Health Commission's (BPHC) fiscal year 2027 budget, covering infectious disease, child/adolescent/family health, violence prevention, and behavioral health and wellness. The hearing began at 3:06 PM and included presentations from BPHC Commissioner Dr. Bisola Ojikutu and Budget Director Chris Valdez, questions from councilors, and public testimony. No votes were taken; the hearing was adjourned after public testimony. Discussion Items - Child/Adolescent/Family Health (CAF): Dr. Ojikutu reported that in FY26, more than 1,200 young people received clinical services and training through CAF programs, including the Boston Area Health Education Center (118 youth), Peer Leadership Institute (40+ youth), Start Strong, and the Youth Development Network (220 youth). BPHC staffs eight school-based health centers which served 1,200+ students with medical services and 346 students for mental health services. A six-week paid summer enrichment program will host 110 students. - Maternal and Infant Health: BPHC continues implementing a fetal and infant mortality review (funded by a FY25 budget amendment) and has established a data-sharing agreement with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and onboarded a nurse coordinator. The Healthy Start Systems Division provided coordinated case management home visiting to over 1,700 pregnant and parenting families in FY26, and during the November federal government shutdown, distributed food and gift cards to 9,542 families. - Violence Prevention: The Office of Violence Prevention, led by Director Isaac Gbio, includes five programs. The Life Course Unit has three programs: Safe and Successful Youth Initiative (SSYI), Promoting Potential Boston (ages 16 and under), and the Men’s Health Initiative (ages 25+). The Community Healing Response Network (formerly Neighborhood Trauma Team) provides crisis intervention and long-term behavioral health services. The Domestic, Sexual, and Gender-Based Violence (DSG) Initiative, launched in early 2025, is funded at just over $300,000 with two FTEs. BPHC also developed a citywide summer safety plan announced May 20, 2026. Councilor Fitzgerald noted recent upticks in violence but Gbio reported shootings, victims, and homicides are down compared to last year and the five-year average. Gbio highlighted space activation events and partnerships with YOU Boston for youth employment. - Behavioral Health and Wellness: The Center for Behavioral Health and Wellness has focused on youth mental health, workforce development, and social determinants. In October 2025, BPHC co-hosted the first annual Social Determinants and Mental Health Summit. The center has trained 121 school personnel in trauma-informed practices. Partnerships include Franciscan Children’s (served over 300 BPS students), UMass Boston (trained 43 mental health counselors, 142 therapeutic mentors, 7 school psychologists, and 191 UMass students; served over 1,900 clients and 1,000 youth), and the Boston Area Health Education Center (124 students enrolled, 100% completion rate). - Community-Led Mental Health Crisis Response Pilot: Dr. Ojikutu announced an upcoming RFP for a peer-led pilot aiming to reduce police involvement in behavioral health crises. The pilot is funded at $1.7 million for 22 months and will launch in fall 2026 in one neighborhood (targeted at Dorchester, Mattapan, Roxbury). The design is meant to complement existing services, not replace them. Councilors questioned safety, coordination with BPD, and evaluation metrics. Dr. Ojikutu emphasized that the RFP will be issued in the next few weeks and a community advisory board will provide oversight. - Infectious Disease: BPHC focuses on surveillance, outbreak investigation, and preparedness for FIFA World Cup and other major events. The wastewater surveillance program has been expanded to neighborhood-level detection for flu, COVID-19, measles, and RSV. BPHC hosted 27 free vaccine clinics and is combating vaccine misinformation. A 30% increase in health insurance enrollments was seen in FY26 (over 1,100 individuals enrolled or re-enrolled). - Community Initiatives: Includes Breathe Easy at Home (asthma), tobacco prevention (1,200 merchant inspections, 701 permits issued, 32 tobacco and 40 secondhand smoke complaints resolved), and a new learning collaborative on nutrition and physical activity for young children. - Councilor Questions and Requests: Councilor Louijeune asked about school-based health center locations and the need for more resources for domestic violence survivors. Councilor Fitzgerald questioned safety of the mental health pilot. Councilor Culpepper pressed on community oversight of the pilot. Councilor Durkin inquired about partnerships with Atrius Health Equity Foundation (remaining $5 million for 2028) and advocated for higher pay for street outreach workers. Chair Weber raised a potential pilot for food stipends for pregnant women based on research from Harvard School of Public Health. - Letters and Comments: Chair Weber read questions from Councilor Coletta Zapata (on maternity leave) regarding the DSG initiative, community safety funding, noise complaints, and coordination with BPD. Councilor Flynn left early but thanked BPHC for work on HIV/AIDS and Asian health. Public Comments & Testimony - Alexandra Dorellis (Louis D. Brown Peace Institute): Requested a three-year commitment of $1 million annually to sustain survivor support services for families impacted by homicide. She described the Peace Institute's long-term care model and partnership with BPHC’s Community Healing Response Network. Noted that approximately 64% of homicides served are in Boston, but the city contributes a small portion of costs. - Multiple speakers from Boston People’s Response Campaign (including Amantala Sit, Amy Takanami, Khalik Williams, Maya Cherkai, Thara Venkataraman, Star Nunez, Shil Yu Wong, Esther Serra Luque, Maria Fong, Dr. Christine Mitchell, Happy Osuwa, Sarah Omki, Yasmin Bailey, Sherry Williams, Nayung Kim, Ariel Ellison, Charming Salamang, Shanique Chacon, Joaquin Atala Gutierrez): Unanimously urged the council to reject Mayor Wu’s proposed budget and fully fund a $4 million non-police, non-carceral, community-led mental health crisis response pilot. They argued that the existing $1.7 million pilot is insufficient and that the model designed by the community (the Boston People’s Response) should be implemented. Speakers cited personal and professional experiences, data on police violence against people with mental illness, the disproportionate impact on BIPOC and queer communities, and the success of similar models elsewhere. Several speakers also called for restoring cuts to youth jobs and other services. - Sam (Boston Saving Lives Project): Supported non-police crisis response but also called for empowering fire and EMS, and expressed concern that the current capital budget does not allocate enough to parks and health infrastructure. Advocated for collaboration and avoiding false narratives. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken to approve or reject the budget. The hearing was informational and part of the council’s budget review process. - The council will consider public testimony and commissioner responses in upcoming budget deliberations. - BPHC will provide data on police-involved mental health calls and successful models from other cities (e.g., Lynn, MA) to councilors. - The RFP for the $1.7 million peer-led mental health crisis pilot will be issued in the coming weeks. - Several councilors expressed interest in further discussions on funding the Boston People’s Response model and other community priorities.

The Boston City Council's Ways and Means Committee, chaired by Councilor Ben Weber (District 6), held a morning hearing on May 21, 2026, to review the Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget for the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC). The session focused on BPHC overview, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), recovery services, and homeless services. Presenters included Commissioner Dr. Basola Ojikutu, Budget Director Chris Valdez, and EMS Chief Jim Hooley. The hearing began at 10:15 AM and featured a presentation, councilor questions, and public testimony. An afternoon session was scheduled for 3:00 PM to cover infectious diseases, child/adolescent health, violence prevention, and behavioral health. Public Comments & Testimony - Jason Yudkins (President, BPPA EMS Division): Expressed concerns about low pay for EMTs and paramedics, noting a 60% pay disparity compared to firefighters. Emphasized retention struggles due to inadequate compensation and called for investment in personnel, equipment, and infrastructure. - Miles Royal (EMT, Boston EMS): Highlighted the high volume of 140,000+ emergency incidents per year and stressed the need for continued investment in staffing, equipment, and mental health support for first responders. - Rory Deering (EMT, Boston EMS): Raised health and safety concerns about aging ambulance fleet, citing diesel exhaust exposure. Urged modernization and proactive maintenance. - James McCabe (Vice President, BPPA EMS Division): Called for equal treatment of EMS as essential work and addressed pay disparity, emphasizing the life-saving role of EMS in city violence responses. - George May IV (Paramedic, virtual testimony): Reported a recent incident where a personal flotation device (PFD) was not available in an ambulance during a water rescue. Requested equipment improvements. Discussion Items - BPHC Overview and Budget (Dr. Basola Ojikutu & Chris Valdez): The Commission faces fiscal pressures from rising fringe benefit costs. The FY27 budget shows a 1.6% year-over-year increase after restructuring to avoid service cuts. Federal funding decreased from $50M to $41M, partly due to ARPA phase-out. Opioid settlement funds total $18M for a four-year plan. Capital projects include a new EMS station on the South Boston waterfront (2026) and radio infrastructure upgrades. - Live Long and Well Initiative: Aims to close life expectancy gaps by 2035. Highlights include $5M investment in community partnerships for wealth building in Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan; $1M for Black men's health; and $1M for cancer prevention. - Recovery Services: Reported a 39% decrease in overdose mortality from 2023 to 2024, and a continued 9% decrease into 2025. The PASS program made 1,274 client placements through April 2026. Syringe collection uses multiple strategies (Mobile Sharps, outreach teams, New Market partnership, kiosks). The High Utilizer Table case-managed 30 individuals, connecting 22 to services. - Homeless Services: Shelters served 2,884 unique individuals and 643,942 meals by April 2026. 80 clients moved to permanent housing, 9 to long-term treatment. - EMS Performance (Chief Jim Hooley): In 2025, EMS responded to 141,000 incidents with 95,503 transports. Priority one median response time improved to 6.8 minutes citywide (down from 7.5). A new 24-hour ambulance (Ambulance 21) added in Dorchester; night shift expanded in Jamaica Plain/Roslindale (Ambulance 17). Alternative Response Model (ARM) units handle behavioral health calls, expanded to 7 days/week, 16 hours/day. EMS budget is 89% personnel costs. Attrition decreased from 40 departures in 2022 to 15 in 2025. Hired 67 new EMTs in 2025. 22 members promoted. 26 ambulances on order. - Pay and Retention Concerns: Councillors Flynn, Braden, Fitzgerald, and others raised the issue of low EMT/paramedic pay relative to police and fire. Chief Hooley noted pay is set through collective bargaining. Multiple councilors expressed support for increasing compensation and advocated for better recognition of EMS. - Other Issues: Councillor Braden asked about immigration enforcement deterring care; Dr. Ojikutu confirmed anecdotal reports of fear and assured safe spaces. Councillor Fitzgerald asked about operational priorities; Chief Hooley identified personnel as top priority. Councillor Culpepper asked about diversity in hiring; Chief Hooley committed to providing demographic breakdowns. Councillor Culpepper also raised a feasibility study on in-house laundry services for shelters. Key Outcomes - No votes taken; this was a review hearing with Q&A. - Data commitments: Chief Hooley agreed to provide breakdowns by race and gender for EMT recruit classes (80 students), 67 new hires, and 22 promotions. - Follow-up: Councillor Flynn requested a meeting on HIV outreach. Councillor Fitzgerald noted a working session on Kratom ban. - Next steps: The opioid settlement RFP ($600,000) will be released in June. The Commission will continue workforce improvement and compensation studies. - Noted: The incident involving a missing PFD led to immediate distribution of flotation devices in all ambulances. Adjournment The morning hearing adjourned at approximately 12:45 PM, with the afternoon session scheduled for 3:00 PM.

The Public Improvement Commission (PIC) of Boston, chaired by Interim Chief of Streets Nick Gove, convened on May 21, 2026, at 3:00 PM UTC. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, two public hearing items, and four new business items. All agenda items were continued to future hearing dates, with no final decisions made. Key next hearing dates are June 4, 2026, and June 25, 2026. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The commission approved the minutes from the May 7, 2026 hearing. Motion made, seconded, and passed without opposition. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were recorded during this meeting. Discussion Items - Public Hearing Item 1 – Washington 3458 LLC (Pedestrian Easement): The proponent requested a continuance to the June 4, 2026 hearing to finalize details on pedestrian ramps at 3458 Washington Street and Kenton Road in West Roxbury. The commission granted the continuance. - Public Hearing Item 2 – Washington 3458 LLC (Specific Repairs): The same proponent requested a continuance to June 4, 2026, for curb, sidewalk, and pedestrian ramp design items. The commission granted the continuance. - New Business Item 1 – Franciscan Hospital for Children (Pedestrian Easement & Specific Repairs): Howard Mosier (VHB) and Jennifer Atlas (Franciscan Children's Hospital) presented a campus modernization plan at 30-81 Warren Street and Cambridge Street in Brighton. The project includes a new clinical building, closure of curb cuts, raised pedestrian crossings, new sidewalks, trees, lighting, and a pedestrian easement of approximately 7,700 square feet. The commission thanked the team and continued the item to June 4, 2026. - New Business Item 2 – Mildred Haley Revitalization (Specific Repairs): Steven Metresca (Nich Engineering) presented on behalf of Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation and Boston Housing Authority for 265-279 Center Street and Lamartine Street in Roxbury. The project includes street curb bump-outs, new trees (with one removal requiring a tree hearing), restriped crosswalks, and widened sidewalks. Due to a scheduling conflict with a tree hearing on June 4 at 10:00 AM, the commission continued the item to June 25, 2026. - New Business Item 3 – Robert Lawson Park Renovation (Specific Repairs): Jacob Murray (Waterfield Design Group) presented on behalf of Boston Parks and Recreation for Columbus Avenue and Washington Street in Roxbury. The project involves renovating the existing park within the right-of-way, with no changes to sidewalk limits. The item was continued to June 4, 2026. - New Business Item 4 – 1905-1911 Center Street (Pedestrian Easement & Specific Repairs): Michael Joyce (Joyce Consultant Group) presented for Cat Builders LLC at Center Street and Park Street in West Roxbury. The project includes a four-story, 21-unit mixed-use building, closure of two curb cuts, new street trees, bike racks, benches, pedestrian ramps, and a 14-square-foot pedestrian easement. The item was continued to June 4, 2026. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: Unanimous approval of the May 7, 2026 hearing minutes. - Continuances Granted: All six agenda items were continued to future hearings: - Washington 3458 LLC (pedestrian easement and specific repairs) → June 4, 2026. - Franciscan Hospital for Children (pedestrian easement and specific repairs) → June 4, 2026. - Mildred Haley Revitalization (specific repairs) → June 25, 2026 (due to tree hearing conflict). - Robert Lawson Park Renovation (specific repairs) → June 4, 2026. - 1905-1911 Center Street (pedestrian easement and specific repairs) → June 4, 2026. - No Final Decisions: All items were continued without votes on the merits; no permits were issued.

The Boston City Council met on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 12:12 PM in the Christopher Iannella Chamber. The meeting included a lengthy debate on the FY27 operating budget, passage of numerous grant appropriations, recognition of EMS Week and Memorial Day, and a historic presentation honoring Fire Commissioner Rodney Marshall. The meeting adjourned at 4:17 PM. Consent Calendar - Resolutions (Dockets 1073–1081): Adopted unanimously. Recognitions included the Fenway Civic Association, West Roxbury’s 175th anniversary, Eagle Scout Matthew Ethan Bareng, Mandy Bass, Glenway's Group of Musicians, Mothers Against Drugs Inc., Emerson College UnCommon Corner, Copley Square Farmer's Market, and Dr. Imari K. Paris Jeffries. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the meeting. The invocation by Reverend Kaitlin Ho Givens of Resurrection Church in East Boston focused on immigrant advocacy and resilience but was not a public testimony period. Discussion Items - FY27 Operating Budget (Dockets 0733-0740, 0747): The Council debated a motion to suspend Rule 24 to allow a vote to reject the FY27 budget. Councilor Worrell moved the suspension, seconded by Councilor Mejia, arguing that rejection would give the Council leverage to demand a budget that restores cuts to youth jobs, housing vouchers, and other services. Councilor Weber, Chair of Ways and Means, opposed the suspension, advocating for the amendment process and warning against inflating revenue or depleting reserves. After extensive debate, the motion to suspend Rule 24 failed 6-6 (Breadon, Durkan, Louijeune, Pepén, Santana, Weber voting no; Culpepper, FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Worrell voting yes). The budget remained in committee. - Police Overtime and Staffing Hearings (Dockets 0591, 0696): Councilor Santana reported that the Committee on Public Safety held a hearing on May 19, 2026. Councilors Murphy and Flynn expressed disappointment that Police Commissioner Cox did not attend, leaving Lisa O’Brien to answer questions. The dockets remain in committee for a future hearing. - Special Law – Age Waiver for Police (Docket 1053): Councilor Culpepper filed a home rule petition for Jorge Enriquez, a veteran, to join BPD. The petition passed 10-0-3 (Durkan, Santana not present; Coletta Zapata absent). - 17F Reform (Docket 1054): Councilor Flynn filed a petition to amend the city’s 17F information request process, citing 12 unanswered requests. Referred to Government Operations. - Firefighter Cancer Screenings (Docket 1055): Councilor Murphy withdrew the hearing order after learning $150,000 of $1.2 million in grant funding was secured for screenings, but $980,000 remains unfunded. She will pursue an amendment. - Snow & Winter Management Costs (Docket 1056): Councilor Worrell filed a hearing order to examine FY26 costs after a $47 million supplemental appropriation. Referred to Post-Audit. - PFAS in Firefighter Gear (Docket 1057): Councilor Culpepper filed a hearing to transition to PFAS-free turnout gear. Referred to Public Safety. - Property Tax Rates (Docket 1058): Councilor Worrell filed a hearing to examine FY27 rates amid rising homeowner bills. Referred to Ways and Means. - New City Positions (Docket 1059): Councilor Murphy’s 17F request for positions created since January 15, 2025, passed. - Resolutions: Adopted: EMS Week (1060), Bike Month (1061), Immigrant Heritage Month (1062), Memorial Day (1063), Boston Debate League 20th Anniversary (1065), COLA for Retirees (1066). Not adopted: Resolution calling for rescission of elected official salary increases (1064) – failed 3-9 (Culpepper, Flynn, Murphy yes). Docket 1067 withdrawn. - Personnel Orders (Dockets 1068-1072, 1082): Temporary appointments for council staff passed. - Fuel Contracts (Dockets 0919, 0920): Councilor Flynn moved to approve five-year contracts for biodiesel, fuel, and heating oil. Passed 11-0-2. - VITA Grant (Docket 0762): $250,000 grant for free tax preparation services passed 11-0-2. - Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant (Docket 0979): $49,476 grant for protective equipment passed 11-0-2. - Other Grants: YouthWorks ($2.52M, passed 12-0-1), RAY Fellowship ($178K, passed), Sports & Entertainment Events Fund ($100K for World Cup watch parties, passed 12-0-1), Pride table in-kind donation ($428.67, passed 12-0-1). Key Outcomes - FY27 Budget Rejection Motion Failed (6-6): The Council will proceed with the amendment process; budget remains in committee. - Grants Approved: YouthWorks, RAY Fellowship, Sports & Entertainment, Pride donation, VITA, Firefighter Safety Equipment – all passed with strong majorities. - Landmarks and Commission Appointments (Dockets 1037-1040): Referred to Planning, Development, and Transportation. - Memorial Day Adjournment: The Council adjourned in memory of World War II Veteran John Bernard Arnold III, Roscoe Baker, Nerva Desir, and Congressman Barney Frank. Next meeting scheduled for June 3, 2026, at 12:00 PM.

The Public Facilities Commission (PFC) met on May 20, 2026, to consider three matters presented by the Mayor's Office of Housing (MOH). The meeting included the approval of prior meeting minutes and three unanimous votes: a tentative developer designation for a Dorchester parcel, a conveyance for a Roxbury open space project, and acceptance of a state grant for foreclosure prevention counseling. All votes were approved unanimously by Commissioners Larry Mamoli and Donald Wright. Consent Calendar - Approval of Draft Meeting Minutes (April 29, 2026): The commission approved the minutes for the prior Public Facilities Department meeting via roll call vote (2-0). Discussion Items - Vote 1: Tentative Developer Designation for 87-89 Mountain Avenue, Dorchester – Presented by Minnu Yen (Project Manager, Real Estate Management and Sales, MOH). The parcel, vacant for 34 years, will be sold to 8789 Mountain LLC for $55,000 and preserved as open space. A public process included a neighborhood association meeting in November 2025 and an RFP issued in February 2026. The vote package included a site map and current site images. Unanimous approval. - Vote 2: Conveyance to Urban Edge Housing Corporation for 7 Waldron Road, Roxbury – Presented by Teresa Stracella (Development Officer, Grow Boston Division, MOH). The parcel, approximately 4,095 square feet, will be conveyed for $100 to Urban Edge for development as protected open space. Phase one includes removal of hazardous fence posts, a new shade structure with wheelchair-accessible picnic tables, and resurfaced pathways. Phase two includes additional shade trees, decorative permeable pavers, benches, and landscaping. The project has community support and a deed restriction will ensure permanent open space. Unanimous approval. - Vote 3: Acceptance of State Grant for Foreclosure Prevention Counseling – Presented by Sylvia Adorno (Senior Program Manager, Boston Home Center, MOH). MOH accepted a $127,442 grant from the Massachusetts Division of Banks, a reduction from $3.5 million statewide last year to $2.1 million this year. The grant will fund foreclosure prevention and intervention services for Boston homeowners through calendar year 2026. Services include technical assistance to nonprofit partners (Urban Edge, ABCD Mattapan Family Center, ESAC), enhanced marketing (over 35 bus shelter ads), and home preservation support. To date in fiscal year 2026, MOH assisted 48 homeowners (most elderly), completed 94 new client intakes, and helped 98 homeowners avoid foreclosure (44% via loan modifications, 4% via home preservation services). Of new clients, 44% were delinquent on mortgages, 40% were at risk, and 16% had already been petitioned. Unanimous approval. Key Outcomes - All three votes (votes 1, 2, and 3) were approved unanimously by Commissioners Mamoli and Wright. - The meeting adjourned following the final vote.

The Ways and Means Committee, chaired by Councillor Ben Weber (District Six), held a hearing on May 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM to review the Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget for the Boston Public Library (BPL), covering docket numbers 0733 to 0740. The proposed budget is $50.724 million, a flat budget that is $1.5 million below the maintenance level, achieved by holding vacancies and small trims. No layoffs or hour reductions are planned. The panel included BPL President David Leonard, Chief Financial Officer Emily To Karzik, Director of Library Services Michael Colford, and Director of Neighborhood Services Priscilla Foley. The hearing included a presentation, councilor questions, and public testimony. Public Comments & Testimony - Bryce Healy (cataloging supervisor and chief steward of the Boston Public Library Professional Staff Association, BPLPSA): Opposed the budget cut, calling it a step backward. He stated the library is "treading water" and the cut appears designed to "break rather than build." He highlighted underfunding relative to peers, increased workload in his department, and the need for increased funding for collections, programming, staffing, and compensation. - Ali Hahn (president of BPLPSA, children's librarian at Brighton Branch): Acknowledged the budget avoids layoffs and closures but argued it has "incredibly real impacts" on communities. She cited rising costs of digital materials, longer hold times, and the library's role as a free preschool provider. She urged the council to reverse the cuts. Discussion Items - Budget Overview: David Leonard noted the library was originally asked for a 2% cut but negotiated a flat budget that excludes layoffs and maintains current hours. The $50.724M budget is $1.5M below what would be needed to maintain current services; reductions come primarily from holding 45–55 vacancies (about half currently released for hiring). The library’s strategic plan (2024) finds the BPL critically underfunded compared to peers. - Collections Budget: CFO Emily To Karzik reported the city provides $3.5–4 million annually for collections; state aid requires spending 12% of city operating dollars (over $6M total). Digital materials cost $70 per item (vs. $20 for physical) and are valid for only two years. Demand for digital exceeds physical: 5.4 million digital items were downloaded in 2025 vs. 1.9 million physical items borrowed. A single fiction title, Yesteryear, has 4,600 holds on 417 copies, resulting in hold times of 305 days for an ebook, 270 days for an audiobook, and 50 days for print. A $200,000 collections cut from the prior year (with $100,000 restored by the council) is carried forward. - Capital Projects: Fields Corner Branch is nearly complete (opening fall 2026). South End Branch: money is in the capital plan, design is fixed; an alley access issue is being resolved with three community options; construction should start within the next fiscal year. Chinatown Branch: construction underway; the temporary branch is open; half the collection will be in Chinese; staff include multilingual speakers. South Boston Branch: a programming study is in the five-year capital plan but with no guaranteed timeline. Eggleston Square Branch: design nearly complete, awaiting funding availability after South End. Central Library: renovation planning underway for the McKim building; a current exhibition on the Declaration of Independence (eight copies) runs through September. - Staffing and Programs: The library uses external funds (primarily the Boston Public Library Fund, a 501c3) for most programming; external funding in FY24 was $3.4M and in FY25 $3.8M. ESOL and literacy programs have waitlists. Michael Colford detailed ESOL classes and conversation groups at multiple branches. Priscilla Foley described a furniture survey and efforts to refresh aging furniture in branches further out on the capital plan. - Diversity Hiring: A $50,000 council amendment from last year supports a partnership with Simmons University to diversify the librarian pipeline. Three positions (one external, two internal) are in the program. - Ice Skater: Councillor Flynn inquired about the Chinatown branch’s Cantonese-speaking services and the South End branch’s flood mitigation (equipment moved from basement to interior/roof). Councillor Braden asked about Holman Library AV equipment (gift agreement with Harvard being finalized) and partnerships with Boston Public Schools. Chair Weber asked about West Roxbury Library carpet replacement (operations team to identify needs) and budget line items. Key Outcomes - No votes or decisions were taken; the hearing was informational to gather testimony for the budget record. - Councilors expressed strong support for the library system, praised staff, and committed to advocating for adequate funding. - The committee will consider potential amendments to the FY2027 budget before final approval. - The next public listening session is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chamber.