Boston City Council Regular Meeting - June 10, 2026

The Boston City Council held a regular meeting on June 10, 2026, at 12:00 PM in the Christopher Iannella Chamber. The meeting included two presentations celebrating Pride Month and recognizing June 19, 2026, as Napoleon Jones-Henderson Day, followed by approval of several consent agenda items, committee reports, and a lengthy debate on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The council passed a $8.1 million amendment package to restore funding for housing vouchers, senior services, youth jobs, arts, and other programs, and approved the FY2027 budget as amended.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the June 3, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously.
• Consent Agenda Resolutions: The council approved a consent agenda containing 15 resolutions recognizing individuals and events, including Glenway Musicians, Dorchester Day Award winners, and several centenarians.

Presentations

• Pride Month Celebration: Councilor Santana led a presentation featuring speakers Christian Gardet (artist and mental health specialist), Tina Jushi Caruso (artist and advocate), and a third speaker who emphasized the need for sustained support for LGBTQ+ communities, including restoring funding to the Office of LGBTQIA+ Advancement.
• Napoleon Jones-Henderson Day: Councilor Mejia presented a resolution declaring June 19, 2026, as Napoleon Jones-Henderson Day, honoring the late artist and mentor who helped bring Juneteenth celebrations to Boston. Akua Holmes spoke about his legacy.

Communications from the Mayor

• Docket 1181: A $1,000,000 Cummings Community Safety Grant from the Cummings Foundation to support community safety, public health, community events, and youth engagement initiatives. Passed unanimously (12-0).
• Docket 1182: A $3,220 MassAbility/Rehabilitation Commission grant to fund employment and training assistance for disabled individuals at Boston's MassHire Career Centers. Passed unanimously (12-0).

Reports of Public Officers and Others

• Dockets 1183-1185: Placed on file, including a notice of Mayoral actions, election results for the Boston Retirement Board, and a communication from Councilor Flynn regarding elevator failure protocol at BHA developments.

Reports of Committees

• Appointments to Landmarks and Historic District Commissions (Dockets 0796-0800, 1037-1040): The council confirmed eight appointments and reappointments to the Boston Landmarks Commission, Back Bay Architectural District Commission, and Fort Point Channel Landmark District Commission, following a committee hearing on June 5, 2026. All passed with 11-0 or 12-0 votes.
• Revolving Fund Limits (Dockets 0741-0754): The council approved 14 revolving fund limits for FY2027, covering Boston Public Schools facilities, transportation, technology, environmental conservation, energy, BERDO, BCYF child care, Law Department property repairs, Police Department fitness center and K-9 training, Arts & Culture public art and Strand Theatre, Tourism, and the Transportation Department bikeshare program. All passed unanimously with roll call votes ranging from 11-0 to 12-0.

Discussion Items: FY2027 Budget (Docket 0733)

• The council debated the FY2027 operating budget, which grew by 2.1% (the slowest since the Great Recession). Councilor Weber, Chair of Ways and Means, introduced a substituted committee report totaling $8.1 million in amendments, restoring cuts to housing vouchers ($2 million), senior programming ($1.2 million), youth jobs ($750,000), Black Male Advancement ($555,000), LGBTQ+ Advancement ($200,000), Women's Advancement ($100,000), arts and culture ($600,000), small businesses ($600,000), food access ($400,000), returning citizens ($750,000), and other programs.
• Amendments Considered:
  • Councilor Coletta Zapata moved to restore $1.2 million for the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Advancement but withdrew the motion after discussion.
  • Councilor Fitzgerald offered a $1.4 million amendment (funded by cuts to Boston Transportation Department personnel) to support the coordinated response team, age-strong grants, food justice, EMS health and wellness, legacy business awards, MWBE procurement readiness, youth jobs, arts and culture, human rights commission, veterans, and fair housing testing. Passed 10-3.
  • Councilor Fitzgerald offered a second amendment restoring $140,000 for MOIA ESOL and miscellaneous grants from various department cuts. Passed 12-0.
  • Councilor Flynn offered three amendments (total $1.5 million) funded by cuts to Neighborhood Services for BPD crime lab equipment, BPD health and wellness, and firefighter cancer screening. All three were defeated (2-10 or 2-9).
  • Councilor Mejia offered three amendments (total $3.08 million) funded by cuts to BPD personnel and housing services for food justice, housing, arts, veterans, and youth jobs. All three were defeated (3-9 or 4-9).
  • Councilor Culpepper offered an amendment ($200,000) funded by BTD contractual services for PFAS-free turnout gear for firefighters. Defeated 5-7.
• After debate, the council passed the amended budget (Docket 0733) by a vote of 12-1, with Councilor Mejia voting no. The final budget includes the Fitzgerald amendments and the original chair's package.

Motions, Orders, and Resolutions

• Dockets 1186-1196 (except 1192): Tabled to the next regular meeting on June 24, 2026, by a 10-1 vote (Councilor Mejia opposed).
• Docket 1192 (17F Order): Councilor Flynn's order requesting data on housing units and affordable units approved over the last ten years by neighborhood and council district passed unanimously (10-0).

Late Files and Consent Agenda

• Late Files: Ten personnel orders were added and passed unanimously.
• Consent Agenda: The previously listed 15 resolutions were approved.

Adjournment

• The council adjourned in memory of several individuals: Mildred "Millie" Driscoll, William "Billy" Michael Sullivan Sr., Helene L. "Betsy" McDonough, and Richard Sullivan. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

Key Outcomes

• Approved $1,003,220 in grants (Cummings Community Safety Grant and MassAbility grant).
• Confirmed eight appointments to historic and landmarks commissions.
• Approved 14 revolving fund limits for FY2027.
• Passed the FY2027 operating budget ($4.9 billion) with $8.1 million in amendments, restoring funding for housing, seniors, youth, arts, small businesses, and equity offices.
• Passed a 17F order for housing data.
• Adjourned in memory of four individuals.