Ways & Means on March 5, 2026

The Boston City Council Committee on Ways and Means held a hearing on March 5, 2026, focusing on the city's fiscal year 2027 operating budget with particular attention to housing and immigration issues. Key city officials, including Sheila Dillon from the Mayor's Office of Housing, Rick Wilson, and Monique Wynne from the Mayor's Office of Immigration Advancement, presented updates on affordable housing production, homelessness initiatives, and immigrant services. Discussions highlighted accomplishments such as the creation of over 6,200 income-restricted housing units, housing placement for thousands of homeless households, and extensive immigrant legal and youth programs. However, challenges were noted, including federal funding uncertainties, especially regarding HUD grants and the Continuum of Care program, rising construction costs, and the need for budget adjustments amid resource constraints. Councilors debated policy options like temporarily rolling back inclusionary development policies to stimulate housing production and emphasized the importance of legal services and housing stability programs. Public testimony underscored community priorities for increased investment in housing, immigration support, and food access. The hearing underscored the council's commitment to addressing housing affordability and immigrant support within the constraints of a tight budget environment.