Ways & Means on March 24, 2026

The Boston City Council Committee on Ways & Means held a public testimony session on March 24, 2026, focused primarily on the Boston Public Schools (BPS) budget for fiscal year 2027. Numerous speakers, including parents, teachers, paraprofessionals, students, and community advocates, testified about the proposed budget cuts that threaten to reduce staffing for librarians, paraprofessionals, bilingual teachers, counselors, and special education personnel. Many urged the council to allocate an additional 1% of the city budget (approximately $48 million) to restore and enhance funding for critical educational and support services, emphasizing the impact on English language learners, students with disabilities, and mental health resources. Testimony also included requests for capital funding release for library building projects and community infrastructure such as bike lane safety improvements and public restrooms near transit hubs. Several speakers highlighted the need for increased legal defense funding for immigrants and support for caregiver programs addressing family trauma and incarceration. The session concluded with a summary of written testimonies received on similar topics. No formal votes or motions were recorded during this session, but the extensive public input is expected to inform upcoming budget deliberations.