Ways & Means FY27 Budget: Public Testimony on April 28, 2026 at 6:00pm

The Boston City Council held a public testimony session on April 28, 2026, focused on the fiscal year 2027 budget. The session featured extensive public input primarily advocating for funding priorities related to youth employment programs, housing stability initiatives such as Access to Counsel, and a $4 million pilot for a non-police, community-based mental health crisis response model known as the Boston People's Response. Testifiers highlighted concerns about recent budget cuts to youth jobs and housing programs, emphasizing the negative impacts on vulnerable populations including students and families facing eviction. Multiple speakers urged the council to restore or increase funding for these programs, contrasting these needs with the city's substantial police budget and overtime expenditures. The council acknowledged the importance of these issues and committed to further budget discussions and listening sessions, with an emphasis on addressing community safety, mental health, and equity through budget allocations.