Ways & Means FY27 Budget: YEA, YOU, YEO on May 5, 2026 at 3:00pm

The Boston City Council held a Ways & Means Committee hearing on May 5, 2026, focused on the FY27 budget for youth services, including youth employment programs. The meeting featured presentations from city officials overseeing youth workforce development and extensive public testimony from youth and community representatives. A major procurement-related issue discussed was the proposed $6 million cut to year-round youth jobs funding, which currently supports approximately 1,700 jobs. Panelists and public speakers emphasized the critical role of these jobs in providing employment, mentorship, and safe spaces for youth, particularly those facing systemic barriers. The council members expressed concern about the budget cuts and discussed the need to secure alternative funding sources, including private partnerships and grants, to maintain youth employment programs. The hearing highlighted the tension between budget constraints and the commitment to youth job guarantees, with calls to restore funding and prioritize youth employment over other budget areas such as policing. No specific contract awards or RFPs were mentioned, but the discussion centered on budget allocations and funding strategies for youth employment initiatives.