Ways & Means Hearing FY27 Budget: Age Strong, VETS, Returning Citizens on May 14, 2026 at 10:00am

The Boston City Council held a Ways & Means hearing on May 14, 2026, to review the FY27 budget proposals for the Age Strong, Veterans, and Returning Citizens departments. The hearing focused heavily on the significant budget cuts proposed for these departments, particularly grant reductions ranging from 12% to 49%, which sparked concern among council members and community advocates. Department heads detailed their services, including support for older adults, veterans' benefits and outreach, and re-entry programs for returning citizens, emphasizing the critical role of grants in supplementing their work. Councilors and public testimony strongly opposed the cuts, highlighting the potential negative impacts on vulnerable populations and urging restoration of funding. Discussions also covered the budget submission process, with departments initially proposing 2% cuts but ultimately facing much larger reductions due to citywide fiscal constraints. The council expressed intent to work on amendments to restore funding where possible, recognizing the importance of these services to the community.