Ways & Means FY27 Budget: Public Testimony on May 26, 2026 at 6:00pm

The Boston City Council held a public testimony session on May 26, 2026, as part of the Ways & Means Committee's review of the FY27 budget. The hearing focused heavily on community concerns regarding proposed budget cuts by Mayor Michelle Woo, particularly affecting youth employment programs, public education staffing, affordable housing, immigrant services, and mental health crisis response initiatives. Numerous residents, youth workers, educators, and community advocates testified against reductions in funding for youth jobs, school paraprofessionals, housing subsidies, and community-based mental health programs such as the Boston People's Response. Several speakers urged the council to reject the mayor's budget proposal and instead amend it to restore and increase funding for these critical social services. The session also included discussions about reallocating funds from the police budget to support community needs and calls for capital investments in community centers and public infrastructure. The council members expressed their commitment to consider amendments and work collaboratively to address the community's priorities in the final budget.