# Boston City Council Meeting on September 16, 2026

The Boston City Council held a meeting on September 16, 2026, focused primarily on the acceptance and expansion of a $12,855,000 grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies to support the Boston Skilled Trades Initiative. This multi-year grant, administered by the Office of Workforce Development, aims to enhance vocational training, expand pre-apprenticeship opportunities, and support student participation in registered apprenticeship programs, particularly through Madison Park High School and partner Boston Public Schools. The initiative targets building pathways in construction, water utility management, and other skilled trades, with a focus on student persistence, employer engagement, and program coordination. Council members and public testimony emphasized the importance of expanding access to after-hours training across multiple schools citywide, addressing transportation challenges, and tracking student outcomes such as apprenticeship placement and wage increases. The council discussed program details including student selection criteria, partnerships with unions and community colleges, and plans for ongoing evaluation and expansion. The meeting concluded with strong council support for the grant and commitments to continue advocacy and oversight of the initiative's implementation and success.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education, Professional Services
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** September 16, 2026

### Sources
- [Boston City Council Meeting on September 16, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTFQDbXbgjo) - Boston City Council