Boston City Council Approves Amended Operating Budget and Five-Year Capital Plan

The Boston City Council approved Mayor Michelle Wu's amended $4.9 billion budget for FY27 after making $11.8 million of changes that restored $1.8 million for rental vouchers and $750,000 for youth jobs. The council also approved Boston Public Schools' $1.7 billion budget and a $1,073,239.34 grant aimed at regional efforts to prevent and reduce gang violence.

Budget Changes for Housing and Employment Support

The amendments to the operating budget focused on restoring funding for rental assistance and youth employment programs. These adjustments were part of the council's review of the mayor's proposal. The changes address immediate needs in housing stability and job access for young residents through existing city channels.

Education Funding and Staffing Decisions

The council accepted the Boston Public Schools $1.7 billion budget even as the district reduced more than 400 student-facing paraprofessional and teaching positions. This approval maintains overall district funding levels while reflecting the staffing reductions already implemented by school administrators.

Public Safety Grant and Summer Nutrition Program

Separately, the council approved the $1,073,239.34 grant to support strategies that prevent and reduce gang violence across the region. Mayor Wu also announced the Boston Summer Eats program, which provides free nutritious breakfast and lunch to all children and teens in the city throughout the summer months.

Five-Year Capital Budget for City Projects

In addition to the operating budget, the council passed a $4.4 billion five-year capital budget that funds 321 projects across Boston. This allocation covers infrastructure and facility improvements planned over multiple years. The combined decisions establish the financial framework for city services and capital work in the coming fiscal period. Residents can review approved budgets and program details on the city's official website for information on accessing rental vouchers, youth jobs, summer meals, and public safety initiatives.