Boston City Council reviews FY 26 budget for police and housing departments

Boston City Council's May 21 Meeting Highlights Budget Discussions and Police Department Updates

The Boston City Council meeting on May 21, 2025, was dominated by critical discussions surrounding the fiscal year 2026 budget, particularly focusing on the Boston Police Department (BPD) and the city's ongoing efforts to address affordable housing and community services.

Councilor Brian O'Rell, chair of the Ways and Means Committee, reported that the committee has logged over 99 hours of hearings on the proposed budget, emphasizing the importance of thorough examination. The council's review included a detailed look at the BPD's budget, which highlighted a $3 million increase primarily due to collective bargaining agreements for civilian workers. The BPD also reported progress in reducing crime and discussed initiatives aimed at enhancing officer wellness and mental health response systems.

During the hearings, it was revealed that the BPD is currently facing 200 sworn officer vacancies and 195 civilian vacancies, a decrease from previous years. The administration noted that recent changes to the state civil service pathway could facilitate new hiring processes. However, concerns were raised about the department's diversity, with only 2 out of 23 captains being Black males, prompting discussions on the need for equitable promotional practices.

In addition to police budget discussions, the council addressed the pressing issue of affordable housing. The Boston Housing Authority (BHA) administrator acknowledged the challenges posed by rising construction costs and the expiration of federal and state supports. The council pressed for increased housing production to meet the city's low vacancy rates, emphasizing the need for more family-sized units.

The meeting also touched on the importance of tenant protections and the potential impact of federal funding cuts on housing vouchers, which could displace thousands of families. The administration committed to advocating for continued federal support to maintain housing stability for Boston residents.

As the council continues its budget review process, the focus remains on ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to meet the diverse needs of the community, from public safety to housing and beyond. The next steps include further hearings and public testimonies aimed at refining the budget before final approval.