Boston Youth Activists Demand Increased Funding for Jobs and Affordable Housing

At the Boston City Council's public testimony on the FY26 budget, community voices echoed a powerful message: real safety comes from investing in people, not policing. Testimonies highlighted urgent needs for affordable housing, youth job opportunities, and mental health support, as residents expressed deep concerns over proposed budget cuts.

One passionate speaker, a first-generation Dominican American, shared her personal journey, emphasizing how programs like Medicaid and youth job initiatives were crucial for her survival and success. "With the proposed budget, even strong, capable women like me can fall through the cracks," she warned, urging the council to prioritize community support over increased police funding.

George Lee, an organizer with the Youth Justice and Power Union, criticized the city for failing to deliver on job guarantees for young people. He pointed out that while 15,000 applied for summer jobs, only 10,500 were hired last year, illustrating a significant gap between promises and reality. "The city is putting up barriers to the opportunities that people need," he stated, calling for increased funding for youth jobs and affordable housing.

Khalil Howe, another youth advocate, echoed these sentiments, demanding that the council reject the proposed $3 million increase to the police budget. "Underfunded communities have so much police presence. Over-policing has never created safety," he argued, advocating for resources that foster stability and opportunity instead.

The testimonies culminated in a clear call to action: community members urged the council to invest in youth jobs, affordable housing, and mental health services, rather than perpetuating a cycle of over-policing. As the council deliberates the budget, the voices of Boston's residents serve as a poignant reminder of the pressing need for equitable investment in the community's future.