City Council approves city budget and grants

A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Boston was held in the Christopher A. Iannella Chamber, City Hall on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 12:13 P.M. President Breadon in the Chair. Present Councilors Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, and Worrell. Absent Councilor Coletta Zapata. City Clerk Alex Geourntas delivered the invocation, and the meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. The Chair moved to adopt the minutes from the June 17, 2026 City Council Meeting. Motion prevailed. Recess.

ROLL CALL

APPROVAL OF THE JUNE 17, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

COMMUNICATIONS FROM HER HONOR, THE MAYOR:

Message and order for your approval an Ordinance authorizing the City of Boston, acting through its Environment Department, to amend the Distributed Energy Resource Revenue Revolving Fund, 30396E. The current language for 30396E is limited in its use, and the changes proposed will allow for proper usage of 30396E while maintaining its original purpose. The amended language will allow the fund to properly capture revenues and expenditures, ensuring an enhanced and seamless financial process for current City energy activities. These amendments will properly capture demand response revenue and allow for the further development of the City's demand response program, increasing energy savings, and reduce the City's greenhouse gas emissions produced by emissions not addressed through the City's distributed energy resources.

Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Million Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,200,000.00) in the form of a grant, FY26 MOTT FIFA Grant, awarded by MA Office of Travel & Tourism, to be administered by the Police Department. The grant would fund the Boston Police Department Public Safety Response MOTT Round 2 Application. On motion of Councilor Santana, the rules were suspended; the order was passed.

Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) of credits from Anthropic to strengthen the City’s cyber defenses. These credits are granted by Anthropic through the State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) Cyber Defenders Program. The credits will be utilized to automate the scanning, triaging, and patching of our City’s technology infrastructure using Claude Opus 4.8, the latest model of Anthropic’s generative AI tool. This initiative will help to significantly elevate our cybersecurity posture against increasingly sophisticated, AI-driven threats.

Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend a donation of Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) from the non-profit organization Cities Forward, Inc. The purpose of this donation is to support the Mayor’s Civic Summit, scheduled to occur on August 1, 2026. On motion of Councilor Murphy, the rules were suspended; the order was passed.

Message and order for confirmation of the appointment of renewal Inspectional Services constables authorized to serve civil process upon the filing of their bonds for the period commencing May 1, 2026 and ending April 30, 2029. On motion of Councilor Santana, the rules were suspended; the appointments were confirmed.

Message transmitting certain information under Section 17F regarding elevator access, life safety, and disability compliance, Docket #0221, passed by the City Council on January 28, 2026.

Message transmitting certain information under Section 17F regarding employment contracts for various Commissioners in the City of Boston, Docket #1002, passed by the City Council on May 13, 2026.

PETITIONS, MEMORIALS AND REMONSTRANCES

Petition of Surad Transportation Inc. of Boston, for a license to operate motor vehicles for the carriage of passengers for hire over certain streets in Boston.

REPORTS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS AND OTHERS:

Notice was received from City Council President Liz Breadon of the appointment of Councilor Enrique J. Pepén as the City Council representative on the Neighborhood Housing Trust, for a term expiring January 1, 2028.

Communication was received from the Commemoration Commission of the report entitled "Commemoration Commission Progress Report" May 2026.

Communication was received from Phillip Eng, Interim MassDOT Secretary and MBTA General Manager & CEO, regarding Withdrawal of May 15, 2026 Notice of Intent to Acquire Temporary Rights in a Portion of Summer Street.

Communication was received from the City Clerk of the filing by the Boston Planning and Development Agency regarding “Mattapan Heights II - Chapter 121A Project - second amendment to report and decision.”

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:

On the message and order, referred on April 1, 2026, Docket #0697, to Accept Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 41D, Authorizing Annual Increases to Senior Exemption Income and Asset Limits, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass in a new draft. The report was accepted; the order was passed in a new draft: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), absent 1 (Coletta Zapata).

On the message and order, referred on April 15, 2026, Docket #0792, authorizing the City of Boston, acting through its Mayor’s Office of Housing, to apply for, and to accept and expend, the Federal Fiscal Year 2025 Continuum of Care grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in an amount not to exceed Fifty-Two Million Dollars ($52,000,000.00). These funds will be used to support programs that provide services and housing to persons experiencing homelessness, the committee submitted a report that the order ought to pass in a new draft. The report was accepted; the order was passed in a new draft: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Worrell), not present 1 (Weber), absent 1 (Coletta Zapata).

On the message and order, referred on May 6, 2026, Docket #0913, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Sixteen Million Eight Hundred Thirty-Four Thousand Seven Hundred Forty-Two Dollars ($16,834,742.00) in the form of a grant, the Federal FY26 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), awarded by the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development to be administered by the Mayor's Office of Housing. The grant would fund housing, economic development and social service programs. The award amount is estimated from prior years, the committee submitted a report that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Worrell), not present 1 (Weber), absent 1 (Coletta Zapata).

On the message and order, referred on May 6, 2026, Docket #0914, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Four Million Eight Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand One Hundred Thirty-Two Dollars And Ninety Cents ($4,825,132.90) in the form of a grant, the Federal FY26 HOME Investment Partnerships Program Grant, awarded by the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development to be administered by the Mayor's Office of Housing. The grant would fund the production of new affordable rental and homeownership housing, and also provide operating support for community development corporations. The award amount is estimated from prior years, the committee submitted a report that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Worrell), not present 1 (Weber), absent 1 (Coletta Zapata).

On the message and order, referred on May 6, 2026, Docket #0915, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Three Million Eight Hundred Fifty-Nine Thousand Forty-Nine Dollars ($3,859,049.00) in the form of a grant, the Federal FY26 Housing for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Grant, awarded by the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development to be administered by the Mayor's Office of Housing. The grant would fund services for income-eligible individuals and families affected by AIDS. The award amount is estimated from prior years, the committee submitted a report that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), absent 1 (Coletta Zapata).

On the message and order, referred on May 6, 2026, Docket #0916, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Million Four Hundred Eighty-Nine Thousand Six Hundred Sixteen Dollars ($1,489,616.00) in the form of a grant, the Federal FY26 Emergency Solutions Grant, awarded by the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development to be administered by the Mayor's Office of Housing. The grant would fund street outreach, emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, rapid re-housing assistance and shelter services. The award amount is estimated from prior years, the committee submitted a report that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), absent 1 (Coletta Zapata).

MATTERS RECENTLY HEARD-FOR POSSIBLE ACTION:

On the message and order, referred on June 17, 2026, Docket #1222, returning the Annual Appropriation and Tax Order for FY2027, (Docket #0733), passed by the City Council on June 10, 2026. I am filing a modified Annual Appropriation and Tax Order, the committee submitted a report recommending no further action. The Council did not move for an override, and this constitutes the approval of the FY27 City Budget.

MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS:

Ordinance to Codify the Boston Homes Lottery Program by City Council District.

Order for a hearing to discuss and evaluate the Resident Parking Permit Program.

Order for a hearing to discuss Boston Public Schools FY28 Budget.

WITHDRAWN

Order for a hearing to discuss the impact of road races on basic city services in District 2.

Order for a hearing to discuss expanding urban tree canopy in the neighborhoods of District 2.

Resolution recognizing June as Men's Health Awareness Month in the City of Boston.

Resolution in support of a proposed local option for rent stabilization, housing affordability, and tenant stability.

Resolution in support of Bill S. 1247 An Act criminalizing sexual assault of a passenger by a rideshare operator.

Resolution calling for long-term and sustainable public investment in school-year youth jobs.

Petition for a Special Law re: An Act Relative to Pension Benefits for Firefighter Richard Lopez.

Petition for a Special Law re: An Act Authorizing the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages Till 3AM.

Order for a hearing regarding the future of the Boston Human Rights Commission.

Order for a hearing to explore the creation of a leadership and service year program in the City of Boston for high school students.

Order for a hearing to explore Boston Finance Commission's Budget Savings and Revenue Report.

WITHDRAWN

Order for a hearing to examine waste transfer facilities, illegal dumping, environmental justice, and fair housing impacts in residential and mixed-use neighborhoods.

Order regarding a text amendment to the Boston Zoning Code to restrict trash transfer and waste-related uses and prevent illegal dumping in residential and mixed-use neighborhoods.

Order for a hearing regarding the continuation of the Boston Reparations Task Force.

Resolution in support of continuing the work and funding of the Boston Reparations Task Force.

Resolution recognizing Boston Medical Center's Thirtieth Anniversary.

WITHDRAWN

Resolution in support of Boston Public Schools building a long-term plan for multilingual learners.

Resolution in support of H.4554 "An Act to Improve Sickle Cell Care."

Resolution in recognition of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month in the City of Boston.

Resolution to support recently laid-off Boston Public Schools (BPS) employees and prioritize their reemployment opportunities.

PERSONNEL ORDERS:

Councilor Breadon offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees on Central Staff in City Council, effective July 4, 2026.

Councilor Breadon for Councilor Worrell offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Angela Yarde in City Council, effective June 13, 2026.

Councilor Breadon for Councilor Worrell offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Anastasia Owen in City Council, effective June 27, 2026.

Councilor Breadon for Councilor Mejia offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees on Councilor Mejia's staff in City Council, effective June 27, 2026.

Councilor Breadon for Councilor Flynn offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees on Councilor Flynn's staff in City Council, effective June 27, 2026.

Councilor Breadon for Councilor Murphy offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees on Councilor Murphy's staff in City Council, effective June 13, 2026.

Councilor Breadon for Councilor Murphy offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees on Councilor Murphy's staff in City Council, effective June 27, 2026.

Councilor Breadon for Councilor Murphy offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Kalin Walsh in City Council, effective June 20, 2026.

GREEN SHEETS:

Legislative Calendar for June 24, 2026.

CONSENT AGENDA:

Resolution recognizing 2026 Cedar Grove Civic Association Awards.

Resolution in memory of William Sullivan.

Resolution recognizing Megan Costello.

Resolution recognizing Purple Reign.

Resolution recognizing Police Officer Patricia M. DaRosa.

Resolution recognizing Saturday, June 20, 2026 as World Unity Day.

Resolution recognizing Jason Waddleton.

Resolution recognizing The North American Indian Center of Boston's historic landmark designation.

Resolution in memory of Ed Pazzanese.

Resolution recognizing Luisa Harris.

Resolution recognizing Hyde Square Task Force youth.

Resolution congratulating Pat Spence.

Resolution recognizing Juneteenth Joy Honorees.

Resolution recognizing the Aashka Company.

Resolution in memory of John Madden.

Resolution recognizing the Boston Dragon Boat Festival.

Resolution congratulating Meagan Corugedo and Evan Martin.

Resolution in memory of Mary Rose Carroll.

Resolution recognizing Spinelli’s.

Resolution recognizing Avelina Fabbo.

Resolution recognizing Brewers Fork.

Resolution recognizing Caffe Paradiso.

Resolution recognizing Helados Juli’s.

Resolution recognizing Paul Troy.

Resolution recognizing Nicole Forsythe.

Resolution recognizing Teresa DiCostanz.

Resolution recognizing Kathryn Husgen.

Resolution recognizing Paula Cerqueira Goncalves.

Resolution recognizing Eastie Farm.

Resolution recognizing Leo Boucher.

Resolution recognizing Haytam El Ayoubi.

Resolution recognizing Obbi Fenix.

Resolution recognizing Rita Pagliuca.

Resolution recognizing Kristaq Bufi.

Resolution recognizing the Museum of African American History's Annual Juneteenth Celebration.

Resolution recognizing Julia Berard and Jonathan Maniscalco.

Resolution recognizing the Boston Juneteenth Committee.

Resolution recognizing Children's Services of Roxbury.

Resolution recognizing Ancient Bakers.

Resolution in memory of William Lamar Utley.

Resolution recognizing Jose Borges.

Resolution recognizing Dr. Jean McGuire.

Resolution declaring June 2026 as Boston LGBTQ+ Museum Month.

Resolution declaring June 2026 as Pride House Boston Month.

Councilor Breadon for Councilor Culpepper offers the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees Dezire Ambroise, Ayanna Hines, McPhenley Jean-Mary, Alexa Santana and Jaden Smith in City Council, effective June 13, 2026.

Councilor Breadon for Councilor Culpepper offers the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees Bradford Knowlton, Tariq Meyers, Bayle Vines and Brigit Brown in City Council, effective June 20, 2026.

Councilor Breadon for Councilor Culpepper offers the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees Dezire Ambroise, Ayanna Hines, McPhenley Jean-Mary, Alexa Santana and Jaden Smith in City Council, effective June 27, 2026.

Councilor Breadon for Councilor Mejia offers the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Anadalay Mateo in City Council, effective June 27, 2026.

Councilor Breadon for Councilor Santana offers the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees Joaquim Lombos and Daniel Idemudia in City Council, effective June 13, 2026.

Councilor Breadon for Councilor Santana offers the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees Joaquim Lombos and Daniel Idemudia in City Council, effective June 27, 2026.

Councilor Breadon for Councilor Weber offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees Melissa Beltran, Korri Crowley, Bonnie Delaune, Michael Fishbein and Jordan Frias in City Council, effective June 13, 2026.

Councilor Breadon for Councilor Weber offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees Melissa Beltran, Korri Crowley, Bonnie Delaune, Michael Fishbein and Jordan Frias in City Council, effective June 27, 2026.

The items contained within the Consent Agenda were severally adopted.

Adjourned at 4:21 P.M. on motion of President Breadon, and in memory of Ed Pazzanese, Mabinty “Binty” Janneh, Carroll Sullivan, John “Sean” Madden, Beverly Harris, Alice Maude Phillips, Jalen Tavares, and Dr. Bill Bennett to meet again on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 12:00 P.M. Attest: Alex Geourntas City Clerk

The Chair moved adoption of a Consent Agenda containing the following items:

The Chair stated in absence of objection, eight late-filed matter would be added to the Consent Agenda. No objection being heard, the following item was added:

Councilor Weber, on behalf of the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted the following:

Councilor Pepén, on behalf of the Committee on the Housing and Community Development, submitted the following:

Councilor Weber, on behalf of the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted the following:

Councilor Weber called Docket #0738, message and order approving an appropriation order in the amount of Three Hundred Eighty-Four Million Seven Hundred Five Thousand Dollars ($384,705,000.00) for various capital improvement purposes for city departments including the Boston Center for Youth and Families, Boston Housing Authority, Boston Planning and Development Agency, Boston Public Library, Innovation and Technology, Environment, Fire, Mayor’s Office of Housing, Office of Arts & Culture, Parks and Recreation, Planning, Property Management, Public Health Commission, Public Works, and the Transportation Departments, from the Committee on Ways and Means. No objection being heard, the matter was properly before the body. On motion of Councilor Weber, the order was read a second time and again passed: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), nays 1 (Mejia), absent 1 (Coletta Zapata).

Councilor Weber called Docket #0739, message and order approving an appropriation order in the amount of Thirteen Million Eight Hundred Fifty-Five Thousand Dollars ($13,855,000.00) for various capital improvement purposes for the Boston Public Schools, from the Committee on Ways and Means. No objection being heard, the matter was properly before the body. On motion of Councilor Weber, the order was read a second time and again passed: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), nays 1 (Mejia), absent 1 (Coletta Zapata).

Councilor Weber called Docket #0740, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to enter into one or more lease, lease-purchase or installment sales agreements in Fiscal Year 2027 in an amount not to exceed Twenty-Eight Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($28,500,000.00). These funds are to be used by various City departments for the acquisition of equipment in furtherance of their respective governmental functions. The list of equipment includes: computer equipment (hardware and software), motor vehicles and trailers, ambulances, firefighting equipment, office equipment, telecommunications equipment, photocopying equipment, medical equipment, school and educational equipment, school buses, parking meters, street lighting installation, traffic signal equipment and equipment functionally related to, and components of, the foregoing, from the Committee on Ways and Means. No objection being heard, the matter was properly before the body. On motion of Councilor Weber, the order was read a second time and again passed: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), nays 1 (Mejia), absent 1 (Coletta Zapata).

On motion of Councilor Weber, Dockets #0738, #0739 and #0740 were taken out of order.