One notable topics was the city’s efforts to enhance climate resilience, particularly with respect to rising sea levels and coastal resiliency. The council discussed initiatives like the Tinian Beach reconstruction and flood pathways in Moakley Park, aimed at mitigating the impact of climate change. The importance of green infrastructure, tree canopy cover, and maintaining tree health was also emphasized, with specific mention of efforts in the West Roxbury and Jamaica Plain districts to increase canopy coverage.

Environmental justice issues in Chinatown were a focal point, with council members discussing the neighborhood’s high asthma rates, limited access to open space, and the exacerbating effects of heat risk on air quality and health. The importance of culturally sensitive food access for the area’s Chinese and Vietnamese communities was underscored, alongside the success of the farmers market coupon program and the planning process to support culturally relevant food access.

Food justice continued to be a theme, with inquiries about supporting kids who have experienced homelessness and ensuring year-round access to food resources.

The Boston Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance (BERTO) 2.0 and its implementation were also key points of discussion, with members stressing the importance of providing property owners with the necessary data for compliance and the city’s efforts towards energy efficiency.

The meeting further explored legal issues, such as the protection of Crane Ledge Woods and the Neponset River Pathway project. The council inquired about the city’s contracting practices, with a focus on including minority and women-owned businesses in legal partnerships. Concerns were raised about the city’s financial liabilities from legal settlements, with specific mention of a $16 million settlement in early 2021.

Financial management and legal partnerships were scrutinized, with the council discussing the city’s budget allocation for outside counsel, the efficiency of legal spending, and the administration’s efforts with the Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program. There was also a call for more grants for community support and a need for understanding the legal framework and potential challenges related to city ordinances and statutes.

The council inquired about the city’s capital planning practices, the oversight of component units, and the reporting requirements for federal grants. Questions were raised about the city’s external auditing practices, the efficiency of city departments, and the management of legal matters.