The central topic of the meeting was the ordinance aimed at officially establishing the Office of Returning Citizens, which has been in operation since 2017. Initially created through an executive order by former Mayor Marty Walsh, the office provides vital re-entry services to individuals transitioning from incarceration. The ordinance, sponsored by Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, seeks to enhance the office’s capacity and formalize its operations. Discussions revealed a revised ordinance draft from the administration, prompting detailed debate among council members.

Chief of Human Services Jose Masso and Executive Director Ashley Montgomery briefed the council on the office’s evolution. Under the leadership of Mayor Michelle Wu, the office expanded from a staff of two to eleven, with a budget increase from $200,000 to over $2.5 million annually. Montgomery detailed the office’s comprehensive case management services, which currently serve approximately 680 active clients. Clients engage with the office for an average of 368 days, receiving support that ranges from housing assistance to employment initiatives. Notably, the office has successfully helped 368 individuals secure jobs, with 86 gaining employment through its initiatives.

One significant challenge discussed was transportation, a barrier for returning citizens accessing services. To address this, the office has decentralized its services, embedding them within communities like Roxbury and Dorchester, and collaborated with partners to provide bus passes. Digital equity was another focal point, with workshops conducted to enhance digital skills alongside partnerships with the Boston Public Library.

Housing support remains a critical area, with the office executing a voucher program and managing grants to aid clients. Despite these efforts, some housing vouchers remain unused, highlighting ongoing obstacles in the housing process. Social support initiatives, such as family cookouts and holiday events, were also highlighted as essential components for community reintegration.

The council scrutinized the language of the ordinance revisions, particularly the removal of sections related to legislative advocacy and data reporting. The original draft included a provision for the office to engage in advocacy for legislative changes, particularly concerning CORI reform, which was omitted in the revised version. This omission prompted calls for greater emphasis on lobbying efforts to address systemic barriers faced by returning citizens.

Data reporting was another contentious issue. The council expressed concern over the removal of an annual report requirement, meant to detail the office’s activities and outcomes. While the administration cited data sensitivity as a reason for the removal, council members stressed the importance of accountability and transparency. A proposal emerged for the office to provide an “annual written review” by April 1, aligning with the budget cycle to ensure a systematic evaluation of the office’s performance.

The role of the executive director was also scrutinized, with revised language simplifying their responsibilities. Previously detailed duties, including legislative advocacy, were reduced to overseeing daily operations, sparking debate over the adequacy of such a description. Council members called for the reinstatement of specific responsibilities to ensure comprehensive leadership within the office.

A proposal to include returning citizens as active participants shaping the office’s vision and work was tabled. While this addition was seen as a positive step towards inclusivity, there was caution about setting unrealistic expectations.

The urgency to finalize the ordinance revisions was emphasized, with the council president seeking to resolve outstanding differences before the next council meeting. The meeting concluded without public testimony, with thanks extended to staff for their contributions.