Councilor Ben Weber, Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means, opened the meeting by highlighting the significance of public testimony in shaping budget priorities. The session served as a platform for community members to express their concerns ahead of the release of the fiscal year 2027 operating budget. Two key docket items were under discussion: the Boston FY 27 Operating Budget and the Boston Public Schools FY 27 Operating Budget.

One of the central themes of the testimonies was the impact of proposed budget cuts on Boston Public Schools. Speakers, including teachers and students, expressed alarm over the potential elimination of staff positions despite rising structural costs. Kiyo McClay, Executive Director of the Authenticity Justice Alliance, argued that the proposed $1.7 billion budget for schools, although substantial, did not effectively address classroom needs, with rising costs consuming most of the budget increases. McClay called for allocating just 1% of the city’s operating budget to cover these costs and prevent cuts to essential services, particularly in high-need schools.

Hannah Hooven, a teacher at Up Academy Holland, emphasized the detrimental effect of budget cuts on her school’s ability to combat pandemic-era learning loss. She argued for full funding to ensure high-quality learning experiences and stressed that students should not bear the financial burden of the city’s fiscal pressures. Dr. B. Ortiz, a strategic researcher for the Boston Teachers Union, further criticized the budget plan for balancing increased spending by eliminating approximately 531 staff positions across the district. Ortiz highlighted the necessity of addressing rising costs without disproportionately impacting essential educational services.

In addition to education, public testimony revealed a strong demand for reevaluating the police budget, which stands at $477 million. Carlos Manana, a senior at Marguerita Muniz Academy, pointed out the disparity between police funding and youth programs, which receive less—about $22 million. Manana proposed cutting the police budget by 10% to redirect funds towards mental health crisis response teams, advocating for trained professionals to handle such emergencies instead of police officers.

Echoing this sentiment, other speakers criticized the allocation of city funds. A 17-year-old from Hyde Park and Dorchester criticized the heavy investment in policing over community support, calling for a shift towards restorative justice processes. Nyla Fernandez, vice president of the Student Advisory Council at Kash High School, urged the council to prioritize investments in education and youth programs, highlighting the broader challenges that students face, such as food insecurity and housing instability.

The call for budget reallocations extended beyond education and policing. Several speakers highlighted the need for improved public amenities, particularly public restrooms. Residents emphasized the lack of accessible facilities, particularly in high-traffic areas like parks and T stations, arguing that investing in such amenities would enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors. Patrick Balog, representing the Democratic Socialists of America, framed the issue as one of public health and essential infrastructure, urging the council to increase funding for public restrooms.

The testimonies underscored a collective call for a balanced budget that prioritizes education, youth services, and public amenities over policing.