Boston’s 2026 FY BudgeT
April kicks the official start of the City of Boston’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget season with the traditional Budget Breakfast hosted by Mayor Wu
This annual event serves as the formal presentation of the Mayor's proposed budget to the City Council — a comprehensive document, this year exceeding 1400 pages, that now kicks off roughly one hundred hours of hearings and working sessions as the City Council conducts our thorough review to decide whether to amend, adopt, or reject the Mayor's proposed budget.
While the Budget Breakfast is the traditional kickoff, it's important to recognize that the groundwork for this crucial process has been underway for months.
Thanks to the proactive leadership of Ways & Means Committee Chair, Councilor Worrell, and the dedicated collaboration of the entire City Council and City Council Central Staff, our budget development has become a more in-depth and forward-thinking endeavor.
For the past six months, the City Council has been diligently preparing for this stage. A significant part of this preparation involved a series of seven working sessions where the whole City Council collectively identified and articulated our key priorities for the coming fiscal year. These unified priorities were then proactively shared with the Mayor before the budget's official release. This proactive action means this initial budget proposal more closely aligns with the needs and aspirations of both the Council and our community compared to previous years.
This progress reflects the City Council's ongoing commitment to strengthening our budget process, particularly since the expansion of our amendment powers.
Navigating Federal Influences on Boston’s Budget
As we delve into the details of Boston's FY26 budget, it's crucial to understand that our local financial landscape is significantly influenced by federal economic policy. Regardless of individual perspectives on the actions in Washington D.C., the reality is that these policies have tangible consequences for the resources available to us at the municipal level.
Decisions made by the federal government regarding spending, taxation, and regulations create economic currents that directly impact our city.
This includes the federal funding we rely on for vital local programs and the overall health of our local economy, which in turn affects our city's revenue sources.
Furthermore, federal policies influence the cost of goods and services, impacting both the City's operational expenses and the affordability of everyday necessities for Boston residents — a reality felt throughout our lives, from groceries, to school supplies, to our electric bills, to transportation, and beyond.
My commitment to you is to work collaboratively with my Council colleagues and the Administration to develop a budget that is both fiscally responsible, and responsive to the challenges and opportunities we face.
Beyond Boston’s Operating Budget
While the City’s annual Operating Budget rightly receives significant attention, it's crucial to understand it represents only one part of Boston’s overall financial picture.
Our total spending encompasses various streams beyond City funds, including federal and state grants, private foundation contributions, the separate Capital Budget, and strategic use of Free Cash, such as the recent appropriation for the Housing Accelerator Fund to invest in mixed-income social housing, which I've continuously championed, starting with my inaugural speech and first legislative filing.
Federal and State Grants: money earmarked for specific programs & uses
Foundation & Outside Organization Support: in some cases, the City is also awarded support from non-governmental entities in support of City programs for our community
Long-Term Investments: Our "Capital Budget" is specifically for durable investments like buildings & infrastructure
Boston Public Schools Budget: While BPS is a City department, and comprises 38.7% of the proposed $4.8 Billion FY26 Operating Budget, the BPS Budget goes through a separate review and approval process, with the School Committee having greater responsibilities than the City Council, which can only approve or reject the BPS budget
It's also important to remember that all of the budgets above are really about the investments our City makes — also critical as well is revenue, i.e. the money that the City collects through property taxes, excise taxes, fees, investment returns, and other sources. And for roughly a decade, the City of Boston has consistently spent less money each year than our revenue, allowing the City to set aside substantial savings, which can be used for emergency needs, as well as major investments, like the Housing Accelerator Fund mentioned above.
So while the Operating Budget is critical, and usually what draws a lot of public and media focus, it's not the whole picture of how we manage the City's finances and deliver the services you rely on.
Your Opportunity to Participate:
Upcoming Budget Hearings
Over the next seven weeks, the City Council will be holding approximately one hundred hours of public hearings dedicated to thoroughly reviewing the proposed budget.
These hearings provide a crucial platform for you to:
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Learn firsthand about the budget requests, operational needs, and strategic priorities of each City Department that serves our community.
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Gain a deeper understanding of how your tax dollars and the City's other revenue are proposed to be allocated and the rationale behind these decisions
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Every hearing includes an opportunity for public testimony and there are several hearings specifically dedicated to hearing public testimony. We strongly encourage you to attend and share your perspectives, priorities, and any questions you may have with the City Council.
A Note on Hearing Schedules:
Please be aware that the times for upcoming budget hearings and working sessions may occasionally need to be adjusted. To ensure you have the most accurate information, we encourage you to regularly check the official schedule for any meetings you plan to attend.
Find a Budget Hearing
How to Testify at a Budget Hearing
We strongly encourage you to attend and share your perspectives, priorities, and any questions you may have with the City Council.
1. By Email:
You can directly email at ccc.wm@boston.gov or the Director of Legislative Budget Analysis, karishma.chouhan@boston.gov.
2. By Video Recording:
Record a 2 minute video of your testimony and submit it via email to the addresses listed above.
3. In Person or Virtually via Zoom:
Virtual Testimony: Sign for virtual testimony here
Once you have registered, a Council liaison will contact you with the specific Zoom link for the hearing. Participants will be called in the order of their sign-up.
In-Person Testimony: Information regarding the location and procedures for in-person testimony will be provided with the hearing schedule.
We encourage you to choose the method that is most accessible for you and share your valuable insights with the City Council.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact our office with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the budget — although we do recommend submitting public testimony so your feedback can be part of the public record.