Boston City Council Grills Budget Officials Over $12 Million in Grant Cuts

BOSTON — April 14, 2026 — Boston City Council opens FY27 budget hearings on a $4.9 billion spending plan marked by $12 million in grant cuts and a $97 million health insurance surge. Chief Financial Officer Ashley Grafenberger and Budget Director Jim Williamson told councilors Tuesday that the proposed budget grows just 2.1 percent — the lowest rate in recent years — with property taxes projected at 73.1 percent of general fund revenue and new growth conservatively assumed at $40 million, down from $79 million in FY26. A $5 million reduction to year-round youth jobs drew sharp pushback, with Councilor Erin J. Murphy reporting constituent calls and emails since Friday from nonprofits and young workers losing funding, and Council President Liz Breadon warning of knock-on effects for families who rely on youth wages as household income. Councilor Miniard Culpepper questioned the decision-making behind a $500,000 cut to the Office of Black Male Advancement despite the office's own 2025 report recommending level funding. The city's certified free cash stands at $601 million out of a $1.2 billion unassigned fund balance, but officials said the budget deliberately avoids tapping reserves to prevent a future fiscal cliff.