City Council
Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 12 p.m. (Boston time), Council Chambers
Video of the meeting
On the agenda
- Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00) in the form of a grant, Roche - Kids 360 Grant, awarded by Kids 360 Charity to be administered by the Boston Centers for Youth & Families. The grant would fund the youth programs at the Roche Community Center.
On motion of Councilor Murphy, the rules were suspended; the order was passed. (2026-0982): The rules were suspended; the order was passed.
- Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Forty-Four Thousand Three Hundred Dollars ($44,300.00) in the form of a grant, Drought Resiliency & Water Efficiency Grant Program, awarded by Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs to be administered by the Office of Climate Resilience. The grant would fund the Outdoor Water Use Efficiency Improvements program in distributing rain barrels and engage with the public on the importance of drought management.
On motion of Councilor Worrell, the rules were suspended; the order was passed. (2026-0980): The rules were suspended; the order was passed.
- Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Three Hundred Twenty-Seven Dollars And Ninety-Six Cents ($150,327.96) in the form of a grant, the FY25 Violence Against Women Act, a STOP Grant, awarded by United States Department of Justice, passed through the MA Executive Office of Public Safety & Security, to be administered by the Police Department. The grant would fund a Civilian Domestic Violence Advocate to provide services for victims in Jamaica Plain and East Boston, as well as for Spanish-speaking victims citywide and also supporting overtime for all Civilian Domestic Violence Advocates citywide.
On motion of Councilor Santana, the rules were suspended; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata). (2026-0974): The rules were suspended; the order was passed.
- Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Twenty-Eight Thousand Six Hundred Seventy-One Dollars and Ninety-Eight Cents ($28,671.98) in the form of a grant, the ACLS Grant, awarded by MassHire Department of Career Services to be administered by the Office of Workforce Development. The grant would fund efforts to work in partnership with local adult education programs to identify and develop career pathway opportunities for adult learners.
On motion of Councilor Worrell, the rules were suspended; the order was passed. (2026-0981): The rules were suspended; the order was passed.
- Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Three Hundred Five Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($305,600.00) in the form of a grant, FY26 Local Cultural Council Program, awarded by Massachusetts Cultural Council to be administered by the Office of Arts & Culture. The grant would fund innovative arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences programming that enhances the quality of life in our city.
On motion of Councilor Louijeune, the rules were suspended; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata). (2026-0971): The rules were suspended; the order was passed.
- Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) in the form of a grant, Creative Aging Program, awarded by Goddard House Assisted Living to be administered by the Age Strong Commission. The grant would fund bringing arts programming to older adults in Boston.
On motion of Councilor Murphy, the rules were suspended; the order was passed. (2026-0977): The rules were suspended; the order was passed.
- Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Hundred Ninety-Four Thousand Three Hundred Eighty-Eight Dollars and Twenty-Eight Cents ($194,388.28) in the form of a grant, Federal FY26 Nutrition Services Incentive Program, awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, passed through the MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs, to be administered by the Age Strong Commission. The grant would fund incentives to states and eligible tribal organizations for the efficient delivery of nutritious meals to individuals aged 60 and older, with the overarching goal of promoting health, reducing hunger and food insecurity, and supporting the ability of older individuals to remain independent and in their communities.
On motion of Councilor Murphy, the rules were suspended; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata). (2026-0973): The rules were suspended; the order was passed.
- Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) in the form of a grant, 35-75 Morrissey Boulevard Mitigation Funds, awarded by Boston Planning & Development Agency to be administered by the Office of Economic Opportunity & Inclusion. The grant would fund mitigation funds from development project located at 35-75 Morrissey Boulevard to BPDA Community Benefits Fund which will be given via MOA to OEOI for use in the Commercial Acquisition Assistance Program (CAAP).
On motion of Councilor Durkan, the rules were suspended; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata). (2026-0972): The rules were suspended; the order was passed.
- Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) in the form of a grant, Boston Family Days 2026 Donor Support, awarded by Pilot House Philanthropy to be administered by the Office of Arts & Culture. The grant would fund 2026 flexible programmatic support for Boston Family Days (formerly known as BPS Sundays during the pilot program) from Amos and Barbara Hostetter via Pilot House.
On motion of Councilor Louijeune, the rules were suspended; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata). (2026-0975): The rules were suspended; the order was passed.
- Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) in the form of a grant, Roche Youth & Senior Programs, awarded by Donor Group to be administered by the Boston Centers for Youth & Families.
On motion of Councilor Murphy, the rules were suspended; the order was passed. (2026-0978): The rules were suspended; the order was passed.
- Notice was received from the City Clerk in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Ordinances of 1979 regarding action taken by the Mayor on papers acted upon by the City Council at its meeting of April 1, 2026. (2026-0995): Placed on file.
- Notice was received from the City Clerk in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Ordinances of 1979 regarding action taken by the Mayor on papers acted upon by the City Council at its meeting of April 15, 2026. (2026-0996): Placed on file.
- Communication was received by the City Clerk of the filing by the Boston Residency Compliance Commission regarding the Updated Annual Report (January through December 2025). (2026-0997): Placed on file.
- Notice was received from the Mayor of the reappointment of Joseph Berman as a Member of the Boston Public Library Board of Trustees for a term expiring May 1, 2030. (2026-0986): Placed on file.
- Notice was received from the Mayor of the reappointment of Jose C. Masso III as a Member of the Boston Public Library Board of Trustees for a term expiring May 1, 2031. (2026-0987): Placed on file.
- Notice was received from the Mayor of the reappointment of Michael Rush as a Member of the Boston Public Library Board of Trustees for a term expiring May 1, 2030. (2026-0988): Placed on file.
- Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Marta Daneshvar as a Member of the Boston Public Library Board of Trustees for a term expiring May 1, 2028. (2026-0989): Placed on file.
- Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Meredith Dewitt as a Member of the Boston Public Library Board of Trustees for a term expiring May 1, 2028. (2026-0990): Placed on file.
- Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Paul Lee as a Member of the Boston Public Library Board of Trustees for a term expiring May 1, 2030. (2026-0991): Placed on file.
- Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Alexander Leventhal as a Member of the Boston Public Library Board of Trustees for a term expiring May 1, 2030. (2026-0992): Placed on file.
- Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Wadi Muhammad as a Member of the Boston Public Library Board of Trustees for a term expiring May 1, 2030. (2026-0993): Placed on file.
- Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Diana Fernandez Bibeau as Commissioner of the Parks and Recreation Department, effective June 1, 2026. (2026-0994): Placed on file.
- On the message and order, referred on May 6, 2026, Docket #0910, for the Boston Police Department for FY26 in the amount of One Million Nine Hundred Fifty-One Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety-Four Dollars ($1,951,894.00) to cover the FY26 cost items contained within the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Boston and the Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society (BPDBS). The terms of the contract are July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. The major provisions of the contract include a base wage increase of 2% in July of 2025. The contract also contains an update to hazardous duty pay and amended language around sick time buyback at retirement, ), the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass.
The report was accepted; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata). (2026-0910): The report was accepted; the order was passed.
- On the message and order, referred on May 6, 2026, Docket #0912, for the Boston Police Department for FY26 in the amount of One Million Three Hundred Sixty-Six Thousand, Ninety-Three Dollars ($1,366,093.00) to cover the FY26 cost items contained within the collective bargaining agreements between the City of Boston and the Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society - Superior Officers Unit (BPDBS - SO). The terms of the contract are July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. The major provisions of the contract include a base wage increase of 2% in July of 2025. The contract also contains an update to hazardous duty pay and amended language around paid details and summer vacation schedules, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass.
The report was accepted; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata). (2026-0912): The report was accepted; the order was passed.
- On the message and order, referred on May 6, 2026, Docket #0911, to reduce the FY26 appropriation for the Reserve for Collective Bargaining by One Million Three Hundred Sixty-Six Thousand Ninety-Three Dollars ($1,366,093.00) to provide funding for the Boston Police Department for the FY26 increases contained within the collective bargaining agreements between the City of Boston and the Boston Police Detective Benevolent Society - Superior Officers Unit (BPDBS-SO), the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass.
The report was accepted; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata). (2026-0911): The report was accepted; the order was passed.
- On the message and order, referred on May 6, 2026, Docket #0909, to reduce the FY26 appropriation for the Reserve for Collective Bargaining by One Million Nine Hundred Fifty-One Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety-Four Dollars ($1,951,894.00) to provide funding for the Boston Police Department for the FY26 increases contained within the collective bargaining agreements between the City of Boston and the Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society (BPDBS), the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass.
The report was accepted; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata). (2026-0909): The report was accepted; the order was passed.
- Resolution urging the City of Boston to resume in-person work for a minimum of four days per week.
On motion of Councilor Flynn, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted: yeas 11 (Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), present 1 (Breadon), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata). (2026-1004): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- Resolution recognizing the contributions of African American Military Veterans and African American Military Heritage Day.
On motion of Councilors Santana and Flynn, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata). (2026-1006): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- Resolution recognizing May as Haitian Heritage Month and May 18 as Haitian Flag Day.
On motion of Councilor Louijeune, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted. (2026-1008): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- Resolution in support of the Ride Safe Act.
On motion of Councilors Flynn and Culpepper, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata). (2026-1009): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- Order requesting certain information under Section 17F regarding employment contracts for various Commissioners in the City of Boston.
On motion of Councilor Flynn, the rules were suspended; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata). (2026-1002): The rules were suspended; the order was passed.
- Order requesting certain information under Section 17F regarding Article 80 large project review and small project review denials at the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) due to parking relief.
On motion of Councilor Flynn, the rules were suspended; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata). (2026-1003): The rules were suspended; the order was passed.
- Councilor Breadon for Councilor Pepén offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Natalie Terese Poftak in City Council, effective June 6, 2026. (2026-1010): Passed under suspension of the rules.
- Legislative Calendar for May 13, 2026. (GS-5/13/26)
- Resolution in memory of Anne M. (Foley) Galvin. (2026-1011): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- Resolution recognizing Project D.E.E.P. (2026-1012)
- Resolution recognizing Justin Alfaro. (2026-1013)
- Resolution recognizing Kashmear Jacques Parker. (2026-1014)
- Resolution recognizing Alberto Vasallo and 10 others. (2026-1015)
- Resolution recognizing the Pine Street Inn. (2026-1016)
- Resolution recognizing the J.L. Smith Suicide Prevention Center for Young Black Boys Inc. (2026-1017)
- Resolution recognizing Friends of the Children Boston. (2026-1018)
- Resolution recognizing The Chica Project. (2026-1020)
- Resolution recognizing five centenarian German Centre residents. (2026-1021)
- Resolution recognizing 24 Edgar P. Benjamin Healthcare Center nurses during International Nurses Day. (2026-1022)
- Resolution recognizing La Alianza Hispana. (2026-1019)
- Resolution recognizing JOYWALK, an art crawl in the Fenway Cultural District. (2026-1023)
- Resolution opposing federal and state legislation that would censor or restrict lifesaving online resources for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and other marginalized groups.
On motion of Councilors Santana and Mejia, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted. (2026-1007): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- Resolution recognizing Helen Greer-Guilford. (2026-1025)
- Resolution recognizing Haitian Americans United. (2026-1027)
- Resolution in memory of Juan Carlos Melara. (2026-1028)
- Resolution in memory of Marie Edith Dubreuil. (2026-1029)
- Resolution recognizing The Learning Project Elementary School. (2026-1024)
- Resolution recognizing local caretakers and families of the Netherlands American Cemetery. (2026-1026)
- Message transmitting certain information under Section 17F regarding MWBE participation, local business inclusion, workforce impact, and procurement practices associated with the White Stadium project, Docket #0700, passed by the City Council on April 1, 2026. (2026-0983): Placed on file.
- Message transmitting certain information under Section 17F regarding White Stadium, Docket #0637 passed by the City Council on March 25, 2026. (2026-0984): Placed on file.
- Message transmitting certain information under Section 17F regarding environmental impact, transportation planning, and resiliency considerations associated with Franklin Park and the White Stadium project, Docket #0699, passed by the City Council on April 1, 2026. (2026-0985): Placed on file.
- Councilor Flynn called Docket #0623, message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Christopher Osgood as a member of the Boston Water and Sewer Commission, for a term expiring March 30, 2030.
No objection being heard, the matter was properly before the body.
On motion of Councilor Flynn, the rules were suspended; the appointment was confirmed. (2026-0623): The report was accepted; the appointment was confirmed.
- Councilor Santana called Docket #0979, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Forty-Nine Thousand Four Hundred Seventy-Six Dollars ($49,476.00) in the form of a grant, the FY26 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program, awarded by Massachusetts Department of Fire Services to be administered by the Fire Department. The grant would fund the purchase of the necessary personal protective and safety equipment to comply with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards to enhance firefighter safety, from the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice.
No objection being heard, the matter was properly before the body. (2026-0979): Referred to
- On the message and order, referred on May 13, 2026, Docket #0970, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Million Seventy-Three Thousand Two Hundred Thirty-Nine Dollars and Thirty-Four Cents ($1,073,239.34) in the form of a grant, the FY26 Senator Charles E. Shannon Jr. Community Safety Initiative, awarded by MA Executive Office Of Public Safety & Security to be administered by the Police Department. The grant would fund regional and multi-disciplinary approaches to combat gang violence through coordinated prevention and intervention, law enforcement, prosecution, and reintegration programs, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass. (2026-0970): Referred to
- Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Sixty Thousand Dollars ($60,000.00) in the form of a grant, Sustainable Materials Recovery Program Grant, awarded by MA Department of Environmental Protection to be administered by the Public Works Department. The grant would fund programs implemented by the City to maximize reuse, recycling, and waste reduction. (2026-0976): Referred to
- On the message and order, referred on May 13, 2026, Docket #0968, authorizing the City of Boston, acting through its Mayor’s Office of Housing, to accept and expend payments in the amount of Thirty Million Dollars ($30,000,000.00) given to the City of Boston’s Inclusionary Development Policy Fund. The City of Boston’s Inclusionary Development Policy (IDP) Fund was established by Executive Order in February 2000 to support the production and preservation of affordable housing in new market rate housing developments. The IDP required all developers of residential development projects with ten or more units to include affordable units in their projects as a condition of receiving relief from the Boston Zoning Code. Further, the Executive Order provided the option for developers to make contributions to the IDP Fund in lieu of providing on-site affordable units, subject to the approval of the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA), the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass. (2026-0968): Referred to
- On the message and order, referred on May 13, 2026, Docket #0969, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Twelve Million Five Hundred Seventy-Three Thousand Six Hundred Four Dollars ($12,573,604.00) in the form of a grant, 2026 FIFA World Cup Grant Program, awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, passed through the MA Executive Office of Public Safety & Security, to be administered by the Office of Emergency Preparedness. The grant would fund support to the safety and security needs of our Massachusetts state and local entities directly involved with providing services for the Boston 2026 World Cup event, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass. (2026-0969): Referred to
- Ordinance for the Use of School Bus Violation Detection Monitoring System Devices. (2026-0998): Referred to
- Order for a hearing to examine firearm trafficking, gun violence hotspots, and the concentration of firearm violations in Boston police districts B-2 and B-3.
On motion of Councilor Culpepper, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Worrell and Flynn as original co-sponsors. (2026-0999): Referred to
- Order for a hearing to examine how the City of Boston can strengthen support, training, and resource coordination for first responders and dispatchers responding to mental health crises.
On motion of Councilor Culpepper, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Worrell and Mejia as original co-sponsors. (2026-1000): Referred to
- Order for a hearing to examine establishing a community-based mental health crisis response pilot.
On motion of Councilor Culpepper, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Worrell and Louijeune as original co-sponsors. (2026-1001): Referred to
- Resolution calling for a temporary pause on vertical construction activities at White Stadium pending adjudication by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.
Councilor Worrell offered to incorporate his comments on the floor as part of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Murphy.
Recess.
All in favor. (2026-1005): Referred to
Roll-call votes
- Resolution in support of the Ride Safe Act.
On motion of Councilors Flynn and Culpepper, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata).: Adopted 12-0
- Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Three Hundred Five Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($305,600.00) in the form of a grant, FY26 Local Cultural Council Program, awarded by Massachusetts Cultural Council to be administered by the Office of Arts & Culture. The grant would fund innovative arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences programming that enhances the quality of life in our city.
On motion of Councilor Louijeune, the rules were suspended; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata).: Passed 12-0
- Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) in the form of a grant, 35-75 Morrissey Boulevard Mitigation Funds, awarded by Boston Planning & Development Agency to be administered by the Office of Economic Opportunity & Inclusion. The grant would fund mitigation funds from development project located at 35-75 Morrissey Boulevard to BPDA Community Benefits Fund which will be given via MOA to OEOI for use in the Commercial Acquisition Assistance Program (CAAP).
On motion of Councilor Durkan, the rules were suspended; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata).: Passed 12-0
- Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Hundred Ninety-Four Thousand Three Hundred Eighty-Eight Dollars and Twenty-Eight Cents ($194,388.28) in the form of a grant, Federal FY26 Nutrition Services Incentive Program, awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, passed through the MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs, to be administered by the Age Strong Commission. The grant would fund incentives to states and eligible tribal organizations for the efficient delivery of nutritious meals to individuals aged 60 and older, with the overarching goal of promoting health, reducing hunger and food insecurity, and supporting the ability of older individuals to remain independent and in their communities.
On motion of Councilor Murphy, the rules were suspended; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata).: Passed 12-0
- Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Three Hundred Twenty-Seven Dollars And Ninety-Six Cents ($150,327.96) in the form of a grant, the FY25 Violence Against Women Act, a STOP Grant, awarded by United States Department of Justice, passed through the MA Executive Office of Public Safety & Security, to be administered by the Police Department. The grant would fund a Civilian Domestic Violence Advocate to provide services for victims in Jamaica Plain and East Boston, as well as for Spanish-speaking victims citywide and also supporting overtime for all Civilian Domestic Violence Advocates citywide.
On motion of Councilor Santana, the rules were suspended; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata).: Passed 12-0
- Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) in the form of a grant, Boston Family Days 2026 Donor Support, awarded by Pilot House Philanthropy to be administered by the Office of Arts & Culture. The grant would fund 2026 flexible programmatic support for Boston Family Days (formerly known as BPS Sundays during the pilot program) from Amos and Barbara Hostetter via Pilot House.
On motion of Councilor Louijeune, the rules were suspended; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata).: Passed 12-0
- On the message and order, referred on May 6, 2026, Docket #0909, to reduce the FY26 appropriation for the Reserve for Collective Bargaining by One Million Nine Hundred Fifty-One Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety-Four Dollars ($1,951,894.00) to provide funding for the Boston Police Department for the FY26 increases contained within the collective bargaining agreements between the City of Boston and the Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society (BPDBS), the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass.
The report was accepted; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata).: Accepted 12-0
- On the message and order, referred on May 6, 2026, Docket #0910, for the Boston Police Department for FY26 in the amount of One Million Nine Hundred Fifty-One Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety-Four Dollars ($1,951,894.00) to cover the FY26 cost items contained within the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Boston and the Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society (BPDBS). The terms of the contract are July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. The major provisions of the contract include a base wage increase of 2% in July of 2025. The contract also contains an update to hazardous duty pay and amended language around sick time buyback at retirement, ), the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass.
The report was accepted; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata).: Accepted 12-0
- On the message and order, referred on May 6, 2026, Docket #0911, to reduce the FY26 appropriation for the Reserve for Collective Bargaining by One Million Three Hundred Sixty-Six Thousand Ninety-Three Dollars ($1,366,093.00) to provide funding for the Boston Police Department for the FY26 increases contained within the collective bargaining agreements between the City of Boston and the Boston Police Detective Benevolent Society - Superior Officers Unit (BPDBS-SO), the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass.
The report was accepted; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata).: Accepted 12-0
- On the message and order, referred on May 6, 2026, Docket #0912, for the Boston Police Department for FY26 in the amount of One Million Three Hundred Sixty-Six Thousand, Ninety-Three Dollars ($1,366,093.00) to cover the FY26 cost items contained within the collective bargaining agreements between the City of Boston and the Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society - Superior Officers Unit (BPDBS - SO). The terms of the contract are July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. The major provisions of the contract include a base wage increase of 2% in July of 2025. The contract also contains an update to hazardous duty pay and amended language around paid details and summer vacation schedules, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass.
The report was accepted; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata).: Accepted 12-0
- Order requesting certain information under Section 17F regarding employment contracts for various Commissioners in the City of Boston.
On motion of Councilor Flynn, the rules were suspended; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata).: Passed 12-0
- Order requesting certain information under Section 17F regarding Article 80 large project review and small project review denials at the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) due to parking relief.
On motion of Councilor Flynn, the rules were suspended; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata).: Passed 12-0
- Resolution urging the City of Boston to resume in-person work for a minimum of four days per week.
On motion of Councilor Flynn, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted: yeas 11 (Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), present 1 (Breadon), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata).: Adopted 11-0
- Resolution recognizing the contributions of African American Military Veterans and African American Military Heritage Day.
On motion of Councilors Santana and Flynn, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata).: Adopted 12-0
Documents
Summary
The Boston City Council met on May 13, 2026, opening with an invocation by Pastor Joseph Missick of the First Haitian Baptist Church and a Haitian Heritage Month presentation by Councilor Louijeune featuring music and remarks by Pastor Kiki. Councilors Santana and Mejia presented a resolution, with Evan Greer of Fight for the Future, opposing state and federal legislation requiring government ID or facial recognition scans to post online. The council accepted numerous grants (arts and culture, FEMA World Cup security, seniors' nutrition, domestic violence services, rain barrels, and others), received a lengthy Ways and Means budget report from Councilor Weber covering police, fire, parks, and equity cabinet hearings, and passed four dockets covering Boston police detectives' collective bargaining agreements. The council also adopted resolutions on African American military heritage, digital rights, Haitian Heritage Month, and the Ride Safe Act, and referred a school bus camera ordinance and several public safety and mental health hearing orders to committee. A resolution by Councilor Mejia calling for a pause on White Stadium construction, amended by Councilor Worrell to focus on MWBE contracting data, was referred to the labor committee at the sponsor's request. Councilor Flynn's motion to adjourn over unanswered Section 17F orders failed, and his pull of a housing authority elevator safety resolution also failed to reach the floor.
Transcript
0:46 not.
2:08 So.
7:32 I'm.
8:21 Bad.
8:23 good afternoon everyone.
8:26 I call to order today's meeting
8:28 of the boston city council.
8:30 Viewers can watch the meeting
8:34 live on youtube@boston.Gov
8:38 backslash city council dash tv.
8:40 At this time I ask my
8:41 colleagues and those in the in
8:42 the audience to please silence
8:44 their cellphones and electronic
8:45 devices.
8:48 Also pursuant to rule 42 I
8:50 remind all in this chamber that
8:52 no demonstration of approval or
8:53 disapproval from members of the
8:55 public will be permitted.
8:55 Thank you.
8:58 MADAM Clerk, would you please
9:00 call the roll to ascertain the
9:01 presence of a quorum?
9:05 concentrate.
9:05 Councilor breton here
9:08 on the council color powder
9:09 council culpeper
9:09 Councilor durkan council.
9:13 Fitzgerald, councilor.
9:14 Councilor.
9:14 Fitzgerald.
9:15 Flynn.
9:16 Council.
9:17 Flynn here.
9:18 Councilor louijeune here.
9:20 Councilor.
9:21 Mejia.
9:21 Councilor.
9:22 Mejia.
9:23 Councilor murphy here.
9:27 Councilor.
9:27 Pippen.
9:28 Councilor.
9:29 Pepen here.
9:30 Councilor santana here.
9:34 councilor weber.
9:34 Here.
9:35 Councilor weber here.
9:36 Council roll.
9:40 123456789 ten.
9:42 We have a quorum.
9:43 Thank you.
9:44 I've been informed by the
9:46 church that a quorum is
9:46 present.
9:50 It is now my pleasure to invite
9:52 councilor louijeune forward to
9:53 introduce today's clergy.
9:56 Pastor joseph must set.
10:06 Thank you.
10:07 Uh, MADAM Chair.
10:07 Um.
10:09 I have the esteemed honor
10:10 of welcoming pastor joseph
10:12 mayor set to the dais.
10:16 Pastor joseph missick currently
10:17 serves as a spiritual leader
10:18 of the first haitian baptist
10:20 church of boston, a
10:21 multicultural and multilingual
10:23 multilingual congregation
10:26 founded in OCTOBER 1969 and
10:27 located at 397 blue hill avenue
10:30 in the heart of dorchester
10:30 roxbury.
10:32 This is actually the church
10:33 where I grew up the first
10:34 haitian baptist church, and
10:36 it's an honor to be the first
10:37 haitian elected on the boston
10:39 city council and to be doing
10:40 this in celebration of what MAY
10:42 is which is haitian heritage
10:43 month.
10:45 And so I'm so proud that I get
10:46 to welcome pastor moveset here
10:46 .
10:47 The church his home was
10:49 originally constructed in 1906.
10:50 It's actually a historical
10:51 landmark.
10:52 It was founded as congregation
10:55 a deaf gesture in a prominent
10:56 jewish synagogue and was added
10:57 to the national register
11:00 of historic places in 1999
11:01 recognizing its architectural,
11:02 cultural and community
11:03 significance.
11:04 And obviously because of the
11:05 way communities have changed.
11:07 It used to be a jewish
11:08 synagogue and is now home to a
11:09 black church, a haitian
11:09 community.
11:11 But you can still see the
11:12 hebrew on the church.
11:15 Um, and so I grew up in grove
11:16 hall going to that church and
11:18 I'm very grateful for pastor
11:19 who sets leadership.
11:21 Under his leadership, the first
11:22 haitian baptist church
11:23 continues its mission
11:25 of exalting the lord, inspiring
11:26 believers in their walk with
11:28 GOD and welcoming people of all
11:30 backgrounds through ministry in
11:32 english, haitian creole and
11:34 french with faith, humility and
11:35 dedication to GOD's calling.
11:37 Passion that guides the church
11:39 as a place of worship, prayer,
11:40 biblical teaching, fellowship
11:42 and spiritual growth while
11:43 honoring its rich legacy as a
11:44 landmark of faith and community
11:46 in dorchester.
11:47 I'm so lucky to have two
11:48 haitian pastors here with us
11:50 pastor kiki and pastor MISS
11:51 That uh, pastor googie is
11:52 basically a city councilor now
11:54 so I wanted to make sure that
11:55 pastor MISTER Could come here
11:57 and give the invocation.
11:58 I'm not going to lie, I have
12:00 some of intimacy, but it's our
12:01 verbal communities and, uh.
12:03 And I also want to welcome his
12:05 son meto who does a lot of work
12:06 with him in the church um, here
12:07 with us today, MISS.
12:08 You have a mic?
12:13 Good afternoon everyone.
12:15 let's wave.
12:29 I will bless the lord at all.
12:30 All day.
12:36 And his praise will always be
12:37 in my lips.
12:43 Heavenly father, almighty GOD,
12:45 we come before you today with
12:48 our heads filled with love and
12:51 gratitude for all you have done
12:51 for us.
12:54 We bless your name and praise
12:58 you for the life you give us.
13:02 We praise and thank you for the
13:03 breath of life.
13:06 Thank you lord for the
13:08 opportunity we have to be in
13:12 your presence with our bodies,
13:15 sisters and leaders of the
13:16 boston city.
13:20 Yes lord you are good.
13:21 You are wonderful.
13:24 No one can compare himself to
13:24 you.
13:29 You are the almighty GOD and we
13:32 know everything is under your
13:33 control.
13:37 Therefore oh GOD we pray that
13:39 you take charge of everything
13:42 that will take place during
13:43 this gathering.
13:48 Almighty GOD, we lift up before
13:51 you the leaders of boston city
13:51 .
13:55 You are chosen them to steer
13:59 their city safely in the right
14:02 direction of progress,
14:04 prosperity and we ask you to
14:07 grant them wisdom, integrity
14:10 and justice in their decision
14:14 making because they need
14:17 discernment, discernment with
14:19 fairness and compassion in
14:23 order to prioritize the
14:24 well-being of all.
14:28 And we pray for this ceremony
14:30 for the economy and the
14:33 progress of our city as they
14:34 protect our GOD.
14:38 We pray you for the safety and
14:40 security of our communities.
14:44 we ask for your divine
14:48 protection over all cities and
14:51 protect them from crime,
14:53 violence and accident.
14:57 Oh lord, we present to you the
15:00 mayor of the city michelle who
15:02 in her staff.
15:04 Thank you lord for your
15:06 presence in this ceremony.
15:09 We ask you to bless all of us.
15:14 Bless everything that is about
15:16 to be done in this time.
15:24 We pray in the name in jesus
15:24 christ a man.
15:25 In the name.
15:27 Thank you.
15:28 Hear me now.
15:31 Have allegiance.
15:32 To the flag of.
15:33 the united.
15:35 States of america and to the.
15:37 Republic for which it stands
15:41 one nation under GOD,
15:43 indivisible with liberty and
15:43 justice.
15:44 for all.
15:52 Thank you.
15:54 um, we have two
15:55 presentations today.
15:58 Uh, councilor uh louijeune is
16:00 recognizing, uh, asian heritage
16:03 month honorees and then will be
16:04 followed by counselor santana
16:05 before you sit down.
16:06 Louijeune would you like to
16:07 come back up again?
16:12 Um, councilor santana has uh uh
16:12 .
16:16 Has a resolution but he also
16:17 has a presentation related to
16:19 that resolution this afternoon
16:19 as well.
16:24 So cultural division under
16:24 guests.
16:35 Thank you again, MADAM
16:35 PRESIDENT.
16:38 Um, I'm here again in honor
16:39 of haitian heritage month,
16:41 which is the month of MAY and
16:42 it's an honor to get to
16:44 represent this community and to
16:46 every year celebrate, uh,
16:46 haitian heritage month.
16:51 I always say that MAY, uh, is
16:52 so important.
16:53 It's one of the busiest times
16:55 of the year and that so many
16:57 people in the community carry a
17:00 food habit and what it means to
17:03 hold grief and joy at the same
17:06 time given everything that's
17:07 happening with temporary
17:09 protected status, given
17:09 everything that's happening
17:13 back home where 90% of uh 90%
17:15 of the capital is controlled by
17:16 gangs.
17:17 Given the violence uh, from
17:19 this administration when we
17:21 talk about um, the harm to our
17:23 uh, immigrant communities, uh,
17:26 it is hard to find moments in
17:27 times of celebrate, but there's
17:29 so much happening here whether
17:31 it be the first time in 52
17:32 years that haiti is in the
17:33 world cup and the first game
17:35 happening in boston is haiti
17:37 versus scotland and to see the
17:38 haitian, haitian and the
17:39 scottish communities coming
17:40 together is amazing.
17:41 Whether it's last saturday, the
17:43 first night at the new england
17:45 revolution game or next friday
17:47 the third haitian night at the
17:50 red sox um we are carrying a
17:52 lot of a lot of pain and a lot
17:54 of joy and I am so grateful to
17:55 be a daughter of this community
17:58 both in uh, figurative sense uh
18:00 ,the haitian community I grew
18:02 up, uh, we know who and his
18:03 wife basically.
18:04 Um, there's something that you
18:05 see in creole ballets.
18:07 Ballets generally I grew up
18:09 balancing on his knee and in
18:11 um, uh, him doing work at the
18:12 creole at boston neighborhood
18:15 news with my father who is here
18:15 and always here.
18:17 And so I'm just grateful that I
18:19 grew up with parents who taught
18:21 me how important it is to be
18:22 proud of who I am as an
18:24 american, as a haitian and as a
18:24 black woman.
18:26 And so I'm grateful that during
18:27 this month of MAY we have a lot
18:28 of celebrating and we'll be
18:29 continuing that celebrating
18:30 through JUNE.
18:31 So there's an.
18:32 Official resolution.
18:35 That is on um, that is on the
18:36 docket that we will be voting
18:38 on later and I hope that my
18:39 colleagues will, uh, join me as
18:41 unanimously for this resolution
18:41 you do every year and voting
18:43 recognizing me as haitian
18:43 heritage month.
18:46 We'll also be continuing the
18:47 tradition of raising the
18:48 haitian flag on friday and I
18:49 hope my colleagues will join
18:49 us.
18:51 Uh, because of the weather it's
18:52 likely going to be mostly
18:53 inside, but I'm grateful I'm
18:55 going to have, uh, pastor kiki
18:57 say a few words and then we're
18:58 going to have the fc band
19:00 perform, uh, national anthem, a
19:01 haitian national anthem and ac
19:02 sherry for us.
19:03 So pastor kiki, if you'd like
19:04 to say a few words.
19:07 Uh, thank you so very much.
19:10 Uh, my, uh, counselor with the
19:12 reason I call her my daughter,
19:13 she call me the second
19:15 dad because her dad is right
19:15 here.
19:17 Well, thank all of you elected
19:20 officials who always stand, uh
19:22 community.
19:22 ,alongside of the asian
19:24 We thank you for all the
19:26 contributions that you bring to
19:28 us and connecting us as well
19:30 all the resources and we pray
19:32 that you continue to keep us in
19:35 your prayers as we about to
19:36 face the challenges especially
19:39 uh, to we do not know what it's
19:42 going to happen in JULY, but we
19:44 pray and hope that the supreme
19:46 court will definitely rule in
19:49 our favor so that 350,000
19:50 people can remain in this
19:52 country to contribute
19:53 tremendously in this economy.
19:54 Thank you so much.
19:55 Thank you.
19:57 And also just a reminder, uh,
19:58 pastor kiki serves as chair
19:59 of haitian americans united,
20:01 the annual haitian parade, a
20:03 haitian unity parade with will
20:05 and marie shepherd will be this
20:07 sunday starting at 1230 in
20:08 mattapan square.
20:10 So I'm going to turn it over to
20:11 members of the fcc band we have
20:14 with us today kevin scott, beau
20:15 erykah paul.
20:16 They both started as young
20:17 children with a c and now
20:19 they're in college and they
20:20 continue to embody the spirit
20:22 of our community and of service
20:22 .
20:24 Um and they just came from
20:25 college yesterday and today
20:26 they're here with us.
20:27 So thank you so much for coming
20:29 culture.
20:29 in and sharing in our rich
20:30 And we are also joined by
20:31 maestro mcauley and stanley
20:33 brunet playing a saxophone
20:34 tenor.
20:35 So thank you so much for being
20:35 with us.
20:37 Maybe it makes uh we'll move
20:39 and you can come up here and
20:40 perform.
20:47 We've got the stage.
21:26 and.
21:39 um.
21:46 We leaving you.
22:03 We have them on the.
22:07 Um you you.
22:23 Have.
22:30 One more.
22:37 You.
23:01 You you.
23:07 Me you.
23:11 You.
23:23 Me I me whenever.
23:34 Any.
23:42 You.
23:47 Really need.
23:51 A little.
24:05 Me me me me me you.
24:18 I.
24:33 You know let me you you you you
24:33 hey um you.
24:57 You know when you you you you
24:57 you.
25:02 When you you.
25:08 Give me.
25:13 Me you.
25:16 You you.
25:27 Me you you.
25:30 You know.
25:37 Me I.
25:47 I I want to join.
25:55 You.
26:00 Well with them in women.
26:03 I think.
26:06 In the world.
26:09 When they're.
26:12 In.
26:17 With us as a nation.
26:26 Father.
26:30 Yeah.
26:30 friend.
26:30 Sensei.
26:31 you can't.
26:35 You're the boss of this.
26:55 You you got everything.
26:58 you.
26:59 Thank you.
27:07 she's.
27:20 all right.
27:35 Thank you, councilor louijeune.
27:38 And thank you to the musicians
27:40 and all of you for being here
27:40 today.
27:41 It's such an honor.
27:46 Uh, someone once said I think
27:49 it's tony delacourt that said
27:50 that joy is an act
27:51 of resistance.
27:53 So I think it's really
27:56 important to celebrate and have
27:56 joy in our lives as well.
27:57 Thank you.
28:01 Um, and I would invite
28:02 councilor santana forward to,
28:04 uh, for your presentation.
28:25 Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
28:26 Good afternoon everyone.
28:30 Joined here with
28:31 councilor mejia as well.
28:34 Um, you can come on up.
28:37 So access to information and
28:39 the right to privacy are the
28:40 foundations of a free society.
28:42 And for marginalized voices
28:44 they are vital lifeline.
28:47 Yet we are currently facing
28:49 legislation that threatens to
28:50 dismantle this lifeline and
28:52 threaten the privacy
28:52 of neighbors.
28:54 We refuse to let our digital
28:56 rights be dismantled.
28:57 Today.
28:58 ,alongside with um
29:00 councilor mejia, we filed a
29:02 resolution in partnership with
29:04 fight for the future to ensure
29:05 that the internet remains a
29:07 tool for liberation, not
29:08 surveillance.
29:10 No one understands the stakes
29:12 of this legislation better than
29:13 our next guest.
29:17 Um, before um I let um the
29:18 director of ai for the future,
29:20 evan greer um, speak I do want
29:23 to give um, councilor mejia
29:23 okay.
29:28 All right, so I want so I will
29:29 thank you for being here.
29:31 Um, and, um, thank you for all
29:33 that you do on behalf of our
29:33 communities.
29:34 Thank you.
29:35 councilor.
29:37 So again, my name is evan greer
29:37 .
29:39 I'm the director of fight for
29:41 the future, which is a national
29:41 digital rights organization
29:43 based here in boston.
29:44 We have more than 60,000
29:46 members here in massachusetts.
29:47 But I'm not just here
29:48 representing fight for the
29:49 future.
29:50 I want to give a special shout
29:53 out to berman from iei labs,
29:54 who worked with
29:55 councilor santana's office
29:56 originally on this resolution.
29:58 And we're here representing a
30:02 growing coalition of lgbtqia
30:04 human rights, civil liberties
30:06 and racial justice groups
30:08 across the state who are urging
30:10 our lawmakers and policymakers
30:13 to address the harms of big
30:15 tech companies to crack down on
30:17 the predatory business
30:19 practices of large corporate
30:20 social media firms.
30:22 But to do that in a way that
30:24 does not throw the most
30:25 vulnerable people in our state
30:26 under the bus.
30:29 And so what this resolution
30:30 does is it really points the