Mayor Wu Launches Inaugural Neighborhood Office Hours in Roxbury Today; Council Weighs FY27 Budget
Mayor Hosts First-Ever Neighborhood Office Hours
Mayor Michelle Wu and the Community Engagement Cabinet are launching the city’s first-ever neighborhood Office Hours today, Thursday, March 5, 2026. The event is scheduled to take place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building in Roxbury. Designed as a family-friendly, one-stop opportunity, these office hours aim to bring City Hall directly into Boston’s neighborhoods.
The initiative provides a platform for residents to connect directly with Mayor Wu and representatives from various city departments, including the Boston Police Department, Boston Public Schools, the Boston Public Health Commission, and the Age Strong Commission. Neighborhood liaisons will be present to assist constituents with navigating city services, asking questions, and accessing resources such as housing stability programs and small business support. The event will also feature activities for children led by the BCYF City Hall Childcare Program.
City Council Tackles FY27 Operating Budget
Earlier today, the Boston City Council’s Committee on Ways and Means convened for a high-priority public hearing regarding the City of Boston's FY27 Operating Budget. Held at 2:00 p.m. in the Iannella Chamber at City Hall, the session focused on Docket #0201, an order for a hearing to discuss the upcoming fiscal year’s financial priorities.
The hearing, sponsored by Councilors Benjamin J. Weber and John FitzGerald, allowed for public testimony as the city begins the complex process of balancing its financial obligations for the 2027 fiscal year. Discussion topics included investments in city services and the sustainability of the operating budget. This meeting is part of a series of sessions intended to provide transparency and gather community input before the final budget vote later this spring.
New Liaisons and Safety Preparedness Workshop
In addition to the town hall-style events, the Mayor’s Office recently announced the appointment of two new neighborhood liaisons who are expected to begin their outreach efforts today. Katrina Lin has been named the liaison for Chinatown, Downtown, and the Leather District, while Samantha Courage will serve the Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Fenway, Kenmore, and Mission Hill areas.
Residents interested in public safety can also attend a Safety Preparedness Workshop this evening at Northeastern Crossing on Tremont Street. Held in partnership with the City of Boston's Office of Emergency Management, the workshop runs from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and offers practical advice on emergency planning and personal safety. Participants will have the opportunity to create family emergency plans and receive starter kits, including first aid supplies and lanterns.