Official Bulletin: Boston City Council Budget Sessions and Winter Public Service Updates

Public Notice: City Council Budget Working Session (Docket #0202)

The Boston City Council Committee on Ways and Means is scheduled to convene today, Thursday, February 19, 2026, for a working session focused on the Fiscal Year 2027 Boston Public Schools (BPS) operating budget. The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the Curley Room, located on the fifth floor of Boston City Hall. This session, sponsored by Councilors Benjamin J. Weber and John FitzGerald, will specifically address Requests for Information (RFI) related to the upcoming school year's financial planning.

• Location: Boston City Hall, Curley Room (5th Floor).
• Time: 10:00 a.m.
• Purpose: Analysis of FY27 BPS budget inquiries and departmental responses.
• Public Attendance: While the session is open to the public for observation, there is no public testimony period scheduled for this specific working session.

Public Service Announcement: MBTA Winter 2026 Service Changes

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) reminds riders that the Winter 2026 service schedule remains in effect throughout the Greater Boston area. As part of the ongoing Better Bus Project, several key routes have seen frequency increases to provide service every 15 minutes or better. These include routes 32, 39, 57, 66, 71, 73, and 77, as well as Silver Line routes SL1, SL3, and SL5.

Commuters utilizing the Blue Line should be aware of minor trip shifts between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to accommodate necessary maintenance and inspections. Riders are encouraged to utilize the MBTA Trip Planner for real-time updates as the city manages mid-winter transit demand. Additionally, weekend ferry services remain suspended for the winter season, though the Hingham/Hull and Charlestown weekday ferries continue to operate on their regular year-round schedules.

Notice to Residents: 2026 Annual City Census

The City of Boston is currently conducting its 2026 Annual Census. Completion of the census is a requirement under Massachusetts General Law and is essential for maintaining accurate voter and jury lists. Data collected also ensures that the City receives appropriate state and federal funding for local services and schools. Residents who have not yet responded to the mailed forms are urged to complete the process online via the official city portal. Providing updated household information also assists in the coordination of emergency services and public health outreach across Boston’s neighborhoods.

Health Advisory: Centralized Reporting for Food-Borne Illness

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) is reminding Boston residents of the centralized online system for reporting suspected food-borne illnesses. The "Report My Meal" tool is active for any individual who believes they have contracted an illness from food consumed at local establishments or public events. Information submitted through this portal is reviewed by state epidemiologists and shared with local health departments for rapid follow-up and inspection. This measure is part of a broader effort to maintain public safety during the peak indoor dining season.