Official Notice: City of Boston Public Meetings and Community Advisories
Public Meetings and Hearings
While the Boston City Council is not in formal session this Wednesday following the Presidents' Day holiday, several municipal boards and oversight panels have scheduled public meetings for February 18, 2026. These sessions offer residents the opportunity to observe local governance and, in many cases, provide public testimony regarding city operations and regional planning.
- Boston Retirement Board: The board will convene at 9:00 a.m. at Boston City Hall, 1 City Hall Square, in the Room 816 Board Room. The agenda includes administrative updates, retirement application reviews, and investment reports.
- Internal Affairs Oversight Panel (IAOP): A public meeting of the Office of Police Accountability and Transparency's IAOP is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at 2201 Washington Street, Suite 102, in Roxbury. The panel will discuss case reviews, previous meeting minutes, and future scheduling for transparency initiatives.
- Metro Boston Homeland Security Region (MBHSR): The Planning and Community Preparedness Subcommittee will hold a remote meeting from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Agenda items include FY23 and FY24 budget updates and regional emergency management strategies.
- Boston Employment Commission: This commission will meet virtually from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. to review compliance with the Boston Residents Jobs Policy and monitor workforce diversity on major city-funded construction projects.
- Boston Cannabis Board: A voting agenda meeting is set for 1:00 p.m. via virtual conference. The board is expected to vote on pending license applications and operational renewals.
- City of Boston Finance Commission: A virtual meeting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. to review municipal financial reports and the city's ongoing fiscal management.
- Disability Commission Advisory Board: The board will meet at 5:30 p.m. in a remote format to discuss accessibility improvements and service advocacy for residents with disabilities.
Canceled Meetings
The St. Botolph Area Architectural Conservation District Commission meeting, originally scheduled for this evening, has been canceled. Officials report that there are currently no pending cases requiring commission review at this time.
Public Health and Community Advisories
The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) continues to highlight the recently released 2025-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan. This roadmap outlines citywide strategies for addressing health inequities, mental health access, and chronic disease prevention over the next three years. Residents are encouraged to review the plan's priorities on the official commission portal.
With winter conditions persisting, the Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC) advises property owners to remain vigilant against frozen pipes. Essential maintenance tips include insulating pipes in unheated areas and ensuring that thermostats are kept at a consistent temperature to prevent costly bursts. The BWSC headquarters has resumed normal operating hours following the Monday holiday.
Public Service Opportunities
Applications remain open for the 2026 City of Boston Summer Internship Program. This program offers students and service-driven individuals hands-on experience in municipal government. The application deadline is March 6, 2026, and positions are available across a variety of city departments, including the Mayor’s Office, Streets Cabinet, and Treasury.