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Breaking down $4.28 billion for Boston

Breaking down Mayor Wu’s budget proposal

This annual operating budget funds services like schools, libraries, and public safety. | Photo by @rickinmarblehead

Mayor Wu officially filed the 2024 fiscal year operating budget proposal with Boston City Council yesterday.

There’s a total of $4.28 billion proposed for the period from July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024, marking a ~7% increase from the previous fiscal year’s budget of $3.99 billion.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the spending plans.

Investing in education

Let’s start with the big bucks. By far the largest spending area is education, with 40% of the budget focused on keeping Boston wicked smaht.

The city would set $374 million aside for maintaining Boston Public Schools buildings, plus $9.6 million to support students with special needs. There is also an additional $4 million in Universal Pre-K funding to add 350+ new seats for three and four year olds.

Going green

The city is riding toward a greener future with $1.4 million devoted to introducing electric Bluebikes across the biking system. There’s also $58 million in new capital funds for infrastructure improvements to create a more walkable, bike-friendly city.

To continue reaching for the city’s 2030 climate goals, $50 million would go toward ending the use of fossil fuels by upgrading systems at the Boston Housing Authority.

Backing the books

Good news for Boston bookworms. The spending plan has bookmarked $43 million for constructing new libraries in Fields Corner, Egleston Square, and Codman Square.

An additional $750,000 would expand weekday and Saturday hours at Boston Public Library branches.

Keeping Boston safe

Public safety is the third highest spending category. Think: The city’s police and fire departments.

Boston Housing Authority sites would receive $1.2 million for violence prevention programming + public safety staffing. Plans also include investing $582,000 in trauma-informed mental health services for high-risk youth through the Youth Connect Program.

See the full budget proposal

Events

Thursday, April 13

Brookline High School Poetry Festival | Thursday, Apr. 13 | 6 p.m. | Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St., Brookline | Free | The bookstore will host the annual festival with original pieces performed by students + staff.

Friday, April 14

Boston Marathon Fan Fest | Friday, Apr. 14-Sunday, Apr. 16 | Times vary | Copley Square Park, 560 Boylston St., Boston | Free | Soak in the race week atmosphere with live music, activities, and appearances by Boston Marathon champions.
Harvard Book Store presents Mary Louise Kelly | Friday, Apr. 14 | 6 p.m. | The Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St., Cambridge | $6-29 | Mary Louise Kelly will be in conversation with Meghna Chakrabarti to discuss her new memoir “It. Goes. So. Fast.: The Year of No Do-Overs.”

Saturday, April 15

Hot Stove Cool Music | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 7:15-11 p.m. | City Winery Boston, 80 Beverly St., Boston | $65-$250 | This special “Off The Mound” party will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Red Sox’s 2013 World Series championship with former player appearances and live music.
Portico Brewing Grand Opening Party | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 2 p.m. | Portico Brewing, 101 South St., Somerville | Free to attend | Sip to the brewery’s grand opening with live music, games, and food.

Sunday, April 16

Drag Bingo | Sunday, Apr. 16 | 6-8 p.m. | Time Out Market, 401 Park Dr., Boston | Free | Plane Jane will take the stage at 7 p.m. to kick off an hour-long bingo bonanza + drag performance.
Complimentary “Carb-Up” Dinner for Marathon Runners | Sunday, Apr. 16 | 4-10 p.m. | Thirsty Scholar Pub, 70 Beacon St., Somerville | Free | Runners can load up on dishes like pulled pork and beef bolognese on the eve of the Boston Marathon.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Number

$255 million. That’s how much the MBTA paid to purchase Widett Circle, a 24-acre industrial area about one mile north of South Station. The former meatpacking district is set to become a railyard and layover space that can store trains used along the nine commuter rail lines. (Boston Globe)

Development

The Sheraton Boston Hotel in Back Bay could repurpose part of the property as dorm space for Northeastern University. A new owner of Massachusetts’ largest hotel has proposed converting one of the two towers into housing for up to 854 Huskies — the move still requires BPDA approval. (Boston Globe)

Transit

As transportation planning and development proposals continue for Southie, the BPDA has released a guide to help residents better understand the ongoing initiatives. The South Boston Transportation Action Plan will present the guide at a public meeting on Tuesday, May 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Sports

The Celtics first-round playoff opponent has been announced. Watch Boston take on the Atlanta Hawks this Saturday, April 15 at 3:30 p.m. at TD Garden. Find the full schedule for the best-of-seven series. (NBC Sports)

State

Massachusetts lawmakers filed legislation to study implementing a four-day work week for Bay State residents. If approved, the two-year pilot study would be overseen by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development + participating employers would qualify for a tax credit. (Boston.com)

History

“Revisiting the Ruins: The Great Boston Fire of 1872" is on view now through Saturday, July 29 at the Boston Athenaeum. The Calderwood Gallery exhibit shows artifacts from the fire in Boston’s commercial district that lasted nearly 20 hours. Find more current + upcoming exhibits to explore this year.

Film

Tickets go on sale today for the 2023 Independent Film Festival Boston. The 20th annual event is taking place Wednesday, April 26-Wednesday, May 3, featuring films like “20 Days in Mariupol” from GBH Frontline and the National Geographic documentary “Bobi Wine: The People’s President.”

Travel

What trip would be worth leaving Boston? For City Editor Sara, it’s Edinburgh — to explore its historic castles and beautiful bookstores. Sign up for Going to get notified when flight prices drop so you can book your dream trip and feel great about it. Join for free.

Correction

We got a little turned around yesterday with a finish line fact in our history of the Boston Marathon. The finish line has been on Boylston Street since 1986 — the first race that was officially sponsored by John Hancock. Run over to more Marathon memories.

Events

We’re not kiddin’ around

Kid-friendly activities in Boston

Statue and Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown

Spend a day exploring Charlestown after a family visit to the USS Constitution Museum. | Photo by @travelikealocalma

April school vacation week begins Saturday, April 15, so it’s time to start planning those family-friendly activities. Here are some local events that will keep the kiddos entertained.

🌪️ Wind-Powered Fun, USS Constitution Museum
The Charlestown museum is hosting family-friendly crafts and activities that explore the power of wind throughout the vacation week. Don’t miss the showstopping event: Kite Flying Day on Friday, April 21.

🌎 Party for the Planet, Franklin Park Zoo
The local zoo is raising awareness for the planet with a full day of educational activities on Saturday, April 22. Snag tickets and head over between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. for zookeeper chats, conservation stations, and games.

👟 Boston Marathon Days, Museum of Science
On Saturday, April 15 and Sunday, April 16, bring the family to the museum to explore the science + technology behind Boston’s historic race, featuring special activities and presentations.

More fun for the family

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Sara

From the editor

Potato skins are back on the Ninety Nine’s menu, and all hope has been restored in New England’s restaurant scene. We have WBZ reporter Matt Shearer to thank for the delicious dish making a comeback and filling the potato skin-sized holes in our hearts.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Look back on 26.2 miles of memories.

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