I was moved by the powerful community turnout at Tuesday’s Budget Hearing for Boston’s Equity Cabinet. Your presence reminded us all of the stakes: for many of our neighbors, this funding is quite literally a matter of life and death.
The designation of Boston being a “sanctuary city” is only as meaningful as the resources we dedicate to it. Grants for the Office of LGBTQIA2S+ Advancement and the Office of Immigrant Advancement are essential infrastructure for our most vulnerable residents. Cutting this funding undermines the community organizations and leaders providing the life-saving services our city relies on.
I am standing with my colleagues to put forward amendments that restore these vital grants. We must ensure that the programming our community needs to survive isn’t just “supported” in word, but fully resourced in deed.
Henry Santana, Boston City Councilor At-Large
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05/14/2026
I spent this past Tuesday morning getting “grilled” by a group of incredibly sharp eighth graders at the Charlestown High School Civics Showcase, and honestly, it was the highlight of my week.
It was great to see them so engaged as they prepare to start their own Action Civics Projects. Their focus on finding tangible solutions for our community is really encouraging, and it was a privilege to help them gather some ideas for their work ahead.
Experiences like this are a sincere reminder of why local engagement matters, and I’m looking forward to seeing what these students accomplish as they bring their projects to life.
05/14/2026
As sponsor, our office will be participating in an in person hearing on Thursday June 4 at 10am with the Committee on Planning, Development & Transportation regarding an Order for a Text Amendment to the Boston Zoning Code with respect to parking minimums for residential development.
Members of the public are invited to attend or testify.
“For some young people, having a year-round youth job is the one thing keeping a roof over their heads and food on the table.”
Christine from Santana’s Youth Force stood before the City Council last week to speak on the life-altering reality of these proposed budget cuts. She made it clear that for many of our youth, these jobs are not just about gaining experience—they are a matter of survival. From paying for college to providing basic necessities for their families, year-round employment is the stability that keeps our young people afloat.
We are deeply proud of Christine for her courage in highlighting the stakes of this decision.
“This job experience made me feel proud and responsible.”
Nevaeh, a leader from Santana’s Youth Force, took the podium during last week’s budget hearing to remind the City Council that a youth job is a primary source of independence and capability. Her testimony serves as undeniable proof that we cannot afford to cut these programs. When we fund youth jobs, we are investing in the empowerment and self-reliance of young people across Boston. We are immensely proud of Nevaeh for her courage and her clarity in making sure the city knows exactly what is at stake.
“Knowing that the funding might be cut is a hard hit to our youth who are our future. It feels like the door that was open for me could be closed for my younger sister and so many others.”
Ameera from Santana’s Youth Force brought a deeply personal perspective to Tuesday’s budget hearing. She spoke about how her youth job gave her the confidence to navigate adult spaces and the financial means to pay for college, but her greatest concern was for those following in her footsteps.
We are incredibly proud of Ameera for standing up for her family and her community.
A $6 million reduction in year-round youth jobs is a step backward that our city cannot afford to take.
This week we saw the Iannella Chamber packed with youth and while it is inspiring to see our City Hall filled with young advocates, they should not have to fight this hard just for the opportunity to work. As a product of Boston’s youth employment programs myself, I know firsthand that these jobs are life-changing. They provided me with professional development, financial stability, and most importantly, a safe space to grow. For many of our neighbors, these programs are the difference between a future of opportunity and a life cut short.
Restoring this $6 million is my number one priority this budget season. Our youth are the future leaders of this city, and providing them with a path to success is non-negotiable.
“Youth jobs have been an opportunity for me to grow not just as an individual but to build my community. Youth jobs build unforgettable experiences and relationships for young people across the city.”
Jojo, a Senior from Santana’s Youth Force, delivered this powerful message at Tuesday’s budget hearing to demand that Boston protect funding for year-round youth jobs. We are immensely proud of Jojo for standing firm and ensuring the voices of the next generation are heard loud and clear.
05/08/2026
As Chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice, our office will be hosting in an person hearing on Friday, 5/22 at 10am to examine the Boston Police Department’s protocols for releasing police body camera & dashboard camera footage.
Members of the public are invited to attend or testify.
05/08/2026
I really enjoyed getting out into the neighborhood this week for a cleanup with the team from Keolis. It was great to take advantage of the spring weather and join colleagues and neighbors for some hands-on work to spruce up the station area.
The timing of this effort is particularly meaningful as Keolis continues its work replacing nearly 30 miles of rail along the Fairmount Line. This project is a big piece of the puzzle for our future transit goals, setting the stage for increased service and the rollout of battery-electric trains. My thanks to everyone who spent their afternoon with us or stopped by to say hello—it’s these small, collective efforts that keep our community moving forward.
05/07/2026
Our hearts are heavy as we remember Rodney Perez—a man who poured every ounce of his spirit into the city of Boston and the youth who call it home.
From the early days sitting in homeroom at the Tobin School, where he provided a lifelong sense of levity and friendship to Councilor Santana, to his brotherhood with our Deputy Chief of Staff Wilmer, Rodney was a constant source of light. He carried that same infectious energy into his professional life, serving as an invaluable resource for Santana’s Youth Force.
Through his work with the Boston PIC, he displayed an uninhibited fire for community work, becoming a mentor who didn’t just teach, but transformed the lives of the students and staff he walked alongside.
Rodney was the rare kind of soul who met every challenge with positive energy and every person with respect. Boston is a little dimmer without Rodney’s smile, but the fire he ignited in Boston’s youth will burn for generations to come.
He was a son, a brother, a mentor, and a best friend who served us all with everything he had. He will be deeply, deeply missed.
In the wake of such a sudden loss, we welcome you to join us in surrounding his family with love and support. If you are able to contribute, please click the link in our bio to assist his family.
Please keep his family, friends, and the many lives he touched in your thoughts and prayers.
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