Overview
- Mayor Michelle Wu, who previewed the plan Monday, will file a $4.9 billion proposal this week that she says protects core city services.
- The blueprint raises spending 2% over this year’s $4.8 billion budget, the lowest annual increase since 2009, and it avoids a property tax override or using reserves.
- City officials say most departments would see about 1.3% cuts to non‑health costs, with savings coming largely from scaling back discretionary grant programs.
- City Hall does not plan layoffs, while Boston Public Schools’ separate $1.7 billion budget eliminates 300 to 400 positions because of higher costs and falling enrollment.
- Officials attribute the squeeze to heavy snow removal bills, police overtime, and higher employee health insurance, and they warn reserves may be needed to close this year’s nearly $50 million gap before June 30.