BCYF presents essentially level-funded $30.5 million FY27 operating budget to council

Marta Rivera, commissioner of the Boston Centers for Youth and Families, told the Boston City Council Ways and Means Committee on May 18 that BCYF’s proposed fiscal year 2027 operating budget is $30,500,000 and “remains essentially level funded.”

Rivera said the department’s funding primarily supports staff who run programs across 36 BCYF sites — 22 stand‑alone centers and 14 sites located in Boston Public Schools — and that roughly 81% of the budget covers personnel costs. “We want to make sure that those positions are filled to support programming,” Rivera said.

The presentation included usage metrics Rivera offered as evidence of sustained demand: BCYF reported 206,288 registered members and nearly 900,000 program visits in the last fiscal year; Rivera also said BCYF offered more activities in FY26 than in FY25 and saw a 19% increase in youth participation in sports programs.

Why it matters: the operating budget underpins summer programs, pools, after‑school offerings and services for older residents, and councilors pressed BCYF about whether the funding level will preserve widely used services such as swim lessons, cooling centers and senior programming.

Councilors asked about capital spending and facility maintenance. Councilor Braden flagged a pattern of capital underspend and asked why BCYF executed only about 46% of its planned capital budget in FY26; Rivera said that, from the department’s perspective, some projects were delayed where project managers had not been assigned and that coordination with public facilities and capital planning is required to increase delivery.

BCYF staff described recent and planned investments in accessibility and technology, including assistive devices and modernized communications, and highlighted partnerships with local organizations and sports franchises that provide clinics and enrichment. Rivera emphasized the department’s goals for FY27 as “raising the bar, investing in our people, listening to improve, and deepening our partnerships” to stabilize program quality across sites.

Next steps: the Ways and Means Committee will continue budget review hearings through June; the chair also reminded residents of a May 26 public listening session for additional testimony.