Ensuring Public Health and Community Safety

The FY24 Operating Budget includes $1.2 million in violence prevention for the Boston Housing Authority. This funding will support 5 additional BHA police officers, who are both critical first responders and key resources for helping residents overcome challenges.

The same funding will also support violence prevention programming. As a provider of housing for 9% of Boston residents, the BHA has an opportunity to deliver place-based interventions to vulnerable youth and young adults. A cross-departmental initiative will create a holistic education, employment and violence intervention program for BHA residents run out of BHA community spaces and local non-profit centers. Youth will be met where they're at, being provided the services they need most.

The Boston Police Department will also strive to engage with Boston residents. A $582 thousand investment will expand the services of Youth Connect. This program empowers social workers to directly connect with youth and provide culturally responsive & trauma-informed mental health services for those at high-risk.

The FY24 Budget reinforces a strong foundation for our public safety agencies. The Fire Department continues to replace apparatus on an  annual basis; this year's capital plan also includes $28 million in new funding for firehouses and equipment.  

Boston's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will add 10 positions, including both front line EMTs as well as administrative support. These positions will ensure that EMS is able to meet its stated response times and ensure that public emergencies are responded to swiftly.

In addition, EMS will continue their successful mentorship partnership with City Academy, a program that provides additional mentorship and support to EMT recruits that meet an income threshold, ensuring their success.