Boston’s Planned Capital Program, Where’s the Money Going? Why Green New Deal in Focus?
In the City of Boston, Massachusetts, the planned capital program funds have surged 15 percent, emphasizing key transformative projects such as the Boston Public Schools (BPS) Green New Deal, the revitalization of Roxbury’s transportation corridors, and the construction of the Josiah Quincy Upper School along with a dedicated center for youth and families.
The City has recently unveiled a comprehensive Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for the fiscal years 2024-28, revealing a notable increase of around $600 million from the preceding 2023-27 CIP, now totaling $4.2 billion compared to the previous $3.6 billion. This surge in the capital program signals a strategic reevaluation and an evident commitment to addressing evolving urban requirements.
Boston Public Schools (BPS) Green New Deal Initiative
A paramount facet of the revised CIP is the prioritization of key sectors, with a conspicuous emphasis on Boston Public Schools (BPS), Centers for Youth and Families, and the Transportation Department.
Boston students need safe, healthy schools, but many lack essential infrastructure like heating, cooling, and proper facilities. A major overhaul in managing Boston Public Schools (BPS) facilities is crucial for a world-class education.
In the new plan, the BPS schools are set to receive a substantial boost of 31 percent, amounting to an additional $250 million, totaling a substantial $1.045 billion planned investment in school facilities.
This increase is intended to fund ten new projects and ongoing initiatives, with a notable focus on the Green New Deal initiative. This is a plan to upgrade school facilities, as students and families for decades, have been calling for change. This is a new all-hands-on-deck approach. With financial resources, planning tools, and staff capacity to deliver urgent improvements to BPS buildings. The allocation aims to facilitate the construction of new school buildings, transformative reconfigurations, and district-wide improvements, aligning with diverse educational pathways.
Roxbury Resilient Transportation Corridors Initiative
The Transportation Department, witnessing a 37 percent surge, will have a budget of $295 million, fueled by nine new projects, including the transformative Roxbury Resilient Transportation Corridors initiative to improve three streets in Roxbury. They will upgrade parts of Melnea Cass Boulevard, Malcolm X Boulevard, and Warren Street. The project includes new bus lanes, sidewalks, bike paths, and better intersections. They’ll use technology to make transportation more affordable and healthier for residents.
Simultaneously, the Boston Centers for Youth and Families are slated for a remarkable increase of $129 million, reflecting a 145 percent uptick, resulting in a total outlay of $203.5 million.
The Boston Planning and Development Agency also experienced a noteworthy increase in allocations, rising by over six times to $36.1 million from $5.1 million in the previous cycle.
Noteworthy Allocations and Projects
Budget Cuts in Various Departments
However, amidst the increases, certain departments face budget cuts. The police department encounters a 23 percent reduction to $81.4 million, down from the previous $105.4 million. The Department of Innovation and Technology experiences a 21 percent reduction to $85.4 million from $108 million. Other departments facing cuts include Parks and Recreation (8 percent reduction to $331.9 million), Property Management (5 percent reduction to $342.9 million), and Public Works (4 percent cut to $943.3 million).
In summation, the City of Boston’s 2024-28 CIP reflects a thoughtful and strategic approach to urban development, aligning investments with key priorities while adjusting in response to evolving needs and fiscal considerations.
