The City council’s call for budgeting control equality was a long-awaited move. There’s no two ways about this – when the council and the mayor can share political independence, why should they not also enjoy equal budgetary controls?

Boston has long since been a “Strong-Mayor” government where the budgetary power has been vested upon the mayor. While the nation is raising concerns over racial discrimination, the city is ailing systemic racism. Councilmember Lydia Edwards said that fixing the city's budget "will take time, research, negotiations, and sustained conversations about what we want to invest in as a city. Until we change the budget process, we don’t have an opportunity to have those conversations in a meaningful way.”

There’s truly no argument to dismiss her claim; you cannot deny the urgency of this proposal. It has to be done. 

Both the council and the mayor are elected by the people. Simply put, both are meant to serve the people and see that the city meets its requirements. It’s completely unfair that the city council can vote to approve or reject the budget, but cannot add money to it. Yet, they can reduce the budget, and even then only if the “mayor requests a transfer of funds.” The budgetary process needs alteration, which would make way for expanding participatory budgeting.

The system falls short here. If the council is given its fair share of budgetary control, a lot of amendments can be made to the allocation system of the funds. Some issues needed significant restructuring, but remained unattended for years due to a lack of funds. This proposal will enable the Council to finally take action in those areas.

There has to be a cap on the city’s budget so that the voters know where the funds are going and why. When the council starts sharing budget control with the mayor, a new benchmark will be set for future expenditures- letting the budget meet the funding but not exceeding it. The members of the council undoubtedly have many different ideas that would strengthen Boston, and this will enable them to explore the needs of the city’s various districts.  

With control over the budget, the council members will also have input in future city planning as to where and how much funds should be allocated to upcoming projects for city development. The council will always have the past expenditure as a model, so they know how much more is more.

The fair share of inputs among the council members will ensure beneficial propositions will be taken immediately into consideration, proposals that need work can be modified, with funds reallocating for proper utilization elsewhere..

Right now with partial powers, their hands are tied with the council. Budgetary equality will boost financial confidence required to make a difference in the city’s budget.