Boston Council Approves $2.35M in Federal Migrant Shelter Grants, 12 to 1

BOSTON — November 20, 2024 — Boston City Council approves $2.35 million in federal migrant shelter grants and $20 million Roxbury transportation award. The council voted 12 to 1 on November 20 to accept two U.S. Department of Homeland Security Shelter and Services Program grants totaling $2,349,427.24, over the lone dissent of Councillor Edward M. Flynn, who sought a committee hearing; Housing Committee Chair Liz Breadon cited end-of-session calendar pressure and a pending change in federal administration as reasons to act immediately, saying the funds must support up to 80 emergency shelter beds at the Boston Rescue Mission and two Boston Public Health Commission migrant liaisons. The council also unanimously cleared an $11.4 million USDA urban forestry grant and, by a 12-to-1 vote, authorized a $20 million federal RAISE grant for Malcolm X Boulevard, Melnea Cass Boulevard, and Warren Street in Roxbury. All 13 members present voted unanimously to mark the 25th anniversary of Transgender Day of Remembrance, honoring the memory of Rita Hester and Chanel Pickett, and a resolution calling for state receivership of the city's election department — filed by Councillors Flynn and Erin J. Murphy after November 5 ballot shortages — was defeated 7 to 2, with four members voting present.