The Boston City Council meeting on May 28, 2025, focused on the fiscal year 2026 budget, specifically addressing the Age Strong initiative and Veterans Services. Key discussions revolved around funding sources, community outreach strategies, and support programs for older adults and veterans.

A significant portion of the meeting highlighted the Age Strong initiative, which aims to enhance services for older adults in Boston. The program is set to employ 15 older adult ambassadors who will engage with various cultural communities, including the Somali community. The ambassadors will help identify communication channels and build trust within these communities to ensure that older residents are aware of and can access available services. The initiative emphasizes equity, aiming to improve access for seniors from diverse backgrounds who may have historically faced barriers in receiving assistance.

In addition to the Age Strong initiative, the meeting addressed the needs of veterans in the city. Council members discussed the banner program, which is designed to honor veterans and is currently funded through the "bridge to gap" program. There are plans to expand this initiative into a more comprehensive grant program in the future. The community will play a central role in managing the banner program through an application process, which will also include mini-grants to support local organizations.

Overall, the discussions underscored the city's commitment to enhancing support for both older adults and veterans, with a focus on community involvement and equitable access to resources. The council plans to continue exploring funding opportunities to expand these vital programs.