City Council - Government Operations Committee Hearing on Docket #1434

October 27, 2025
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City Council - Government Operations Committee Hearing on Docket #1434

Meeting Date: October 27, 2025, at 02:00 PM Governing Body: Boston City Council - Government Operations Committee Type of Meeting: Public Hearing Attendees:

  • Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata (Chair)
  • Councilor Henry Santana (Lead Sponsor)
  • Councilor Edward Flynn
  • Councilor John Fitzgerald
  • Councilor Liz Breadon
  • Councilor Erin Murphy
  • Chief Jose Maso, Chief of Human Services
  • Pedro Cruz, Executive Director, Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement (OYEA)

Absent:

  • Councilor Benjamin Weber (submitted absence letter)
  • Council President Ruthzee Louijeune (submitted absence letter)

Executive Summary: The City Council Government Operations Committee convened a public hearing on Docket #1434, an ordinance to codify the Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement (OYEA). The hearing featured presentations from OYEA leadership, highlighting the office's significant achievements in youth development, engagement, and resource provision since its establishment two and a half years prior. Numerous community members, including youth, educators, and non-profit leaders, provided testimony in strong support of codifying OYEA, emphasizing its crucial role in fostering youth leadership, providing essential resources, and building a collaborative network of youth-serving organizations across Boston. The proposed codification aims to ensure the long-term sustainability and stability of OYEA's vital services for Boston's youth.

I. Call to Order and Opening Remarks

  • Meeting Called to Order: Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata, Chair of the Boston City Council Committee on Government Operations, called the hearing to order at 2:05 PM.
  • Recording and Livestream: The hearing was recorded and livestreamed at boston.gov/city-council-tv, and broadcast on Expeditie Channel 8, RCN Channel 82, and Fios Channel 964.
  • Written Comments: Written comments could be sent to ccc.gov@boston.gov.
  • Public Testimony: Public testimony was scheduled for the end of the hearing, with individuals allotted two minutes to speak.
  • Docket #1434: The hearing focused on Docket #1434, an ordinance codifying the Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement (OYEA).
    • Sponsors: Councilors Henry Santana, John Fitzgerald, and Benjamin Weber.
    • Referral Date: Referred to the committee on August 6, 2025.
  • Councilor Santana (Lead Sponsor):
    • Expressed gratitude for the strong youth presence, highlighting OYEA's role as a cornerstone for youth engagement, policy involvement, and resource connection.
    • Emphasized that codifying OYEA would ensure long-term access to these critical resources, demonstrating to youth that "they belong here in Boston."
    • Noted that the initiative originated from his youth council, Santana's Youth Force, demonstrating youth demand for the office's permanence.
  • Councilor Flynn:
    • Commended the sponsors and OYEA leadership, particularly Pedro Cruz, for their dedication to youth development.
    • Stressed the importance of youth voices as "leaders of the city" and integral to Boston's future.
  • Councilor Fitzgerald:
    • Shared his personal experience as a former member of the Mayor's Youth Council in the late 1990s, illustrating the long-standing impact of such programs.
    • Stated that engaging the next generation is "the most important work" and that OYEA teaches youth the importance of civic engagement and policy.
    • Expressed pride in OYEA's leadership and anticipated voting to codify the office.
  • Absence Letters:
    • Councilor Benjamin Weber: An absence letter was read into the record, stating his inability to attend due to the grand opening of the Youth Centre at the Mildred Haley Apartments in Jamaica Plain. His staff would attend and take notes.
    • Council President Ruthzee Louijeune: An absence letter was also received.
  • Councilor Coletta Zapata (Chair):
    • Identified herself as "youth adjacent" and committed to ensuring youth have every resource to reach their full potential.
    • Stated that codifying OYEA would "ensure that it is in law and this will be a priority moving forward."

II. Presentation by Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement (OYEA) Leadership

  • Chief Jose Maso, Chief of Human Services:
    • Introduced himself and Pedro Cruz, Executive Director of OYEA.
    • Origin of OYEA: Explained that OYEA emerged in 2022 from the transition of the youth jobs program (formerly SuccessLink) to the Work Empowerment Cabinet. He advocated for retaining youth engagement programs like the Mayor's Youth Council and Youth Lead the Change.
    • Vision for OYEA: Envisioned a department focused on fostering youth development, representing youth and youth workers at City Hall, connecting youth to resources, and proactively seeking youth input.
    • Leadership: Praised Pedro Cruz as a visionary leader and long-time mentee, highlighting his 24 years of experience in youth development.
  • Pedro Cruz, Executive Director, Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement:
    • Expressed honor in serving the city's youth and thanked councilors, Chief Maso, his team, and community leaders.
    • Organizational Structure: OYEA operates under Chief Jose Maso's Human Services cabinet, alongside offices like Boston Public Libraries and BCYF Centers.
    • Staffing: Proudly announced OYEA has grown from one employee (himself) two and a half years ago to a full team of 11:
      • 7 full-time employees
      • 4 twelve-month fellowships (providing opportunities for young professionals).
    • Mission: To serve the 14-25 year old population by supporting three levels of youth work:
      1. Youth programs and spaces (schools, libraries, community centers).
      2. Adults working in those spaces (librarians, teachers, coaches).
      3. Young people themselves.
    • Key Programs and Initiatives:
      • Mayor's Youth Council (MYC):
        • Existing for 30 years; goal was to ensure active youth participation.
        • All members are now paid.
        • Engages youth 4-5 days a week from October to May.
        • Achievements: Trips to Germany to meet other youth councils, engagement with city departments (ICA, MFA, SPARC, Streets Cabinet), and the Mass Commission on Status of Women.
        • New Initiatives: Added two seats for undocumented youth, launched MYC Alumni Network, and is launching a Coalition of Youth Councils.
      • Youth Lead the Change (YLC):
        • City-wide participatory budgeting program where youth allocate $1 million annually.
        • Achievements: Highest ideas submitted and votes counted in program history under OYEA.
        • Projects Highlighted:
          • Wicker Free Wi-Fi expansion.
          • Tobin Media Center at Tobin Community Center (funded by YLC).
          • Renovated basketball courts.
          • Conversations to implement HVAC systems in BPS schools.
        • Project Completion: Addressed 15 pending projects; 3 completed, 6 in progress, others in conversation.
      • Mayor's Youth Summit:
        • Revived after a 20-year hiatus (first held in 1994, stopped in 2004).
        • Attendance: 300 attendees in the first year, 500 in the second year.
        • Engagement: Awards for youth and organizations (nominated by youth), focus groups for planning.
      • YouthLine:
        • Online resource hub with over 500 resources and opportunities for young people.
        • Accessibility: Intake form and staff support for navigation, referral program (not case management).
        • Community calendar of youth events.
      • Boston After Dark:
        • Created to provide safe activities for youth after 5 PM, especially on Fridays.
        • 2024 (first year): 18 events across 9 neighborhoods, served over 1,000 youth (in collaboration with BCYF and YMCA).
        • Last Summer: Expanded to 23 events across 15 neighborhoods, served over 1,500 youth (including BHA sites).
        • Future Plans: Expanding programming beyond summer to vacation weeks and school year, and targeting the 19-25 age group.
      • Youth Speaks Boston:
        • Survey gathering data on youth needs outside of school/work.
        • Reach: Over 1,600 responses.
        • Partners: Boston Public Health Commission, Children's Hospital, Northeastern's Change Lab.
        • Outputs: Story map of top findings, data dashboard for partners (demographic-heavy to allow targeted filtering).
      • Partner Network:
        • Addresses "silos" in youth work.
        • Over 1,900 youth-serving professionals from over 500 organizations.
        • Communicates via newsletter and bi-monthly meetings (13 meetings held, 80-120 attendees consistently).
      • Professional Development:
        • Offers free training sessions for youth workers.
        • Statistics: 55 free training sessions since October 2023, 292 unique individuals trained.
        • Partners: Over 20 training organizations.
        • Goal: Remove barriers to professional development (finding, funding, access for entire teams).
    • Closing Remarks: Pedro Cruz shared his personal story as a "BPS kid, a BCYF kid, a Hope Line kid," emphasizing the life-saving power of spaces and relationships for youth. He aims to provide all Boston youth with similar opportunities.

III. Councilor Questions and Discussion

  • Councilor Santana:
    • Asked what codifying OYEA would mean for the office in 5, 10, 20 years.
    • Pedro Cruz's Response:
      • OYEA serves all 14-25 year olds in the city, regardless of neighborhood or lifestyle, collaborating with other city offices.
      • Aims for OYEA to be the "go-to place" for anyone serving young people, acting as a liaison between the city and community.
      • Future focus: Expanding support for the 19-25 year old population, recognizing their distinct needs beyond the traditional 14-18 age group.
    • Councilor Santana's Mentor Shout-out: Acknowledged Maria Dominguez as a mentor and the Phillips Brooks House Association.
  • Councilor Fitzgerald:
    • Praised Chief Maso's selection of Pedro Cruz and Lindsey Boozer (Deputy Director) for OYEA leadership.
    • Reiterated that codifying the office would ensure equal opportunities for Boston's youth for years to come.
  • Councilor Liz Breadon:
    • Question: How do Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF) and OYEA engage with each other?
    • Pedro Cruz's Response:
      • Close collaboration, especially under Chief Maso's leadership.
      • Examples: BCYF provides spaces for Boston After Dark events, OYEA provides programming; BCYF sites are invited to the Mayor's Youth Summit; YouthLine resources are shared with BCYF staff; YLC funded a media tech center at Tobin Community Center.
    • Councilor Breadon's Concern: Highlighted a "difficult position" for youth programming in Allston-Brighton, noting increased gun violence and a lack of services for hundreds of kids.
    • Pedro Cruz's Response:
      • OYEA works with community youth workers, rather than having its own "youth workers out in the community."
      • Encouraged connecting Allston-Brighton youth workers to OYEA's partner network and professional development.
      • Noted Boston After Dark programming was brought to Allston-Brighton via YMCA.
      • Confirmed recent meetings with a community coalition in Allston-Brighton (including Commissioner Rivera from BCYF) to address youth programming gaps.
    • Councilor Breadon's Request: Expressed interest in further engagement to address "silos" and improve services in Allston-Brighton.
  • Councilor Erin Murphy:
    • Thanked Pedro Cruz for his passion and lived experience, emphasizing the importance of mentors and the "it takes a village" approach.
    • Commended OYEA's focus on 19-25 year olds, recognizing the need for continued support beyond high school.
    • Praised OYEA's collaboration with all city departments.
    • Statement of Support: Read a statement supporting Docket #1434, highlighting OYEA's role in connecting youth to resources, leadership, and civic engagement. Stated that codifying ensures "youth voices remain at the center of our city's decision making."
    • Shared personal anecdote about her new grandchild, emphasizing the importance of youth services.
  • Councilor Coletta Zapata:
    • Question: How has OYEA's budget changed, and how has the office achieved so much with city resources?
    • Pedro Cruz's Response:
      • Budget "hasn't changed much."
      • Leveraged relationships and partnerships:
        • Partner network meetings are low-cost (only pay for breakfast).
        • Mayor's Youth Summit supported by Children's Hospital, Cummings Foundation, and Highland Street Foundation.
        • Raised nearly $200,000 in external funding this year.
        • Collaboration with BCYF for Boston After Dark (BCYF provided spaces, OYEA provided programming).
        • Partnerships with organizations like Shake Shack for events.
        • Professional development includes free trainings from partners.
      • Emphasized a "non-profit mentality" of high impact with limited resources.
    • Chief Maso's Clarification: Noted that there have been "considerable investments" in OYEA, particularly in employee growth (e.g., converting part-time to full-time positions), which allowed for expansion.
    • Councilor Coletta Zapata's Question: How does OYEA ensure youth are aware of its resources (e.g., for eviction, immigration crises)?
    • Pedro Cruz's Response:
      • Partner Network: Communicates consistently through newsletters (1,900+ individuals), sharing resources and grant opportunities.
      • OYEA Partner Toolkit: Developing a centralized toolkit with grants, PDs, and YouthLine resources.
      • Bi-monthly Meetings: Presents findings (e.g., Youth Speaks) to 120+ attendees who then disseminate information.
      • Presentations: Conducts presentations across city departments and with external partners.
      • Comms Team: Shares findings weekly.
      • Goal: Make YouthLine a "household name" for youth and families.
    • Councilor Coletta Zapata's Suggestion: Formalizing youth roles, such as embedding a youth IAG (Impact Advisory Group) seat in long-term projects like the Bunker Hill Housing Development.
    • Councilor Coletta Zapata's Question: Based on youth feedback, what is the next big challenge for the city to tackle?
    • Pedro Cruz's Response: Access to mental health services.

IV. Public Testimony

  • Tracy Longelo, Youth Development Specialist, Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC):
    • Attends OYEA's bi-monthly partner meetings, which create space for networking and learning about city initiatives.
    • Praised OYEA's monthly professional development series, citing her certification in youth mental health first aid as an example.
    • Highlighted OYEA's role in fostering collaborations and revitalizing the Mayor's Youth Summit and Boston After Dark, which her students enjoy.
    • As an alumna of the Mayor's Youth Leadership Corps, she sees OYEA as essential for "pouring back into our city and to our young people."
  • Sean Brown, Executive Director, Youth Guidance Boston (Becoming a Man - BAM, Working on Womanhood - WOW):
    • Emphasized that "no one individual or organization does this work alone" and OYEA is crucial for positive youth outcomes.
    • Stated OYEA "meets young people where they are" and provides opportunities they wouldn't otherwise have.
    • Praised Chief Maso and Pedro Cruz as "men of integrity" and role models.
    • Highlighted OYEA's role in creating leadership, job, and professional development opportunities.
    • Strongly encouraged codification to support the personal and professional development of Boston's youth.
  • Kendall Van Allen, Youth Specialist, Youth Guidance Boston (Becoming a Man):
    • Works at the Maurice J. Tobin School in Mission Hill.
    • Stressed OYEA's role in providing "exposure" and opportunities for youth to understand life beyond their neighborhoods and housing developments.
    • Emphasized the importance of OYEA in providing safe spaces for youth to "be a kid," contrasting it with negative influences they might otherwise encounter.
  • Andre Brown, DOR (Department of Revenue):
    • Advocated for investing in AI and robotics education for youth, citing high-paying job opportunities (e.g., data scientists, data center workers).
    • Proposed a curriculum from 1st to 12th grade and a partnership with RCC (Roxbury Community College) for AI robotics.
    • Aimed to be a resource center for AI and robotics for all ages, inspired by his grandchild's future.
  • Camila Rojas Pagan, Co-founder and CEO, Beat the Odds (BTO):
    • BTO is a creative youth development program in Grove Hall, serving ages 14-24, focused on trauma-informed arts and mentorship.
    • OYEA has been a vital partner, aligning with BTO's mission to center youth voices.
    • Praised OYEA for creating a collaborative community among youth-serving organizations, breaking down "silos."
    • Professional Development Example: A youth from BTO participated in a medical field program through OYEA, leading to a phlebotomy career.
  • Caroline Piscato, President and Founder, Soccer Unity Project:
    • Serves over 2,000 youth, teens, adults, and volunteers annually, with 76% BIPOC youth from 25+ zip codes.
    • OYEA has been a vital partner in workforce development for teen and young adult coaches/referees.
    • Examples: Partnered for the annual resource fair at the Boston Unity Cup; provides mentorship and professional development.
    • Shared personal experience of housing instability and financial stress, stating OYEA would have "changed my life."
    • Codifying OYEA affirms Boston's commitment to its young people.
  • Michael Downing, Career Pathways Coach, Youth Guidance Boston:
    • Highlighted OYEA's role in connecting youth to career opportunities.
    • Chief Maso spoke at their April break career workshop.
    • Pedro Cruz invited him to a summit, fostering networking and connections with other industries.
    • OYEA provides job opportunities for their youth summer program.
  • Corey Evans, Vice President and Senior Director of Education, Boch Center:
    • The Boch Center is a non-profit performing arts organization.
    • OYEA has taken a comprehensive approach to supporting youth, especially given rising mental health needs and socio-economic challenges.
    • OYEA provides a centralized place for resources, fun, and advocacy skills.
    • Strengthens organizations like the Boch Center by building partnerships and a "stronger network and safety net for youth."
    • Urged codification as an investment in Boston's future.
  • Javiera Lagunas-Alvarez, Associate Director of Education, Boch Center:
    • Manages City Spotlight's leadership programs.
    • OYEA's partner network meetings help her connect with other professionals and refer teens to appropriate programs.
    • Professional development (e.g., social-emotional learning, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing) is "exceptional and not the norm."
    • OYEA directly supports their program by providing mock interviewers for job readiness workshops.
    • Codifying OYEA is a "tangible policy change" for youth development.
  • Betsy Gibbons, Director of Teen Programs, Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA):
    • OYEA has amplified the ICA's work in creating a welcoming space for youth.
    • Partner network meetings are powerful for both experienced and younger staff (many ICA alumni).
    • Professional development (e.g., youth mental health, CPR, LGBTQ+ youth support) has led to staff promotions.
    • OYEA is a fantastic resource for ICA teens and alumni, connecting them to the Mayor's Youth Summit, Mayor's Youth Council, and Boston Coalition of Youth Councils.
  • Maria Dominguez Gray, Executive Director, Phillips Brooks House Association (PBHA):
    • Testified as ED of PBHA (serving 800+ low-income youth), parent of youth benefiting from OYEA programs, and a founder of the Youth Worker Alliance.
    • OYEA provides incredible professional development for PBHA's young staff.
    • Serves as a crucial "touch point" and resource for youth workers across Boston.
    • Emphasized OYEA's role in providing sustainable support, unlike past youth initiatives that "fell apart."
    • Stated that investment in OYEA is important for educational opportunity, decreased youth violence, and professionalization of the field.
  • Jesse Lan, Academic Support Coordinator, Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA):
    • IBA is a community development corporation in the South End.
    • OYEA's professional development and resources have led to exponential growth in his four years as a youth worker.
    • Highlighted specific trainings: social-emotional learning, trauma-informed care, navigating marijuana usage, motivational interviewing.
    • OYEA partner network meetings facilitated a customized training for IBA staff on supporting LGBTQ+ youth.
    • OYEA fellows acted as mock interviewers for IBA youth.
    • Codifying OYEA is a "tangible policy change" for youth and collective futures.
  • Jaleel Bell, Program Supervisor, Gallivan Community Center:
    • Supported OYEA's events like Boston After Dark and the Youth Summit.
    • These events allow youth to represent their community, provide safe spaces, bridge community gaps, and empower youth to be positive voices.
    • Stated that OYEA's work "creates future leaders."
  • Jose Barrientos:
    • Former Phillips Brooks House Association kid from the 80s.
    • Shared a personal story of OYEA's immediate impact: Pedro Cruz connected his two granddaughters, who were struggling with hope and purpose, to a college program and employment opportunities at Madison Park Development Program.
    • Urged increasing OYEA's budget "tenfold" for advertisement, as "good things can't be kept inside."
    • Quoted Abraham Lincoln, emphasizing that government should be "for the people," including youth.
  • Gavin Stevenson, Student, Roxbury Latin School & Santana's Youth Force:
    • Lifelong South End resident.
    • OYEA is important for uplifting and empowering young people, creating spaces where youth voices are valued.
    • Served on the Mayor's Youth Council, engaging with students across Boston to bridge the gap between youth voices and city policy.
    • Read testimonies from two absent colleagues:
      • David Huang: OYEA provides necessary resources, amplifies youth voices, and connects youth to opportunities.
      • Delilah Wardwell: OYEA uplifts youth-facing individuals, opened doors for her, provided a real-world internship, and gave her a sense of power.
  • Joaquim Lombos, Student, Boston Latin Academy & Santana's Youth Force:
    • Resident of Roxbury, helped write the ordinance to codify OYEA.
    • OYEA connects youth with job opportunities and community programs, and organizes the Mayor's Youth Summit.
    • Believes codification is "not only necessary, but fundamental for the development of youth."
    • Read testimonies from two absent colleagues:
      • Alexander Kokovides: Santana's Youth Force filed the ordinance to prevent OYEA's removal due to potential mayoral changes, ensuring a secure place for BPS students to find connections.
      • Carlis Manana: OYEA helped him find a job that fit his school schedule and gained valuable experience. Codifying ensures "seamless experiences."
  • Bridget Blair, Junior, Boston Latin School & Mayor's Youth Council:
    • Lifelong West Roxbury resident, in her second year on the Mayor's Youth Council (MYC).
    • MYC empowered her to lead initiatives, such as a street safety initiative where she shadowed city workers and hosted a town hall.
    • MYC provides youth with a "seat at the table" and agency.
    • Witnessed OYEA's impact through Youth Lead the Change and Youth Speaks Boston, making peers feel heard and engaged.
    • Codifying the office is of "incredible importance."
  • Amara Settles, Sophomore, Suffolk University & Councilor Henry Santana's Student Youth Force:
    • Resident of Dorchester.
    • OYEA has "opened so many doors" for young people, building confidence, community, and purpose.
    • Learned professional skills, found mentors, and grew her passion for public service through OYEA.
    • Codifying OYEA means "protecting the pipeline of empowerment" and ensuring youth voices are a permanent part of Boston government.
  • Alexander Bernal, Student, Boston Latin Academy:
    • Resident of Roxbury.
    • OYEA represents opportunity, empowerment, and connection.
    • Through programs like Boston Pick and Success Link, he developed skills and discovered passions.
    • YouthLine directly connects youth to resources (jobs, mental health, safe spaces).
    • Codification is essential for all Boston youth to access opportunities and support.
  • Ross Wilson, Senior, Boston Latin School & Mayor's Youth Council:
    • Charlestown resident, in his third year on MYC.
    • First year: Worked on curriculum diversity for BPS.
    • Second year: Part of the Safe Streets Committee, advocating for a crosswalk on Belmont and Medford Street in Charlestown (achieved a crosswalk in the South End).
    • MYC provides a "great way for youth to be able to express their voices, to express their concerns, and basically have an impact on the goings of the city."

V. Closing Remarks and Next Steps

  • Councilor Santana:
    • Thanked the Chair and expressed gratitude to Santana's Youth Force for their passion and advocacy.
    • Praised Pedro Cruz for his clear impact on the city and youth.
    • Next Steps: Indicated that the ordinance would likely not be voted on this week but hoped for a City Council vote the following Wednesday.
  • Councilor Coletta Zapata:
    • Thanked all attendees, especially the youth, for their participation.
    • Next Steps:
      • Review feedback and language suggestions from OYEA.
      • Rectify the initial filing with proposed changes.
      • Allow council colleagues to review and provide input.
      • Produce a committee report reflecting the process and changes.
      • A final product is anticipated by next week.
  • Councilor Liz Breadon:
    • Thanked Councilor Santana for bringing the ordinance forward.
    • Expressed appreciation for learning from the youth and looked forward to collaborating with Director Cruz on Allston-Brighton issues.
    • Supported the "hopeful and forward-looking initiative."

VI. Adjournment

  • The hearing on Docket #1434 was adjourned.

Last updated: Nov 15, 2025

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