Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed statement on FY2020 budget

Yesterday, the Board of Aldermen passed the Fiscal Year 2020 Budget by a vote of 20 “ayes,” 5 “noes” and 1 present. This budget includes funding for: 

• More than five percent of the budget in reserves, the first time in 11 years;
• An increase of $1,500,000 to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which helps our homeless population; 
• Additional $625,000 to building demolition;
• Additional funding for the Fire Department to supply Narcan and necessary breathing apparatus for the firefighters; 
• An addition of $500,000 to fund a crime prevention program, such as Cure Violence; and 
• Increased funding for recreation programming and more. 

“I am overall pleased with this year’s budget. The Ways & Means Committee did an excellent job moving funds around and securing additional funds for areas where our residents most need it.

I am glad 19 of my colleagues agreed with me and supported this year’s budget to fund a crime prevention solution that will reduce shootings and killings by a minimum of 30% in the first year; supply our firefighters with life-saving equipment; and providing more resources to our most vulnerable populations. This budget focuses on reducing crime, helping build up our neighborhoods, providing resources to our most vulnerable populations and more. I am proud to have sponsored this effort,” said Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed.