Policy Issues Facing Boston: 1984, A Summary

In the Fall of 1983 the John W. McCormack Institute of Public Affairs asked a number of experts in various fields from within and outside the University to prepare an analysis of the major policy issues facing the City of Boston in 1984. In December 1983, the Boston School Committee and City Council, in separate half-day seminars, came to the University for discussions on the issues identified. At the same time, the papers prepared were delivered to the transition teams of the Flynn Administration. This report briefly summarizes the major findings of the effort

Boston in Transition: A Financial Analysis

The new Mayor of Boston must earn the confidence of the taxpaying public in his financial leadership by employing credibility and candor in the management of city affairs. To begin the process of re-enfranchising Bostonians who have come to mistrust financial decisions seemingly determined by political calculations, the new Mayor must make an accurate disclosure of the City\u27s financial picture, rely on the commitment of the state to properly support its capital city and restore integrity and strong management controls to government operations. Recommendations for budget cuts, hiring freezes and adjustments in tax rates, when they are necessary, should only be made when accurate information and open debate so dictate. The Financial Analysis Research Group for the mayoral transition was assembled to provide an assessment of the City\u27s financial posture as of January, 1984; to evaluate the financial management aspects of agency operations; to determine the effectiveness of existing budgetary planning systems; and to provide the new Mayor with a pragmatic financial management plan to support his policies and philosophy