Newton's Programs and Services Committee unanimously recommended Mark Welch as permanent Parks and Recreation commissioner and approved three City Council rule changes, one on a close 4-to-3 vote.

Newton's Public Safety and Transportation Committee voted 7-0 to hold a street-sweeping compliance docket for Nonantum, unable to advance a fine increase while home rule legislation remains pending at the state level.

Newton approves $347,534 in CPA funds for City Hall war memorial stairs, endorses $7.15 million building budget.

Newton's Public Safety and Transportation Committee unanimously advanced $64 million in police and fire budgets for fiscal year 2027.

Newton's Programs and Services Committee approved five city department budgets and two emergency school appropriations totaling $825,000 at its May 6 meeting.

Newton's Public Facilities Committee unanimously advanced more than $8.5 million in capital spending at its May 6 meeting, highlighted by three concurrent $1.25 million feasibility study authorizations for Newton South High School, police headquarters, and Ward and/or Underwood Elementary Schools.

Newton's Public Safety and Transportation Committee voted 7-0 to expand a parking restriction on Holly Road near Beacon Street after residents testified the original Traffic Council ruling left the most dangerous stretch of the road untouched.

Newton's Zoning and Planning Committee voted to send the city's Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, unlocking roughly $3.5 million in federal block grant funds for affordable housing and emergency services.