**Support for Public Safety and Racial Equity Goals in Amherst’s FY27 Budget**
In a crucial step towards advancing public safety and racial equity, the Community Safety and Social Justice Committee (CSSJC) in Amherst has urged the inclusion of these goals in the fiscal year 2027 budget. Detailed in a memo to the Town Council and Town Manager on November 18, 2025, the proposals highlight the pressing need for financial backing to sustain and enhance community-focused initiatives.
**Commitment to Equity: A Closer Look**
CSSJC emphasizes continued support for the Community Responders for Equity, Safety and Service (CRESS) and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Departments. Initially proposed by the Community Safety Working Group (CSWG), these departments are now at a crossroads due to resource constraints. “Sufficient financial support is not just necessary—it’s imperative for these departments to meet their full potential,” stated a CSSJC representative during a recent town hall meeting.
**Addressing Gaps in Resources and Staffing**
Currently under-resourced, the CRESS Department is struggling with two positions remaining frozen since FY26. CSSJC has called for these positions to be unfrozen and staffing increased to allow 24/7 operations. Furthermore, they recommend transitioning the “Program Manager” role into the permanent operating budget upon the expiration of its grant in June 2026.
The DEI Department faces its own set of challenges. Despite leveraging creative solutions such as employing part-time student workers from UMass, the workload remains overwhelming, necessitating additional administrative staff and budget enhancements to effectively execute their mandate.
**Wider Implications for the Community**
These departments are not operating in isolation. Their effectiveness impacts community safety and cohesion at large, particularly among marginalized groups. For residents in Amherst, these proposed changes could enhance trust and collaboration between the town and its diverse resident base.
Jonas Fernandez, a local business owner and long-time resident, expressed optimism, “These initiatives can turn aspiration into reality for many—ensuring that equity is the norm, not the exception.”
**Projects on the Horizon: Youth and Multicultural Centers**
Further recommendations from the CSSJC call for fiscal support for projects born out of the CSWG’s comprehensive report. Notably, the Youth Empowerment Center—a critical response to past incidents involving local youth—stands out. With rolled-over ARPA funding available, CSSJC suggests allocating $450,000 to this essential initiative, as it promises to be a cornerstone for youth engagement.
In parallel, the establishment of a Multicultural Center is seen as a commitment to racial equity and a means of fostering unity in the community. Although discussions about its implementation are nascent, the potential impact is widely recognized.
**Ensuring Accountability: The Resident Oversight Board**
CSSJC also advocates for the creation of a Resident Oversight Board tasked with upholding public safety accountability. “Accountability is non-negotiable,” commented Tamara Johnson, a member of the BIPOC community who has actively engaged in public forums. The board will require an annual $10,000 stipend for each member to ensure sustainability and hinge on prioritizing BIPOC individuals in leadership roles.
**Building an Inclusive Community: Language and Communication**
Aiming for broader inclusivity, CSSJC recommends funding interpreter services at municipal meetings, potentially enhancing engagement for non-English speakers. Considering a bilingual pay differential for town staff could further encourage language diversity within local government ranks.
**Connecting to a Larger Movement**
This set of proposals is a profound reminder of the ongoing commitment to align with the mandates from the CSWG. Previous incidents, such as the tensions between youth and law enforcement in July 2022, underscore the urgency for these changes. “We must learn from our past to build a better future for all residents,” urged CSSJC in their correspondence.
**Looking Ahead: Promises and Challenges**
As Amherst moves towards fiscal year 2027, these proposals stand to redefine the local landscape. If embraced by town officials, they promise not only to meet current challenges but set a precedent for future community safety and equity endeavors across similar municipalities.
The coming months will reveal the Town Council’s response and the community’s role in shaping these pivotal changes. Residents eager to engage with these initiatives or seek detailed information are encouraged to attend upcoming town hall meetings, visit the town’s official website, or contact local government offices directly.
Through a complex weave of proposals, financial considerations, and community aspirations, Amherst stands once again at a potential turning point—one that holds the promise of a fair and inclusive future for all its residents.
