New York, NY – New York City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farías proudly announced critical victories in the City Council’s Fiscal Year 2026 Preliminary Budget Response, securing targeted investments that uplift women’s health, strengthen New York City’s industrial workforce, and restore vital funding to the tourism sector.

“As Majority Leader and Chair of the City Council’s Economic Development Committee, I’m proud to deliver a Preliminary Budget Response that reflects the Council’s deep commitment to equity, care, and economic opportunity. This proposal doesn’t just reject harmful cuts — it charts a path forward with smart, targeted investments that uplift working families and strengthen our workforce. Whether it’s funding a concussion clinic for survivors of domestic violence, supporting our industrial sectors, or reinvesting in the city’s tourism industry, we’re putting people first and investing in a stronger, more inclusive New York City.”

Among Majority Leader Farías’ key wins in this year’s response:

Investment in Women’s Health: Concussion Clinic Pilot

The budget response includes funding for a pilot program for a women’s concussion clinic, an initiative championed by Majority Leader Farías to address a longstanding gap in gender-specific research, diagnosis, and treatment of concussions. This clinic would provide tailored, trauma-informed care and serve as a vital step toward equity in women’s healthcare. The pilot program directly aligns with Intro 0029-2024, legislation the Majority Leader is advancing in the Council.

“We are immensely grateful to Majority Leader Farías for her leadership advocating for improved treatment and support for domestic violence survivors with possible traumatic brain injury,” said Noelle Withers, EVP & Chief Program Officer at Volunteers of America-Greater New York. “Our organization has been championing this long-overlooked issue since 2022. Dedicated concussion clinics for women will be instrumental in raising awareness of the epidemic of traumatic brain injury among domestic violence survivors and will strengthen our ability to treat these injuries. We strongly urge Mayor Adams to approve this funding in his final budget.”

“For too long, the public discourse around traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been focused on athletes, leaving a significant gap in screening, treatment, and support for the silent majority – domestic violence survivors – who have sustained TBIs through injuries to the head or neck,” said Dr. Edie Zusman, board-certified neurosurgeon and President and CEO of Safe Living Space. “New York is leading the nation in addressing this gap through public awareness, data collection, and now direct health care interventions. I am grateful to Majority Leader Amanda Farias for championing this issue over the past three years and devising a model for other public officials across the nation to emulate.”

Doubling Investment in Industrial Business Support

The Council calls for doubling funding for Industrial Business Service Providers (IBSPs) from $1.3 million to $2.6 million, a priority the Majority Leader has been advocating for since the passage of Intro 1012-2023, the Industrial Development Strategic Plan. IBSPs offer specialized support to businesses in critical sectors such as manufacturing, construction, transportation, wholesale utilities, and film production. This investment will help stabilize and grow New York City’s industrial economy while providing job pathways for working-class New Yorkers.

“Industrial jobs are a cornerstone of an equitable economy—offering good wages, real career pathways, and opportunities for working-class New Yorkers, particularly communities of color and immigrant workers,” said Cassandra Williams of the Greenpoint Design & Manufacturing Center and a member of the Industrial Jobs Coalition (IJC). “The IJC applauds the steadfast leadership of Speaker Adams, Majority Leader Amanda Farías, and the Council’s M Zone Coalition, whose vision for protecting and strengthening New York City’s industrial sector has been instrumental in advancing a more inclusive local economy. We urge the full Council to build on this leadership by voting to increase funding for the City’s Industrial Business Service Providers (IBSPs) — who deliver critical, wraparound support to new and existing industrial businesses. This is how we grow a thriving industrial sector that works for all New Yorkers.”

Reversal of Cuts to NYC Tourism & Conventions

The response also recommends restoring $7 million to New York City Tourism & Conventions (NYCTC), reversing a proposed Program to Eliminate the Gap (PEG) cut. With current funding at $18.6 million, this investment reflects the critical role tourism plays in driving economic activity, supporting local jobs, and keeping New York City a top global destination.

These budget priorities reflect Majority Leader Farías’ continued commitment to equity, workforce development, and public health. As the budget process continues, she remains dedicated to fighting for a final budget that delivers tangible results for everyday New Yorkers.

“Tourism is a cornerstone of New York City’s economy, supporting more than 380,00 jobs for New Yorkers, and driving billions in economic impact in every corner of the five boroughs,” said NYC Tourism + Conventions President and CEO Julie Coker.  “Restoring these critical funds ensures that our city remains a top global destination, welcoming visitors from around the world and sustaining the businesses that make NYC vibrant. We applaud Majority Leader Farías and Finance Committee Chair Brannan for their leadership in championing this investment, which will keep our tourism sector strong and thriving.”

Media Contact: Nathalie Levey, Communications Director | nlevey@council.nyc.gov | (332) 227-2157