Council’s additions build upon efforts to invest more in New Yorkers and neighborhoods, while increasing budget transparency

City Hall – Today, the New York City Council voted to unanimously approve a $115.9 billion budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The FY 2026 budget includes many of the priorities shared by the Council and New Yorkers for investments in the city and neighborhoods across the five boroughs. These include expanded 7-day library service, permanent funding for 3-K, Pre-K and public school programs, newly increased childcare access for young children from zero to two years old, greater access to mental health care, stronger public safety programs, older adult services, and a $50 million increase in immigration legal services.  The Council’s adoption of an on-time budget preserves many critical programs, includes key restorations of prior Program to Eliminate the Gap (PEG) cuts, and deepens investments in priority areas, including those negatively affected by actions of the Trump administration and its allies in Congress.

Over $1.6 billion of the Council’s priorities were added for inclusion in the Adopted Budget. The budget also includes $3 billion in capital funding and $1 billion in expense funding, secured by the Council as part of its City for All housing plan, to support the creation and preservation of more affordable housing, increased homeownership, homeless prevention, and tenant protection resources, and bolstering of neighborhood infrastructure. The Council worked with HPD to update term sheets for affordable housing preservation and construction programs, including the Housing Preservation Opportunities, 15 Year Low Income Housing Tax Credit, Participation Loan, Multifamily Housing Rehabilitation Loan, and Open Door programs.

The Council secured continued improvements in budget transparency that it has consistently advanced over the last several fiscal years. The budget includes 10 new units of appropriation, the foundational category within an agency operating budget that classifies spending for a particular program, purpose, or activity. It also adds five new terms and conditions (T&Cs), which create agency reporting requirements on spending, for a historically high total of 68 T&Cs – there were only 17 T&C approximately ten years ago in FY 2015 and 50 in FY 2022.

“The Council is proud to adopt a city budget that takes critical steps forward to invest in the needs of New Yorkers and our city’s neighborhoods,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The Fiscal Year 2026 budget will invest in expanded childcare for working families, more 7-day library service, and greater support for older adult services, maternal and mental health care, and proven public safety programs to reduce recidivism and help advance the closure of Rikers. This budget is the product of the Council’s consistent and relentless budget advocacy, alongside the people of our city and stakeholders, to deepen investments in the health, safety, and prosperity of all New Yorkers. I thank my colleagues in the Council for our unwavering commitment and collective work to secure the resources our communities and constituents deserve.”

“Building a city that actually works for working people can only happen when false austerity and budget brinkmanship are cast aside,” said Council Member Justin Brannan, Chair of the Committee on Finance. “The FY26 budget is a testament to this City Council’s tireless fight to give New Yorkers what they demand and deserve: a safer, fairer, healthier, more affordable city. Whether it is the historic $50 million increase in immigrant legal services, $4 billion in capital funding to support the creation and preservation of more affordable housing through our City for All plan or our big, bold 0-2 initiative that will help hundreds of low-income families and represents a giant leap toward making New York the first American city to provide free universal childcare, this is what happens when City Hall stops pretending this is a monarchy and actually acknowledges the Council as the co-equal branch of democratic city government. From Coney Island to Co-op City, our priorities are shared by working families across the city and it is our job to deliver for them. Today the City Council is proving you can Trump-proof a budget while still doubling down on what matters most. We are proud to pass a balanced, on-time budget, that sets aside $8.5B in reserves and while still investing in what New Yorkers need at this critical time.”

Highlights of Council priorities added to the FY 2026 budget through negotiations include:

Early Childhood Education

  • ACS Childcare Vouchers – $423.4 million to secure $350 million in state funding and preserve childcare voucher access for working families.
  • Pre- School Special Education – $125 million, including $55 million baselined for special education Pre-K expansion and $70 million for evaluations, services, and classes.
  • 3-K and Pre-K Restoration – $112 million in baselined funding for 3-K and Pre-K to continue providing robust early childhood education programming.
  • Promise NYC – $25 million to continue the Promise NYC childcare program in ACS.
  • Full-Day/Full-Year Early Childhood Education Seats – $25 million baselined to continue providing additional full-day/full-year 3-K seats in high-need communities.
  • Infant and Toddler Childcare – $10 million to expand childcare access to families with children 0 – 2 years old in high-need neighborhoods.
  • Outreach and Marketing for Early Childhood Education – $5 million for outreach and marketing of 3-K and Pre-K programs to families.

K-12 Programs and Services

  • New York City School Support Services – $154 million in City tax-levy funds for Fiscal 2026 to replace the expiring federal funds budget for New York City School Support Services.
  • Arts Funding – $41 million baselined to support funding for arts programming.
  • Arts Education – $4 million to support for arts instruction.
  • Teacher Recruitment – $23 million baselined to fund the recruitment and retention of public school teachers.
  • Community Schools – $14 million restored and baselined.
  • Restorative Justice – $12 million restored, including $6 million baselined.
  • Affinity Network – $10 million baselined to maintain Affinity Network programming.
  • Mental Health Continuum – $5 million in Fiscal 2026 to continue supporting clinics and other services provided as part of the inter-agency partnership to provide mental health support to all students.
  • Digital Learning – $5 million to fund the DOE’s use of digital tools and software.
  • Immigrant Family Engagement – $4 million to provide support for language access, share school-related updates, send translated paper notices to families’ homes, and more.
  • Computer Science for All – $4 million baselined to maintain computer science programming in NYC public schools at current levels.
  • High-Impact Tutoring – $4 million baselined to maintain high-impact tutoring programming, which provides intensive and individualized academic support in grades K-2, at current levels.
  • Student Success Centers – $3.3 million to maintain Student Success Centers, which provide support for high school students in the college admissions process, at current levels.
  • LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Curriculum – $2.8 million to fund DOE’s effort to support the needs of LGBTQIA+ youth through DOE’s general curriculum.
  • Education Equity Action Plan – $2.5 million to advance the AAPI studies curriculum.
  • Civics for All – $2 million baselined to maintain Civics for All programming, which provides opportunities for students to develop skills and engage in their communities.
  • Outward Bound Crew Model – $1.6 million baselined to maintain the Crew program at public schools operated by Outward Bound.
  • Parent and Family Engagement Funding – $1 million baselined to maintain engagement programming at current levels, including the New York City Ambassadors Program which trains parents in leadership and mentorship.
  • Athletic Trainer Pilot – $360,000 to continue the pilot program to hire athletic trainers at three high schools on Staten Island for a second school year.
  • Operation Backpack – $250,000 to provide backpacks to public school students

City University of New York

  • CUNY Operating Support – $109.5 million for CUNY, including $94.5 million baselined for PEG restorations and $15 million for operational support.
  • CUNY Accelerate, Complete, and Engage (ACE) – $10.1 million
  • CUNY Reconnect – $7.8 million in Fiscal 2026 to support the return of more New Yorkers to finish their degrees.
  • CUNY ASAP for All – $5.5 million, including $1 million baselined 
  • CUNY Public Service Training Corps – $2.4 million
  • CUNY Social Work Fellows – $2 million in FY26 to reduce financial barriers for CUNY students entering the social work field.
  • CUNY STEM – $1 million baselined.

Public Safety

  • Public Defenders – $20.4 million baselined to support public defenders and better allow lawyers to provide legal services to eligible low-income clients.
  • Supervised Release Intensive Case Management Expansion – $9.1 million
  • Alternatives to Incarceration Restoration – $8.9 million restored, including $7.6 million baselined for programs that help reduce unnecessary incarceration and recidivism.
  • Reentry Services– $8 million restored, including $4.7 million baselined for programs that support successful re-entry and reduce recidivism.
  • Electronic Monitoring Capacity Increase – $5 million to expand the use of electronic monitors to reduce the number of people unnecessarily held in pre-trial detention.
  • Justice Involved Supportive Housing – $4.8 million to enhance the Justice Involved Supportive Housing (JISH) RFP to fulfill the City’s previous commitment to create an additional 380 supportive housing units for individuals with justice system involvement.
  • Trauma Recovery Centers – $4.8 million in Fiscal 2026 to sustain the centers that provide wraparound services and coordinated care to underserved crime victims, including mental health, physical health, legal services, and other supports.
  • Culturally Specific Gender Based Violence Initiative – $3 million to provide services specifically for immigrant survivors of domestic violence that may include interpretation, referrals, counseling and legal representation for U Visas and T Visas.
  • South Bronx Community Justice Center – $2 million to support the operations and programming of the South Bronx Community Justice Center.
  • Brooklyn DA Project Restore – $2 million to fund a community-based gang violence intervention program for impacted youth in Brooklyn
  • Legal Services for Domestic Violence Survivors – $2 million to establish a pilot program to provide free brief legal assistance and full legal representation to domestic violence survivors in divorce proceedings.
  • Housing Stability Microgrants to Domestic Violence Impacted Individuals (ENDGBV) – $1.2 million for low-barrier microgrants to survivors with the aim of helping impacted individuals maintain safe and stable housing.
  • Home Plus Housing Security Support for Domestic Violence Survivors – $1.5 million to support home security services that provide safety for domestic violence survivors.
  • Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) – $1.2 million baselined for new staff.
  • Board of Corrections (BOC) – $339K, including $252K baselined to fill vacant BOC positions; $87K OTPS.

Maternal and Physical Health

  • Syringe Redemption Services Pilot Program – $3 million
  • Gender-Affirming Care – $2.5 million to support healthcare programs that have lost federal support from the Trump administration.
  • Managed Care Consumer Assistance Program – $2 million enhancement to assist New Yorkers with healthcare and insurance needs.
  • Nurse Family Partnership – $1.5 million to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce disparities, ensuring access to resources and support for at-risk communities.
  • Maternal Health Restoration – $583K
  • New Family Home Visiting Restoration – $500K

Mental Health Supports

  • Intensive Mobile Treatment (IMT) Expansion – $11 million to support the expansion of teams that provide intensive and continuous mental health support and treatment to individuals in their communities.
  • NYC 988 Restoration – $5 million to protect 988 mental health and suicide prevention for LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers
  • Assertive Community Treatment Expansion (ACT) – $4.5 million to expand specialized, mobile mental health teams that provide intensive, comprehensive support to individuals with severe mental illness.
  • Peer Specialists Workforce Expansion – $4.5 million to increase the number of peer specialist workers in the mental health workforce.
  • Mental Health Clubhouses – $3 million to continue supporting the operation of Mental Health Clubhouses that lost city contracts to provide individualized care grounded in a community-centered approach.
  • Crisis Respite Centers – $2.5 million to support expanded operations of centers that provide community-based mental health care.
  • EMS Mental Health and Wellness Support Pilot – $1 million in Fiscal 2026 for the creation of a pilot program that provides peer support and wellness programming for the City’s EMS workers.

Libraries and Cultural Institutions

  • Arts and Cultural Organization Support – $75 million to support cultural organizations, including $45 million in restorations baselined and an additional $30 million in funding for FY 2026.
  • Library Support and Restoration – $30.7 million in operating support funding for the City’s three library systems in Fiscal 2026, including a $15 million enhancement.
  • Expansion of 7-Day Library Service – $2 million to expand 7-day library service to 10 additional branches citywide.  

Parks & Sanitation

  • Litter Basket Service Restoration – $29.7 million baselined for litter basket service to ensure consistent street cleanliness and reduce waste-related complaints across New York City.
  • Urban Park Rangers, Tree Stump Removal, Forestry Management, and Green Thumb Program Restoration – $11.7 million to restore, enhance, and baseline funding for Urban Park Rangers, additional tree stump removal, forestry management and the GreenThumb program.
  • Parks Workers – $6.1 million for the Parks Department starting in Fiscal 2026 to hire over 70 additional parks maintenance workers and lifting of the 2:1 hiring freeze for certain positions.
  • Containerization Policy Trash Bin Acquisition Fund – $5 million to support Business Improvement Districts in the purchase of containers to maintain additional cleaning services.
  • Lot Cleaning Restoration – $820,000 baselined to fund dedicated personnel and avoid vacant lots from becoming neglected and hotbeds for illegal dumping.

Strengthening Government Capacity

  • MOCS PASSport – $7.4 million for maintenance and enhancement
  • MOCS Help Desk Staff – $1.5 million baselined for 20 new positions, and
  • MOCS Operational Support – $600,000 in operational support
  • Project Cupid – $1.4 million to the city clerk for operational costs

Opportunities and Services for New Yorkers

  • Older Adult Services Funding – $104.5 million in funding baselined for PEG restorations to address the funding gap in the Preliminary Plan and ensure continuity of services, plus $4.78 million baselined to increase home delivered meals reimbursement rates, $5 million for older adult center improvements, and $2 million in FY26 for case management.
  • Immigration Legal Services – $74.6 million to support immigration legal services, including $33.2 million for the Council’s Immigration Legal Services Initiative, $24.9 million for the New York Family Unity Project, and $16.5 million for Unaccompanied Minors and Families.
  • Prevailing Wage for Homeless Shelter Security – $63.5 million to account for the prevailing wage required by local law.
  • Emergency Food Programs – $51.1 million to support $36.1 million for the Community Food Connection Program and a $15 million enhancement of community-based emergency food access.
  • HIV/AIDS Services Administration (HASA) Emergency Shelter Units – $39.6 million.
  • Fair Fares Baseline Funding – $25 million to restore previous funding and increase program eligibility to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.
  • Right to Counsel -$15.6 million to support civil attorneys and help ensure the provision of legal services to all eligible clients.
  • Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) Metrocards – $11 million in FY26 to provide Metrocards to youth participating in SYEP
  • Shelter to Housing Action Plan – $10.1 million to assist the unhoused population transition to permanent housing.
  • Adult Literacy Initiative – $8 million to support adult literacy programs.
  • Trans Equity Programs – $6.5 million enhancement to support a range of services to help empower the transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) community.
  • Guaranteed Income Program – $3 million to support guaranteed income programs.
  • Minority Owned Business Accelerator – $1 million starting in Fiscal 2026 to initiate a Minority Business Accelerator that support minority owned business to access contracts from corporations within the private sector.
  • Veteran Resource Centers – $540,000 to provide assistance to veterans with submitting claims and navigating various benefit and support programs.
  • Low Wage Worker Support – $2.2 million to fund legal services, outreach, and education to low-wage workers in need of employment-related civil legal services.
  • Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Navigators – $3.2 million: $1.6 million for RHY Housing Navigators and $1.6 million RHY Peer Navigators, staff that support runaway homeless youth.
  • LGBTQIA+ Youth Housing Support Services – $5 million
  • Estate Planning and Legal Services – $2 million
  • Empowering Black Communities – $1 million

Units of Appropriation

The FY 2026 budget adopted 10 new Units of Appropriation (U/A) that were prioritized by the Council, including:

  • Three in the New York City Police Department (NYPD) – Internal Affairs Bureau, Information Technology PS, Information Technology OTPS
  • One in the Department of Education (DOE) – Carter Cases OTPS
  • Two in the Department of Environment Protection (DOE) – Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice PS and OTPS
  • Two in the Human Resources Administration (HRA) – Office of Economic Opportunity PS and OTPS
  • Two in the Department for the Aging (DFTA) – Office of Economic Opportunity PS and OTPS

Terms and Conditions

The FY 2026 budget adopted a record 68 Terms and Conditions, requirements that advance budget transparency by mandating agency reporting associated with spending. This includes five new Terms and Conditions requiring reports on the following:

  • City of Yes for Housing Opportunity Commitment Tracker
  • Parks Seasonal Headcount and Deployment
  • Cash assistance and SNAP: staffing, caseload, and applications
  • CityFHEPS: enrollment, payments, and performance
  • Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTs) for housing projects

“The guiding light for the Council has been always a budget that focuses on working New Yorkers and once again, this year’s budget is a testament to that commitment” said Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala. “From food insecurity to affordable housing and childcare, these investments in our city services ensure that New Yorkers can thrive in today’s challenging times. I am proud to have worked with this Council and this Speaker in fighting for a budget that reflects the needs of our constituents and builds on the success of our city.”

“This year’s budget marks a historic milestone — securing and baselining over $677 million in Council priorities that our neighborhoods have long fought for and been denied,” said Majority Leader Amanda Farías. “This $115.9B budget serves New Yorkers with seven-day library access and early childhood education to restored city services and CUNY support, it meets New Yorkers’ needs head-on. I’m especially proud that we’ve deepened our investment in immigrant communities, with nearly $75 million for legal services that keep families together and defend due process, reaffirming our commitment to our sanctuary city. I look forward to another year of delivering vital services to the City and The Bronx.”

“This year’s budget delivers meaningful progress for working families across New York City,” said Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “I’m especially proud we secured $25 million to expand Fair Fares, raising eligibility to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level — a critical step that will make public transit more accessible and affordable for thousands of low-income New Yorkers. Our $1 billion investment in housing capital and $2 billion in infrastructure — including long-overdue stormwater upgrades and expanded pathways to homeownership — is transformative for Southeast Queens and neighborhoods citywide. From transit equity to housing, food security, and youth development, this budget reflects a deep commitment to justice and opportunity, and to uplifting the communities that have too often been overlooked.”

“This budget makes historic investments in housing, infrastructure, education, mental health, public safety, and more,” said Council Member Keith Powers. “We have fought for a budget that supports New Yorkers and makes our city one they can afford to live and raise a family. This is truly a people’s budget, and I’m proud that our advocacy has secured funds that will build a better New Yorkers City for all.”

“I’m proud to have worked alongside Speaker Adrienne Adams and my Council colleagues to deliver a budget that meets the challenges facing our city, making critical investments in housing, food security, immigration services, arts and culture, LGBTQ+ programs, and improving quality of life and public safety in our neighborhoods,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera. “As Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs and Libraries, I fought to secure additional operating and capital funding for libraries and arts and cultural institutions to ensure they have vital resources, particularly as they face funding cuts from the federal government. Working in coalition, we fought for a budget that uplifts working families and delivers meaningful support to all New Yorkers.”

“When we began negotiations on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, we did so at a time of immense challenges and uncertainty at the federal level, and we still must grapple with the risk of potentially devastating cuts that could have real and devastating impacts on New Yorkers,” said Council Member Sandra Ung. “The budget the City Council is delivering protects and, in some cases, enhances programs and services that keep our communities strong, safe and thriving, including funding for early childhood education and expanded legal services for immigrants. In a historic first, Speaker Adams and the City Council are creating a new initiative that will include dedicated funding for groups that provide culturally competent services for domestic violence survivors. Also for the first time ever, this budget includes funding to expand AAPI curriculum in public schools across the city, an initiative I have championed since taking office and worked with my AAPI colleagues to advocate for in this budget. I want to thank Speaker Adrienne Adams, the City Council Finance Division, and my colleagues for reaching agreement on a budget that reflects our values, our commitment, and our belief in a city where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”

“I’m proud we were able to pass this budget and bring meaningful resources back to the 42nd Council District,” said Council Member Chris Banks. “This funding will not only support the incredible work of community-based organizations in my district and across the city, but it will also help deliver critical services and programs that uplift our neighborhoods and empower our residents.”

“The Council has once again put forward a budget that meets the most pressing needs of our city,” said Council Member Erik Bottcher. “I am proud to support the billions of dollars in investments in housing, millions of dollars to our schools, and an over doubled increase trans equity fund allocations. As the federal government threatens the funding that makes New York run, we have responded with a bold, progressive budget built to protect our most vulnerable communities. Thank you to Speaker Adams for your tireless leadership and advocacy.”

“The FY 26 budget negotiated by the City Council and the Mayor includes $51.9 million for new initiatives and $676.7 million for baselined items that don’t have to be negotiated in the future,” said Council Member Gale Brewer. “New Yorkers who care about the arts, libraries, human services, education, LGBTQ+ support, CUNY, legal services for immigrants and low income and working New Yorkers, as well as domestic violence and mental health services will be pleased. The budget also lists funds for tourism and economic development, vouchers for those seeking affordable housing, food pantries, and workers for our parks. Congratulations to the budget negotiators. With so many cuts from the Federal government, this budget tries to address the needs of New Yorkers, but there are always more problems that need to be addressed.”

“The FY26 budget is a powerful reflection of our city’s values, and I’m proud to have fought for investments that support our students, our seniors, and our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Council Member Eric Dinowitz. “In the face of relentless attacks from the Trump Administration and their allies in Congress, this year’s budget doubles down on protecting the hardworking people of our city. From expanding school-based programs to preserving vital services for older adults and immigrant communities, this budget makes meaningful investments in the people who are the backbone of our neighborhoods. As Chair of the Committee on Higher Education, I’m especially proud that the FY26 budget includes Higher Education initiatives totaling $29.4 million – an increase from last year. This includes $109.5 million for CUNY’s Operating budget, $10.1 million for CUNY ACE, $7.8 million for CUNY Reconnect, and $5.5 million for CUNY ASAP. This is more than just a historic budget – it is a bold commitment to ensuring that every New Yorker has access to opportunity, dignity, and the resources they need to thrive. Thank you to Speaker Adams, Mayor Adams, and my colleagues in the Council for passing a budget that delivers for the Bronx and for all New Yorkers.”

“As a forever educator and an advocate for our youth and working families, I’m proud to support a budget that puts our youngest New Yorkers first,” said Council Member Rita Joseph. “The $10 million investment in infant and toddler care is a long-overdue step toward advancing the early childhood infrastructure. By restoring funding for 0–2-year-old seats ; especially in the communities that need them most — we are making real progress toward a truly equitable birth-to-five system that meets families where they are. This budget also delivers for immigrant communities, expands housing and infrastructure support, and invests in the future of our city. These investments are a reflection of the city we’re working to build: one that is compassionate, inclusive, and rooted in opportunity for all.”

“This year’s budget delivers big wins not just for Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, and Woodside Queens but for all boroughs,” said Council Member Shekar Krishnan. “From a $50 million increase in immigration legal services, securing universal childcare and permanent funding for 3K and Pre-K, and funding for AAPI curriculum in our schools– our families and communities are supported in this budget. During a time when Donald Trump and National Republicans are failing our communities, I was proud to work with Speaker Adams and my colleagues to secure budget wins for our schools, immigrants, and working-class New Yorkers.”

“The City’s FY26 budget reflects the Council’s commitment to funding vital programs that support families across our city,” said Council Member Linda Lee. “Alongside the launch of a historic universal childcare pilot, New York City is making critical investments in our mental health infrastructure, especially important amid fiscal uncertainty caused by federal funding cuts. With the restoration of funding for the 988 Crisis Hotline, expansion of mobile treatment teams, and increased capacity at crisis respite centers, we are dedicated to ensuring that New Yorkers experiencing a mental health crisis receive the comprehensive care they need. In addition, our City continues to prioritize mental health clubhouses, an evidence-based healthcare model, along with other proven peer-support services to provide life-changing care to individuals in need. These efforts are key to closing the revolving door of treatment and release that persists in our mental healthcare system. Thank you to Speaker Adams, the leadership team, and the rest of the Budget Negotiating Team for championing the investments New Yorkers deserve.”

“Any budget negotiated with Eric Adams will leave a lot to be desired, but thanks to the leadership of Speaker Adams and Chair Brannan – there are real wins for New Yorkers,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler. “We’re making investments that reflect the values of our City—like expanding child care vouchers and piloting a new free childcare model for 0-2 year olds, dramatically expanding immigrant legal services, and record affordable housing investments stemming from City for All. Thanks to this City Council fighting back hard against Mayor Adams over these past four years – many of his worst cuts have been averted.”

“This year’s budget is a direct reflection of what happens when we center the voices of the people and lead with purpose,” said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. “As a proud member of the Budget Negotiation Team, I’ve fought to ensure our communities, especially those too often overlooked, receive the resources they deserve, not just the bare minimum. From housing and libraries to youth programs, older adult services, and public safety rooted in care, we are reinvesting in what makes this city thrive: our people. I’m proud to stand with Speaker Adams, Finance Chair Brannan, and my Council colleagues in delivering a budget that moves us from restoration to real progress.”

“I want to thank Speaker Adams and my Council colleagues for their efforts to secure investments that go beyond restoration of the Mayor’s cuts; this budget contains real wins that will make a tangible impact in our communities, including legal assistance for immigrants, mental illness support, and universal childcare,” said Council Member Pierina Sanchez. “While the FY26 Budget includes the $4 billion in City for All commitments our Council secured in December, new funding for supportive housing, and Council initiatives aimed at housing LGBTQIA+ youth and survivors of domestic violence, we do not see the level of housing investment we need in this budget. We cannot afford to take our foot off the gas on tackling a housing crisis, exacerbated by dire federal cuts. Our precious rent-stabilized buildings are falling deeper into disrepair. Tenants are forced to live in undignified conditions, while negligent landlords evade accountability. Ending these injustices demands resources — but the resources we continue to call for will not materialize under this Mayor. I look forward in future years to achieving the paradigm shift we so desperately need.”

“As Chair of the City Council’s Health Committee, I’m proud that this year’s budget makes critical investments in the health and well-being of all New Yorkers,” said Council Member Lynn Schulman. “From expanding gender-affirming care to strengthening mental health supports like mobile treatment teams and peer specialists, this budget reflects our values of equity, dignity, and care. We are also addressing long-standing disparities by funding trauma recovery centers, culturally specific gender-based violence programs, and maternal health initiatives. These investments will save lives, reduce harm, and build a stronger, healthier city for everyone.”

“The FY’26 budget includes $10M for 2K seats, $775M for After-School for All, $2M to restore 7-day library service, $54.4M for immigration legal support, $32.4M for criminal justice and mental health initiatives, $10.2M to support our parks — which are all City contracts that must be processed and paid on time. Additional funding to the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services (MOCS) is essential in paying the service providers that make our city run,” said Council Member Julie Won. “As the Chair of Contracts, I’m proud to have negotiated $10M for MOCS, including an additional $7.4M for investments in PASSPort, $1.1M for OTPS, and baselining funding of $1.5M to support the NonProfit Helpdesk. These investments will ensure MOCS can register contracts faster, pay providers on time, and help our nonprofits to continue to provide these essential services.”

“As a mother and an immigrant, I’m proud of myself and my colleagues for dedicating resources for our children’s education, increasing access to early education, and providing immigrants with desperately needed legal support,” said Council Member Susan Zhuang. “We are a diverse city and a City Council reflective of that diversity. This budget is reflective of what can transpire when people who’ve lived very different lives collaborate for the betterment of New York City.”

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