Voices from the Big Apple: New Yorkers Celebrate Mayor Adams’ Family-Centric Vision for FY 2026 Budget

January 16, 2025

Budget Makes Wise Investments That Will Ensure Subways and City Streets Remain Secure,  
Provide Tax Relief to Working-Class New Yorkers, Enhance Parks, and Improve Community Safety 

Investments Made Feasible Through the Adams Administration’s Continual  
Strong Fiscal Governance, $2.7 Billion in Savings, Flourishing Economy 

Administration’s Strategies Have Laid Groundwork for the City’s  
Economic Expansion and Increased Tax Revenues 

Revised Asylum Seeker Forecast Saves City $2.4 Billion Within Just Two Fiscal Years,  
Bringing Total Asylum Seeker Savings Over Three Fiscal Years to $5.2 billion 

NEW YORK – Today, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 Preliminary Budget aiming to make New York City the most ideal location for raising a family. This budget reinforces the administration’s dedication to prudent fiscal management, achieving savings and lowering asylum seeker expenses, channeling funds into essential programs and services, as well as enhancing the city’s safety, affordability, and livability for working-class New Yorkers. These accomplishments are facilitated through the robustness of both the national and local economies.  

Here’s how New Yorkers are responding:  

“Investing in the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation by enlarging their cleaning team, who will focus on maintaining 100 hotspots across the city, including one in my area, is essential for establishing lively and secure public spaces. Furthermore, supporting cultural institutions like the Louis Armstrong House Museum, is key to fortifying our cultural sector and enhancing the local economy. By sustaining clean, inviting environments and backing the arts, we construct a more robust, interconnected community while fostering economic development,” New York City Councilmember Francisco P. Moya.

“The Executive Budget plan centers on significant priorities —housing and individual homelessness, education, mental well-being, public safety, and humanitarian services— all while regulating expenditure increases within fiscally responsible confines. This embodies a practical management strategy in light of uncertainties surrounding future federal assistance,” Kathryn Wylde, President & CEO, Partnership for New York City.

“The Building and Construction Trades Council commends Mayor Eric Adams and his team for today’s Preliminary Budget,” stated Gary LaBarbera, president, Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. “In addition to representing the largest ever 10-Year Capital Plan in the history of New York City, this budget also signifies the collaboration we have established with this administration to provide career opportunities in the unionized construction industry, and jobs for a greater number of our residents and members, including through groundbreaking community hiring and initiatives supporting minority-and-women owned business enterprises. Furthermore, we are excited to see that this budget allocates funding for construction pre-apprenticeships as we persist in growing the ranks of the construction trades to continue enhancing a greater and more prosperous New York City!”  

“As an individual who has endured the experience of homelessness for a significant part of my life, I can assertively say that this administration has made remarkable strides in addressing the systemic problems that have burdened our city for years,” Shams DaBaron, Da Housing Hero. “The budget proposal for 2025 builds upon this groundwork. The ‘City of Yes for Housing Opportunity’ initiative presents the most revolutionary housing policy in generations with over 80,000 units planned for low- and middle-income New Yorkers. With $825 million allocated for the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and $175 million for the New York City Housing Authority, totaling one billion dollars for the City of Yes initiative, this budget guarantees these ambitious commitments transform into tangible realities, not mere aspirations. Through targeted investments in outreach, safe haven beds, tenant protections, and financial literacy for underserved populations, this budget emphasizes not solely housing but comprehensive and humane solutions for our most vulnerable fellow New Yorkers. In the face of challenges over the past four years, this progress sparks hope that we are constructing a city where every individual, including those facing difficulties, can indeed rise and flourish.”

“New York City’s economic prospects depend on courageous investments to foster a well-prepared, diverse labor force.” noted Gregory J. Morris, CEO, New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC). “NYCETC has advocated for the progress of impactful initiatives

“Similar to JobsNYC recruitment hubs, pre-apprenticeship initiatives aimed at economically disadvantaged New Yorkers in the trades, along with capital investment in Governors Island, which encompasses backing for the New York Climate Exchange. These actions not only generate employment prospects — they establish the groundwork for upward economic advancement, fortify communities, and position New Yorkers to take the lead in forthcoming industries. Continued attention and funding for these efforts are essential to guarantee that all New Yorkers can access significant career routes, nurturing an economy that is robust, fair, and inclusive.” 

“Progressing on key pledges concerning the ‘City of Yes’ will significantly impact New Yorkers,” remarked James Whelan, president, Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY). “REBNY expresses gratitude to the mayor and his team for outlining a budget that tackles challenges related to quality of life, affordability, safety, and livability..” 

“This budget fulfills the administration’s promise to push forward an ambitious, pro-housing agenda under the ‘City of Yes’, aimed at making New York a more affordable and equitable environment for hardworking families,” stated Rafael E. Cestero, CEO, Community Preservation Corporation. “The investment in our housing agencies will enable them to carry out their mission of expanding and safeguarding our affordable and public housing inventory, confronting the homelessness crisis, and ensuring that tenants’ rights are upheld across the city. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with our partners in the administration and commend Mayor Adams for continuing to invest in securing the safety, affordability, and livability of our city.” 

“Correction officers are facing the most severe staffing crisis among all city agencies, and the only method to enhance our staffing is by investing in recruitment and retention,” explained Benny Boscio, president, Correction Officers Benevolent Association. “We commend Mayor Adams for his ongoing support of our workforce through the additional funds allocated in his preliminary budget. With our inmate population reaching its highest level in recent years, it is crucial that the New York City Department of Correction prioritizes recruitment along with safety and security.” 

“Mayor Adams is evidently concentrating on tackling the mental health crisis within our streets and rendering the city more affordable for both residents and businesses,” noted Jessica Walker, president and CEO, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. “These are the right focal points to improve quality of life and enhance commercial corridors in 2025 and beyond.” 

“Our Business Improvement Districts play a crucial role in supporting our essential commercial corridors,” stated Randy Peers, president and CEO, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. “I wish to commend the Adams administration for establishing consistent support for our smaller Business Improvement Districts, many of which are situated in outer boroughs like Brooklyn.” 

“New York City’s economy cannot prosper unless our city is secure, affordable, and innovative,” stated Linda Baran, president and CEO, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. “Elements included in the City’s FY 2026 budget, such as ongoing investment in workforce and talent initiatives — increased funding for Business Improvement Districts, alongside the implementation and enhancement of public safety and quality of life measures — are crucial steps towards ensuring that businesses and their employees can flourish. The Staten Island Chamber looks forward to collaborating on these initiatives to foster the optimal business environment in our borough and beyond.” 

“The youth in New York City are confronted with significant challenges,” asserted Dr. Sophine Charles, associate executive director, Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies. “We are delighted that Mayor Adams has prioritized the needs of our young people in the Fiscal Year 26 budget, especially for those who are involved with the justice system and receiving child welfare services. Thank you, Mayor Adams, for the $163 million investment directed towards NYC youth.” 

“I am immensely appreciative of the Adams administration’s unwavering dedication to expanding access to essential services for young individuals in New York City’s foster care and juvenile justice systems,” expressed Tracy Jenkins, executive director, the Center for Fair Futures. “The choice to scale Fair Futures is a monumental victory that will profoundly affect the lives of thousands of young individuals. This increased funding grants us the capabilities to offer the support that every young person in care deserves — across all 25 foster care providers and nine juvenile justice provider agencies. This expansion guarantees that all young individuals in these systems possess the tools necessary to thrive. By providing quality, personalized coaching and tutoring, we are assisting them in unlocking not solely academic success but also career avenues and personal growth. We maintain our commitment to working with the Administration for Children’s Services and the 34 foster care and juvenile justice provider agency partners to ensure that every young person — from 6th grade to age 26 — is provided the option of having a coach and tutor, should they desire, empowering them to achieve their highest potential. We take pride in the progress made and are enthusiastic about continuing to collaborate with the administration, our partners, and the community to forge a future where every young individual has the chance to flourish.”

“The NYC BID Association commends and expresses gratitude to Mayor Adams for his remarkable dedication to aiding BIDs in the Preliminary Budget, particularly the smaller ones striving to address the escalating demands of their communities,” stated Robert J. Benfatto and Erin Piscopink, co-chairs, NYC BID Association. “We also commend the mayor for his attention to the intricate issue of street homelessness, and for allocating additional resources towards public safety and cleanliness. BIDs continue to be a dedicated ally to New York City in promoting economic vitality across various neighborhoods throughout our magnificent city.”

“Community schoolyards provide individuals spaces to gather and connect with one another and with nature. Increasing the quantity of open schoolyards is a cost-efficient method to enhance access to park space more equitably without acquiring additional land,” remarked Mary Alice Lee, director, the New York City Playgrounds Program, Trust for Public Land. “Schools serve as venues where communities unite. When you visit a schoolyard after classes or drop by on the weekend, you might witness teenagers playing basketball, children enjoying playground equipment while their grandparents supervise, or friends engaging in an informal soccer match. These areas become the nucleus of the community, with neighbors organizing sports leagues, movie nights, and fitness sessions. Trust for Public Land is pleased to collaborate with Mayor Adams to establish more community schoolyards and provide more New York City inhabitants access to outdoor spaces.”

“We commend the administration for emphasizing aquatic safety and guaranteeing that a greater number of children gain access to essential life-saving skills,” stated Sharon Greenberger, president and CEO, YMCA of Greater New York and co-chair, New York City’s Lifeguard and Aquatics Task Force. “As a city encircled by water, we have a collective duty to safeguard our families and youngsters and broaden access to swimming lessons. We anticipate enhancing our fruitful partnership with the city, the Parks Department, and New York City Public Schools to implement Swim to Life services and empower our communities.”

“The Passerelle is the main route the community uses to access Flushing Meadows and the first sight tennis enthusiasts encounter when attending the US Open,” stated Danny Zauser, chief operating officer, United States Tennis Association National Tennis Center. “We are enthusiastic about this investment and recognize that the hundreds of thousands who enjoy the park or visit the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center to learn tennis, play with friends, or witness a match will have a secure way to reach one of Queens’ finest assets.”

“Riverkeeper fully endorses the Adams administration’s proposed $190 Million in FY26 for the Newtown Creek Combined Sewer Overflow Storage Tunnel and commends the administration for its dedication to ensuring this vital project materializes,” stated Tracey Brown, president, Hudson Riverkeeper. “The storage tunnel will enhance water quality by significantly decreasing raw sewage and contaminated stormwater pollution into Newtown Creek, as mandated by the Clean Water Act and Superfund legislation. This funding signifies the commencement of a transition for Newtown Creek from its history as an industrial sewer for oil and gas refineries to a sanctuary for human and ecological communities in Brooklyn and Queens.”

“We commend the mayor for utilizing his Fiscal Year 2026 budget to address and emphasize the critical significance of funding arts and culture, which we recognize as essential to a robust and vibrant city,” stated Coco Killingsworth, chair, the Cultural Institutions Group; chief experience and impact officer, Brooklyn Academy of Music. “We eagerly anticipate collaborating with the administration to guarantee that our diverse and outstanding cultural institutions possess the resources they require to flourish for all New Yorkers and visitors.”

“The FY26 preliminary budget represents a courageous and forward-thinking stride for New York City’s youth! With $100 million allocated to Summer Rising and $15 million invested in youth programs, this administration is demonstrating its dedication to our city’s forthcoming leaders,” asserted Waqil Ahmed, CEO and president, Pakistani American Youth Organization. “As we proudly state, ‘The youth is the solution, not the problem,’ and these transformative investments clearly show that this administration acknowledges the potential of every young New Yorker. By emphasizing education, enrichment, and opportunity, the FY26 budget presents a brilliant model of what it means to genuinely invest in the success and welfare of our youth.”

“Junior Achievement of New York commends Mayor Adams’ ambitious and innovative initiative to broaden financial empowerment services to students and families across NYC Public Schools,” stated Betty Garger, president and CEO, Junior Achievement of New York. “Instructing young individuals in financial management, prudent saving, and future planning is a crucial step towards breaking the chains of financial instability and fostering a more just city. We are honored to have contributed our perspective to this discussion and remain steadfast in supporting initiatives that guarantee every student in New York City is equipped with the tools needed to become financially capable adults. Together, we can cultivate a more luminous financial future for generations to come.”

“At Ascend at the Aspen Institute, we are convinced that empowering both children and their families is essential to fostering intergenerational prosperity. The administration’s newly introduced financial empowerment initiative will equip students with the abilities required to navigate an increasingly intricate financial environment, guaranteeing they have an advantage in becoming financially assured adults,” stated Sama Sabihi, senior program manager, Ascend at the Aspen Institute. “Through this initiative, New York City is establishing the foundation for enduring economic stability and success by supporting youth and their families. We commend the mayor’s call for collaboration across various institutions, and we eagerly anticipate these developing partnerships aimed at creating a future where every young individual possesses the knowledge and resources necessary to flourish.”

“The Fiscal Year 26 budget proposal is a testament to the administration’s dedication to uplifting our neighborhoods and assisting our youth. At COPO, we observe firsthand the transformative influence of initiatives like School’s Out New York City, which offer middle school students enriching academic, cultural, and social experiences,” commented Mohammad Razvi, CEO, Council of Peoples Organization. “The $100 million investment in Summer Rising and additional funding for career readiness and youth programs embody a communal belief in enabling young individuals to excel. We commend this administration for emphasizing inclusivity and opportunity, ensuring every student — irrespective of their background — has access to the resources necessary for their success.”

“Effective hiring in the New York City Department of Correction necessitates sufficient funding to attract and retain skilled personnel, ensuring a secure atmosphere,” noted Paul Ideltt, president, Correction Captains’ Association. “Investing in safety measures not only safeguards staff and inmates but also cultivates a culture of trust and accountability within our department.”

“The mayor’s allocation for youth initiatives is a crucial commitment to our future, acknowledging that today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders,” stated Carlos Velazquez, executive director, Police Athletic League. “The Police Athletic League takes pride in serving young individuals across the five boroughs, and this support genuinely facilitates that goal. By backing the committed organizations that transform lives daily, we are not only empowering our youth but also nurturing a stronger, more resilient community. Together, we will continue to ‘Be Better at Getting Better,’ forging opportunities that inspire, educate, and uplift the next generation.”

“Dads engage with Forestdale’s Strong Fathers Program because they understand what excellent parenting and healthy family dynamics resemble and wish to learn how to become exemplary fathers,” expressed Bill Weisberg, executive director, Forestdale. “Mayor Adams’ additional $2 million investment in fathers via Project CRIB signifies the expansion of eligibility and the increasing number of fathers served, thereby enhancing the support they receive. The mayor’s dedication to children is reinforced by this investment, as father involvement from birth and throughout childhood leads to improved school performance and the development of healthy relationships.”

“Project CRIB is a groundbreaking initiative that serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for families throughout our city,” stated Steven Matteo, CEO and executive director, United Activities Unlimited. “We are profoundly thankful to Mayor Adams for his courageous commitment to supporting this significant initiative, which aids fathers in creating stronger and more meaningful bonds with their children by providing them with the support and resources they require. Ultimately, the most significant influence is experienced by those children, who thrive in the presence of engaged and supportive fathers.”

“Youth Justice Network was established 35 years ago in the halls of Rikers Island to assist teenagers reintegrating into NYC communities. We quickly understood what children and teenagers required most to ensure their wellbeing and positive paths,” noted Chris Pahigian, executive director, Youth Justice Network. “We applaud Mayor Adams for increasing this investment for fatherhood programming. As a DYCD partner from the beginning, we have witnessed firsthand the exponential effect on families and communities when we invest in a father’s love, engagement, support, and mutual respect for their children. This increased investment today will yield healthier children tomorrow, one father and family at a time. Hats off to Mayor Adams and the DYCD team.”

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