Introduction to the Budget Proposal
Mayor Eric Adams has released a $115.1 billion budget proposal, which he claims is the "best budget ever." The proposal includes over 70 investments in areas such as education, housing vouchers, food assistance, and increased funds for nonprofit social service providers. However, the budget’s release comes amidst looming economic recession risks and plans by the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress to slash funding to states and cities.
Economic Risks and Uncertainties
The mayor acknowledges that the budget might already be out of date, as it is based on economic conditions before April, when President Donald Trump began imposing tariffs that have led to dramatic declines in stock and bond markets and a sharp slowing of economic activity. "We see uncertainty on the horizon, due to recent federal policies, shifting tariffs," the mayor said. The city comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander has reiterated his call for adding $2 billion to reserves, citing the potential for federal money for rental vouchers to be cut.
Budget Breakdown
The proposal includes a $309 million increase in spending on the NYPD over last year’s proposed budget, with the goal of increasing the number of uniformed officers to 35,000 this year. It also replaces $199 million in education dollars that were previously funded with one-time federal COVID-19 stimulus money, covering programs that include 3K, arts education, and teacher recruitment. Additionally, the proposal includes a $49 million increase from last year’s adopted budget for the city’s Parks Department and $494 million in library spending split among the city’s three systems.
Reactions to the Budget Proposal
Budget-watchers have agreed that the city should bolster reserves by using a surplus expected in the current year. Andrew Rein, the president of the Citizens Budget Commission, said, "We should be putting $2 billion into the rainy day fund and reserving another billion dollars for next year’s general reserve, which would help buttress against the initial impact of federal spending." State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has also stated that the mayor is not facing up to the fiscal realities, saying, "Realistic revenue and spending projections and increasing contingencies or reserves are essential."
Criticisms and Concerns
New Yorkers United for Child Care Executive Director Rebecca Bailin has welcomed the mayor’s commitment to funding 3-K programs and extended day care for pre-K and 3-K children but has criticized Adams for having shortchanged children in the past. "Rather than patting himself on the back for the ‘best budget ever,’ Mayor Adams should admit that his previous cuts have already done significant damage by driving scores of families out of our city," she said in a statement. Mayor Eric Adams delivers his executive budget at Bayside High School in Queens, May 1, 2025. Credit: Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY
Conclusion
The mayor’s budget proposal has been met with both praise and criticism. While it includes significant investments in various areas, it also fails to address the looming economic recession risks and the potential for federal funding cuts. As the budget process continues, it remains to be seen how the city will navigate these challenges and ensure that the budget is sustainable and effective in supporting the needs of New Yorkers.
FAQs
Q: What is the total amount of the budget proposal?
A: The total amount of the budget proposal is $115.1 billion.
Q: What areas will the budget proposal invest in?
A: The budget proposal will invest in areas such as education, housing vouchers, food assistance, and increased funds for nonprofit social service providers.
Q: What are the potential risks to the budget?
A: The potential risks to the budget include economic recession, federal funding cuts, and the impact of tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.
Q: How has the city comptroller responded to the budget proposal?
A: The city comptroller has called for adding $2 billion to reserves, citing the potential for federal money for rental vouchers to be cut.
Q: What is the reaction of budget-watchers to the budget proposal?
A: Budget-watchers have agreed that the city should bolster reserves by using a surplus expected in the current year.
