What They're Saying: New Yorkers Praise Mayor Adams Family-Focused Fiscal Year 2026 Preliminary Budget

January 16, 2025

Budget Makes Sound Investments That Will Keep Subways and City Streets Safe,  
Bring Tax Relief to Working-Class New Yorkers, Beautify Parks, and Make Communities Safer 

Investments Made Possible Through Adams Administration’s Ongoing  
Strong Fiscal Management, $2.7 Billion in Savings, Robust Economy 

Administration's Policies Have Set Stage for City’s  
Economic Growth and Helped Increase Tax Revenues 

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

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 Preliminary Budget to make New York City the best place to raise a family. The budget deepens the administration’s commitment to strong fiscal management, achieving savings and reducing asylum seeker costs, investing in critical programs and services, and making the city safer, more affordable, and more livable for working-class New Yorkers. These achievements are also made possible due to the strength of the national and local economies.  

Here’s what New Yorkers are saying:  

"Investing in the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation by expanding their cleaning crew, who will focus on cleaning 100 hotspots across the city, including one in my district, is vital for creating vibrant and safe public spaces. Additionally, supporting cultural institutions like the Louis Armstrong House Museum, plays a crucial role in strengthening our cultural sector and boosting the local economy. By maintaining clean, welcoming spaces and investing in the arts, we build a stronger, more connected community while driving economic growth," New York City Councilmember Francisco P. Moya.

"The Executive Budget proposal focuses on important priorities —housing and homelessness, education, mental health, public safety and human services— all while keeping spending increases within fiscally responsible limits. This reflects a sensible management approach in the face of uncertainty over the future of federal aid," Kathryn Wylde, President & CEO, Partnership for New York City.

“The Building and Construction Trades Council applauds Mayor Eric Adams and his team for today’s Preliminary Budget,” said 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 represents the partnership we have built with this administration to bring opportunities for careers in the unionized construction industry, and jobs to more of our residents and members, including through the landmark community hiring and minority-and-women owned business enterprise initiatives. Additionally, we are thrilled to see that this budget adds funding for construction pre-apprenticeships as we continue to grow the ranks of the construction trades to continue building a greater and better New York City!”  

“As someone who has lived the experience of homelessness for much of my life, I can confidently say that this administration has made historic progress in addressing the systemic issues that have plagued our city for decades," Shams DaBaron, Da Housing Hero. "The 2025 budget proposal builds on this foundation. The ‘City of Yes for Housing Opportunity’ initiative is the most transformative housing policy in generations with over 80,000 units of housing planned for low- and middle-income New Yorkers. With $825 million for Department of Housing Preservation and Development, $175 million for New York City Housing Authority, totaling a billion dollars for the City of Yes initiative, this budget ensures these bold commitments become a reality, not just a dream. Through targeted investments in outreach, safe haven beds, tenant protections, and financial literacy for underserved communities, this budget prioritizes not just housing but holistic and humane solutions for our most vulnerable New Yorkers. Despite the challenges of the past four years, this progress gives me hope that we are building a city where everyone, including those struggling, can truly rise and thrive.”

“New York City’s economic future hinges on bold investments to cultivate a well-trained, diverse workforce.” said Gregory J. Morris, CEO, New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC). “NYCETC has championed the advancement of impactful initiatives like JobsNYC hiring halls, pre-apprenticeship programs for low-income New Yorkers in the trades, and the capital investment in Governors Island, which includes support for the New York Climate Exchange. These efforts don’t just create career opportunities — they lay the foundation for upward economic mobility, strengthen communities, and position New Yorkers to lead in the industries of tomorrow. Sustained focus and investment in these initiatives are critical to ensuring that every New Yorker has access to meaningful career pathways, fostering an economy that is resilient, equitable, and inclusive.”  

“Moving forward on key commitments on the ‘City of Yes’ will make a huge difference for New Yorkers,” said James Whelan, president, Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY). “REBNY thanks the mayor and his team for laying out a budget that addresses issues affecting quality of life, affordability, safety, and livability.” 

“This budget delivers on the administration’s commitment to advancing an ambitious, pro-housing agenda under the ‘City of Yes’ that will help make New York a more affordable and equitable place to live for hardworking families,” said Rafael E. Cestero, CEO, Community Preservation Corporation. “The investment in our housing agencies will allow them to execute on their mission to expand and preserve our affordable and public housing stock, address the homelessness crisis, and ensure that tenants’ rights are protected throughout the city. We look forward to working with our partners in the administration and applaud Mayor Adams for continuing to make investments that prioritize the safety, affordability, and livability of our city.”  

“Correction officers have endured the worst staffing crisis out of any city agency and the only way to bolster our staffing levels is by investing in recruitment and retention,” said Benny Boscio, president, Correction Officers Benevolent Association. “We applaud Mayor Adams for his continued support of our workforce with the additional monies allocated in his preliminary budget. With our inmate population rising to the highest level it's been in recent years, it's imperative that the New York City Department of Correction makes recruitment and safety and security its top priorities.”  

“Mayor Adams is clearly focused on addressing the mental health crisis on our streets and making the city more affordable for residents and businesses alike,” said Jessica Walker, president and CEO, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. “These are the correct priorities to enhance quality of life and strengthen commercial corridors in 2025 and beyond.”  

“Our Business Improvement Districts are some of the most impactful organizations supporting our key commercial corridors,” said Randy Peers, president and CEO, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. “I want to applaud the Adams administration for baselining key support for our smaller Business Improvement Districts, many of which are located in outer boroughs like Brooklyn.”  

“New York City’s economy cannot thrive unless our city is safe, affordable, and innovative,” said Linda Baran, president and CEO, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. “Items included within the City’s FY 2026 budget, including continued investment in workforce and talent initiatives — expanded funding for Business Improvement Districts, and the inclusion and expansion of public safety and quality of life measures — are a strong step toward ensuring businesses and their workers can thrive. The Staten Island Chamber looks forward to continuing to partner on these efforts to ensure the best possible business climate in our borough and beyond.” 

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

“I am deeply grateful to the Adams administration for their steadfast commitment to expanding access to vital services for young people in New York City's foster care and juvenile justice systems,” said Tracy Jenkins, executive director, the Center for Fair Futures. “The decision to bring Fair Futures to scale is a monumental achievement that will have a lasting impact on thousands of young lives. This enhanced funding allows us to provide the support every young person in care deserves — across all 25 foster care providers and nine juvenile justice providers. This expansion ensures that all young people in these systems have the tools they need to succeed. By offering high-quality, individualized coaching and tutoring, we’re helping them unlock not just academic success, but also career opportunities and personal development. We remain committed to working with 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 through age 26 — has access to a coach and tutor, should they choose, empowering them to reach their fullest potential. We are proud of the progress we’ve made and excited to continue working with the administration, our partners, and the community to create a future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.”  

“The NYC BID Association applauds and thanks Mayor Adams for his tremendous commitment to supporting BIDs in the Preliminary Budget, especially smaller ones working hard to meet the growing needs of their communities,” said Robert J. Benfatto and Erin Piscopink, co-chairs, NYC BID Association. “We also applaud the mayor for his focus on the complex issue of street homelessness, and for committing additional funds to public safety and cleanliness. BIDs remains a committed partner to New York City in ensuring economic prosperity across diverse neighborhoods throughout our great city.”   

“Community schoolyards give people spaces to gather and connect with each other and with nature. Increasing the number of open schoolyards is a cost-effective way to make access to park space more equitable without buying any more land,” said Mary Alice Lee, director, the New York City Playgrounds Program, Trust for Public Land. “Schools are places where communities come together. When you visit a schoolyard after school or stop by on the weekend, you might see teens playing basketball, kids playing on playground equipment while their grandparents watch, or friends playing a pick-up soccer game. These spaces become the heart of the community, with neighbors organizing sports leagues, movie nights, and exercise classes. Trust for Public Land is proud to work with Mayor Adams to create more community schoolyards and give more New York City residents access to the outdoors.”  

“We applaud the administration for prioritizing aquatics safety and ensuring that more children have access to critical life-saving skills,” said 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 surrounded by water, we have a collective obligation to protect our families and children and increase access to swim instruction. We look forward to expanding our great 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 primary way the community accesses Flushing Meadows and the first thing tennis fans see when they come to the US Open,” said Danny Zauser, chief operating officer, United States Tennis Association National Tennis Center. “We are excited about this investment and know that the hundreds of thousands who enjoy the park or come to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center to learn tennis, play with friends, or watch a match will have a safe way to access one of Queens' greatest resources.”  

“Riverkeeper strongly supports the Adams administration's proposed $190 Million in FY26 for the Newtown Creek Combined Sewer Overflow Storage Tunnel and applauds the administration for its commitment to ensuring this critical project comes to fruition,” said Tracey Brown, president, Hudson Riverkeeper. “The storage tunnel will improve water quality by drastically reducing raw sewage and polluted stormwater contamination into Newtown Creek, as required by the Clean Water Act and Superfund law. This funding marks the starting point to carry Newtown Creek forward from its past as an industrial sewer for oil and gas refineries to a haven for human and ecological communities in Brooklyn and Queens.”  

“We applaud the mayor for using his Fiscal Year 2026 budget to address and highlight the critical importance of funding arts and culture, which we know is paramount to a strong and vibrant city,” said Coco Killingsworth, chair, the Cultural Institutions Group; chief experience and impact officer, Brooklyn Academy of Music. “We look forward to partnering with the administration to ensure that our diverse and amazing cultural institutions have the resources they need to thrive for all New Yorkers and visitors alike.”  

“The FY26 preliminary budget is a bold and visionary step for New York City’s youth! With $100 million dedicated to Summer Rising and $15 million invested in youth programs, this administration is proving its commitment to our city’s future leaders,” said Waqil Ahmed, CEO and president, Pakistani American Youth Organization. “As we proudly say, ‘The youth is the solution, not the problem,’ and these transformative investments make it clear that this administration sees the potential of every young New Yorker. By prioritizing education, enrichment, and opportunity, the FY26 budget sets a shining example of what it means to truly invest in the success and well-being of our youth.”  

“Junior Achievement of New York applauds Mayor Adams’ bold and visionary initiative to expand financial empowerment services to students and families across NYC Public Schools,” said Betty Garger, president and CEO, Junior Achievement of New York. “Teaching young people how to manage money, save wisely, and plan for their futures is a critical step toward breaking cycles of financial insecurity and creating a more equitable city. We are proud to have lent our voice to this conversation and remain committed to supporting efforts that ensure every student in New York City has the tools they need to become financially empowered adults. Together, we can create a brighter financial future for generations to come.”  
   
“At Ascend at the Aspen Institute, we believe that empowering both children and their families is key to building intergenerational prosperity. The administration’s new financial empowerment initiative will provide students with the skills they need to navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape, ensuring they have a head start on becoming financially confident adults,” said Sama Sabihi, senior program manager, Ascend at the Aspen Institute. “By supporting youth and their families through this initiative, New York City is laying the groundwork for long-term economic security and prosperity. We applaud the mayor’s call for collaboration across institutions, and we look forward to these emerging partnerships designed to create a future where every young person has the knowledge and resources to succeed.” 

“The Fiscal Year 26 budget plans is a testament to the administration’s commitment to uplifting our communities and supporting our youth. At COPO, we see firsthand the transformative impact of programs like School's Out New York City, which provide middle school students with enriching academic, cultural, and social experiences,” said Mohammad Razvi, CEO, Council of Peoples Organization. “The $100 million investment in Summer Rising and the additional funding for career readiness and youth programs reflect a shared belief in empowering young people to succeed. We applaud this administration for prioritizing inclusivity and opportunity, ensuring that every student — regardless of their background — has access to the resources they need to thrive.”   
    
“Effective recruitment in the New York City Department of Correction requires adequate funding to attract and retain qualified personnel, ensuring a secure environment,” said Paul Ideltt, president, Correction Captains’ Association. “Investing in safety and security measures not only protects staff and inmates but also fosters a culture of trust and accountability within our department.”  

“The mayor's investment in youth programs is a vital commitment to our future, recognizing that today’s young people are tomorrow’s leaders,” said Carlos Velazquez, executive director, Police Athletic League. “The Police Athletic League is proud to serve young people throughout the five boroughs, and this support truly makes it possible. By supporting the dedicated organizations that are transforming lives every day, we are not only empowering our youth but also fostering a stronger, more resilient community. In partnership, we will continue to ‘Be Better at Getting Better,’ creating opportunities that inspire, educate, and uplift the next generation.” 

“Fathers come to Forestdale’s Strong Fathers Program because they know what good parenting and healthy family life looks like, and they want to learn how to become that great father,” said Bill Weisberg, executive director, Forestdale. “Mayor Adams’ additional $2 million investment in fathers as part of Project CRIB means expanding eligibility and the number of fathers that can be served and enriching the support they receive. The mayor’s commitment to children is supported by this investment, as father involvement from the time children are born and throughout childhood improves children’s school performance and ability to form healthy relationships.”  

“Project CRIB is a transformative program that is a beacon of hope and empowerment for families across our city,” said Steven Matteo, CEO and executive director, United Activities Unlimited. “We are deeply grateful to Mayor Adams for his bold commitment to support this important initiative, which helps fathers build stronger and more meaningful relationships with their children by providing them with the support and resources they need. Ultimately, the biggest impact is felt by those children, who thrive in the presence of engaged and supportive fathers.”    

“Youth Justice Network was created 35 years ago on the school floors of Rikers Island to support teenagers returning home to NYC communities. We learned fast what children and teenagers needed most to ensure their wellbeing and positive trajectories,” said Chris Pahigian, executive director, Youth Justice Network. “We applaud Mayor Adams for increasing this investment for fatherhood programming. As a DYCD partner in this work since inception, we’ve seen first-hand the exponential impact on families and communities when we invest in a father’s love, engagement, support and mutual respect of their children. Today’s increased investment will result in tomorrow’s healthier kids, one father and family at a time. Salute to Mayor Adams and the team at DYCD.”    

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