New York City Council Adopts Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

Council also approves legislation to support small businesses, protect access to educational facilities, and celebrate America's 250th Anniversary and the New York Knicks' NBA Championship

CITY HALL, NY - Today, the New York City Council voted to approve an $125.8 billion budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027, making historic investments to lower the cost of living, expand opportunity, and strengthen essential services for New Yorkers while maintaining responsible fiscal stewardship. The FY27 budget includes the largest expense budget and capital commitment in Council history, while making significant investments in affordability, educational opportunity, housing stability, parks, libraries, and cultural institutions. The Council also secured $350 million in additional reserves, strengthening New York City's long-term financial stability. Among the Council's signature accomplishments in the FY27 budget are expansions of the NYC Kids RISE college savings account program, Fair Fares, expanded access to rental assistance, immigration legal services, and funding restorations for cultural institutions, libraries, and parks.

"With this budget, the Council proved that we could responsibly manage the City's finances while making transformative investments that lower costs for working families, prevent homelessness, expand opportunity for children, and strengthen the services New Yorkers rely on every day," said Speaker Julie Menin. "This budget reflects what the Council has believed from the very beginning: New York City does not have to choose between fiscal responsibility and investing in our communities. I want to thank my Council colleagues for their partnership throughout this process and Mayor Mamdani and his administration for working with us to reach an agreement that delivers meaningful results for New Yorkers."

Establishing New Rental Assistance Program to Reach More New Yorkers

Following months of negotiation to resolve litigation over the Council's 2023 CityFHEPS Reform Laws, the Council secured $300 million across the Fiscal Years (FY) 2027 and 2028 budgets to expand rental assistance - and potentially reach 30,000 additional New Yorkers. As part of the agreement with the Mamdani Administration, the Council will vote on legislation to establish a new rental assistance program that will reach more New Yorkers facing eviction and those in shelter who are not currently eligible for the existing CityFHEPS program. While preserving the spirit and goals of the CityFHEPS Reform Laws, the bill creates an avenue to housing stability for New Yorkers who have been ineligible for CityFHEPS, preventing them from becoming homeless by keeping them in their homes, contains the cost of the expansion, and creates a sustainable framework for annual evaluation moving forward with guardrails on the program. To reduce the upfront cost of the original CityFHEPS Reform Laws, but still expand eligibility to reach more New Yorkers, the legislation limits the pool of eligible households by targeting those most at risk of homelessness and requires the Mayor and the Council to negotiate annually on the scale of the program. The voucher program will also preserve affordable housing by keeping New Yorkers in their rent-stabilized units.

Introduction 966, sponsored by Council Member Pierina Sanchez, would establish a new rental assistance voucher program for families and individuals, which would be subject to appropriation and operated by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). To be eligible for the program, households would have a total income that does not exceed 50 percent of the area median income (AMI), as well as meet additional eligibility requirements based on the type of shelter or housing in which they reside. The proposed bill would additionally amend section 21-145 of the Administrative Code to remove the requirements of Local Laws 99, 100, 101, and 102 of 2023 that were not approved as part of the CityFHEPS program by the New York State Office of Temporary Disability and Assistance (OTDA) and codify the method of calculating a tenant's rent contribution to reflect the method the Department of Social Services (DSS) currently uses for such calculations, which factors in a utility allowance credit where it is appropriate.

"This is a historic win for vulnerable New Yorkers - and a turning point in our City's approach to homelessness," said Council Member Pierina Sanchez. "For too long, New York City has paid more for worse outcomes, keeping children and families in shelter when permanent housing is safer, more stable, more humane, and more cost-effective. With a cumulative $300 million committed across the FY27 and FY28 City Budgets, we are expanding access to housing vouchers responsibly, delivering relief to tens of thousands of New Yorkers, and putting the City on a stronger path away from costly shelter reliance and toward permanent homes. I am deeply grateful to Speaker Julie Menin for holding the line, to my colleagues for uplifting this priority, to advocates for never giving up on the New Yorkers they fight for, and to the Mayor for staying at the table and getting this deal to the finish line. This is how we meet the urgency of the crisis while demanding better governance, stronger oversight, and real accountability."

Repealing Requirement for Commercial Storefronts to Install Security Grilles

Local Law 75 of 2009 requires that as of July 1, 2026, all existing and new security grilles on buildings classified in Occupancy Groups B (Business) or M (Mercantile) must have at least 70 percent visibility from the sidewalk. Originally enacted as an anti-graffiti measure, the law was also intended to ease investigations by first responders to assess situations such as burglaries or fires. However, with the upcoming July 2026 compliance deadline, small businesses have expressed serious concerns regarding the law, including a lack of awareness about the requirements, attributed to poor outreach by the City, and the significant costs on impacted businesses.

Introduction 910-A, sponsored by Council Member Althea Stevens, would repeal the requirement originally set in Local Law 75 of 2009 that as of July 1, 2026, all security grilles installed in Group B or M buildings permit visibility of at least 70 percent of the area covered by the grille.

"Our small businesses are the backbone of every neighborhood, yet they continue to face rising costs from every direction. The last thing we should be doing is forcing business owners to spend thousands of dollars replacing security grilles that are already functioning properly," said Council Member Althea Stevens. "Int. 910-A provides a practical solution by eliminating an outdated requirement that has placed an unnecessary financial burden on our local entrepreneurs since 2009. By fully repealing this obsolete law, we are giving small businesses the flexibility to invest in their employees, strengthen their storefronts, and grow their future."

Supporting Small Businesses to Install Security System Technology

Introduction 553-A, sponsored by Council Member Oswald Feliz, would require that the Department of Small Business Services (SBS), or another agency designated by the Mayor, establish a small retail business security system program to provide financial assistance to owners of small retail businesses that would reduce the cost of purchasing and installing security system technology.

Requiring Transparency on Protecting Access to Certain Educational Institutions

Introduction 929-A, sponsored by Deputy Whip Elsie Encarnación and co-prime sponsor Council Member Eric Dinowitz, would require the Police Commissioner to publish a transparency report on the New York Police Department's (NYPD) plan to address and contain the risk of physical obstruction, physical injury, intimidation, and interference at entrances to, and exits from, certain educational facilities in the City, including through the use of security perimeters. Educational facilities covered by this bill would be limited to public and non-public child care and early childhood programming, elementary schools, middle schools and junior high schools, and non-public high schools. The term does not include colleges, universities, worker- and community-training facilities, museums and libraries, teaching hospitals, or educational programming that takes place in a private residence.

Reports would include considerations regarding whether and when, and to what extent, perimeters could be used, and steps taken by the NYPD to ensure the perimeters do not curtail freedom of speech. The Commissioner would be required to submit a proposed report, no later than 45 days after the bill's effective date, to the Mayor and the Speaker of the Council. No later than 90 days after the effective date, the Commissioner would be required to submit a final report to the Mayor and the Speaker of the Council and post the final report on the NYPD website.

"Every child in this city deserves to walk into school without fear of being harassed or intimidated, and today we delivered that. I'm grateful to Speaker Menin for her leadership in getting this done," said Council Member Eric Dinowitz. "Whether you're in 2K or high school, you should be able to get into and out of your school without being grabbed or having epithets hurled at you, and this bill makes sure there's a clear, public plan to keep students safe while fully protecting every New Yorker's right to protest. Thank you to Council Member Encarnacion for her partnership and commitment to the passage of this legislation."

Streamlining Support for Child Care Programs and Workforce

Introduction 15-A, sponsored by Majority Leader Shaun Abreu, would prohibit the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) from requiring a subsequent background check of an individual for the purposes of working in a center-based child care program if DOHMH has already completed a background check, unless: the individual has not been employed by a child care provider in the city for more than 180 consecutive days in the past five years, a child care program requests a background check, or a background check is otherwise required by law or necessary for the purposes of safety. The bill would also require DOHMH to use best efforts to utilize existing information for the purposes of all other child care program background checks.

"Improving access to childcare means expanding funding and modernizing outdated administrative processes that hold back the ability to provide families with affordable, trustworthy care," said Majority Leader Shaun Abreu. "This bill will streamline processes on the government side and make finding childcare a little easier while maintaining every safeguard that keeps our kids safe."

Introduction 580-A, sponsored by Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez, would create an Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education to assist the Mayor in planning and implementing child care for any child who resides in the city at no cost to a parent, stepparent, guardian, or relative. The Office would be required to coordinate the provision of child care in the city, including, among other mandates: developing recommendations for implementation, considering costs and potential sources of funding for the expansion of child care, and supporting agencies in identifying potential locations for additional child care programs.

"As this city moves toward making universal child care a reality, we need more than just a promise; we need accountability," said Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez. "We do so by making this office and its mandate part of the law. This bill ensures that this office lives through multiple administrations and outlines the coordination that is necessary for child care to be truly accessible and truly affordable. Both as a parent and as Chair of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood Education, making universal child care remains one of my top priorities. I am glad that it is also a priority for Speaker Menin, my Council colleagues, and the Mamdani Administration."

Adding Establishments Required to Separate and Dispose Organic Waste

Introduction 31-A, sponsored by Majority Leader Shaun Abreu, would expand the categories of establishments that can be designated by DSNY to be subject to requirements regarding separation and disposal of organic waste. It would also require DSNY to designate additional covered establishments by December 1, 2026. Any designated establishment would be required to comply with these requirements by the latter of June 1, 2027, or when the establishment's commercial waste zone goes into effect. The bill would also require commercial waste zone awardee-carters to provide information on the donation of excess edible food to any establishment receiving organic waste collection.

"With residential organics recycling fully implemented citywide, it's time for our businesses to follow suit," said Majority Leader Shaun Abreu. "I'm proud to sponsor legislation greatly expanding the number of establishments required to recycle their organic waste. Under Commercial Waste Zones, carters are required to charge less for organic waste pickup than general refuse. By participating, businesses will save money and do their part in reducing the amount of waste we send to landfills. Thank you to Speaker Menin, NYLPI, NRDC, NYLCV, and all of the advocates whose support pushed this over the finish line."

Allowing DSNY to Better Enforce Alternate-Side Parking Rules

Introduction 92-A, sponsored by Council Member Gale A. Brewer, would permit the Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Sanitation (DSNY), and any department designated by DSNY to place a sticker, no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches, on the window of any motor vehicle as a method of enforcing alternate-side parking rules.

"Street cleaning only works when cars move," said Council Member Gale A. Brewer. "The Department of Sanitation estimates that more than 500,000 vehicles violate Alternate Side Parking rules each week, preventing sweepers from properly cleaning over 3,000 miles of city streets. Warning stickers were one of the City's most effective tools for improving compliance before they were banned in 2012. Bringing them back with Intro 92A, is a practical, common-sense step that will help keep our streets cleaner for everyone."

Street Co-Namings and Requiring Biographical Information for Name Changes

Introduction 956, sponsored by Majority Leader Shaun Abreu, would co-name 103 thoroughfares and public places. Of these 103 co-names, 12 are either a relocation of a previously enacted co-naming or a revision to the street sign installed from a previous street co-naming.

"It's an honor to be the lead sponsor for legislation that recognizes New Yorkers across our city whose impact has shaped the neighborhoods we all call home," said Majority Leader Shaun Abreu. "Street co-namings turn everyday corners into permanent reminders of the contributions neighbors made. They are one of the special privileges that Council Members get to take part in, and I'm especially proud to be honoring Alida Palma, whose dedication to our community will be written into our streets."

Introduction 859-A, sponsored by Council Member Gale A. Brewer, would specify the process to be used by the Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS) to comply with existing law, requiring the posting of biographical information for the subjects of name changes of streets and parks, when no biographical information can be found in the legislative record.

"A street sign should do more than display a name, it should tell a story," said Council Member Gale A. Brewer. "More than 400 streets were co-named for the September 11 heroes we lost, yet the biographical information about many of those honorees was not available through the City's online map. Intro 859A ensures New Yorkers and visitors can easily learn who these heroes were, why they were honored, and how they helped shape our city."

Celebrating United States' 250th Anniversary

Resolution 5, sponsored by Speaker Julie Menin and Minority Leader David Carr, would commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

Resolution 15, sponsored by Council Member Joann Ariola, would declare July 2 annually in the City of New York as Freedom Day to commemorate the anniversary of the vote of the Second Continental Congress to declare independence from Great Britain in 1776.

"July 4th will always be Independence Day, but July 2nd is the day that the monumental vote for our freedom was passed in the Continental Congress," said Council Member Joann Ariola. "That vote in 1776 forever changed the course of history, and by proclaiming July 2nd as Freedom Day we are giving that tremendous moment in American history its rightful place in civic memory. Now more than ever, this act of patriotism is something that must be remembered and carried forward for future generations to learn about."

Resolution 527, sponsored by Council Member James F. Gennaro, would commemorate the pivotal political and military role of New York City in the birth of the United States of America 250 years ago.

"As we commemorate our nation's 250th anniversary, it is important that we recognize New York City's important role in our country's founding. Long before independence was secured, New Yorkers were organizing, protesting, resisting and sacrificing in defense of the principles that would become the foundation of the United States," said Council Member James F. Gennaro. "This resolution honors those contributions and reminds us that the story of the American Revolution was written not only in Boston and Philadelphia, but also right here in New York City."

Resolution 528, sponsored by Council Member Rita Joseph, would call on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation to amend the Education Law to require instruction on the history, contributions, and experiences of people of African descent in public schools.

Resolution 537, sponsored by Council Member Christopher Marte, would celebrate the historical documents that contributed to the birth of the United States of America and are on display at the New York Public Library as part of the nation's 250th anniversary events.

"New York City has always been central to the story of this country, including the fight to build a democracy that has never fully lived up to its own ideals," said Council Member Christopher Marte. "This exhibition gives New Yorkers a chance to see that history up close, from the documents that helped spark the Revolution to Jefferson's handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence. I'm proud the Council is recognizing NYPL's work and encouraging people to engage with this history directly as we mark the nation's 250th anniversary."

Celebrating New York Knicks' 2026 NBA Championship

Resolution 525, sponsored by Speaker Julie Menin, would celebrate the "Knicks in five" as the New York Knicks win the 2026 NBA Championship.

Resolution 536, sponsored by Council Member Virginia Maloney, would declare June 13 as New York Knicks Day in the City of New York to celebrate the contributions of the world-class basketball team to the City's culture and civic identity.

"The Knicks gave New Yorkers countless moments of joy this summer that united every borough," said Council Member Virginia Maloney. "From packed watch parties to strangers high-fiving on the subway, this team reminded us that no one celebrates like New York. Led by Jalen Brunson and a remarkable roster, the Knicks captured the heart of our city and delivered a championship that will be remembered for generations. I'm proud to introduce a resolution establishing an annual Knicks Day to celebrate this team and the lasting legacy of one of the greatest seasons in franchise history."

Resolution 538, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Dr. Nantasha Williams, would call for famed New York City locations to be ceremonially named for one year in honor of the 2026 NBA champion New York Knicks, including:

• Fifth Avenue in Manhattan as Knicks in 5 Avenue
• Broadway in Manhattan as Brunsonway
• Victory Boulevard on Staten Island as Captain Clutch Boulevard
• Knickerbocker Avenue in Brooklyn as Alvarado Avenue
• Times Square in Manhattan as Towns Square
• Queens Boulevard in Queens as Hart Boulevard
• The Brooklyn Bridge as Bridges Bridge
• The Manhattan Bridge as Anunoby Bridge
• The Williamsburg Bridge as Coach Brown Bridge
• The Bronx River as Breen River

"New York City has long used its public spaces to tell the story of who we are and what we value. For one year, our bridges, streets, and landmarks will bear the names of the men who carried this city on their backs and restored a pride in this city that we will carry for generations. This resolution is a civic celebration, a recognition that sport, at its best, unites us across borough lines and reminds us of the extraordinary things we can accomplish together," said Deputy Speaker Dr. Nantasha Williams. "The 2026 New York Knicks gave us exactly that kind of moment. This team embodied everything we know about this city: the grit, the heart, the resilience, the refusal to quit when the odds are stacked against you. They unified five boroughs, gave hope to every kid in every neighborhood who ever picked up a basketball, and reminded the world that New York never stays down for long. Through this resolution, the Council is proud to honor the Knicks, their hard work and dedication, and for bringing home a championship that belongs to every New Yorker."

Calling on State to Allow Unlimited Transfers during Two-Hour Window for MTA Riders

Resolution 143-A, sponsored by Council Member Kevin C. Riley, would call on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation that would create unlimited transfers within the two-hour period of paying the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) subway or bus fare for pay-per-ride users.

"A fair transit system must recognize how New Yorkers actually move through our city. For too long, riders with longer and more complex commutes, especially in outer-borough communities, have been asked to pay more simply because of where they live and the transfers their trip requires," said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. "Resolution 143-A advances an important effort to make transit more equitable by supporting unlimited transfers within the two-hour fare window, helping ensure affordability and access remain at the center of our transportation system. I am grateful to my Council colleagues for supporting the passage of this resolution, and I look forward to continuing to work with our partners in Albany to advance this meaningful reform for the benefit of New Yorkers."

Opposing President Trump's Executive Order Restricting Protections for Trans Students

Resolution 69, sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán, would oppose President Trump's executive order restricting protections for transgender students and calls on the New York State Department of Education to ensure that all schools in New York City continue to uphold policies that protect the rights and dignity of transgender and gender non-conforming students, regardless of federal directives.

"On the Supreme Court's affirmation of the Trump administration's anti-trans agenda, we need to fight back at the city and state level," said Council Member Tiffany Cabán. "Trump's executive order prevents trans kids from accessing bathrooms matching their gender identity, taking part in sports, and using their preferred names and pronouns. Our state and city must continue to uphold our human rights laws which protect trans students from discrimination, especially in the face of federal threats."

Finance:

Resolution 529, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, approving the new designation and changes in the designation of certain organizations to receive funding in the Expense Budget.

Resolution 530, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, to establish that the interest rate be 6% per annum for Fiscal Year 2027 for non-payment of taxes on properties with an assessed value of no more than $250,000, or no more than $250,000 per residential unit for cooperative apartments.

Resolution 531, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, to establish that the interest rate be 9% per annum for Fiscal Year 2027 for non-payment of taxes on properties with an assessed value of more than $250,000 but less than or equal to $450,000, or more than $250,000 but less than or equal to $450,000 per residential unit for cooperative apartments.

Resolution 532, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, to establish that the interest rate be 16% per annum for Fiscal Year 2027 for non-payment of taxes on properties with an assessed value of more than $450,000, or more than $450,000 per residential unit for cooperative apartments.

Resolution 533, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, to establish that the interest rate be 2.5% per annum for Fiscal Year 2027 for certain properties for which the owner has entered into an installment payment agreement with the Department of Finance (DOF) for payment of delinquent property taxes, assessments, or other charges.

Resolution 534, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, computing and certifying base percentage, and current base proportion of each class of real property for Fiscal 2027 to the State Board of Real Property Tax Services.

Resolution 535, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, computing and certifying adjusted base proportion of each class of real property for Fiscal 2027 to the State Board of Real Property Tax Services.

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