Speaker Adams, Finance Chair Brannan, and NYC Council Release Preliminary Budget Response, Outlining Budget to Strengthen Core Services and Prepare for Uncertainties

Council plan identifies $6.3 billion in newly available resources to restore destabilizing budget cuts, build a strong foundation for City government, and proactively plan for contingencies

City Hall, NY - New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Finance Committee Chair Justin Brannan, Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, and Council Members unveiled the Council's Fiscal Year 2026 Preliminary Budget Response that proposes a balanced and responsible budget to provide stability for the city. The response to the Mayor's Preliminary Budget identifies $6.3 billion in newly available resources through Fiscal Year 2026 to help reverse previous budget reductions that have been destabilizing, address underbudgeting in the Mayor's Preliminary Budget, account for expiring federal stimulus funds, strengthen the city's core services, and prepare for economic uncertainties and risks.

The Council's Preliminary Budget Response prioritizes key investments in childcare, education, housing, mental health, parks, and public safety, for which it has consistently advocated. It also includes immediate investments recommended by the Independent Rikers Commission in its recent report illustrating the pathway towards closing Rikers and making New York City safer.

The Council's budget is defined by a need to rebuild a strong governing foundation and contingency plan to offset chaotic federal policy actions by the Trump Administration. The Council is calling for approximately $4.4 billion in expense spending to address budgetary shortfalls, offset cuts, and deepen investments into key programs, $2.8 billion in support of capital investments, and identifies a surplus of $1.9 billion to address additional new needs and to be set aside in reserves to account for any unforeseen budgetary risks.

A key risk to the health and stability of the city budget are the actions of President Trump and his Administration, including its unpredictable economic agenda, undermining of federal agencies, and sudden funding cuts and freezes. Tariffs announced by the President and retaliatory ones from other countries could potentially accelerate inflation, slow down economic activity, and weaken the job market. The White House's intention to cut the federal workforce poses a threat to the ability of agencies to disburse allocated funding to localities and service providers. The city's budget has already taken a hit both by the cancellation of $100 million in federal grants for the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and removal of $80 million in allocated FEMA funds from the City's bank account. Equally concerning are Congress' plans to move forward with budget plans that would cut Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by billions. These are essential programs relied on by millions of New Yorkers and any funding gap caused by cuts in federal funding could not be covered by the City and State.

The full Fiscal Year 2026 Preliminary Budget Response is available here.

"Strengthening our communities by providing the investments New Yorkers deserve must be our priority in the city budget," said Speaker Adrienne Adams. "The Council's FY26 Preliminary Budget Response lays out a balanced, responsible, and forward-thinking path to prioritize the greatest needs in our city. Through investments in housing, childcare, mental health, public safety, libraries, and other key services for our neighborhoods, we can achieve the stability New Yorkers deserve. Working together, we can protect New York City from the worst impacts of the federal government's harmful actions and prepare for future challenges that come our way."

"At a time when chaos at the federal level threatens the health of all our communities, our city government must step up to protect New Yorkers," said Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala. "Our constituents are counting on our city government to make smart investments into NYCHA. affordable housing, early childhood education, mental health infrastructure, as well as the libraries, parks, cultural institutions, and sanitation services that strengthen our communities. How we approach this budget process will have life-changing implications, and that's why the Council will continue to fight for our working families, immigrant communities, and all New Yorkers."

"New York City's economy remains strong and resilient, but we'd be foolish to ignore the storm clouds being seeded in Washington," said Council Member Justin Brannan, Chair of the Committee on Finance. "Trade wars and reckless national economic policies are already shaking the markets, giving us the worst quarter on Wall St. in years. While chaos and uncertainty around proposed tariffs threaten to reignite inflation that working families here simply can't afford. That's why now is the time to double down on smart, proven investments that shield everyday New Yorkers from economic harm - from 3-K to CUNY, from our public libraries and parks to affordable housing and mental health programs. While City Hall clings to austerity and chaos reigns in D.C., the City Council is building a firewall to protect the people who help make this city run. This budget response reflects weeks of hearings, public testimony, and collaboration with all 51 Council Members to lay out a clear path forward: targeted investments, real transparency, and a commitment to always putting working people first."

The balanced approach in the Council's Preliminary Budget Response recognizes the financial risks that still influence the budget while also enhancing programs that have either been impacted due to past reductions or need to be enhanced due to federal policy changes. The Council's forecast identifies a combined $3 billion of additional tax revenues in Fiscals 2025 and 2026 above the City's estimate as presented in the Preliminary Plan. Additionally, the Council recognizes $2.2 billion of potential underspending and $1 billion in other resources in Fiscals 2025 and 2026 that increase the total amount of additional resources available for Fiscal 2026 to $6.3 billion.

The proposals in the Council's budget response reflect and address the critical ongoing needs of the City. The response calls for investment in specific programs and priorities that will help ensure that the city continues to support all New Yorkers. These include:

• A Strong Foundation of Housing for New Yorkers and Families - $1.1 billion in Capital Funding and $114.5 million in Expense Funding
• Continued Access to Education and Learning - $811 million in Capital Funding and $790.1 million in Expense Funding
• A Healthier and Safer City - $1.1 billion in Capital Funding and $378.9 million in Expense Funding
• Institutional Pillars of NYC - $395 million in Capital Funding and $280.3 million in Expense Funding
• Opportunity and Services for New Yorkers - $50 million in Capital Funding and $660.4 million in Expense Funding

A Strong Foundation of Housing for New Yorkers and Families

• NYCHA Maintenance and Infrastructure - The Administration should work with NYCHA to prioritize filling vacant units and drawing down on the additional capital funds that were included in the Fiscal 2025 Adopted Budget and the City of Yes negotiations. The Council calls on the Administration to add an additional $2 billion in capital funding, $500 million over each of the next four fiscal years, to address NYCHA's critical infrastructure needs and to provide additional funding for the maintenance of occupied units.
• CityFHEPS Administrative Barriers - As part of its continued commitment to reducing bureaucratic barriers to accessing CityFHEPS, and to ensuring effective administration of the program, Speaker Adams' 2025 State of the City called on the Administration to address administrative barriers to accessing and using CityFHEPS. The Administration should also add $25 million in baselined funding, starting in Fiscal 2026, to address administrative delays and reduce hurdles, by improving technology, increasing staffing, and adjusting contractual services that are part of voucher processing.
• Housing Preservation and Development Litigation Team Enhancement - The Council calls on the Administration to include $2.2 million in Fiscal 2026 for increasing the size of the agency's litigation team by 20 attorneys to address the needs of the City's renters and the Department in holding bad-actors and negligent landlord accountable.

Continued Access to Education and Learning

• 3-K and Pre-K Restoration - The Council calls on the Administration to restore $197.0 million in funding for 3-K and Pre-K programming for Fiscal 2026 to continue providing a robust early childhood education program
• Arts Funding - The Council calls on the Administration to baseline $41 million beginning in Fiscal 2026, continuing to provide funding for arts programming at current levels.
• Community Schools - There is currently a $14 million gap in Fiscal 2026 funding for Community Schools which could jeopardize 80 schools' participation in the Community Schools program. The Council calls on the Administration to restore $14 million to substitute for expiring City funds and cover the costs of keeping necessary programming in these 80 Community Schools.
• Early Childhood Education Comprehensive Reform - The Council calls upon the Administration to baseline $24 million to increase childcare income eligibility to 100 percent State Median Income and $60 million to expand re-envisioned Promise NYC starting in Fiscal 2026, which would now be reprogrammed to provide 3,500 childcare seats for toddlers and infants ages 0-2 without any eligibility requirements.
• Mental Health Continuum - In Fiscal 2025, 16 new school-based mental health clinics were opened with funding allocated for the Mental Health Continuum. The Council calls on the Administration to baseline $5 million starting in Fiscal 2026 to continue supporting these clinics and other services provided as part of the inter-agency partnership to provide mental health support to all students.
• New York City School Support Services - The Department of Education contracts with the New York City School Support Services to provide custodial services in public schools. This has previously been funded with $154 million of federal funds that expired prior to Fiscal 2026. Without this funding, the Department of Education would not be able to meet contractual obligations with New York City School Support Services to provide all custodial services to public schools in New York City. The Council calls on the Administration to provide $154 million of baselined City tax-levy funds starting in Fiscal 2026 to replace the expiring federal funds budget for New York City School Support Services.
• CUNY Reconnect - To date, the program has served over 47,000 CUNY students, with more than 8,500 graduates. In order to allow CUNY to properly manage this hugely successful program in future years, the Council urges the Administration to restore the current funding of $5.9 million and enhance it by an additional $5.9 million, baselining the total amount of $11.8 million starting in Fiscal 2026.
• CUNY Funding & Restorations - The Council calls upon the Administration to restore and baseline funding for several CUNY programs, including $10.1 million for CUNY ACE starting in Fiscal 2026, $2.1 million in the Fiscal 2026 budget to fully fund CUNY's Disability Services Offices personal services, and $4.6 million for CUNY ASAP for All starting in Fiscal 2026. The Council urges the Administration to restore the current CUNY Reconnect funding of $5.9 million and enhance it by an additional $5.9 million, baselining the total amount of $11.8 million starting in Fiscal 2026.

A Healthier and Safer City

• 911 System Hiring - There are currently not enough 911 operators available to appropriately staff the call centers. While the budget includes funding for over 1,400 911 operators, the Council has been informed that there are currently fewer than 1,000 operators actively fielding calls. In order to fill the gaps in service, many operators work double shifts and calls are not being answered immediately, as some callers are directed to an audio recorded hold message. The proper operation of the 911 system is crucial in the effective handling of emergency situations. The minutes it takes for a 911 call to be answered can often be the difference between life and death. The Council calls on the Administration to fill all vacant 911 operator positions. Urgent action is necessary to ensure the effectiveness of emergency response services.
• Alternatives to Incarceration Restoration - The Council calls on the Administration to reverse these cuts and to restore $8.9 million in Fiscal 2026 for Alternative to Incarceration programs that provide with services tailored to participants, which can help reduce unnecessary incarceration and recidivism.
• Commission on Civil and Human Rights Enhancement - Currently the Commission has a headcount of 136, of which nearly twenty percent are vacant. The Council calls on the Administration to enhance the Commission's budget with an additional $6 million, increasing its Fiscal 2026 budget to $21 million.
• District Attorneys - The District Attorneys and the Special Narcotics Prosecutor are essential components of the City's criminal justice system. Many of the DA's offices have stated that they do not have appropriate staffing to properly deal with all of their responsibilities. Additionally, because of pay levels, the prosecutors' offices often have issues related to retention of attorneys. Retention is important as it helps to prevent case delays that can increase the length of stays in the City's jail system. In order to enable the prosecutors' offices to fulfill their responsibilities, the Council calls on the Administration to provide approximately $50 million in Fiscal 2026.
• EMS Pay Parity and Wellness Support Pilot - The Council proposes allocating $50 million in baseline funding to begin addressing long-standing pay disparities between Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel and their counterparts in both the firefighting ranks and other major U.S. cities. The Council also calls on the Administration to allocate and baseline $1 million starting in Fiscal 2026 for the creation of a pilot program that provides peer support and wellness programming for the City's EMS workers.
• Supervised Release Intensive Case Management Pilot Expansion - The City has initiated a Pre-Trial Supervised Release Intensive Case Management (ICM) pilot program that provides intensive case management and connection to services, therapy, and treatment for people with serious mental illness and addiction issues who were arrested and released pre-trial. Initial indications show the pilot has produced positive results and has benefited people who are not responsive to traditional supervised release programs. In order to build on this success, the City should expand Intensive Case Management to all boroughs. The Council calls on the Administration to expand this pilot, providing an additional $46 million to connect more people with serious mental illness and addiction issues with services, to ensure they come to court, and keep them from re-offending.
• Intensive Mobile Treatment Step-Down Program - To appropriately address the wait lists for Intensive Mobile Treatment programs and strength the continuum of care, the Council calls on the Administration to allocate $30 million in the Fiscal 2026 budget for the creation of a pilot step-down program for clients who have progressed in their recovery and require less-intensive services.
• Assertive Community Treatment Step-Down Program - The Council supports the allocation of $7 million in Fiscal 2026 for the creation of a step-down program for Assertive Community Treatment clients who have progressed in their recovery and require less-intensive services. By moving stabilized patients to step-down programs, Assertive Community Treatment teams can support their continued mental health improvement and stability, while opening Assertive Community Treatment spaces for new clients in urgent need. This increased community-based care ultimately reduces hospitalizations and justice system involvement for those in need of mental healthcare.
• Justice Involved Supportive Housing - The Council calls on the Administration to allocate an additional $26.6 million to enhance Justice Involved Supportive Housing (JISH) to fulfill the City's previous commitment to provide 500 supportive housing units for individuals leaving Rikers.
• Maternal Health Expansion and Maternal Mental Health Support - The Council urges the Administration to increase the baseline funding for maternal health by $15.7 million in Fiscal 2026. The Council also urges the Administration to allocate $5 million in Fiscal 2026 for H+H to provide at least one maternal health-focused psychologist within each of its maternity departments.
• Residential Treatment Beds - In order to lower the Rikers' population and to meet the targets set in the legislation to close Rikers Island, the City must increase its investment in programs that provide treatment for people with serious mental illness and with co-occurring addictions. There is currently only one residential program in New York City specializing in treating this population, but there is currently an extensive wait list to enter the program. To provide services to this vulnerable population and to reduce their chances of ending up in correctional facilities, the Council calls on the Administration to allocate $6.3 million in Fiscal 2026 to create 250 new residential treatment beds
• Trauma Recovery Center Expansion - The Council calls on the Administration to baseline $4.8 million starting in Fiscal 2026 to sustain the centers and to provide wraparound services and coordinated care that includes mental health, physical health, psychological and legal services, and support access to victim services in the long term.
• Crisis Respite Centers - Local Law 118-2023 called for the establishment of four new crisis respite centers to provide individuals experiencing mental crisis increased access to community-based, peer run, facilities that as alternatives to hospitalization. Yet, despite the passage of the law these centers have still not been opened. The Council calls on the Administration to open the respite centers and provide and baseline $6 million starting in Fiscal 2026 to support the operations of the centers, to create community-based solutions for such a vulnerable population.

Institutional Pillars of NYC

• Arts and Cultural Organization Support - To appropriately account for the needs of the City's cultural institutions, the Council calls on the Administration to support the City's cultural organizations by restoring and baselining the $45 million provided in Fiscal 2025 for the Cultural Development Fund (CDF) organizations and the members of the Cultural Institutions Group (CIG) and provide a $30 million enhancement baselined starting in Fiscal 2026.
• Community Composting Program for All Continuation - The Council proposes allocating $7 million in additional funding to support the continuation and expansion of the Community Composting Program for All, ensuring citywide access to reliable, decentralized composting options.
• DSNY Bins Program - The Council proposes allocating $10.7 million in one-time funding to implement the waste bin distribution and reimbursement program established by Int. 1126-A. The legislation requires the Department of Sanitation, or another designated agency, to provide official NYC waste bins to eligible building owners or reimburse those who purchase bins on or before August 1, 2026.
• Library Support and Restoration - The Council calls on the Administration to allocate an additional $62.5 million in baselined funding for the City's three library systems starting in Fiscal 2026. The funding would provide $44.8 million for the library systems' unmet expense needs for Fiscal 2026, baseline the Council's longtime support of $15.7 million for the systems, and expand 7-day library service to 10 additional branches citywide.
• Containerization Policy Trash Bin Acquisition Fund - To help BIDs comply with the Department of Sanitation's new rules on containerization, the City should commit $5 million to support BIDs by supplementing the purchase of containers. These funds will support the purchase of 2,500 Empire Bins for the BIDs.
• Urban Park Rangers, Tree Stump Removal, and Green Thumb Program Restoration - The Council calls on the Administration to restore, enhance, and baseline funding for 100 Urban Park Rangers, additional tree stump removal, and the GreenThumb program. With an additional $28.2 million starting in Fiscal 2026, the Parks Department will be able to continue these programs for years to come. The Council also calls on the Administration to add and baseline an additional $32.5 million for the Parks Department starting in Fiscal 2026. These funds would allow the Department to hire an additional 100 City Park Workers, 50 Gardeners, 50 Associate Park Service Workers, 80 Parks Enforcement Patrol Officers, 85 Climber and Pruners, 31 Capital Project Managers, 35 Community Associates, and 35 Administrative Staff Analysts.
• Illegal Dumping Cameras - The Department of Sanitation currently manages a network of 330 illegal dumping cameras placed in areas of known illegal dumping activity. The installation of the cameras has led to a sharp increase in the number of vehicles impounded and summonses issued. To continue to crack down on illegal dumping, the Council proposes a $10 million capital investment to double the size of the Department's network of illegal dumping cameras.
• Litter Basket Service Restoration - The Council proposes providing an additional $25 million of baselined funding for litter basket service to ensure consistent street cleanliness and reduce waste-related complaints across New York City.

Opportunity and Services for New Yorkers

• Aging Program Funding Gap and Restoration - The Council calls on the Administration to add $82.9 million in funding to the Department for the Aging's budget to address the funding gap in the Preliminary Plan and ensure continuity of services.
• Community Food Connection Program Restoration and Enhancement - The Council calls on the Administration to provide an additional $79.1 million in baselined funding starting in Fiscal 2026 to restore and enhance CFC's baseline budget up to $100 million. The additional funding will allow the program to continue providing expanded and healthier food options, as well as culturally competent food, to better address the rise in food insecurity in the City.
• Fair Fares Baseline Funding and Increase Eligibility to 200 Percent of the Federal Poverty Level - The Council calls on the Administration to add $60.8 million to the Fair Fares baseline, starting in Fiscal 2026, to restore one-year funding added in Fiscal 2025 and to expand eligibility to City residents with incomes up to 200 percent of FPL. This expansion would bring the total baseline budget for Fair Fares up to $157.1 million.
• Industrial Business Service Providers - The Council calls on the Administration to provide an additional $1.3 million in Fiscal 2026 to enhance the Department of Small Business Service's Industrial Business Service Provider Support (IBSP) program.
• Immigration Legal Services Enhancement - The Council calls on the Administration to invest an additional $59 million to ensure continuity of services and to help defend immigrants against ongoing aggressive, anti-immigrant policies; $40 million for the Immigrant Opportunity Initiative (IOI), as well as $10 million for the Rapid Response program.
• Minority Owned Business Accelerator - To provide support for existing minority-owned businesses, the City should baseline $1 million starting in Fiscal 2026 to initiate a Minority Business Accelerator. This program would differ from existing programs as it would focus on growth, using cohort-based models rather than one-off programs.
• Reducing Delayed Payments to Non-Profits - The Council calls on the Administration to add $1.9 million to MOCS' budget to restore funding that was cut during a previous PEG. This funding will allow the office to increase its budgeted headcount by 20, bringing the total Fiscal 2026 budgeted headcount to 242 positions. The additional personnel will enable the office to more expeditiously resolve contracting delays that lead to late payments.
• Direct Cash Assistance and College Savings Pilot - Direct cash assistance programs can be used to support the City's most vulnerable and ensure they have the tools they need to live healthy and productive lives. The Council calls on the Administration to allocate $4.7 million to create a direct cash assistance pilot program to support justice-involved individuals, including those who have recently left incarceration, who live in communities with the highest rates of gun violence. Additionally, the Council calls on the Administration to allocate $4 million to support 529 college savings account for approximately 6,000 low-income students across the City.

"As Majority Leader, I'm proud to stand with Speaker Adams and my Council colleagues in delivering a Preliminary Budget Response that rises to meet the challenges our city is facing," said Majority Leader Amanda Farias. "At a time of growing uncertainty and rising costs, this response pushes back against harmful cuts and protects the core services New Yorkers rely on. It prioritizes meaningful investments in housing, education, public safety, and working families - ensuring our city's future is built on equity, care, and opportunity. This is a people-first budget that lays the foundation for a stronger, more just, and more resilient New York City."

"As we enter critical budget negotiations, the Council remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting vital programs that New Yorkers depend on-especially as we confront the threat of federal funding cuts," said Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. "Fair Fares has been a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers, providing them with access to affordable public transportation, but far too many still face barriers in affording transit. Expanding eligibility to 200 percent of the federal poverty level and increasing funding will empower more working families to unlock economic and educational opportunities. Furthermore, we are urging the administration to provide necessary funding for NYCHA's land transfer fees for the Far Rockaway trauma center. Securing this property is a crucial step toward closing the critical healthcare gap across the Southeast Queens region. Under Speaker Adams' leadership, we are committed to fighting for a budget that prioritizes the needs of all New Yorkers."

"To the credit of Speaker Adrienne Adams, Finance Chair Justin Brannan, and the great City Council Finance staff, the Preliminary Budget has been presented to the members in a transparent fashion," said Council Member Gale Brewer. "As a member of the Budget Negotiating Team, I listed the issues that this budget must account for, from giving every 3-year-old an early childhood seat to staffing oversight agencies so they can do their jobs. Our list of budget priorities is long and the Administration should take it seriously. We also have the list of all the Federal dollars that the City gets (10% of the city budget) and what could be at risk. The OMB Commissioner said that he does not have a 'Plan B' if Federal dollars are cut. That is not the way to ensure that New Yorkers have the government services that they need."

"Uncertainty is the only certain thing under the Trump administration, and this Council will not stand idly by as he dismantles the programs and services that so many of our most vulnerable New Yorkers rely on-especially older adults," said Council Member Crystal Hudson. "Older adults are the fastest growing population in New York City, and we are still not prepared to accommodate the basic needs of our aging community. There is a gap of almost $83 million dollars in funding between the Department for the Aging's current budget and what has been proposed in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. If it stands, this fiscal cliff will result in the closure of dozens of older adult centers, which combat many health risks facing older adults, including but not limited to, food insecurity and social isolation. I'm proud the Council is standing up for older adults and calling for nearly $228 million in additional funding for our City's 1.5 million older adults, including nearly $180 million in additional expense funding - for case management, older adult centers, home-delivered meals expansion and naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs) - and $50 million in dedicated capital funding for older adult centers. Under the leadership of Speaker Adams, this Council body is committed to a compassionate approach to aging, and will ensure every older New Yorker can age in place in the communities they've called home for generations."

"As a forever educator, my commitment to investing in education at every level remains a top priority; from early childhood to higher education, recognizing it as a cornerstone of our city's future," said Council Member Rita Joseph. "Prioritizing initiatives such as community schools, civic engagement, cafeteria enhancements, arts education, and more ensures that students have the necessary resources to succeed, strengthens communities, and supports long-term economic and social development. Education plays a crucial role in fostering equity, expanding opportunities, and preparing the next generation to be engaged citizens and leaders. Continued investment in education is essential for the long-term success of New York City, and I remain committed to supporting students, families, and educators across all communities."

"The Council's response to the Mayor's Preliminary Budget is a reflection of the vision we have for an affordable, livable, and thriving New York City," said Council Member Shekar Krishnan. "Critically, that vision includes investments in our City's parks. Whereas Mayor Adams allocated no new funding for our woefully underfunded parks during his tenure, we in the Council are calling for bold and necessary investments that not only ensure clean, green, and safe parks, but also support our parks workers and the incredible jobs they do. Under the leadership of Speaker Adams, our City Council knows we cannot have a safe and livable city without funding our green spaces."

"The City Council's Preliminary Budget Response makes key investments to restore essential services for New Yorkers," said Council Member Linda Lee. "With ongoing uncertainty at the federal level, the Council remains committed to supporting proven solutions for mental health challenges affecting our most vulnerable residents. By expanding access to wraparound support services through Intensive Mobile Treatment Step-Down Programs, we are strengthening community-based care to foster a safer, healthier city. I am proud to join Speaker Adams and my colleagues in advancing a budget that truly serves our residents."

"This year's budget negotiations are being drastically impacted by the threats to critical services from the federal government," said Council Member Keith Powers. "It is up to us to ensure that New Yorkers are cared for, and that our constituents know that they can rely on city government to get them through these uncertain times. We will work through the next few months to build a budget that protects vital services, keeps our city safe and clean, and invests in the needs of all New Yorkers."

"This Preliminary Budget Response is indeed a reflection of the Council's deep commitment to equity and care," said Council Member Mercedes Narcisse. "As Chair of the Committee on Hospitals, I am especially pleased to see our continued investment in maternal health, including funding to ensure every H+H maternity department has dedicated mental health support, which is so crucial to the welfare of new mothers. It's a clear signal that we value the wellness of every mother and baby in our city. I also commend the Council for pushing forward on EMS pay parity. Our EMTs are first responders, lifesavers, and community heroes and they deserve to be paid like it."

"As we enter budget negotiations, I stand with Speaker Adams and my colleagues in advocating for a budget that truly meets the needs of New Yorkers," said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. "The Council's Preliminary Budget Response reaffirms our commitment to an equitable city- one that prioritizes affordability, economic opportunity, and essential services. I applaud Speaker Adams and the Finance Division for their leadership and my fellow Council Members for their relentless advocacy in ensuring housing, education, healthcare, public safety, workforce development, and social services remain at the forefront. As a member of the Budget Negotiation Team, we are united in our dedication to securing a budget that protects and uplifts every community. New Yorkers deserve real, lasting solutions, and we will continue to push for them."

"New Yorkers deserve a budget that meets their needs and uplifts every community across our city," said Council Member Carlina Rivera. "The Council's preliminary budget response reflects our commitment to investments that help the city thrive - expanding library and cultural programming, ensuring access to permanently affordable housing, and strengthening the mental healthcare system to advance holistic solutions to public safety. By prioritizing essential services for students and older adults, and adding critical funding to LGBTQ+ initiatives to support trans and nonbinary communities, we are affirming that every New Yorker is deserving of dignity and opportunity. I commend Speaker Adams for her leadership, and we will continue working together to secure the resources we need to build a stronger and safer city for all."

"The Council's Preliminary Budget response represents a robust investment in our City's healthcare system by supporting increased access to public health programs in underserved areas, investing resources to increase the life expectancy of all New Yorkers and improve health outcomes, particularly with significant investments to advance maternal health programs, focus efforts on diabetes and other chronic disease prevention through proposals like a Glucose Meter Distribution Pilot, and committing to a healthcare infrastructure that is accessible, affordable and equitable though increased investments in our healthcare facilities," said Council Member Lynn Schulman. "I am also thrilled that our animal population is addressed, for the first time, in the preliminary budget response. Most importantly, today's preliminary budget response reflects the commitment of this Council and Speaker Adrienne Adams to the health and well-being of all New Yorkers, which is now threatened by the reduction of healthcare funding from the Federal government."

"Across the country, we are seeing deep and damaging cuts at the federal level that will have real and devastating impacts on New Yorkers, cuts that will be felt most by working-class families and immigrant communities that are already struggling to make ends meet while providing for their loved ones," said Council Member Sandra Ung. "Regardless of the challenges we face in Washington, the New York City Council will not waver in our commitment to the people of this city. That means standing up for programs that keep our communities strong, safe, and thriving. We have done it before, and we will do it again. Our priority in these negotiations is simple-ensuring that this budget delivers for everyday New Yorkers. We will fight for a budget that reflects our values, our commitment, and our belief in a city where everyone has the opportunity to succeed."

"As a proud member of the Council's Budget Negotiation Team, I stand with Speaker Adams and my colleagues in calling for a budget that reflects our values and meets the moment," said Council Member Nantasha Williams. "That means fully funding agencies like the Commission on Human Rights, the Commission on Racial Equity, and the Equal Employment Practices Commission-entities essential to advancing equity and justice across our city. It also means investing in quality of life services like the Department of Sanitation's lot cleaning unit and routine tree maintenance, which directly impact the health and safety of our neighborhoods. I look forward to fighting for a budget that delivers for all New Yorkers."

"Almost 91% of nonprofit contracts were not paid on time in FY '24, causing interruptions to vital services for New Yorkers. As the Chair of Contracts, I urge the Administration to restore $3.65 million for the Mayor's Office of Contracts Services (MOCS) in the FY '26 budget. It is clear-MOCS must increase hiring to expand the helpdesk team and fund PASSPort to process contracts and reimbursements on time," said Council Member Julie Won. "As we continue negotiating, I will fight for a budget that secures funding for City contracting and other programs that center the needs of our neighbors. Our fight for city funding is only as strong as the city's commitment to pay our nonprofit providers on time."

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