Mayor Zohran Mamdani says New York City has balanced budget for FY 27; avoids property tax increase

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Mayor Zohran Mamdani says New York City has balanced budget for FY 27; avoids property tax increase

NEW YORK (WABC) — Facing deficits exceeding $12 billion, among the largest since the Great Recession, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on Tuesday that his administration had balanced the budget thanks to a combination of state support, new revenue, and belt-tightening.

Mamdani positioned the first budget of his administration, $124.7 billion for Fiscal Year 2027, as a major shift away from austerity while maintaining fiscal stability.

The plan closes significant budget gaps without raising property taxes, cutting services, or tapping into reserve funds – moves the administration says protect working-class New Yorkers.

“It is evidence of a new era of government in our city, one that can balance both ambition and fiscal responsibility,” Mamdani said.

Agencies were directed to appoint Chief Savings Officers, generating $1.77 billion in savings across FY26 and FY27. Additional reforms, including program efficiencies and a revised debt payment schedule, are expected to save billions more.

Support from Albany played a critical role.

Prior to the budget release, Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Mamdani announced new state support and actions to help New York City close its deficit. Governor Kathy Hochul, in partnership with the state legislature, has secured an additional $4 billion in gap-closing support.

One billion dollars was secured by delaying class size restrictions, providing additional school aid and other policy compromises, and $2.3 billion by delaying pension payments for unionized city employees.

“This restructuring has no impact on retirees and their benefits or current employees and their future benefits,” Mamdani said.

That’s in addition to new revenue streams such as a pied-à-terre tax targeting high-value second homes. The city is also pursuing reforms to reduce a tax credit that primarily benefits wealthy residents.

Mamdani framed the budget as a rejection of past austerity measures.

“We are restoring fiscal stability without asking working families to pay for a crisis they did not create,” he said.

The budget includes new investments across key areas. Funding will expand libraries, parks, public transit affordability programs, and education and child care initiatives – including a new municipal daycare system – to support families.

Public safety spending will boost community-based programs, legal support, and emergency services staffing.

Other priorities include safer streets, expanded sanitation efforts, worker protections, and mental health services.

The city is also increasing capital spending, committing billions to affordable housing and the New York City Housing Authority, marking one of the largest NYCHA investments in recent history.

Many are crediting the mayor’s relationship with Gov. Hochul for helping balance the budget.

“I think the mayor has come up with a great approach and he’s gotten a lot of support from Albany,” said New York City Councilmember Lincoln Restler.

But there was more cautious optimism from Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.

“If what was predicted to come, comes, I think we’re in a much better shape,” he said. “If it doesn’t, we’re kind of back to square one again.”

City Comptroller Mark Levine warned of outyear deficits of more than $7 billion.

“This is really a one-shot windfall that I would prefer seeing used to bolster reserves, which is something to protect us for the uncertainty ahead,” Levine said.

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