Following the handshake agreement between New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.
They are leaders from across labor, business, advocacy, arts and culture, housing, faith, and more joined together in applauding the on-time, balanced, and fiscally-responsible $112.4 billion Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 agreed to by the Adams administration and City Council today.
Here’s what New Yorkers are saying:
“Through our joint prioritization and strong fiscal management, we are proud to announce a $112.4 billion budget that invests in the future of our city,” said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. “This budget not only addresses critical needs, but also delivers major investments in housing, early childhood education, libraries, cultural institutions, parks, and more — making New York City more livable for all New Yorkers. Budgets reflect values, and I am proud that our budget reflects the administration’s core value of putting hardworking New Yorkers first.”
“Team Eric Adams and Team Adrienne Adams know what it means to deliver for working people, and this budget does just that,” said Chief Advisor to the Mayor Chaplain Dr. Ingrid P. Lewis-Martin. “Our investments in public safety, in libraries — which I call the equalizer, in our young people, in our cultural institutions, for the pillars on which we stand — our senior citizens, and in housing is demonstrative of why New York is the greatest city in the world. We’re proud to work alongside our colleagues in the City Council to pass an on-time budget for three consecutive years. We are proud to get stuff done for New Yorkers.”
“This is an exciting day for New Yorkers as we announce a budget that reflects our commitment to investing in early childhood education, affordable housing initiatives, libraries, parks, and enriching cultural institutions,” said Chief of Staff Camille Joseph Varlack. “Through strong fiscal management and seamless collaboration with the City Council, we have delivered a responsible, balanced, and on-time budget that prioritizes our city’s future and ensures every New Yorker has access to the resources they need to thrive.”
“Making good on our promise to increase affordable housing, support cultural institutions, and invest in libraries, we have funded and restored critical services for New Yorkers thanks to responsible fiscal management,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “With an additional $2 billion in funding for affordable and public housing, we are building off our legislative wins in Albany, advancing our pathbreaking City of Yes proposal, and continuing to demonstrate how Mayor Adams is the most pro-housing mayor in our city’s history. We thank the City Council for their partnership and shared commitment to improving the lives of all New Yorkers through this year’s budget process.”
“Since the beginning of our administration, we have acted to support every individual, child, and family that calls New York City home,” said Deputy Mayor for Health Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “This budget delivers on that overarching vision with investments in housing, early childhood education, and a range of programs across health and human services. Ultimately, we are ensuring that individuals and families have access to the supports they need to give them the best chance to thrive in the months and years to come.
“Today’s budget announcement is the culmination of a truly collaborative process between Mayor Adams and the City Council,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana J. Almanzar. “Our joint investments in child care, housing, and libraries are a reflection of this administration’s commitment to creating a city that is livable and affordable for working class New Yorkers.”
“Post-COVID, every New Yorker understands the vital value of our public space, including our streets, sidewalks and parks. Supporting their maintenance is the only way to ensure they remain available and inviting for all,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “The adopted budget will help us do exactly that, with investments in clean-up shifts and litter basket pick-ups and outreach and community involvement to support our growing curbside composting program and make our trash work for us. Today, in partnership with City Council, we can clearly say that New York is a cleaner, greener city.”
“New Yorkers deserve safe streets, good-paying jobs, and a more affordable and livable city. With this budget, we’re helping deliver all these things and investing in the future of New York,” said Deputy Mayor for Communications Fabien Levy. “This budget will make the five boroughs more affordable for working-class families with landmark investments in early childhood education, affordable housing, transit, parks, health care, libraries, cultural institutions, and so much more. It will invest in upstream and downstream solutions and deliver for 8.3 million New Yorkers as it sets our city up for long-term success. Thank you to Mayor Adams and our partners in the City Council for delivering, once again, for working-class New Yorkers.”
“The mayor said that he and the speaker would deliver an on-time, balanced budget that serves working-class New Yorkers, and they have done that,” said Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg. “Today’s budget agreement exemplifies this administration’s commitment to early childhood education, public safety, affordable housing, health, and the many parks and cultural institutions that make New York City a jewel.”
“Today is a proud day for New York City. For the third year in a row, the Adams administration and the City Council came together to deliver a responsible, on-time budget that lays the foundation for long-term growth and makes generational investments in working-class New Yorkers,” said Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Tiffany Raspberry. “By investing in our future, we are making our city safer, more affordable, and more livable.”
“Once again, the Adams administration is showing up for our cultural community with a historic investment that will put people to work, deliver extraordinary cultural programs in every corner of our city, and make New York a safer, stronger, more vibrant place for all of us,” said Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner (DCLA) Laurie Cumbo. “I want to give a shout out to the advocates, artists, cultural workers, and others who showed up at hearings, rallies, and other engagements to make the case for culture to their fellow New Yorkers. We know that culture inspires individuals, strengthens communities, and drives the economy. Now, with another record city investment in this important sector, we in local government are ready to continue partnering with our remarkable cultural community to continue delivering these benefits to residents in all five boroughs.”
“An additional two billion dollars isn’t an abstract number — it is a decisive and deliberate investment in confronting the housing crisis our agency works to tackle every day,” said New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Adolfo Carrion Jr. “The mayor’s commitment marks yet another important step towards giving us the resources for more affordable housing units and the city’s collective efforts to create enough new homes so that every New Yorker will have access to a safe, accessible place. We are grateful to Mayor Adams for his leadership and appreciate all our partners, in and out of government, who work with us to make New York a more equitable city.”
“Today marks a tremendous win for affordable housing in our city,” said New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “As the largest public housing authority in North America, NYCHA understands firsthand the significant challenges posed by the current housing crisis. Our mission continues to be to use every tool at our disposal, such as PACT and the NYCHA Trust, to not only provide NYCHA residents with decent and affordable homes, but to improve the quality of their lives considerably. We thank Mayor Adams and his administration for their ongoing commitment to affordable housing in New York City and their continued prioritization of NYCHA residents, as evidenced by this incredible allocation.”
“I am proud to serve in an administration that has put over $1.5 billion new dollars into our schools and communities, including today’s announcement. Today, I am particularly proud of our investments in early childhood education, especially for children with disabilities and their families who have historically been overlooked by a system that was not built with them in mind,” said New York City Public Schools Chancellor David C. Banks. “We remain deeply committed to establishing early childhood education that works for all New York City families and have grown programs that are accessible, high-quality, and sustainable to equitably serve all our children. We thank Mayor Adams and our partners in the City Council for this $100 million commitment to these initiatives and helping us build systems that not only meet, but also understand and prioritize the needs of our students. I’m also so glad we were able to invest in our food program, and continue to provide great, healthy options for our students.”
“With the expansion of the PromiseNYC initiative – a critical resource to immigrant families with children – and restorations to critical immigrant-serving initiatives, our office is ready to continue working on serving both our long-term and recently arrived immigrant communities,” said Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Manuel Castro. “We thank Mayor Adams and the entire council for passing a budget that delivers key services for all New Yorkers.”
“This budget is a testament to the mayor’s vision, and the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development mission to provide opportunities for all New Yorkers to flourish as we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the War on Poverty this summer,” said New York City Department of Youth and Community Development Commissioner (DYCD) Keith Howard. “DYCD’s ability to provide high-quality services — such as our Summer Youth Employment Program, afterschool, fatherhood, neighborhood safety, literacy and more — is a critical part of New York City’s social fabric and continued success. We look forward to working with our community partners to ‘get stuff done’ in the new fiscal year.”
“This budget truly delivers for working-class and low-income New Yorkers across the five boroughs via historic investments in the issues that impact them directly such as housing, education. health, public safety, and more,” said New York City Department of Social Services Commissioner Molly Wasow Park. “Moreover, this budget ensures that we can continue to support hundreds of community-based food programs that provide healthy and nutritious food to those experiencing food insecurity through our Community Food Connection, help more New Yorkers afford public transit by again increasing funding and expanding eligibility for Fair Fares to 145 percent of the federal poverty level, and connect more of our neighbors in need to the housing they deserve by prioritizing the creation of affordable housing. We thank Mayor Adams, Speaker Adams, and all others involved in the budget process.”
“The Administration for Children’s Services is grateful to Mayor Adams, Speaker Adams, and the City Council for agreeing to a budget that includes unprecedented investments in children, youth, families and communities,” said Administration for Children’s Services Commissioner Jess Dannhauser. “We remain committed to our efforts to help children and families reach their fullest potential and to provide them resources and support when needed.”
“Mayor Adams and Speaker Adams’s decision to allocate an additional $2 billion in the housing capital budget is a huge win for New Yorkers,” said New York City Housing Development Corporation President Eric Enderlin. “We look forward to working with the administration and our partners at the Department of New York City Housing Preservation Development and the New York City Housing Authority to deploy this essential funding as we work to address New York City’s growing affordable housing crisis.”
“A healthy budget means a healthier New York City,” said Mitchell Katz, MD, president and CEO, NYC Health + Hospitals. “Mayor Adams continues to be a great champion of the city’s public health care system. This year, he made significant investments in our health care work force, which will go a long way to ensuring that New Yorkers get the highest quality of care that they deserve.”
“Since day one of this administration, we have focused on supporting working families and creating a city that works for them,” said New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga. “Thank you to Mayor Adams and Speaker Adams for working hard to reach a budget that truly ‘Gets Stuff Done’ for our neighbors and will help even more New Yorkers thrive.”
“Mayor Adams has once again demonstrated his commitment to ensuring New Yorkers continue to receive the services they need. This budget builds on his commitment to improving the lives of New Yorkers,” said New York City Mayor’s Office for Nonprofit Services Executive Director Johnny Celestin. “These historic investments in affordable and public housing, bringing the city’s housing capital commitment to a record level, libraries, cultural institutions, and early childhood education will create a stronger and more resilient city for everyone.”
“Our city’s dedication to fostering education, cultural enrichment, public safety, and affordable living demonstrates our commitment to the well-being of all New Yorkers,” said New York City Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner James Hendon. “By investing in these crucial areas, we are creating a more inclusive and supportive community for the over 200,000 veteran and military families that call this city their home. Together, we are establishing a future rooted in opportunity and shared prosperity.”
“Our city’s libraries, museums, and other cultural institutions, many of which are New York City landmarks, contribute to our city’s vibrancy and play a critical role in our New York’s economic success, drawing millions to live, work, and visit here,” said Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair Sarah Carroll. “This administration continues to deliver on its commitment to build a more livable, equitable city, working together with other city leaders to ensure these iconic city institutions have the resources they need to deliver for New Yorkers and their families.”
“This budget will enable New York City to continue to transform our food system into one that promotes equity, health, sustainability, and business innovation,” said New York City Mayor’s Office of Food Policy Executive Director Kate MacKenzie. “From our New York City Public Schools’ students to older adults to those experiencing homelessness, and those needed help to put healthy meals on their table, this budget provides food resources to those that need them most and lessens the impact of our food system on the environment.”
“Today’s announcement adds to the incredible momentum created over the last year to build an inclusive economy with on-ramps to good jobs for all New Yorkers,” said New York City Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development Executive Director Abby Jo Sigal. “This administration has made unprecedented commitments with the Green Economy Action Plan, positioning the city’s young people for career success, launching an Apprenticeship Accelerator, advancing community hiring, and through Jobs NYC, bringing opportunities to the communities who wrestle with disproportionately high unemployment. By placing working New Yorkers and employer talent needs at the center of the city’s economic strategy, Mayor Adams and Speaker Adams are making our city stronger and more equitable where everyone can contribute to and benefit from shared prosperity.”
“This fiscal year has not been without its challenges for our members and working families across the city, and we’re pleased to see the restoration of vital funding we fought hard to protect,” said Henry Garrido, executive director, District Council 37. “New Yorkers rely on our cultural institutions, libraries, and parks, and— importantly— the workers who maintain and operate them. We applaud Mayor Adams, Speaker Adams, and the City Council on this budget agreement, and look forward to working together to carry it out.”
“Service Employees International Union, Local 32BJ applauds this city budget,” said Manny Pastreich, president, Service Employees International Union, Local 32BJ. “It ensures our schools remain clean, NYCHA buildings remain safe, and provides funding for the Office of Healthcare Accountability to rein in exploding health care costs. These investments combined with commitments to New York’s libraries and education system will build a fairer better city for all. We thank the Adams administration, Speaker Adams, and the City Council for investing in New Yorkers.”
“We congratulate and thank Mayor Adams and Speaker Adams for their hard work and thoughtful negotiations on this budget,” said Rich Maroko, president, Hotel & Gaming Trades Council. “This budget will deliver for New York City’s working families and will ensure the critical services our members need to thrive.”
“The Brooklyn, Queens, and New York Public Library systems are thrilled that today’s budget agreement includes the full restoration of funding for public libraries – a resounding victory for all New Yorkers,” said Linda E. Johnson, president and CEO, Brooklyn Public Library; Anthony W. Marx, president and CEO, New York Public Library; and Dennis M. Walcott, president and CEO, Queens Public Library. “We deeply appreciate Mayor Adams and his administration for restoring library funding in the Fiscal Year 25 budget. We are profoundly grateful to Speaker Adams and her leadership team for their unwavering commitment to libraries, including Finance Chair Justin Brannan, Libraries Chair Carlina Rivera, and the budget negotiating team. Additionally, we would like to thank DC37, the union that represents the vast majority of our workforce. The city’s three library systems are honored to be able to continue the vital programs, initiatives, and hours of operation that this great city so clearly wants, needs, and deserves.”
“When the state budget passed in April, we were clear that it was just the beginning of what was needed to make New York more affordable for all. On behalf of the building congress, I am proud to see our city continue to fight the housing crisis head-on in their handshake budget deal,” said Carlo A. Scissura, Esq., president and CEO, New York Building Congress. “With more New Yorkers than ever before in need of new homes, this crucial $2 billion investment over the next two years will allow for a nearly $1 billion lifeline to fund new and existing NYCHA projects, and will invest millions to develop new homes for extremely low-income New Yorkers and their families. We thank the mayor and City Council for making a powerful commitment to not just maintaining, but growing, our vibrant city. Our members are excited to begin laying the foundation for a better New York.”
“The Human Services Council congratulates Mayor Adams, Speaker Adams, and the New York City Council on agreeing to a budget that includes a critical investment for human services workers, workers who are a lifeline to millions of New Yorkers and yet are also the second lowest paid workforce in New York,” said Michelle Jackson, executive director, Human Services Council of New York. “The multi-year cost-of-living adjustment announced in March and included in this budget will raise wages over 9 percent in the next three years and demonstrates a real commitment to working New Yorkers. I am also pleased to see restoration in funding to the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services, an agency absolutely critical to nonprofits that contract with the city. New York City must continue to invest in and value the work and workers of nonprofit human services providers who provide the most essential services to our communities.”
“As one of the four organizations that have partnered with Promise NYC to ensure that undocumented children are receiving the care and support they need, we are thrilled that the City has expanded funding to $25 million for Promise NYC in the FY25 budget, which would help continue this vital service in supporting new arrivals and immigrant communities,” said Wayne Ho, president and CEO, Chinese-American Planning Council. “Our families have consistently told us that they need access to employment to sustain themselves and their families. Because of Promise NYC, parents can work while their children access affordable care. We want to thank the Mayor’s Office and City Council for their leadership, and we look forward to working with them in ensuring the swift implementation of this funding.”
“This historic investment will be essential in advancing HPD’s affordable housing pipeline and aid NYCHA’s critical preservation strategy,” said Rachel Fee, executive director, New York Housing Conference. “We commend Mayor Adams, Speaker Adams and the City Council for prioritizing the housing needs of New Yorkers. We look forward to the full implementation of this impactful capital investment.”
“We’re very happy to see in this budget that Mayor Adams has prioritized the creation of new affordable housing, but, just as importantly, is laser focused on addressing existing affordable housing units and the repairs needed to improve the living conditions for current affordable housing tenants,” said Craig Livingston, chairman, New York Real Estate Chamber. “Tenants, who are in need of working elevators, energy efficient heat, and other long delayed maintenance, will finally get the respect they deserve.”
“Saying ‘yes’ to housing reforms also means saying ‘yes’ to dedicated funding for maintaining a robust and affordable housing program,” said Moses Gates, vice president, housing and neighborhood planning, Regional Plan Association (RPA). “RPA congratulates Mayor Adams, Speaker Adams, and the City Council for delivering an additional $2 billion over the next two years in the budget to create new affordable housing opportunities and preserve public housing. This additional funding is urgently needed. Analysis conducted by McKinsey & Company for RPA shows that the region may face a housing gap of 920,000 units by 2035 if we don’t scale up housing production. The additional funding will help expand production and finance hundreds of affordable housing projects already in the pipeline. We look forward to continued collaboration with the city’s leadership to meaningfully address our housing supply needs.”
“We applaud Mayor Adams and Speaker Adams for coming to a budget agreement that includes significant investments in the development of much-needed supportive housing, a proven solution for ending chronic homelessness,” said Pascale Leone, executive director, Supportive Housing Network of New York. “We look forward to continuing to work with the administration on a reallocation plan that maximizes existing resources to ensure we are building the congregate units with the essential on-site services that tenants need and want.”
“The Association for Neighborhood Housing and Development is pleased that the fiscal year 25 New York City budget includes $2 billion for housing capital investment,” said Barika X Williams, executive director, The Association for Neighborhood Housing and Development. “We commend the City Council and the administration for addressing the housing crisis with a focus on both new construction and the preservation of our existing affordable housing to avoid worsening evictions and homelessness and move towards housing stability for all New Yorkers.”
“The budget agreement, which includes $2 billion in additional capital investment in affordable housing, is a huge victory for New York City,” said Baaba Halm, vice president and market leader, Enterprise Community Partners. “These dollars are desperately needed to address our housing shortage and to combat the impact of cost increases on housing production. The mayor and the City Council have delivered for homeless and housing-insecure New Yorkers, public housing residents, and the mission-driven organizations that bring affordable projects into our communities.”
“We applaud Mayor Adams and the City Council for reaching this historic agreement and for delivering on a commitment to deploy the resources necessary to address a wide swath of housing needs in communities across the five boroughs,” Rafael E. Cestero, CEO, The Community Preservation Corporation. “This additional $2 billion in the budget will create and preserve affordable housing for our lowest income residents, expand affordable homeownership, and deliver critical support for NYCHA’s public housing through the PACT program and Preservation Trust. There’s no question that this investment is what New York needs right now to ‘get stuff done’ so that we can expand and protect our housing stock, fuel the economy, and ensure that we have a more affordable, sustainable, and equitable city.”
“The addition of $2 billion in capital funding in this budget agreement is a huge boost for housing. More resources are needed to address escalating costs as the city makes thoughtful investments in new housing, preservation of existing affordable housing, and improving the lives of our NYCHA communities,” Howard Slatkin, executive director, Citizens Housing and Planning Council. “We applaud the mayor and the Council for sustaining record levels of city capital investment in affordable housing at a challenging time.”
“Today, with a historic budget agreement that includes $2 billion in capital investments for affordable housing, Mayor Adams and the City Council are following through on their commitment to help address the most pressing issue facing New York City – housing,” said Christie Peale, executive director and CEO, Center for NYC Neighborhoods. “In particular, by dedicating resources to both the Open Door and Neighborhood Pillars initiatives, this budget will create and preserve affordable homeownership opportunities for New Yorkers in every borough, enabling many low- and moderate-income New Yorkers — at a time when many are being priced out of the city — to stay in their communities. We thank the council and the mayor for securing these critical resources to rehabilitate dilapidated buildings and construct new coops and condos in order to preserve and expand affordable homeownership for all New Yorkers.”
“The housing crisis New York is battling is widening the racial wealth gap and it’s encouraging to see our city leaders continue to find ways to expand our housing stock and end this crisis,” said Valerie White, senior executive director, Local Initiatives Support Corporation. “It’s not just the $2 billion in additional investment, but also how it’s being distributed, including resources directed to expanding affordable homeownership opportunities and the power that has to build generational wealth for New York families.”
“We congratulate the mayor and New York City Council for the historic amount of housing capital included in the budget agreement,” said Jolie Milstein, president and CEO, New York State Association for Affordable Housing. “This substantial commitment represents a significant commitment to the best approach to the affordability crisis: Building more units at an affordable rent for hardworking New York families. We greatly appreciate the hard work done by both the mayor and speaker in negotiating this important deal. More resources are the essential ingredient required for increased housing production. Along with the current City of Yes housing package, the city is moving in the right direction in building more housing. We look forward to collaborating with the speaker and the mayor in enacting zoning and policy changes that will ensure that this funding is spent as quickly and equitably as possible on projects in neighborhoods across the five boroughs — fostering housing equity and inclusion all over New York City.”
“United Way of New York City applauds Mayor Adams and his administration for their continued commitment to fund the Atlas program which drives community safety and reduces incarceration,” said Grace Bonilla, president and CEO, United Way of New York City. “The mayor is dedicated to ensuring that everyone in our city has tools and resources needed to succeed, including dignified access to nutritious food, education equity and health care.”
“As a formerly homeless New Yorker who knows deeply just how challenging and expensive accessing stable, affordable housing can be, I applaud the Adams administration and City Council for their major investment in the future of housing in New York City,” said Shams DaBaron, Da Housing Hero. “Too many New Yorkers, myself included, know the uncertainty that homelessness brings, and $2 billion more in funding for homes over the next few years will secure a more positive, stable future for people in need. I look forward to seeing this funding in action in the coming years, as it brings more much needed affordable homes, the chance to become a homeowner, and better conditions for NYCHA residents.”
“The Museum of the City of New York is delighted to learn of the restoration of cuts to the cultural sector,” said Stephanie Hill Wilchfort, Ronay Menschel director and president, Museum of the City of New York (MCNY). “This support will allow MCNY to open seven days a week starting on July 1. The museum’s exhibitions exploring history, popular culture, and art will be open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the first time since the pandemic. City support also allows the museum to operate as a cooling center, open at no charge to anyone who seeks relief from warm weather. Free admission is provided to children under the age of 18 at all times. Thank you to Mayor Adams and his administration, Speaker Adams and the City Council, and DCLA Commissioner Laurie Cumbo for their commitment to arts and culture in New York City and to our museum’s work.”
“New Yorkers can celebrate a huge victory in the full restoration of funding for culture and art in the FY25 Adopted Budget. We applaud Mayor Adams, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer and DCLA Commissioner Laurie Cumbo for supporting cultural organizations, both large and small, and their understanding of these anchor institutions and the economic impact this sector has on the city,” said John F. Calvelli, executive vice president, public affairs, Wildlife Conservation Society. “We thank the many champions for culture on the City Council, including Speaker Adrienne Adams, Finance Chair Justin Brannan, and Cultural Chair Carlina Rivera. This support from the city directly helps organizations like the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium remain economic engines for the city and continue to educate and inspire millions of New Yorkers to become stewards of nature.”
“Thank you to the Adams administration and the City Council for recognizing the importance and vibrancy of arts and culture in New York City,” said Dr. Raymond Codrington, president and CEO, Weeksville Heritage Center. “This funding is a critical source of support that will help us continue to actively engage our visitors, audiences, and the city as a whole. Today is a clear win for arts and culture in the greatest city in the world.”
“New York City’s arts community delivers on jobs, holds our shared cultural legacy, supports a robust economic ecosystem, and is the vibrancy that attracts local residents, visitors and tourists. Our museums, live performing arts, gardens, and more are why people come and why so many of us have chosen to raise the next generation of New Yorkers in our incredible city,” said Leah C. Johnson, executive vice president, chief communications, marketing & advocacy officer, Lincoln Center. “I applaud Mayor Adams, Speaker Adams and the City Council for restoring funding in the FY25 budget and encourage continued investment in the arts as a critical piece of public infrastructure. This is a conversation we look forward to continuing. The exponential benefits of making the arts accessible to all New Yorkers is core to strengthening our city.”
“The Metropolitan Museum of Art is grateful to Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams for their tireless work and leadership in delivering a comprehensive budget that recognizes the immeasurable value and impact cultural institutions have across this city. With this allocation, nonprofits big and small can continue to serve as both vital economic engines and creative safe havens that all New Yorkers can rely on,” said Marina Kellen French Director and Chief Executive Officer, Metropolitan Museum of Art Max Hollein.
“On behalf of the New York Botanical Garden, I applaud Mayor Eric Adams, Speaker Adrienne Adams, and their leadership teams for restoring funding to the Department of Cultural Affairs and cultural anchors in all five boroughs,” said Jennifer Bernstein, CEO and The William C. Steere Sr. president, New York Botanical Garden (NYBG). “NYBG is the backyard of many Bronx families, providing free critical access to nature and the myriad physical and emotional benefits it offers. Cultural anchors like NYBG keep kids engaged, focused, curious, and excited about their natural world; and we help produce the scientists, scholars, businesspeople, artists, and well-rounded adults of tomorrow. None of this would be possible without funding from the City of New York, and we deeply appreciate the restorations agreed upon here today.”
“The Public Theater is incredibly thankful to the City Council and the Adams administration for all the work that went into reaching a positive outcome for arts and culture in the 2025 New York City budget,” said Patrick Willingham, executive director, The Public Theater. “The Public Theater is grateful to Mayor Eric Adams, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Finance Chair Justin Brannan, DCLA Commissioner Laurie Cumbo, our city council member and Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations Carlina Rivera, and all those who advocated tirelessly for the restoration of budget cuts and addition of $53 million in the fiscal year 25 budget. The public would not be able to continue its mission to provide free and accessible live performing arts programming that reflects the entire city without this continued investment into arts and culture.”
“New York City Ballet was thrilled and grateful to learn of the mayor’s renewed commitment to culture — a key economic driver in this city that helps make it the vibrant community and tourist destination that it is,” said Katherine Brown, executive director, New York City Ballet.
“New York City is home to world-renowned actors, playwrights, directors, designers, and producers,” said Risa Shoup, co-executive director, the Alliance of Resident Theatres New York. “Our vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic theaters are why millions of people choose to live in, work in, and visit our great city each year. The majority of these theater companies have historically received crucial support from the Cultural Development Fund, and we are grateful to Speaker Adams, Councilmember Carlina Rivera, and all our colleagues in the City Council, as well as Mayor Adams and his administration, for this historic addition of $53 million for arts and culture in the Fiscal Year 25 budget. We need the creativity and the power of theater to bring us joy, to encourage empathy, and to support us in building more just, more inclusive, and sustainable communities at a moment in history when the world is torn by violence, climate disasters, and historic inequity. Thank you for this investment in our health and our future,”
“We are grateful for the full $53 million restoration to culture in the Fiscal Year 2025 Adopted Budget. Thank you to Mayor Adams, City Council, and our advocacy partners for recognizing the important role culture plays in making our city great,” said Coco Killingsworth, chair, Cultural Institutions Group. “Arts and culture are the lifeblood of New York City. Not only do they drive tourism in New York City and provide thousands of jobs, they make our communities vibrant and more livable by providing safe, peaceful public spaces, and enriching programs and experiences that bind together New Yorkers of all ages.”
“On behalf of the audience members we reach, the artists we present, and the students of all ages who take part in our education programs, I want to thank Mayor Adams and the City Council for recognizing the importance of New York City’s cultural sector to the economic and social health of the city,” said Taryn Sacramone, executive director, Queens Theatre. “Thank you to Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer and DCLA Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. Thank you as well to the City Council’s unwavering champions of culture: Speaker Adrienne Adams, New York City Councilmember Carlina Rivera, New York City Councilmember Justin Brannan, and their colleagues.”
“Arts organizations and cultural institutions are a necessity for strong, vibrant communities,” said Gina Duncan, president, Brooklyn Academy of Music. “Thank you to Mayor Adams, Speaker Adams, and the City Council for investing in a brighter future for all New Yorkers!”
“We extend our deepest gratitude to Mayor Adams and the City Council for recognizing the vital role that cultural and enrichment activities play in the lives of Staten Island’s children and their caregiver,” said Dina Rosenthal, executive director, Staten Island Children’s Museum. “Restoring these budget cuts ensures that the Staten Island Children’s Museum can continue to serve our local community, providing essential services and programs for families, schools, and at-risk children. Your support underscores the importance of investing in our future through culture and education, enriching the lives of those who need it most in our borough.”
“Mayor Eric Adams, Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer, and Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo all intimately understand the direct connection between New York City’s thriving arts and cultural community and its economic, educational, and social well-being,” said Sean M. Decatur, president, American Museum of Natural History. “We applaud the administration for adopting this budget that restores critical funding to our sector, enabling the museum to continue its scientific mission, attract visitors from around the world, and provide educational and workforce development programs for New York City’s students.”
“We are profoundly grateful to Mayor Adams, Speaker Adams, DCLA Commissioner Cumbo, and the entire City Council for their support and advocacy for arts and culture,” said Michael S. Rosenberg, president & CEO, New York City Center. “This landmark investment underscores the profound significance of one of the city’s most vital industries and reaffirms our city’s dedication to fostering creativity and ensuring accessibility to the arts for everyone. Support from the Department of Cultural Affairs is instrumental in enabling us to fulfill our founding mandate to be ‘the people’s theater’ for all New Yorkers, reinforcing the cultural vibrancy that makes our city unique.”
“With our peer organizations across the five boroughs, Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden is grateful to Mayor Eric Adams, Speaker Adrienne Adams, Finance Chair Justin Brannan, Culture and Libraries Chair Carlina Rivera, and the entire budget negotiating team for this forward-looking city budget, which restores $53 million in cultural funding and recognizes the key role that our sector plays in our city — from educating and inspiring our communities to attracting tourism and driving $110 billion annually in economic impact,” said Jessica Baker Vodoor, president and CEO, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden. “We are deeply grateful for this significant investment in New York City culture and look forward to partnering with the administration and City Council in the coming year to serve our constituents.”
“We are deeply thankful that this budget acknowledges the crucial role of culture in our community,” said Minerva Tantoco, interim president and CEO, New York Hall of Science (NYSCI). “This support not only enhances our cultural landscape, but also fosters creativity, innovation, diversity, and community engagement. Investing in culture, and in the cultural institutions groups like NYSCI, is an investment in the very essence and future of our city. We commend Mayor Adams, City Council Speaker Adams, Finance Chair Brannan, Cultural Affairs and Libraries Chair Rivera, DCLA Commissioner Cumbo, and the rest of the New York City Council for their commitment to preserving and nurturing culture, ensuring we have the resources to thrive and continue making New York City the cultural capital of the nation.”
“In every borough and in every neighborhood, cultural institutions are key to the economic, social, and emotional well-being of our communities,” said Aziz Isham, executive director, Museum of the Moving Image. “We applaud the mayor and city council for reaching an agreement that affirms this. This budget will provide a critical base of support and ensure that culture is always one of the reasons why New York City is on the rise.”
“Our restaurants and nightlife share a symbiotic relationship with our cultural institutions, as they are both essential to the fabric of New York City, so we applaud our elected leaders for fully restoring their critical funding in the city’s budget,” Andrew Rigie, executive director, New York City Hospitality Alliance.
“We are so grateful to come out of a tough year with this welcome investment in our city’s cultural ecosystem — city grants help more than 1,100 cultural groups across the city to make work and serve our communities! This budget demonstrates the city’s belief in the power of culture and arts to transform lives, create strong communities, and fuel our economy,” said Lucy Sexton, executive director, New Yorkers for Culture and Arts. “Together, we can continue to heal and create a thriving vibrant New York City with culture for all!”
“We are grateful and relieved that our champions in the City Council and Mayor Adams have come to a budget agreement that includes the restoration of $5.3 million for HIV services,” said Patrick McGovern, CEO, Callen-Lorde. “These funds help the Callen-Lorde patients who are living with HIV keep their viral loads undetectable, provide a pathway to healthier lives, and prevent the spread of HIV. The cuts would have caused irreparable harm and further threatened our progress to end HIV in New York City. With these funds restored, we can continue our work engaging our community and our patients with affirming support and healthcare.”
“Thank you to Mayor Adams, Speaker Adams and New York City Councilmembers, for protecting HIV funding,” said Guillermo Chacon, president, Latino Commission on AIDS and founder, Hispanic Health Network. “Prevention is life. Stigma is a major barrier to access HIV prevention, support services, and care for the most impacted communities in our beloved New York City. Together we did it and together we will end HIV.”
“I am pleased with the restoration of the $5.3 million in HIV funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget,” said Therese Rodriguez, CEO, Apicha Community Health Center. “This funding is crucial in sustaining Apicha Community Health Center’s momentum in ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic and ensuring that hard-to-reach patients can achieve and maintain undetectable viral loads. To fully address the needs of communities at highest risk for contracting HIV/AIDS, restoring funding is also necessary for those struggling with crystal methamphetamine addiction and those requiring PrEP navigation. Funding to combat crystal methamphetamine addiction is vital to achieve viral load suppression or help people stay negative.”
“The restoration of funding to HIV/AIDS programs is a monumental move to further the protection of the LGBTQ+ community, specifically transgender and gender nonconforming folk,” said Sean Ebony Coleman, CEO, Destination Tomorrow. “This funding is not just about health care; it’s about affirming the worth and safety of marginalized communities. We hope this investment is a call to action for other leaders to recognize the importance of health care equity and to ensure all individuals, regardless of identity, have access to the resources they need.”
“The inclusion of an additional $20 million for school meals in the fiscal year 2025 budget is a win for the hundreds of thousands of New York City kids who depend on school meals for the nutritious food they need to thrive,” said Rachel Sabella, director, No Kid Hungry New York.
“With one in four children facing hunger in the city, these additional resources mean breakfast and lunch menus have the items that kids want, and meal participation increases. We thank Mayor Adams, Speaker Adams, Chancellor Banks and the entire New York City Council for committing the funds that will help ensure no child goes hungry in New York City.” “The budget reflects the mayor, chancellor, and City Council’s powerful commitment to making New York City school meals program the best and most innovative in the country,” said Liz Accles, executive director, Community Food Advocates. “The $150 million investment to fully expand the Cafeteria Enhancement Experience to all middle and high schools ensuring warm, welcoming, and modern cafeterias is a powerful testament. The additional $20 million funding for school meals enables schools to provide the popular menu Items the students love.”
“At La Colmena, as a Staten Island provider of the Promise NYC, we have seen firsthand the vital role this service plays in our community, empowering families to work and thrive,” said Judith Prado, referral manager for Promise NYC, La Colmena. “Parents in the program say how their children feel safe, are learning English, and have a sense of community through the program. Parents are relieved to hear that this program continues, and that their children are going to be safe and protected while they are at work. Every child, regardless of their immigration status, deserves a right to child care.”
“The Fair Fares program has been a lifeline for low-income New Yorkers struggling with transit affordability in a city with ever-rising costs of living,” said David R. Jones, president and CEO, Community Service Society of New York. “The potential of the program was acknowledged in the adopted budget agreement between the Adams administration and the New York City Council. The budget adds more than $20 million to the program, the biggest expansion we’ve seen so far, opening up the program to New Yorkers with incomes up to 145 percent of poverty. This is an encouraging sign that we are on track towards further expansion of the program, ensuring that our mass transit system is not a barrier, but a gateway, to opportunity for more working New Yorkers. We thank Mayor Adams, Speaker Adams, and the City Council for supporting the program’s growth.”
“As a parent, I am thrilled to witness this historic investment in our children’s future under the Adams administration,” said Vijah Ramjattan, parent and president of Community Education Council 28. “With $75 million for early childhood programs and substantial support for school food initiatives, mental health services, and digital learning resources, our city is prioritizing the well-being and education of every student. This budget demonstrates a true commitment to ensuring that every child and family in New York City is known, supported, and empowered to succeed.”
“In fiscal year 2024, NMIC’s Promise NYC team helped hundreds of immigrant families enroll their children in subsidized daycare throughout Manhattan and the Bronx,” said Maria Lizardo, executive director, Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation (NMIC). “Through this crucial initiative, NMIC provided the stability necessary for immigrant parents and caregivers to pursue opportunities to uplift themselves and their families through education and employment. NMIC has seen first-hand that funding like Promise NYC is critical to paving the way for a brighter future for our newest New Yorkers and we applaud the city’s expansion of such important funding. This increased funding will add slots for daycare providers, expand access to quality education for immigrant children, and improve our immigrant community members’ ability to participate in our economy.”
“I am excited by the Adams administration’s commitment to our public schools with $75 million for early childhood programs, the $20 million dedicated to school food initiatives, and the $150 million Cafeteria Enhanced Experience,” said Shirley Aubin, Panel for Educational Policy member and parent leader. “This budget focuses on healthy school food, reimagining the school experience, and along with other key investments, truly supporting New York City Public Schools scholars and their well-being and a successful academic career.”
“I applaud the Adams administration for this investment in computer science education and skills for all New York City public school students,” said Fred Wilson, partner, Union Square Ventures; founder, CS4All. “These skills pave the way for career opportunities that rely on advances in technology. We look forward to continuing to partner with New York City public schools on advancing computer science education.”
Photo credit: 1) Harlem, NY. 2) Brownstone, Harlem, NY. 3) Mayor Eric Adams. 4) Aerial view Harlem, NY.
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