Overview
- The $115.1 billion FY26 budget includes $3.4 billion to recruit 1,000 new NYPD officers, aiming to increase the police force to 35,000 by fall 2026.
- Adams proposes $331 million for universal free after-school programs and $199 million to baseline education funding previously supported by COVID-19 stimulus dollars.
- The budget restores $167 million for 3-K and Pre-K programs, $112 million for senior services, and commits $1.4 billion to safeguard programs like CUNY and cultural institutions.
- Critics, including fiscal watchdog groups, argue the budget fails to adequately increase reserves to address potential federal funding cuts and recession risks.
- Budget negotiations with the City Council, which has previously clashed with the mayor over funding priorities, are set to begin ahead of the July 1 adoption deadline.