DAYS THE BUDGET IS LATE: 36
ALL’S FARE: City Council Speaker Julie Menin criticized Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration today, describing it as managing an ineffective mass transit discount initiative.
Her proposed solution? A program offering free transit to hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers.
This approach seeks to challenge Mamdani, who had promised free bus service during his campaign. Menin suggests expanding the Fair Fares initiative, currently providing discounts to low-income residents, into a free transit program for individuals with incomes at or below 150 percent of the poverty threshold.
Menin, along with other Council members, criticized the administration for not enrolling enough participants in the current Fair Fares setup due to excessive bureaucracy. Currently, less than 40 percent of eligible individuals are enrolled, leading to half a million New Yorkers paying full fares when they could be paying half.
Menin labeled the program as “failing” and attributed the low enrollment to a complicated multi-step process involving app downloads and lengthy forms.
“There must be an acknowledgment that the system is flawed,” she stated during a Council session today.
Rebecca Chew, a chief program officer from the city’s Human Resources Administration, responded that the agency has “strived to streamline the process and improve efficiency,” and is always looking to enhance it. Chew noted that nearly half of those who enroll in one year — currently about 380,000 people — do not re-enroll the following year.
Although Fair Fares was established before Mamdani’s tenure, during a detailed inquiry by Council Member Crystal Hudson, Chew and her team did not specify goals for increasing enrollment.
The Council aims to automate enrollment.
Menin began the hearing expressing her “profound disappointment” that the Mamdani administration did not send the Department of Social Services head to testify.
“I must express our deep disappointment in that,” she remarked.
Mamdani has yet to declare a stance on the Council’s proposal.
The democratic socialist has historically questioned means-tested programs. However, he concedes that his plan for universally free buses won’t materialize this year, creating a dilemma: he appears hesitant to endorse a partial solution that would still enable hundreds of thousands of people to use public transit for free.
“Fair Fares is a vital resource for low-income New Yorkers but hasn’t reached enough people,” stated Mamdani spokesperson Jeremy Edwards in an email. “The administration is evaluating all Fair Fares proposals. We will continue encouraging eligible residents to sign up for Fair Fares and collaborate with city and state partners to make transit more affordable for all New Yorkers.” — Ry Rivard
From the Capitol
WEDDING BELL$: New York City, facing a financial shortfall, might get a minor financial boost with a new proposal.
City officials are reaching out to state lawmakers to allow the City Council to raise the cost of a City Hall wedding from $25 to $55 and the marriage license fee from $25 to $60.
Though the increase would bring in only about $4 million annually, lawmakers emphasize the bill is not designed to balance the budget.
The fees have remained unchanged since the early 1990s, while the cost of conducting a wedding has risen to $126, meaning that raising the total fee to $115 would simply reduce the city’s loss per ceremony.
“The Marriage Bureau requested this, so it’s reasonable,” said state Sen. John Liu, who introduced the bill on Tuesday. “It’s crucial that this isn’t seen as a marriage penalty — fees aren’t popular, but they haven’t changed for decades.”
Assembly Judiciary Committee Chair Charles Lavine anticipates criticism: “If we increase marriage costs, fewer people will marry,” he said, predicting the GOP’s reaction.
This matter is being addressed separately from budget discussions and needs resolution before lawmakers conclude their session on June 4.
“We’re left with only a few legislative days,” Lavine noted. “It’s time these fees become more meaningful.”
Mamdani has shown more interest in the Marriage Bureau than his predecessors — he is the only recent mayor to visit the City Clerk’s office to officiate weddings personally. — Bill Mahoney
NO ICE MELT: Despite White House border czar Tom Homan’s threat of an ICE surge into New York if certain sanctuary measures pass, Democratic state lawmakers remain undeterred.
“If anything, it strengthens my resolve,” commented Democratic state Sen. Pat Fahy.
Governor Kathy Hochul and state legislators are close to finalizing bills that would limit ICE’s coordination with local police and restrict civil deportation warrants from being executed in places like schools and religious sites.
Read more from POLITICO’s Nick Reisman
FROM CITY HALL
ICE VENDOR FACES HEAT: Mamdani’s administration is examining NYPD contracts with a surveillance technology firm criticized for its business with federal immigration agencies, reports Chris Sommerfeldt.
The review of the NYPD’s relationship with Vigilant Solutions is part of Mamdani’s ongoing audit across the police department and five other city agencies.
Mamdani initiated the reviews in February to bolster New York City’s sanctuary laws as President Donald Trump’s administration continues its aggressive immigration policies across the country. These laws prohibit city resources from aiding federal authorities in civil immigration cases.
The fact that the NYPD audit is focusing on a private company indicates Mamdani’s intent to scrutinize both departmental compliance with sanctuary laws and its vendors. Mamdani specified that the audits may lead to “changes and updates to policies and protocols,” suggesting potential impacts on Vigilant’s NYPD contracts.
When asked why Vigilant’s connections are under particular scrutiny, mayoral spokesperson Sam Raskin provided limited details. “The Mamdani administration is working with various agencies on their policies and procedures regarding federal immigration enforcement,” Raskin stated on Tuesday. “More information will be shared soon.”
As part of the audit, a questionnaire instructed the NYPD to submit a “draft audit” to the mayor’s office by April 20. The NYPD and the mayor’s office would then review the draft before finalizing it for Mamdani by Thursday.
Read the story from Chris in POLITICO here.
ON A RELATED MATTER: Jeff Blau of Related Companies, during an interview at a real estate conference Wednesday, faced unexpected disruptions.
Three times during his 30-minute interview, activists from New York Communities for Change interrupted to protest a tentative deal under the Adams administration, which would grant Blau’s firm approximately $2 billion in public subsidies to complete Hudson Yards.
“$2 billion of taxpayer’s money!” the activists shouted, as they were quickly escorted out. “Shame on you! Shame on you, Related!”
The progressive group is urging Mamdani’s administration to cancel the public financing plan, labeling it a “boondoggle” and “the largest corporate bailout in New York City history.”
The decision now rests with Mamdani, who isn’t rushing to advance it. Mayoral spokesperson Matt Rauschenbach stated Wednesday: “We are not actively engaged in negotiations to move this project forward at this time.”
Blau remains hopeful about the project’s future.
“We aim to announce a deal this year, begin construction on another 3 million square foot office building, and start about 2,500 apartments, including 625 affordable units,” Blau stated at the event. “It’s truly a significant addition to New York City.”
The event, organized by The Real Deal, a real estate trade publication, saw its founder Amir Korangy express frustration at the interruptions.
“This isn’t the right place for protests,” Korangy said, visibly annoyed by the third disruption. “This was clearly planned.”
He added humorously, “At least they bought tickets.”
Blau remained optimistic about New York City and praised the mayor, despite concerns from other business leaders.
“I believe the mayor is very supportive of new housing development and is working to remove obstacles,” Blau said. “He’s just starting, and we hope he continues to focus on initiatives like [485-x] and engages with the private sector,” he added, referencing a property tax incentive for residential projects in New York City that has drawn industry criticism.
“We’re working globally, but New York City is our home,” Blau concluded. “This city remains the greatest in the world, despite the protests. I’m committed to New York City.” — Janaki Chadha
FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
BLAKEMAN ON CLIMATE CHANGE: During a press conference at the state Capitol, Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman avoided confirming his belief in climate change.
When asked, “Would it be accurate to say that you believe in climate change?” Blakeman replied, “I’m not a scientist and I’m not an engineer. Anytime we can improve the environment with a sensible solution that’s affordable, why not?”
Earlier, Blakeman emphasized to reporters that climate change concerns shouldn’t drive energy policy decisions.
“Taking drastic actions with the notion of significantly altering our state’s carbon footprint and impacting the global environment is complete fiction,” Blakeman argued. “Our carbon footprint is tiny in comparison to the global scale.”
His remarks come as Democrats, including Hochul, find it challenging to keep pace with the state’s ambitious environmental policies. The governor is on the verge of modifying New York’s climate law in the budget, removing a short-term deadline for emission reductions.
Playbook reached out to Blakeman’s campaign this afternoon to clarify his stance on climate change. A response has yet to be received. — Jason Beeferman
IN OTHER NEWS
— SCRUB-A-DUB: Mamdani’s administration has quietly removed a page on the city Economic Development Corporation’s website that promoted New York City’s business connections with Israel. (Free Beacon)
— LONG LINES: The number of Long Island families receiving food stamps has increased significantly, as thousands may lose access due to eligibility changes. (Newsday)
— IN THE STREETS: Pro-Palestinian and Pro-Israel protesters faced a heavy police presence outside Park East Synagogue, which was hosting an event on land sales in Israel. (The New York Times)
Missed this morning’s New York Playbook? We forgive you. Read it here.
