BEZOS’ BLESSING: Mayor Zohran Mamdani has gained an unexpected ally in his campaign to increase taxes on affluent property owners: Jeff Bezos, one of the world’s richest individuals.
In an interview on CNBC, Bezos stated, “The pied-à-terre tax is a fine thing for New York to do.”
The Amazon founder was referring to a new tax that the state plans to impose on individuals owning secondary homes in New York City valued at over $5 million, following Mamdani’s advocacy. Despite owning multiple homes in the city that exceed this value, Bezos, who resides mostly in Miami, expressed his support for the tax.
However, Bezos, ranked as the fourth richest person globally, also criticized Mamdani and his democratic socialist views.
Bezos took issue with a social media video in which Mamdani stood outside Ken Griffin’s Manhattan penthouse to promote the tax, calling it unfair to portray Griffin as a villain. “Ken Griffin isn’t a villain,” Bezos remarked from his Florida space rocket manufacturing facility. “He hasn’t hurt anybody. He’s not hurting New York. Quite the opposite.”
The video has sparked backlash among business leaders, who argue that the tax could lead wealthy individuals to sell their properties, reducing the local tax base.
Griffin has threatened to abandon a $6 billion office project in the city in response to Mamdani’s video. While Mamdani has sought meetings with business leaders, including those from JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs, Griffin has declined to meet with him.
Bezos’s support for the pied-à-terre tax adds an unexpected twist, although his criticisms of Mamdani extend beyond the tax debate.
Mamdani has been an advocate for raising income taxes on the wealthy at both state and federal levels, arguing it would generate more funds for public services.
Bezos disagrees, pointing out that New York City’s public schools spend approximately $44,000 per student annually, a significantly higher amount than other major U.S. cities, yet with little improvement in educational outcomes.
“Doubling my taxes won’t help a teacher in Queens,” Bezos argued. Instead, he proposed eliminating taxes for low-income earners, questioning the fairness of a nurse in Queens paying over $12,000 in taxes on a $75,000 salary.
When pressed on whether billionaires should pay more if nurses and teachers are relieved of their tax burdens, Bezos acknowledged it as a valid policy discussion.
A representative for Mamdani declined to comment on Bezos’s endorsement of the pied-à-terre tax. However, Mamdani responded to Bezos’s criticism of taxing the wealthy on social media, suggesting that some teachers in Queens might disagree with Bezos’s views.
Queens remains significant to Bezos, as Amazon previously abandoned plans for a headquarters in Long Island City due to opposition from progressives over a proposed $3 billion subsidy.
Bezos emphasized that Amazon offers good career opportunities for working-class Americans, noting, “In Queens, we pay $23 an hour for entry-level jobs that require no prior skills or education. It’s a great first job.” — Chris Sommerfeldt
From the Capitol
ZOMBIE FIGHT: State legislators are planning to grant Mamdani the authority to dissolve a Charter Revision Commission initiated by his predecessor, clearing the way for him to dismantle the contentious panel.
This new authority, set to be approved in a budget bill, gives Mamdani until June 1 to decide whether to continue or terminate the commission’s creation by Eric Adams, according to those familiar with the matter.
Sources, who requested anonymity to discuss the pending legislation, revealed that Mamdani requested the inclusion of the language in the tax-and-spending plan. They expect him to use this power to disband the commission.
Kayla Mamelak, a former press secretary for Adams and a commissioner appointee, stated that the panel was not informed about the new legislation.
Read more from POLITICO Pro’s Nick Reisman and Chris Sommerfeldt.
LANDFILL LATTE: A plastic cup placed in a recycling bin at a Starbucks in Park Slope ended up 463 miles away at Apex Landfill in Amsterdam, Ohio.
The cup’s journey from Brooklyn to Ohio highlights the minimal recycling of consumer plastics, even by companies that promote sustainability.
Beyond Plastics tracked the cup’s path, revealing that none of the cups ended up being recycled. The non-profit, which advocates for reducing plastic pollution, released a report detailing their findings.
Judith Enck, president of Beyond Plastics, criticized misleading recycling claims, arguing they divert attention from real solutions like reducing plastic use.
The organization is pushing for the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act in Albany, aimed at lowering single-use packaging in New York. The bill is sponsored by Democrats Deborah Glick and Pete Harckham.
The cups in question are made of polypropylene, or No. 5 plastic, which is recyclable but rarely processed by commercial operators.
Starbucks, which already uses fiber to-go cups in several states, was urged by the report to expand their use nationwide. Starbucks defended its practices, citing collaboration with recycling companies to improve infrastructure.
“Our cups are designed to be recyclable,” said Emily Albright, a Starbucks spokesperson. “Recycling requires local infrastructure, which we work to enhance.” — Mona Zhang
FROM CITY HALL
EYES ON AI: Council member Julie Won is proposing legislation to create an artificial intelligence oversight office within the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.
The office would investigate AI-related consumer law violations and conduct public education on AI’s impact on consumer rights and safety.
The Council has long sought to regulate AI, with Won emphasizing responsible technology use in her congressional campaign to succeed Rep. Nydia Velázquez.
“We must shift public perception from fear of obsolescence to ensuring protections against it,” Won said in an interview.
AI regulation has influenced elections nationwide, with significant funding from groups on both sides. However, there’s no indication of involvement in this race where Won faces Antonio Reynoso and Claire Valdez. — Madison Fernandez
BUFFERING, PLEASE HOLD: City Council Speaker Julie Menin plans to introduce a revised “buffer zone” protest bill for educational facilities after Mamdani vetoed the original version.
The new bill focuses on early childhood sites and most K-12 schools, excluding libraries, teaching hospitals, and colleges.
Similar to a bill for religious institutions, it would require NYPD to establish security perimeters during protests. The measure has been significantly adjusted from its original proposal.
The revisions reflect Menin’s effort to address member concerns rather than pursue an override, despite having the votes for it.
“It’s my job as speaker to build consensus,” Menin stated, emphasizing collaboration.
The revised bill includes a change in sponsorship, with Elsie Encarnacion replacing Eric Dinowitz as the prime sponsor.
Menin refuted claims that the changes weaken the bill, asserting it strengthens support.
The original bill, part of the Council’s anti-antisemitism plan, faced opposition due to constitutional concerns over its broad definition of educational institutions.
A spokesperson for Mamdani stated that they have not reviewed the new legislative language and are committed to ensuring student safety while respecting protest rights. — Gelila Negesse
IN OTHER NEWS
— CHECKERS, NOT CHESS: OpenAI is adopting a state-by-state lobbying approach to influence AI regulation as federal efforts stall. (POLITICO)
— CASE NOT CLOSED: Citizens Union is urging the Manhattan district attorney to pursue state charges against Eric Adams, despite the federal case being dropped. (The New York Times)
— NO PLAYING AROUND: New York health officials are monitoring an Ebola outbreak in the Congo as international travel increases before the World Cup. (Gothamist)
Missed this morning’s New York Playbook? We forgive you. Read it here.
