Nearly 400 mayors and municipal officials from across New York State, representing millions of New Yorkers, have asked state leaders to continue to invest in cities and villages in this year’s state budget.
Local signatories include: Administrator Cortney Gale, Village of Bergen; Mayor Margay Blackman, Village of Brockport; Mayor John Hartman, Village of Churchville; Mayor Joseph Lee, Village of Hilton; City Manager Rachael Tabelski, City of Batavia; and Mayor Malik Evans, City of Rochester.
In the 2024-2025 state budget, the State provided a historic $50 million increase in unrestricted aid for cities, villages and towns – for the first time in 15 years.
“The additional $50 million in funding is a welcome and much-needed step toward addressing the fiscal challenges our local governments face. We appreciate this recognition of the critical role municipalities play in improving the quality of life across New York State,” the letter notes.
“Unfortunately, local governments continue to grapple with the impacts of inflation, the end of federal ARPA funds, the flattening of sales tax revenue – and now the threat of losing federal aid. These factors, coupled with 15 years of level funding and a two percent tax cap, have placed significant financial strain on many municipalities. To ensure that local governments are better positioned to weather the economic challenges they face, we urge you as part of the 2025-26 State Budget to build upon your recent investment by committing to consistent and predictable annual increases in AIM funding,” the letter continues.
The letter was sent to Governor Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, and Speaker Heastie.
“The message from our mayors and municipal officials is clear: we need the State of New York to increase its investment in its cities and villages,” said Barbara J. Van Epps, executive director, NYCOM.
“We certainly appreciate the additional funding we received last year but given the challenges we face, a one-time increase is not sufficient. To truly empower local officials to make their communities safer and more affordable, we urge our state leaders to build upon this critical investment. The strength and vitality of our local governments depends on it.”
For more information about NYCOM, its mission, and its legislative priorities, visit nycom.org.
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