Mayor Eric Adams on Monday celebrated the City Council's approval of New York City's $112 billion budget for the 2025 fiscal year and emphasized its significance in assisting everyday New Yorkers.
The budget, passed with a 46-3 vote on Sunday, followed extensive negotiations between Adams and Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.
"We do more than share the same last name," Mayor Adams said during an interview on “Mornings On 1.” "We share the same destiny and goals of helping working-class New Yorkers, and the budget reflects that."
The approved budget restores $100 million for early childhood development programs, reinstates seven-day service for city libraries with an additional $58 million, and boosts funding for cultural institutions.
It also allocates $2 billion for housing initiatives, including $500 million for the city's rental assistance program, CityFHEPS.
In response to criticism over proposed cuts early in the negotiations, Adams defended his approach, saying the city saw many unexpected costs, such as $4.9 billion for migrants and asylum seekers.
"I kept saying over and over again, this is part of the process, part of the conversation," the mayor said. "We had to find efficiencies, close a $7.1 billion budget deficit and maintain over $8 billion in reserves. We were able to accomplish that."
When asked about decisions affecting library funding, Adams said tough decisions needed to be made.
"Leadership is making the tough decisions,” he said. “I'll take the hits, but I know we're going to hit it out of the park for everyday New Yorkers.”