New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is proposing changes to the city’s budget that could reshape plans for the New York Police Department. His approach focuses on closing a major budget gap, and one of the biggest shifts involves canceling a previously approved plan to hire thousands of new officers.
The proposal comes as city leaders work to address what Mamdani has described as a serious financial shortfall.
Plan to Cancel 5,000 New NYPD Hires
Before leaving office, former Mayor Eric Adams introduced a plan to gradually expand the NYPD by 5,000 officers. The hiring would have started with 300 additional officers in 2026, then grown to 2,500 in 2027, eventually reaching 5,000 new officers each year by 2028.
Under that proposal, the NYPD could have grown to about 40,000 officers.
However, after taking office, Mamdani moved to cancel executive orders signed after Adams’ indictment in September 2024. That decision included ending the planned hiring expansion. Instead, Mamdani’s current approach would keep the force closer to its present size of around 35,000 officers.
Proposed Budget Reductions
The mayor’s preliminary fiscal year 2027 budget also points to reducing vacancies across city agencies. That could include adjusting funding tied to unfilled NYPD positions.
Reports indicate the proposal includes a roughly $22 million reduction to the NYPD’s $6.4 billion budget next year. While the department would still receive billions in funding, the decrease reflects Mamdani’s broader effort to tighten spending.
City officials say these steps are part of a larger strategy to manage rising costs and stabilize finances.
Addressing a Major Budget Gap
Speaking to reporters, Mamdani said the city inherited a significant budget deficit. He noted that the shortfall had been reduced from $12 billion to $5.4 billion, but emphasized that more work is needed.
According to the mayor, the city faces two possible paths to balance its finances.
The first option involves asking the state to raise taxes on the wealthiest residents and large corporations. Mamdani has supported this idea since his campaign, describing it as a fair and sustainable solution.
The second option, he said, would involve raising property taxes and possibly using city reserves to meet legal requirements for a balanced budget. He warned that this route could place a heavier burden on homeowners and reduce financial flexibility in the future.
Ongoing Debate
The proposal is likely to spark debate among city leaders, law enforcement officials, and residents. Supporters may argue that managing the deficit requires difficult decisions. Critics could question whether limiting police hiring is the right move at a time when public safety remains a concern for many New Yorkers.
As budget negotiations continue, the final outcome will depend on discussions between city officials and state lawmakers. For now, Mamdani’s proposal signals a shift in priorities as New York City works to address its financial challenges.