Although we are disappointed that the NYC FY24 budget did not allocate more funding for the environment, we applaud Mayor Adams and the NYC Council for expanding the Fair Fares NYC program. We cannot drive our way out of the climate crisis, and so it is imperative that everyone has access to reliable and affordable public transportation, and the Fair Fares expansion will help achieve a more equitable, affordable, sustainable, and climate-resilient city. We also applaud the allocation of $23M for the citywide composting program, which will bring us one step closer to our goal of zero waste.
We thank Council Member Shekar Krishnan and the City Council for pushing back against the Administration’s proposed budget cuts for NYC Parks, however, we were disappointed that the City ultimately left this funding essentially stagnant. By allocating a paltry .01% increase from last year, the City has once again failed to provide the requisite funding for critical maintenance and operations and has fallen far short of the 1% needed for our parks to truly thrive. Read our joint statement with our Play Fair for Parks coalition partner New Yorkers for Parks.
From the migrant crisis to inflation, we recognize that this year presented unique fiscal challenges for the Administration, and in the coming months we look forward to working with the Mayor and the City Council to fund and implement key environmental measures, including the implementation of Local Law 97 as well as the citywide composting program and other zero waste-related programs. We will also continue our work to combat lead poisoning, address e-bike battery safety, ensure funding for NYCHA sustainable retrofits, and advocate with our partners in the Play Fair for Parks coalition for 1% of the city budget to be allocated to NYC Parks.