Mark Levine

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani extended the deadline for homeowners to apply for an exemption from his pied-à-terre tax until September 18. The tax targets secondary properties in NYC valued over $5 million owned by residents living elsewhere, aiming to generate $500 million annually to address the city's budget shortfall. Critics, including wealthy residents and President Donald Trump, have opposed the tax, citing confusion and difficulty in the exemption process.

New York City faces a $6-$8 billion budget deficit for FY2028, prompting Mayor Zohran Mamdani to direct city agencies to cut budgets by 2.5% through efficiency measures. The city seeks additional resources, including potential state aid and the pied-a-terre tax on luxury second homes, but these may not suffice to close the gap.

New York City officials are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to sign the Solar Up Now New York Act, which would allow apartment residents to install small solar systems without utility approval. The legislation, passed by the state legislature, aims to lower electricity bills and expand access to renewable energy for residents without roof or yard space for larger installations.

A class action lawsuit accuses A&E Real Estate of illegally overcharging tenants in five Queens rent-stabilized buildings by $5 million through unverified apartment improvement claims. The landlord denies the allegations, providing photos of renovations to dispute the claims, while watchdog groups and local officials supported the investigation into the company's practices.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani has directed NYC agencies to identify 2.5% savings in Fiscal Years 2027 and 2028 to address a projected multibillion-dollar budget gap. Previous efforts saved $1.77 billion, but the city faces at least a $6 billion gap next year, with estimates as high as $8.8 billion in FY2028.

Jewish elected leaders criticized Mamdani’s rhetoric following a stabbing attack in the Upper West Side. Comptroller Mark Levine, Rep. Micah Lasher, and Speaker Julie Menin attended a press conference as authorities considered hate crime charges against suspect Raul Morales.

Comptroller Mark Levine argues there is a shortage of homes, but attributes vacant apartments in rent-stabilized buildings to laws that make it difficult for landlords to rent these units.

New York City's 15,000 city-owned parcels offer significant potential for solar panels and battery storage, according to a report by City Comptroller Mark Levine. The report recommends bundling projects across rooftops, parking lots, and public properties to attract investors, reduce costs, and enhance grid resilience. Specific sites like Queens Borough Hall and Orchard Beach parking lot are highlighted as examples.

New York City Comptroller Mark Levine criticized state and Big Apple rent policies for contributing to the city's affordable housing crisis, calling it 'outrageous'.

City Comptroller Mark Levine is auditing $243 million in no-bid migrant shelter contracts awarded to BHRAGS Home Care, following federal charges against the group's former leaders for embezzlement and bribery. The audit will assess whether the Department of Homeless Services properly oversaw payments to BHRAGS during the 2022 migrant crisis, as unaccounted funds and alleged bribe payments have been reported.

Rep. Becca Balint described a House Democratic colleague dismissing antisemitism by claiming 'all the Jews are rich.' Jewish Democrats, including Balint, express concerns about rising antisemitism and being excluded for supporting Israel, while advocating for a two-state solution and Palestinian rights.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani's $125.8 billion budget for fiscal year 2027 addresses a $12 billion gap using $8 billion in one-time funds and pension payment delays, but critics warn it creates a projected $7 billion deficit by 2028. Fiscal experts like Comptroller Mark Levine and the Citizens Budget Commission argue the measures shift costs to future taxpayers and fail to resolve structural challenges, while Mamdani claims democratic socialists can outperform capitalist economic management.

Brad Lander, serving as NYC's chief financial officer, did not audit Bhrags Home Care despite being notified of corruption allegations. The non-profit received $68 million in city contracts while its director was later named a mastermind in a corruption scheme. Lander's office approved a contract increase for Bhrags months after learning of the allegations, which critics argue shows negligence.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and City Comptroller Mark Levine proposed a charter amendment to strengthen New York City's Reserve Stabilization Fund (rainy day fund), aiming to set a 10% tax revenue savings target. The amendment seeks to establish formula-based deposits and withdrawal limits to prevent misuse, addressing a $5.7 billion budget deficit and ensuring fiscal resilience.

NYC Comptroller Mark Levine expressed concerns about SpaceX's fast-tracking into major financial indexes like MSCI Global Standard and FTSE Russell, citing the abandonment of traditional criteria such as seasoning periods and earnings track records. He also highlighted issues with SpaceX's governance structure, where a single individual holds dominant control with limited shareholder rights and no independent board oversight.

New York City's fiscal watchdogs warn Mayor Zohran Mamdani's budget relies on one-time measures and accounting maneuvers, exacerbating a structural deficit projected to reach $8.8 billion by 2028. The City Council's economists forecast $2 billion more in tax revenue than the mayor's office, but watchdogs argue the budget fails to address long-term sustainability.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani previously supported removing Ed Koch's name from the Queensboro Bridge but has not clarified his current stance. City Council Speaker Julie Menin and others initially backed the renaming but later changed their positions. The Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, which opposes Koch's handling of the 1980s AIDS crisis, collected endorsements for the renaming.

New York City Comptroller Mark Levine warned that artificial intelligence could lead to significant job losses in the city, impacting the local economy and job market. He highlighted potential scenarios where AI adoption may cost thousands of jobs in New York.

NYC Comptroller Mark Levine warned that artificial intelligence poses a significant economic risk to New York City, with a 50-50 probability of triggering a recession in the five boroughs. The city needs an additional $6.5 billion in savings to prepare for potential AI-related economic disruption that could impact tax revenue.

New York City is planning to tax luxury second homes at a significant amount to generate $500 million in revenue and help close the city's budget hole. The tax push is part of a new study from the New York City Comptroller's office. The goal is to address the city's financial gap.

New York City Comptroller Mark Levine is advocating for restrictions on using savings to cover budget shortfalls. The proposal focuses on managing municipal finances during fiscal challenges.