FPWA welcomes Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s next mayor and looks forward to working with him. With a shared focus on economic security for all, we will partner with Mr. Mamdani and his administration to help ensure that our city once again is a place where all can achieve economic security and thrive.
This moment is both pivotal and urgent. Across our city and nation, millions are struggling under the weight of an affordability crisis that touches every community. FPWA’s latest research shows that 62 percent of New Yorkers are economically insecure, lacking the resources needed to meet their daily needs, build savings, and plan for the future. For families with children, the citywide rate is higher at 72 percent. And, in communities that have long been economically challenged, family economic insecurity is as high as 88%. For single parent households, it’s even higher at 91%.
As the next administration takes shape, FPWA remains steadfast in our commitment to advocating for policies that expand household resources, reduce the cost of essential goods and services, and dismantle the systemic barriers that perpetuate poverty and economic instability. And, we are equally committed to ensuring that human services agencies have the resources and other critical supports necessary to care for our neighbors in need.
As transition gets underway, we urge the incoming mayor to honor the will of New York City voters by releasing and using the city’s true cost of living measure to guide policymaking. This, along with the release and implementation of the racial equity plans already developed by City agencies, represents not only a legal obligation, but a moral one. We must ensure that all New Yorkers can live with agency, dignity, and security.
Now is the time to move our city forward together with a shared vision of all New Yorkers thriving, and FPWA stands ready to do its part!
With hope and determination,
Jennifer Jones Austin
CEO & Executive Director, FPWA
Co-Chair, National True Cost of Living Coalition
