Mamdani was forced to back out of a key election promise

During the mayoral race, Mamdani harshly attacked Adams, calling his opposition “a ridiculous waste of time in the midst of a housing crisis.” But now, instead of implementing the expansion as he promised his voters, Mamdani’s government is working to formulate a compromise arrangement that will limit the increase in costs.

The change in the mayor’s position comes against the background of alarming data presented in professional reports. A report by the “Civilian Budget Committee” from last year stated that the vouchers failed in their mission to reduce the demand for shelters. Another report from 2024 estimates that full implementation of the expansion of the program will cost the city coffers about 17 billion dollars over five years. Faced with a municipal budget deficit of about 7 billion dollars, Mamdani had to admit that subsidizing demand could lead to further price increases, instead of solving the problem by increasing the housing supply.

For his supporters, his withdrawal from the taxation and housing promises is seen as turning his back on his principles in favor of budget constraints.