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NYC Mayor Cuts Police Funding, Boosts 'Inclusion' Spending
Zohran Mamdani plans to forgo hiring 5,000 new officers and make further police department cuts to cover budget deficit.
Feb. 24, 2026 at 9:07am
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani plans to cut police department spending, forgo hiring 5,000 new officers, and make further layoffs. Mamdani intends to use the freed-up funds to partially cover the city's $12.6 billion budget deficit. Meanwhile, the mayor is directing millions of dollars to expanding the city's 'racial equity' bureaucracy and high-paying diversity and inclusion positions.
Why it matters
Mamdani's decision to cut police funding and headcount comes amid ongoing concerns about high crime rates in New York City, which have remained elevated since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The mayor's shift away from his previous campaign promises on public safety is drawing scrutiny, as is his focus on expanding diversity and inclusion programs within city government.
The details
According to the latest city budget data, Mamdani has officially abandoned his predecessor Eric Adams' plans to increase the NYPD's workforce by 5,000 officers, which would have brought the department to 40,000 - the highest level in 20 years. Mamdani has cited the city's $12.6 billion budget deficit, which he attributes to the previous administration's underbudgeting, as the reason for the police cuts. Meanwhile, the mayor is directing millions in new funding to the Office of Racial Equity, the Racial Equity Commission, and diversity leadership positions across city agencies like the FDNY.
- In late July 2025, a mass shooting at a downtown office building left five people dead, including a police officer.
- In November 2025, Zohran Kwame Mamdani was elected the 111th mayor of New York City, taking office on January 1, 2026.
- Last month, Mamdani announced the city was facing an "extraordinary" two-year $12.6 billion budget deficit.
The players
Zohran Kwame Mamdani
The 111th mayor of New York City, elected in November 2025 as a member of the Democratic Party known for his ultra-liberal views, including criticism of former President Trump's immigration policies.
Eric Adams
Mamdani's predecessor as mayor of New York City, who had planned to increase the NYPD's workforce by 5,000 officers.
Kathy Hochul
The governor of New York, who announced $1.5 billion in additional state aid to the city to address its financial woes.
What they’re saying
“It's not about the number of employees. It's about safety.”
— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City
“I am not advocating for defunding the NYPD.”
— Zohran Mamdani
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
Mamdani's decision to cut police funding while expanding the city's 'racial equity' bureaucracy highlights the ongoing debate over public safety, criminal justice reform, and the role of diversity and inclusion initiatives in local government.
