Mayor Unveils Citywide Racial Equity Plan, Cost Measure

New framework aims to address long-standing disparities and affordability crisis in New York City

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:00am

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A serene, cinematic painting of a lone city street lamp or park bench cast in warm, golden light and long shadows, evoking a mood of contemplation about persistent disparities in New York.A pensive scene of urban solitude reflects the deep-rooted challenges of racial and economic inequity that continue to shape life in New York City.NYC Today

Mayor Zohran Mamdani today released the Preliminary Citywide Racial Equity Plan (REP) and the inaugural NYC True Cost of Living (TCOL) Measure, two reports that together establish a new framework for how New York City measures affordability, understands inequity and plans for a more equitable future.

Why it matters

The reports make clear that New York City's affordability crisis is deeply tied to its history of racial inequity. Patterns of disinvestment, exclusion from homeownership, unequal access to health care and employment, and concentrated environmental burdens have shaped who has resources, who faces the greatest costs and who remains most economically insecure today.

The details

The Preliminary Citywide Racial Equity Plan is the first governmentwide racial equity framework in the city's history, outlining data-driven agency goals, strategies and indicators to address long-standing disparities. The True Cost of Living Measure provides a clear picture of what New Yorkers need to meet essential needs and achieve foundational economic security. Together, the reports show that 62% of New Yorkers - 5.04 million people - do not meet their true cost of living, with racial disparities most pronounced.

  • The Preliminary Citywide Racial Equity Plan and True Cost of Living Measure were mandated by successful voter referendums in 2022.
  • For the next 30 days, the Mamdani administration will gather public feedback before releasing a Final Citywide Racial Equity Plan.

The players

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who released the Preliminary Citywide Racial Equity Plan and True Cost of Living Measure.

Julie Su

Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice who is overseeing the implementation of the reports.

Afua Atta-Mensah

NYC Chief Equity Officer and NYC Mayor's Office of Equity & Racial Justice Commissioner who led the development of the Racial Equity Plan.

Kamar Samuels

Schools Chancellor who discussed the impact of racial inequities on students and families.

Alister Martin

NYC Health Commissioner who emphasized the health impacts of persistent inequities.

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What they’re saying

“The True Cost of Living Measure offers an honest account of what it actually costs to live in this city - and who is being left behind. It shows that this is not a crisis affecting a small minority of New Yorkers. It is a crisis touching the vast majority of our city, in every borough and every neighborhood.”

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani

“Ensuring that New Yorkers can afford the actual costs of living and raising a family and that workers get a fair shot is at the center of our economic justice agenda. We also know that there cannot be true economic justice without dismantling structural racism and inequity.”

— Julie Su, Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice

“Inequity has been embedded in the foundation of our city and nation since their inception; dismantling it requires a collective effort. The NYC Preliminary Citywide Racial Equity Plan reflects the city's commitment to systemic transformation-turning our values into actions.”

— Afua Atta-Mensah, NYC Chief Equity Officer and NYC Mayor's Office of Equity & Racial Justice Commissioner

“When families cannot meet the true cost of living, the impact shows up in our classrooms. That is why with programs like Universal 3K/Pre-K, and our career readiness programs, we can provide students and their families with opportunities to be supported in our school system and beyond.”

— Kamar Samuels, Schools Chancellor

“This plan delivers on a key priority of the Mamdani administration and reflects the voices of those who have called for its release. Inequities in access to food, health care, housing, education and economic opportunity persist in New York City, disproportionately affecting the health of communities of color.”

— Alister Martin, NYC Health Commissioner

What’s next

The NYC Commission on Racial Equity (CORE), an independent accountability partner on the Racial Equity Plan, will share upcoming engagement opportunities for the public to provide feedback on the plan.

The takeaway

The release of the Preliminary Citywide Racial Equity Plan and True Cost of Living Measure marks a significant step in New York City's efforts to confront systemic inequities and the affordability crisis that disproportionately impacts communities of color. By establishing a comprehensive, data-driven framework, the city aims to drive meaningful change and ensure a more equitable future for all New Yorkers.