Mayor Mamdani Hosts NYC Tax Day Forum with Economists

Experts discuss growing global inequality and solutions to make the wealthy pay their fair share

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:38am

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A vibrant, abstract painting depicting a government building in shades of blue and gold, with the structure fractured and repeated in overlapping geometric waves, conveying the complex interplay of wealth, power, and politics.As global inequality continues to concentrate wealth and influence in the hands of a few, cities like New York are exploring new ways to tax the ultra-rich and invest in a more equitable future.NYC Today

New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani hosted a Tax Day forum with renowned economists Joseph Stiglitz and Gabriel Zucman to discuss the global crisis of extreme inequality and the need to tax the wealthy to fund critical public services and programs. The experts highlighted how the wealthiest individuals and corporations pay far less in taxes compared to the middle and working classes, exacerbating economic and political divides. Mayor Mamdani outlined his vision for using new tax revenue to make New York more affordable and livable for all residents, including investments in public transit, childcare, and healthy food access.

Why it matters

Extreme inequality not only harms economic performance and social cohesion, but also threatens the foundations of democracy by allowing the wealthy to wield outsized political influence. Addressing this crisis requires a global effort to make the super-rich pay their fair share in taxes, which can then fund vital public goods and services that improve quality of life for all.

The details

The forum featured presentations from Stiglitz and Zucman on the state of inequality worldwide. Stiglitz noted that 41% of global wealth gains since 2000 have gone to the top 1%, while the bottom 50% received just 1%. Zucman discussed proposals for a global minimum tax on billionaire wealth, which several countries are now exploring. Mayor Mamdani outlined plans to introduce a 'pied-à-terre' tax on luxury vacant properties in New York, as well as new public grocery stores and universal childcare to make the city more affordable.

  • On July 4, Quinn allegedly dove onto the hood of a Waymo vehicle and covered sensors.
  • On July 29, Quinn allegedly damaged a Waymo's tires and driver's side mirror.
  • On August 11, Quinn allegedly stomped on a windshield while someone was inside.

The players

Joseph Stiglitz

A Nobel Prize-winning economist whose work has shaped the global understanding of inequality, its impact on democracies, and the policies needed to address it.

Gabriel Zucman

The founder of the International Tax Observatory, whose research on taxing extreme wealth is influencing policy debates worldwide.

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who is leading efforts to make the city more affordable and livable for working-class residents through progressive taxation and investments in public services.

Commissioner Ana María Archila

The commissioner of the Mayor's Office of International Affairs, who moderated the forum and discussed the global implications of addressing inequality.

Pedro Sánchez

The Prime Minister of Spain, who is hosting a meeting of world leaders in Barcelona to discuss a global minimum tax on billionaires.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

“We have a global inequality crisis. And the last two meetings of the G20 focused on - it's very hard to get an agreement among the G20 these days, but one of the things that there was a broad consensus [on] is we have a global inequality crisis.”

— Joseph Stiglitz, Economist

“Pretty much everywhere, the super-rich pay much less tax relative to their income than other social groups. Often only half as much in tax as what the middle class pays [and] as what the working class pays.”

— Gabriel Zucman, Economist

“If we can make something work in New York City, it is allowed to be the proof of concept for it to work elsewhere.”

— Mayor Zohran Kwame 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

This forum highlights the growing global movement to tax the wealthy and use that revenue to fund critical public services and make cities more affordable and livable for all residents. New York City is poised to be a leader in this effort, with plans to introduce new taxes on luxury properties and use the proceeds to improve transportation, childcare, and food access - investments that can serve as a model for other cities and countries grappling with extreme inequality.