$8.7 Million, Six Weeks, Five Slots…
Counting down to the mayoral election—and other news from New York
Today marks just six weeks until voting in New York City primaries ends on Election Day, June 24.
Now’s the time to get out the vote for great candidates, which is why we’re hosting a Day of Action on Saturday, May 31, to connect abundance-minded New Yorkers with opportunities to volunteer for our favorite candidates. Sign up now!
Once polls close and RCV tabulations are run (which, given the weakness of NYC’s BOE, could be a while), we’ll know Democrats’ nominees. In deep blue New York, knowing the nominees for mayor, comptroller, borough presidencies, city council, and more means we’ll have a good idea who the next set of officeholders will be.
But most New Yorkers aren’t talking about the election yet, and that’s hopeful news for the non-Cuomo field of candidates who are lagging in polls: there might still be time to turn it all around.
So what are people talking about—and what should they be? Read on to find out…
What New Yorkers are Talking About
Knicks in five? After another stunning comeback, it seems like the Knicks could actually make it to the conference finals—a first in a quarter century.
RHONY done after fifteen? Rumor has it that after two subpar seasons post-reboot, the Real Housewives of New York could be done for.
Twenty-something West Village girlies ascendant? New York’s last cover started a Discourse about “West Village Girls”—young Carrie Bradshaw wannabes swarming the neighborhood. Missing from most of the commentary? Proper blame on the housing shortage for driving up rents and reducing diversity.
What the Political Class is Chattering About
Matching Money Comes, Matching Money Goes: While most New Yorkers are just starting to pay attention to the coming elections with more candidates getting on the air with TV ads, politicos are talking about Andrew Cuomo finally getting $1.5 million in matching funds—but being penalized over $600K for improper coordination with his Super PAC.
But Private Funds Are Much Bigger Than Public: Speaking of which, that Super PAC, Fix the City, has raised a record $8.7 million—including $1 million from DoorDash, which lobbied against city laws charging them fees, in addition to funds from fossil fuel executives.
The State Budget is Biggest: Beyond the NBA playoffs and the horse-race politics, there’s the work of government. Most recently, that was the long-delayed passage of the $254 billion state budget. Governor Hochul got discovery reforms and new involuntary commitment rules; we got funding for the MTA but not much else.
What the Abundance Wonks are Watching
Watching Albany: The dragged-out budget fight means a much shorter window for lawmaking before Albany gavels out for the session. Bills we care about (and which you read about last week) including the Faith Based Affordable Housing Act, Stop Super Speeders, the NY HEAT Act, and more, could be on the docket—though, right now, it looks more like a chopping block.
Watching the Feds: As the abundance agenda gets battered from DC, we’re lamenting the apparent death of a critical offshore wind project and dreading proposed 40% cuts to rental aid—but celebrating the unequivocal wins of congestion pricing, still going strong.
Watching the City: While eyeing Albany and Washington, we’re also tracking updates closer to home: Cuomo vowing to pull the plug on a critical shelter after NIMBY complaints, Councilwoman Gale Brewer proposing the return of shame stickers for traffic violators, and New Yorkers embracing residential composting.
Mark Your Calendars
5/14 for Socializing: Remember that tomorrow is our May Happy Hour! We’re almost at capacity, so grab your spot now (or update your RSVP status if you can’t make it after all).
5/21 and 5/31 for Organizing: Election results, and New York’s future, are in our hands. Sign up for our May 31st Abundance Day of Action to connect with aligned candidates and fellow volunteers. In the meantime, join Open New York’s relational organizing night on May 21st. And remember you can find volunteer opportunities all the time for our recommended candidates on our Mobilize Hub (bookmark it!).
6/4 for Spectating: Many New Yorkers are glued to the playoffs; the politicos are anxiously awaiting another marquee match-up: the mayoral debate on June 4. We’ll be hosting a watch party! Mark your calendars now and look out for details to come.