In a recent City Council vote, the lone Democrat opposing New York City’s nearly $126 billion budget expressed strong criticism towards Mayor Zoran Mamdani. Bronx City Council member Althea Stevens argued that the budget was hastily crafted and shifted funding inappropriately, favoring wealthier neighborhoods over others in need.
Stevens criticized the budget for its lack of “equity,” pointing out that her district, which struggles with high levels of poverty and gun violence, received insufficient resources. “It’s disheartening that areas like mine continue to fight for basic needs, while more affluent neighborhoods get significantly larger investments,” she stated.
“Equity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s about putting resources where they’re needed most,” she emphasized.
The City Council approved the budget in a 45-6 vote late Tuesday. Stevens joined five Republicans in her dissent.
Even among those who supported the budget, some leftist politicians expressed solidarity with Stevens. Council member Shahana Hanif and Progressive Caucus Co-Chair Sandy Nurse voiced their support publicly, despite their affirmative votes.
“I support her 100%,” Hanif remarked on social media. Nurse echoed similar sentiments, lamenting the budget’s shortcomings.
According to a City Council spokesperson, Stevens’ district, comprising the South Bronx areas of Morrisania, Concourse, Highbridge, and Morris Heights, is set to receive approximately $11.1 million in funding.
A spokesperson for City Council President Julie Menin praised the budget, highlighting the overwhelming support from most Democratic members.
Meanwhile, Councilmember Selvena Brooks-Powers, who voted for the budget as well, criticized the administration for neglecting to fund a trauma center in her district, which includes Far Rockaway. She pointed out that if such a facility had been available, it could have saved the life of an NYPD detective fatally shot during a traffic stop.
Brooks-Powers insisted that the absence of funding for the trauma center contradicts the mayor’s assertion that “healthcare is a human right.” Local advocates have been pushing for a Level 1 or 2 trauma center since the closure of Peninsula Hospital in 2012, which has forced residents to depend on Jamaica Hospital for serious injuries.
There’s some debate over the viability of a Level 1 or 2 center in Far Rockaway, though officials might consider a Level 3 center with expanded staff. Previous investments from the former mayor have included $50 million designated for the proposed trauma center.
The mayor’s office did not respond directly to Stevens’ concerns but indicated a willingness to engage with Brooks-Powers on potential solutions for enhancing trauma care access in the region.
According to a senior spokesperson for Mamdani, discussions are planned for the coming month to explore alternatives, such as improving existing facilities and transportation options for patients.
Interestingly, some council members claimed that Stevens did not engage in discussions about budget priorities during negotiations. There was no immediate response from Stevens’ team regarding this assertion.
