Mayor Announces Increased Funding for District Attorneys
On Wednesday, Mayor Eric Adams shared that the district attorney’s office will receive $17 million to bolster staff and investigations, particularly in cybercrime.
He noted a record-setting total of $633 million earmarked for five district attorneys and special drug prosecutor funds, part of the city’s roughly $116 billion budget for 2026, which was approved back in June.
“We’ve heard from DAS about the pressing human resources challenges they face,” Adams remarked, flanked by four district attorneys at City Hall.
“AI can’t replace a skilled ADA,” he added, emphasizing the human element in legal work.
This new funding contributes to an earlier allocation of $616 million for the same purposes.
District attorneys expressed that they were in desperate need of these additional funds, calling this financial package “the best budget ever,” designed to help them hire and retain more prosecutors.
“They represent true law and order,” said Adams. “They’re central to public safety, and we’re committed to providing them with the necessary resources to perform their jobs effectively.”
Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark mentioned that her office will receive $6.08 million to enable the hiring of 24 new assistant district attorneys, ensuring the Youth Justice Department is fully staffed to tackle youth violence and recidivism.
“These funds are transformative for the criminal justice system,” Clark stated.
Manhattan’s DA Dalvin Bragg, whose office will gain an additional $2.98 million, noted that this funding is essential for maintaining the department’s operations.
“We’re stretched thin, so this will really help bolster our ranks,” Bragg explained.
Queens DA Melinda Katz expressed her “happiness and gratitude” for the $1.75 million designated to establish a new crime lab for processing digital evidence.
Michael McMahon of Staten Island announced his office will receive $970,000 to expand staffing, especially to address the rise in cybercrime. He shared a troubling example: “Just two days ago, a 76-year-old woman was scammed out of $209,000 due to cyber fraud. This funding allows us to pursue those who exploit technological vulnerabilities.”
Brooklyn’s Eric Gonzalez was out of town and couldn’t hold a press conference, but indicated his office would potentially receive $5.6 million to hire 20 new assistant district attorneys and six paralegals, helping to alleviate the case backlog and meet evidence requirements.
“Strong cities are safe cities. That’s why our cities are strong,” Adams said, referencing a recent report on New York City shootings hitting a record low this year.
The funding breakdown for the district attorneys is as follows: $180 million for Manhattan, $157.9 million for Brooklyn, $128.3 million for the Bronx, $108.1 million for Queens, and $27 million for Staten Island, with the special drug prosecutor’s office receiving $31.7 million.
Adams held the press conference just ahead of new state discovery laws taking effect, which aim to lighten the burden on prosecutors in terms of discovery material.
“We have additional state funds for discovery, and combined with the mayor’s new funding, we’re equipped with the resources and personnel to manage the extensive material required,” McMahon noted.
