Gov. Kathy Hochul’s budget balancing act has begun as the governor attempts to spread the wealth to upstate New York following her pledge to give additional funding to New York City earlier this week.
Hochul announced an additional $150 million in financial assistance for cities, towns and villages outside of New York City on Thursday, Feb. 19, four days after sharing her plans to add another $150 billion into the budget for the city’s financial woes.
“We want all of New York’s municipalities to succeed, and this funding is crucial to putting all of our cities, towns and villages on stronger financial footing and allowing them to keep their residents safe and continue providing the vital services they rely on,” Hochul said in a written statement on Feb. 19.
Here’s what this could mean for you.
Where is the NY money going?
Most of the newly allocated funds — $100 million — are expected to further feed the Temporary Municipal Assistance program, which provides general purpose aid for local governments and is already expected to receive a proposed $50 million in the fiscal year 2027 executive budget, Hochul said.
The funding will be distributed proportionately across all cities, towns and villages outside of New York City, with the exception of the cities of Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Yonkers. According to Hochul, they will all receive the maximum additional amount of $10 million.
An additional $30 million has been proposed for Buffalo and $20 million could land in the pockets of fiscally distressed local governments.
This comes on the heels of Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan’s appeal to Hochul last week as he explained his city’s need for increased local revenue and short-term state support to help stabilize the city’s finances.
“This support from New York State allows us to balance this year’s books without additional borrowing and reduces the pressure on Buffalo taxpayers in the years ahead,” Ryan said in a written statement Thursday. “I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for recognizing Buffalo’s urgent need and providing the resources that will stabilize our finances immediately as we take on the long-term work to put the City on solid footing.”
How much money could your city see?
Here’s how much money each region could receive in Temporary Municipal Assistance program funds in the 2027 executive budget.
And here’s how much Temporary Municipal Assistance program funds certain cities in New York could receive in fiscal year 2027.
Find out how much your exact city, town or village may receive here.
Emily Barnes covers state government for the USA TODAY Network-New York with a focus on how policy and laws impact New Yorkers’ taxes, communities and jobs. Follow her on Instagram or X @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Hochul pledges another $150M for NY cities in financial stress
Reporting by Emily Barnes, New York State Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
