Part 6/9:
The broader political context complicates Mamdani’s position. Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed strong opposition to tax hikes, citing the flight of residents and businesses out of New York since 2020. President Trump has already frozen nearly $20 billion in infrastructure funds for the city, further constraining revenue options.
Meanwhile, police morale is plummeting as nearly 5,000 officers have left the NYPD since January 2024, citing dissatisfaction with policies that vilify law enforcement. The city’s approach appears to be pushing away the very institutions needed to maintain order—a factor that could further undermine economic stability.