Lone NYC Council Dem to vote against Mamdani's $126B budget rips mayor for lack of 'equity'

Key Points:

• Bronx Councilwoman Althea Stevens was the sole Democrat to oppose New York City's $125.8 billion budget, criticizing Mayor Zohran Mamdani for inequitable funding that favored wealthier districts over her high-poverty, high-violence South Bronx district.
• Stevens argued that true equity requires directing resources to the neighborhoods with the greatest needs, highlighting that her District 16 received only $11.1 million in capital and expense funding.
• Some progressive Council members, including Shahana Hanif and Sandy Nurse, supported Stevens' stance despite voting for the budget, signaling internal dissent within the Democratic caucus.
• Queens Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers also criticized the budget for lacking capital funding for a trauma center in Far Rockaway, emphasizing the urgent healthcare needs following the closure of Peninsula Hospital in 2012.
• The mayor’s office acknowledged ongoing discussions with local officials to explore alternative trauma care solutions in Far Rockaway, while a Council source noted Stevens did not engage in budget negotiations with the Council Speaker.