🔴 LIVE: Public Testimony for FY27 Executive Budget

The New York City Council held a public testimony session on June 11, 2026, focused on the FY27 Executive Budget. The meeting featured extensive public and organizational testimonies covering a wide range of budgetary and procurement issues affecting city services and programs. Key procurement-related discussions included funding requests and concerns about afterschool program contracts, particularly the termination of Manhattan Youth's contract and the impact on continuity and quality of services. There were detailed testimonies on the need for increased and sustained funding for emergency medical services (EMS), including calls for pay parity and workforce stabilization to address critical staffing shortages and response time delays. The council also heard from advocates for public housing, urging reallocation of $1.5 billion from HPD's RAD/PAC conversion program to Section 9 comprehensive modernization to preserve affordable housing and prevent privatization. Environmental and infrastructure projects such as the Queensway linear park and Queens Link transit proposal were debated, with advocates urging reconsideration of funding priorities to balance green space and transit needs. Numerous nonprofit and community organizations testified on the importance of funding for social services, immigrant legal aid, mental health programs, restorative justice, youth development, libraries, animal welfare, and cultural initiatives. Several speakers highlighted procurement and contract oversight issues within the Department of Education, including concerns about vendor selection, background checks, and transparency. The council members expressed commitment to addressing these concerns and supporting investments that promote equity, safety, and community well-being. Overall, the meeting underscored the council's role in scrutinizing budget allocations, contract awards, and program funding to ensure effective use of public resources and responsiveness to community needs.