Overview
- The Mamdani administration, which filed the appeal Tuesday after settlement talks missed a court deadline, says it will keep negotiating a deal.
- City lawyers ask the Court of Appeals to overturn a mid‑2025 ruling that required implementing the 2023 laws, arguing the Council lacked authority to expand the voucher program.
- City officials cite a $5–6 billion budget gap and fast‑rising costs, with the program budgeted near $1.78 billion this year and an IBO estimate that expansion could add about 47,000 households and push annual costs past $4 billion by 2030.
- Advocates and Council leaders condemned the reversal and argue vouchers prevent shelter stays and save money, while some outlets highlight a projected $10 billion five‑year price tag and call the move a U‑turn.
- The stalled 2023 changes would raise income eligibility to roughly 50% of area median income, end 90‑day shelter and work rules, and cover people facing eviction, reshaping who gets CityFHEPS help, where tenants pay about 30% of income toward rent.