State Senator Christopher J. Ryan (SD-50), Chair of the Senate Cities 2 Committee,today participated in the joint Senate and Assembly Local Government/General Government Budget Hearing, where lawmakers examined the Governor’s Executive Budget and heard testimony from local leaders and advocacy organizations across New York State on whether the proposal adequately addresses municipal needs and what additional support may be required.

“Local governments are on the front lines every day delivering essential services, maintaining aging infrastructure, and keeping residents safe, often with limited and uncertain resources. These budget hearings are a critical opportunity to hear directly from municipal leaders about the real challenges they face and how the state can be a stronger, more reliable partner,” said State Senator Christopher Ryan “As Chair of the Cities 2 Committee, my focus is ensuring cities, towns, and villages have the tools they need to plan responsibly and provide for their communities. That includes a reevaluation of our current AIM formula and a long-term solution to increase  AIM funding. While I appreciate the Governor’s continued inclusion of a temporary $50 million increase, one-year solutions are not enough—especially with growing unpredictability at the federal level. Municipalities need long-term certainty they can count on year after year.”

The participation of both New York City officials, the Big Five Mayors, and leaders from cities, towns, and counties across the state underscores the shared fiscal and infrastructure challenges facing municipalities of every size.

Testimony was delivered by mayors and local officials representing communities across the state, including:

• New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani; 
• Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan; 
• Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano;
• Rochester Mayor Malik Evans;
• Syracuse Mayor Sharon F. Owens;
• Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs; 
• Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino;
• New York City Comptroller Mark Levine;
• New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin;
• New York State Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario; and  
• Association of Towns of the State of New York Executive Director Chris Koetzle.

The joint legislative budget hearings will continue through February 26 and will be streamed live on the New York State Senate and Assembly websites.