NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani: The city must increase taxes on the wealthiest to fill $12B deficit

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  January 28, 2026 at 15:08  |  5:39  |  CNBC
Speakers
Zohran Mamdani — Mayor of New York City
Andrew Ross Sorkin — Co-Anchor, Squawk Box

Summary

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani discusses his plan to address a $12 billion city fiscal deficit through a 2 percentage-point tax increase on top earners, efficiency savings, and a rebalanced funding relationship with New York State. He disputes capital-flight concerns, citing rising millionaire counts after prior state tax hikes. Host Andrew Ross Sorkin presses him on whether mobile billionaires could leave for lower-tax states like Florida. No specific securities or investment recommendations were discussed.

  • Mayor Mamdani says NYC faces a $12 billion fiscal deficit larger than the Great Recession shortfall.
  • He proposes raising taxes on the top 1% of NYC residents earning $1 million or more by 2 percentage points.
  • He also seeks more state funding and city efficiency savings, including cutting wasteful programs.
  • Mamdani argues capital-flight fears are overblown, noting millionaire growth after 2021 state tax increases.
  • He says NYC contributes 54.5% of state revenue but receives only 40.5% back.
  • Host Andrew Ross Sorkin raises the risk of billionaire departures, citing David Tepper's New Jersey exit.
  • No tradable securities or investment recommendations were named.
Up Next