Mamdani and Hochul Discuss Universal Child Care and Federal Threats in Lengthy Meeting

90-Minute Session Addresses Affordability, ICE Operations, and State-City Partnership

State and City Leaders Align on Key Priorities

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met with Governor Kathy Hochul at her Manhattan office for approximately 90 minutes Thursday, marking a significant step in building their working relationship ahead of his January inauguration. Representatives for both leaders characterized the meeting as productive, focusing on shared priorities including affordability and public safety.

Universal Child Care Takes Center Stage

The discussion emphasized Mamdani’s signature universal child care proposal, which would provide free care for children from 6 weeks to 5 years old. According to the mayor-elect, the absence of universal child care has cost the city’s economy more than $20 billion during Mayor Eric Adams’ tenure, with mothers leaving the workforce and families departing New York entirely. “Both discussed a shared desire to make significant additional investments that put New York on a path to universal child care,” their representatives stated, adding that senior staffers will meet in coming weeks to develop plans for fiscal year 2027 and beyond. The initiative faces funding challenges, as Mamdani proposes paying for it through increased taxes on corporations and individuals earning over $1 million–measures requiring state legislature and gubernatorial approval.

Federal Threats and ICE Operations

The leaders addressed potential federal government actions, including dramatically increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations or National Guard deployment in New York City. “Both agreed that New York is safe and that a federal surge would not improve public safety,” according to their representatives. Hochul’s team shared preparedness efforts with Mamdani’s staff, who will now participate in response planning, as detailed by CBS New York.

Fiscal Landscape and Federal Cuts

The meeting covered the city and state’s fiscal situation, particularly concerning President Trump’s repeated threats to withhold federal funds if Mamdani became mayor. The two discussed “the need to balance proposed federal cuts with ongoing investments that matter to New Yorkers,” highlighting the complex budgetary challenges ahead. Governor Hochul posted on social media calling the meeting a “productive discussion on our shared priorities and all we’ll accomplish for New Yorkers together,” signaling a collaborative approach despite their political differences. The partnership between the centrist governor and democratic socialist mayor-elect will prove crucial for implementing major policy initiatives requiring state approval.