New York City Council calls for $174M boost to CUNY budget for education programs

The Finance, Higher Education, and Government Operations Committee of the New York City Council convened on May 15, 2025, for the Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget Hearing focused on the City University of New York (CUNY). The meeting aimed to discuss CUNY's budgetary needs and the implications for its programs and services.

Council Member Eric Dinowitz, co-chair of the hearing and a CUNY alumnus, opened the session by highlighting the importance of CUNY in providing educational opportunities for working-class families. He noted that CUNY's proposed budget for FY26 totals $1.48 billion, which includes nearly $1 billion allocated for personal services to support over 6,000 full-time positions. This budget reflects an increase of approximately $114 million from the previous year, primarily due to baseline restorations and funding for essential programs like CUNY's Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) and the CUNY Reconnect initiative.

Despite the budget increase, Dinowitz expressed concern over the continued underfunding of critical programs, including CUNY Reconnect, which aims to help individuals return to college. He emphasized the need for an additional $174.8 million to support various programs and $211 million for capital projects, underscoring the council's commitment to ensuring that CUNY remains a viable pathway for upward mobility.

Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez addressed the committee, acknowledging the challenges posed by evolving federal policies that threaten funding for essential research and educational initiatives. He highlighted CUNY's efforts to expand access to education, noting that the CUNY Reconnect program has enrolled over 40,000 students, with more than 8,400 graduates contributing to the workforce. Rodriguez also discussed the successful implementation of a seamless transfer initiative for students moving from community colleges to four-year programs, which has improved credit retention and reduced tuition costs.

The hearing also covered CUNY's partnerships with the New York City public school system, which have helped thousands of high school seniors navigate post-secondary planning and financial aid. Rodriguez reported a 5% growth in CUNY's student body over the past two years, with nearly 12,000 new students enrolled, and announced plans to launch ASAP for part-time students in the fall of 2025.

As the meeting progressed, council members raised questions about tuition adjustments, CUNY's staffing vacancies, and the impact of federal policies on the university's operations. The discussions underscored the critical role of CUNY in New York City's educational landscape and the ongoing efforts to secure adequate funding for its programs.

In conclusion, the hearing highlighted the council's commitment to advocating for CUNY's budgetary needs while addressing the challenges posed by external funding pressures. The outcomes of this meeting will play a significant role in shaping the future of higher education in New York City.