New York City's FY23 Budget Commits to Important Services for Older Adults

On June 14 the New York City Council voted to adopt the Fiscal Year 2023 New York City Budget, which invests in support and services for older adults with funding for home-delivered meals, geriatric mental health care, and an overall increase in the Department for the Aging (DFTA) budget.

“This budget shows a commitment by the City to expand support and services for older adults, and to serve them better by increasing wages for frontline workers,” said AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel. “In addition, investments in streetscape and other neighborhood improvements will further ensure that older adults can age in the homes and communities they love, where they overwhelmingly prefer to be.”

AARP and its volunteers, along with other advocates, fought for the city budget that New Yorkers 50-plus deserve, including testifying at Council hearings and meeting directly with city leaders during negotiations.

Finkel added: “We are heartened that the Mayor and Council increased overall funding for the Department for the Aging. The department, which oversees services for older adults—20% of the city’s population—is still short on funding, receiving less than half a percent of the city budget. We hope to see additional funding in the future.

“On behalf of AARP's 750,000 New York City members, I want to give special recognition to Councilmember Crystal Hudson, chair of the Aging Committee. This budget is undoubtedly a reflection of her tireless and relentless efforts to support New Yorkers 50-plus. She is a champion of older New Yorkers, and we look forward to working with her to ensure more support for older adults.”

Learn more about AARP’s policy priorities for New York City in our blueprint for action, What New Yorkers 50+ Deserve.