FEBRUARY 9, 2026
POLICY PUSH: The Business Council of New York State this week will launch a public awareness campaign meant to highlight “pro-growth” ideas to address affordability.
“Affordability is the defining issue for New York families and businesses,” said Heather Mulligan, the group’s president and CEO. “Too many New Yorkers are struggling with rising costs, and too many employers are questioning whether they can continue to operate here. This campaign is about accountability. Every major proposal should be judged on a simple question: Does it make New York more affordable or less?”
The private sector advocacy group will put seven figures behind the effort, which will include “digital, media and grassroots engagement,” the group said.
The campaign in part is counterprogramming to a push by left-leaning advocates and Mamdani to hike taxes on rich people and large corporations — a proposal the mayor reiterated last week when he endorsed Hochul’s reelection bid. The Democratic governor has insisted she does not want to raise taxes in this year’s state budget.
— Nick Reisman
