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Also attached to this agenda item: Resolution 52-2025 AIM Letter

Hon. Kathy Hochul Hon. Andrea Stewart-Cousins Hon. Carl Heastie Governor Senate Majority Leader Assembly Speaker State of New York 332 State Capitol LOB – Room 932 State Capitol Albany, NY 12247 Albany, NY 12248 Albany, NY 12224 Dear Governor Hochul, Leader Stewart-Cousins, and Speaker Heastie, On behalf of our cities and villages, we sincerely thank you for the first increase in unrestricted municipal aid in 15 years that was included as part of the 2024-25 State Budget. The additional $50 million in funding is a welcome and much-needed step toward addressing the fiscal challenges our local governments face. We appreciate this recognition of the critical role municipalities play in improving the quality of life across New York State. Unfortunately, local governments continue to grapple with the impacts of inflation, the end of federal ARPA funds, the flattening of sales tax revenue – and now the threat of losing federal aid. These factors, coupled with 15 years of level funding and a two percent tax cap, have placed significant financial strain on many municipalities. To ensure that local governments are better positioned to weather the economic challenges they face, we urge you as part of the 2025-26 State Budget to build upon your recent investment by committing to consistent and predictable annual increases in AIM funding. Our cities and villages are on the frontlines of ensuring property tax affordability and public safety, so like yours, these are our priorities too. However, our ability to address these critical issues is directly tied to the level of support we receive from the State. We are truly stronger together so we ask that you help us to achieve these shared goals – goals that unite local officials, state leaders, legislators, and most importantly, every resident of New York. We greatly appreciate your partnership and look forward to working with you to make our communities and our State the best they can be. [A list of mayors that agree to sign-on will be attached]