NYC's $387 Daily Spending on Migrants: Mayor Adams' Cost-Cutting Efforts

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In the bustling metropolis of New York City, where the cost of living often reaches astronomical heights, another figure has been making headlines: $387 per day. That's the average amount the city is shelling out to provide shelter and sustenance to a single migrant household in taxpayer-funded shelters, according to recent data from City Hall.

This eye-popping number, known as the "cumulative per diem," represents the culmination of expenditures incurred since the onset of the migrant crisis in spring 2022. With nearly 65,000 migrants under its care as of last week, the city's daily tab has been gradually declining, albeit modestly. February's figure of $387 marks a $5 reduction from October 2023, reflecting ongoing efforts by Mayor Eric Adams' administration to rein in spending amidst the persistent influx of asylum-seekers.

Mayor Adams, who assumed office amidst the throes of this crisis, has been at the forefront of implementing cost-cutting measures aimed at alleviating the burden on taxpayers. City agencies were instructed to slash spending by 5% last November, followed by another 5% in January. However, a third wave of anticipated cuts was recently nixed, citing improved revenue projections and further reductions in migrant-related expenditures.

City Hall projects substantial savings of $2.3 billion by the upcoming summer, a testament to the efficacy of these measures in addressing what has been deemed a national humanitarian crisis. Yet, the road ahead remains fraught with financial challenges, with the crisis projected to cost the Big Apple a staggering $10 billion through the next fiscal year.

The daily cost of sheltering asylum-seekers remains significantly higher than that of housing the homeless population—a disparity attributed to the exorbitant expenses associated with accommodating migrants in commercial hotels. Department of Social Services Commissioner Molly Wasow Park acknowledged this reality during a recent budget hearing, highlighting the average per diem of $145.13 for single adults in city shelters.

Despite the financial strain, City Hall remains committed to managing costs down and advocating for additional support from state and federal partners. With forecasts predicting a further reduction in per diem costs to $352 for the 2025 fiscal year, there's cautious optimism that prudent fiscal management coupled with collaborative efforts will help navigate New York City through these turbulent times