NEW YORK CITY January 9, 2026 — On the eighth day of his administration, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a major step toward universal childcare, fulfilling a key campaign promise through a partnership with New York State Governor Kathy Hochul.
In a video address posted from the Mayor’s office, Mamdani highlighted the initiative as part of three core pledges he made during his campaign over a year ago: freezing rents for rent-stabilized tenants, making buses faster and free, and delivering universal childcare.
“Yesterday, our movement won a historic victory for working families across this city,” Mamdani said. “On day eight of our administration, we announced the beginning of universal childcare for all New Yorkers.”
The announcement, made alongside Governor Hochul in Flatbush, includes a $1.2 billion state investment to expand access. Key elements include:
– Making the city’s 3K program truly universal by adding seats in underserved neighborhoods.
– Launching “2-Care,” a new program offering free childcare for two-year-olds, starting in high-need areas and expanding citywide.
– Contributing to statewide goals, including universal Pre-K for all four-year-olds by the 2028-29 school year.
Mamdani emphasized the relief for families, projecting savings of more than $20,000 per child annually by the end of his first term. “No longer will New Yorkers be forced to choose between starting a family and continuing to live in the city they love,” he stated.
Governor Hochul described the high cost of childcare as a shared concern for families statewide. “As New York’s first mom Governor, fighting for New York’s families has always been at the core of my agenda,” she said in the joint press release. The state commitment builds on prior investments exceeding $8 billion, including expanded subsidies serving 170,000 children and increased provider reimbursements.
The program also expands eligibility for subsidies (now up to approximately $114,000 for a family of four) and caps weekly costs at $15 for most recipients.
“This victory represents proof that when New Yorkers come together, we can transform the way government serves working families,” Mamdani added, crediting grassroots efforts for the achievement.
The initiative marks an early policy win for Mayor Mamdani, who took office on January 1, 2026, following his election as New York City’s first Muslim mayor in November 2025.
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