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Mamdani plan pours millions into ‘racial equity’ offices and six-figure diversity jobs, cuts 5,000 NYPD jobs
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Even as City Hall describes parts of its spending plan as “actions of last resort,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani is steering millions into an expanding “racial equity” bureaucracy and six-figure diversity positions.
To finance the $127 billion agenda, the plan carries steep trade-offs — higher taxes on wealthy residents and corporations, a potential 9.5% property tax increase if state lawmakers decline to act and a 5,000-officer reduction in the New York City Police Department’s ranks.
Mamdani’s budget is far from inconsequential. In a city of nearly 9 million people that represents the center of global finance, his sweeping progressive agenda isn’t just a local policy shift. It’s a high-stakes experiment that could reshape the nation’s largest economy.
FROM FREE BUSES TO CITY-OWNED GROCERY STORES, HERE ARE MAMDANI’S KEY ECONOMIC PROMISES
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani placed affordability at the center of his campaign to run America’s largest city. (Adam Gray/Bloomberg/Getty Images)
Under Mamdani’s plan, the city’s Office of Racial Equity would receive $5.6 million annually, while the Commission on Racial Equity would be allocated $4.6 million, a combined total of $10.2 million. The new figure represents roughly a $3 million increase — or about a 42% jump — from the approximately $7.2 million allocated last year.
Together, the allocations support a growing racial equity apparatus within City Hall. The Office of Racial Equity, which employs a staff of 38, serves as the administration’s operational arm, coordinating and implementing racial equity policies across agencies.
The Commission on Racial Equity, made up of 16 paid roles, functions as a separate advisory and analytical body, conducting research, developing recommendations and providing oversight related to racial equity policy.
Beyond the $10.2 million allocated to the Office and Commission on Racial Equity, the budget also funds several high-level diversity positions across city agencies.
MAMDANI PROPOSES RAISING NYC PROPERTY TAXES IF STATE DOESN’T APPROVE TAX HIKE ON WEALTHY
In front of a painting of Alexander Hamilton, Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks to reporters about the city’s finances during a news conference in New York Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. (Seth Wenig/AP Photo)
The Department of Education budgets more than $260,000 for a chief diversity officer. Meanwhile, at the fire department, three civilian chief diversity inclusion officer positions are funded at just over $301,000 in combined salaries, along with nearly $230,000 in associated overtime, bringing the civilian unit’s total to about $531,000.
The FDNY also funds a separate uniformed chief diversity inclusion officer position at just over $118,000, pushing the department’s total diversity leadership allocation to roughly $649,000.
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Under Mamdani’s budget plan, the city will cut 5,000 police officer roles. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Additionally, the city will funnel more than $835,000 for the Commission on Gender Equity, an advisory body solely dedicated to analyzing legislation and developing public positions on gender-based equality.
Mamdani’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
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It seems every season there’s a southern Maine pitcher or two headed to big-time college baseball.
Meet Hunter Finck, a Gorham High junior and the newest mound star.
Casual fans of Class A South baseball might be wondering, “Hunter who?” After all, Finck threw just one inning for the Rams as a sophomore because of shoulder tightness. It was his Gorham teammate, Wyatt Nadeau, now at Vanderbilt, who was getting the headlines.
But, “when you say Hunter, everyone around here knows who you’re talking about,” said Gorham coach Ed Smith.
For several reasons.
Finck, 17, has been a standout for several years, always playing up an age group or two at the local level. Since he was 15, he’s pitched for Atlanta-based Team Elite Baseball at premier national showcase tournaments. On Dec. 8, Finck, a powerfully built 6-foot-1, 205-pound right-hander, committed to Alabama, a rising program in the power-packed Southeastern Conference.
Throughout the 2025 summer, playing for both Team Elite and Portland-based Maine Lightning Baseball, Finck built his arm strength back up to where it had been in 2024, when his fastball first crossed the 90 mph threshold. But it wasn’t until early October when Finck was ready to show his true self.
In back-to-back tournaments in Florida with Team Elite’s top team, Finck impressed. On the second weekend, competing in the Perfect Game WWBA World Championship in Jupiter, Florida, his fastball was up to 93 mph, his curveball was sharp, and a developing changeup was effective.
“It really came to life for Hunter in the fall,” said Brooke Richards, Team Elite’s national high school director. Richards said the college recruiters who rightfully saw question marks around Finck because of his limited track record “were probably scrambling at the same time.”
Alabama coach Rob Vaughn and his staff made an early impression.
Two months later, Finck was touring Alabama’s campus in Tuscaloosa.
On the plane ride home, Finck said he knew he’d found the right spot, and he committed before the plane landed in New England.
Finck would be the first Mainer to pitch for Alabama, but recruiting pitchers from Maine is not new to Vaughn. As the head coach at Maryland (2018-23), Vaughn coached York’s Trevor Labonte for three seasons. Greely’s Zach Johnston originally committed to Maryland before opting to attend Wake Forest.
Finck said there were other schools from the Power 4 conferences (SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, ACC) that pursued him.
“I looked at all of them seriously. I thought all of them were great, but I just really wanted to go to Alabama, especially after I saw it,” he said. “I feel like they really wanted me. I have a very good relationship with all of their coaches, so that’s one of the main reasons.”
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WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT HUNTER FINCK?
Gorham senior Miles Brenner is a strong pitcher in his own right. He’s committed to play at Wheaton College, annually among the top NCAA Division III programs in New England.
“What stands out about Hunter is obviously his velocity, his power,” Brenner said. “But it’s also his mindset. He’s always working, always trying to get better.”
Smith, Gorham’s coach, points to several factors that predict future success for Finck: His progression has always “been ahead of the curve;” he’s been a hard thrower from an early age who has the strong frame to support increased velocity; and “his compete level is off the charts.”
Smith and Richards both describe Finck as having a commanding presence and in-control demeanor on the mound.
“For a kid who doesn’t have a lot of innings under his belt, his composure on the mound is very good. It’s very professional,” Richards said. “Pitching-wise, it’s hard stuff. He attacks. It’s a fastball with life. He has good feel for three pitches that typically he’s very good commanding. When he misses, it’s not by much.”
SO FAR THIS SEASON
Though he has a bright future ahead, Finck is focused on Gorham baseball this spring. In his first start, he threw four innings of one-hit ball, striking out eight in an 8-1 season-opening win against Sanford at Goodall Park.
” data-image-caption=”<p>Gorham’s Hunter Finck celebrates after getting out of an inning against Sanford on April 24. (Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer)
” data-large-file=”https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/05/20260424_hunterfinck002.jpg?w=780″ height=”300″ width=”251″ alt=”” class=”wp-image-7639154″ srcset=”https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/05/20260424_hunterfinck002.jpg 2377w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/05/20260424_hunterfinck002.jpg?resize=251,300 251w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/05/20260424_hunterfinck002.jpg?resize=768,919 768w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/05/20260424_hunterfinck002.jpg?resize=856,1024 856w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/05/20260424_hunterfinck002.jpg?resize=1284,1536 1284w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/05/20260424_hunterfinck002.jpg?resize=1712,2048 1712w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/05/20260424_hunterfinck002.jpg?resize=1200,1435 1200w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/05/20260424_hunterfinck002.jpg?resize=2000,2392 2000w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/05/20260424_hunterfinck002.jpg?resize=780,933 780w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/05/20260424_hunterfinck002.jpg?resize=400,478 400w” sizes=”auto, (max-width: 251px) 100vw, 251px”/><figcaption>Gorham’s Hunter Finck celebrates after getting out of an inning against Sanford on April 24. (Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer)<span class=)
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On Tuesday, he threw a two-hitter in an 8-0 win against previously unbeaten Cheverus. It was the first time he’d pitched seven innings since his freshman year. Standing tall, with a strong power stride, Finck started the game with a 93 mph fastball and was still throwing 90 in the fourth inning. Through five innings, he allowed two singles, and with sharp command of his fastball and curveball, he did not get to a three-ball count. A few pitches got away from Finck in the sixth and seventh after Gorham scored its eighth run (on a Finck RBI single), but with help from an errorless defense, he worked around a walk in each inning and finished his shutout with nine strikeouts.
The Rams have a deep pitching staff. In addition to Finck and Brenner, senior Wyatt Washburn is another future college pitcher — he’s headed to Colby College. Add in Nadeau and Jack Karlonas (Husson) from last year’s Gorham team, and Finck has benefited from being surrounded by older teammates who can offer advice, give support, and engage in mature conversations about the craft of pitching.
Of Nadeau, a 6-foot-6 right-hander who has drawn regular starts in his first season at Vanderbilt, Finck said, “he helped me to see what it was like to be at that level and show me everything that goes with it. … He showed me what the standard is.”
Washburn said of Finck, “He’s just one of those guys that loves the game of baseball and wants to be doing it all the time. It’s the love of the game and his work ethic.”
With Gorham having plenty of quality pitching, Finck will not be overtaxed. Smith has said he expects to stick to a three-starter rotation. That could also ease the pressure of being “the Alabama kid,” as Smith said he heard opposing players call Finck during the preseason.
The way Finck sees it, his choice of college doesn’t change anything in the present. Opponents might think of him as the Alabama kid, but he’s pitching for the Gorham Rams, always trying to compete and play at his best to help his team win.
“So, nerves are the same,” he said. “Pressure’s the same, in my opinion. Just with a label on it.”
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Massachusetts residents love their beach towns.
And Condé Nast Magazine loves two particular beach towns in the Bay State, but surprisingly didn’t pick a beach on Cape Cod.
That’s why the towns were included on the magazine’s 2025 list of the 17 best beach towns on the East Coast.
“Whether you’re looking to lay out on the sand in summer or prefer walking along the water spotting wildlife and collecting rocks, the shores of the East Coast have a little something for everyone,” Condé Nast stated on its website.
Here’s more about the magazine’s favorite beach towns in Massachusetts.
Oak Bluffs ranked No. 5 on the list
Coming in at number 5 is one of the most popular spots on Martha’s Vineyard – Oak Bluffs.
What they said: “The colorful gingerbread houses for which Oak Bluffs is known are straight out of a storybook. Visitors walk straight off their boats into Ocean Park, a circular green overlooking the sea, encircled by said houses, with a frothy, delicate gazebo sitting in the center. Oak Bluffs has a long history of welcoming Black visitors, and today it is home to the annual African-American Film Festival.”
Rockport ranked No. 4 on the list
Rockport is a town on the North Shore of the Bay State.
What they said: “The coastal region is known for its excellent seafood, beautiful beaches, and historic landmarks. Many a good film has been filmed here as well, such as Martin Scorsese’s ‘Shutter Island’ and Kenneth Lonergan’s ‘Manchester-by-the-Sea.’
“Forty miles north of Boston, (Rockport) has a can’t-miss natural gem in Halibut Point State Park, from which visitors can spot Maine in the distance 80 miles away. Rockport is also beloved by art history buffs: it is home to Motif Number 1, a fishing shack with the superlative ‘the most-often painted building in America.’ It was built in 1840, and was a popular subject because it represented New England’s nautical character.”
What other regions of New England are on the list?
According to Condé Nast, they include:
- Bar Harbor, Maine
- Kennebunkport, Maine
- Newport, Rhode Island
- Hampton Beach, New Hampshire
- Madison, Connecticut
New Hampshire
FAA Employee Accused Of Threatening Trump | Teen Reported Missing | Summer Forecast | More: Nearby News NH
Community Corner
Also: Head-on and rollover crashes; teen arrested after shooting; machete threat at homeless camp; armed career criminal sent to prison.
CONCORD, NH — Here are the Top 10 most popular stories and posts from around New Hampshire Patch sites last week.
Rollover Crash Shuts Down Part Of Downtown Concord; 2 People Hospitalized: Video: An elderly driver and passenger of a crossover with a Massachusetts registration were taken to Concord Hospital Monday night after a crash.
FAA Employee From Nashua Threatened To Kill President Donald Trump: U.S. Attorney: Dean DelleChiaie was accused of writing that he was going to “neutralize/kill” Trump, adding “God knows your actions and where you belong.”
Find out what’s happening in Concordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Head-On Crash | Brush Fire Near Homeless Camp | Students Feted | Fun Things To Do | More: PM Patch NH: Also: Recall roundup; elderly man, experiencing a medical condition, crashes into a cop cruiser; week-ahead weather; mom tribute survey.
Nashua Teen Accused Of Shooting A Massachusetts Man In The Leg: Angers Manuel Hernandez Peguero faces first-degree assault, felonious use of firearms, and stalking after a fight on Eaton Street Saturday.
Find out what’s happening in Concordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Rollover Crash Shutters Downtown | Montana Armed Career Criminal Sent To Prison | More: PM Patch NH: Teen faces shooting charge; franchisees open 10th Aroma Joe’s; Granite State Challenge semis; FAA employee accused of threatening Trump.
One Driver Injured After Head-On Crash On Clinton Street Near Page Road In Bow: Video: Police are investigating a crash just over the Concord line in Bow on Route 13 Friday. A fatal crash is also under investigation in Deering.
Concord Man Arrested On Criminal Threatening Charge On Hall Street: Concord Police Log: Plus: An Amherst man was arrested on credit card fraud charges; man arrested for stalking, breach; man charged with speeding on Loudon Road.
Elderly Man Experiencing Medical Episode Gets Into Minor Crash With Concord Police Cruiser Downtown: Video: An officer was not hurt Friday night after investigating a man who was passed out behind the wheel at Loudon Road and North Main Street
Man From Pembroke Arrested On Domestic Violence, Obstruction Charges On Centre Street: Concord Police Log: Boscawen man charged with aggravated DUI; man arrested on assault and mischief charges on Mountain Road; stalking incident at Royal Gardens.
El Niño Summer Forecast: How Hot And Stormy Will It Be In New Hampshire: Driven by warming ocean waters in the Pacific, the El Niño is likely to strengthen through the summer.
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