NYC Budget Justice

For immediate release: June 15, 2023

45 advocacy organizations denounce Mayor Adams for policies and rhetoric that led to killing of Jordan Neely

On the heels of Daniel Penny indictment, sign-on letter details how the mayor can take accountability and prevent further atrocities through real care.

New York, NY -  Today, Communities United for Police Reform (CPR) released a sign-on letter demanding comprehensive accountability for the killing of Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old Black man and former Michael Jackson impersonator, who was choked to death on a crowded NYC subway on May 1 by another passenger, Daniel Penny, a white ex-Marine. The letter, which was delivered to the mayor this afternoon, is an effort to put an end to the perpetual violence against communities in need and a demand that Mayor Adams stop stoking the heigh

For immediate release: June 13, 2023

Communities United for Police Reform Responds to NYPD Commissioner Sewell's Resignation

In response to yesterday’s announcement that NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell is resigning, Communities United for Police Reform (CPR) issued the following statement from CPR spokesperson Loyda Colon (they/them), Executive Director of the Justice Committee: “NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell and Mayor Adams made repeated early promises to better care for and protect New Yorkers, including ensuring meaningful police accountability. By this measure, and by many, many more,  Sewell’s tenure and Adams’ approach to public safety have been abject failures.  Under Sewell and Adams’ watch, the NYPD has been more consistently violent and hyper-aggressive and less accountable than at any time since Giuliani was mayor.
For immediate release: June 12, 2023

Community Groups and Elected Officials Demand Charges Dropped Against New Yorkers Violently Arrested by NYPD at Protest Calling for Cuts to Bloated NYPD Budget

New York, NY - Today, community organizations and elected officials from across the city packed the court to support community members who were violently arrested while trying to keep people safe during a May 24th rally and march to protest the Mayor’s budget cuts to essential programs and services while he continues to expand funding and resources to police and corrections.
For immediate release: May 24, 2023

NYPD Arrests And Runs Scooters Into Protesters Calling for Care Not Criminalization

Four community members were arrested Wednesday evening by NYPD officers outside City Hall at the Care Not Criminalization

For immediate release: May 11, 2023

Advocates Condemn Budget Cuts and Call for More Resources for Police Oversight Board

Last night, the Civilian Complaint Review Board announced that the unit to investigate racial profiling and police bias won’t have enough funds to operate past June under the mayor’s proposed budget. Communities United for Police Reform released the following statement from CPR spokesperson Rama Issa-Ibrahim. 

For immediate release: April 27, 2023

Community Groups Call for a Budget that Centers Justice not Policing

Yesterday, Mayor Adams released his FY24 executive budget and was immediately met with widespread criticism for continuing to cut resources for basic community needs while protecting the bloated NYPD budget.

For immediate release: April 11, 2023

Communities United for Police Reform Blasts Robotic Police Dog Announcement

Mayor Adams announced he would be reintroducing robotic police dogs, after they were dismissed by the previous administration. In response to this announcement, Communities United for Police Reform (CPR) released the following statement by Ileana Mendez-Penate, Program Director.
For immediate release: March 2, 2023

CPR Responds to Mayor’s Mental Health Plan

New York, NY -- Today, Mayor Adams announced his latest plan on mental health. Communities United for Police Reform released the following statement from CPR spokesperson Ileana Méndez Peñate (she/her).

For immediate release: February 7, 2023

New Yorkers to City Council: Mayor Adams’ Directive On Involuntary Removals is Inhumane and Dangerous

Yesterday, February 7, 2023, the City Council Joint Oversight Hearing on Mental Health Involuntary Removals heard testimony on Mayor Adams’ recent directive that increases the authority of the NYPD to involuntarily detain New Yorkers by expanding the definition of a mental health crisis to someone that is unable to secure food and shelter for themselves. The mayor– whose public approval has continued to slip– announced this directive in December 2022 to a wave of public outcry. 

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