Q&A
Current and projected spending for CityFHEPS vouchers
1:00:28
ยท
129 sec
Commissioner Park provides details on the current spending and budget projections for the CityFHEPS voucher program.
- Through December, $578 million has been spent on CityFHEPS in the current fiscal year.
- The FY25 budget for CityFHEPS is $1.1 billion.
- In FY24, actual spending was $855 million, indicating rapid growth in program expenditures.
- The commissioner expresses confidence in the current fiscal year's budget but acknowledges uncertainties in spending projections.
- Council Member Ayala raises concerns about the lack of baseline funding for the program and the potential risks of relying on non-baselined funds.
- The agency works closely with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to adjust the budget as needed based on various factors affecting CityFHEPS spending.
Diana Ayala
1:00:28
Are there a specific number of vouchers that are set aside for community?
1:00:31
No.
1:00:33
Okay.
1:00:34
What is the city's actual spending so far this year for, for CityFabs vouchers, and what is the projected spending for the rest of fiscal year 25?
Molly Wasow Park
1:00:43
Through December, we have spent $578,000,000 on CityFabs.
1:00:48
The f y 25 budget is 1,100,000,000.
1:00:51
Just by way of context, last year, so f y 24, actual spending was 855,000,000.
1:00:57
So, spending on this program is growing very rapidly.
1:01:02
Okay.
Diana Ayala
1:01:03
Will additional funding be needed for the current fiscal year to meet the need?
Molly Wasow Park
1:01:08
We're coordinating really closely with OMB.
1:01:10
I feel good about where where fiscal year 25 stands.
1:01:14
There's many uncertainties in in CitiFEP spending, both the number of people participating, what fair market rent are, things like that.
1:01:22
So we, work closely with OMB to adjust the budget on an as needed basis.
1:01:27
It's one of it's
Diana Ayala
1:01:28
a point of contention with the council because we continue to ask for baseline, you know, funding that accurately reflects the needs of the program.
1:01:35
I know that they they they I have confidence that they will fill it in and that the vouchers will be paid, but it it kind it's it's, you know, it's a risk that we're taking.
1:01:46
Right?
1:01:48
If we fall off the front the, you know, fiscal cliff, like, how do we ensure that we have the appropriate funding if it's not baselined?
1:01:56
I don't it scares me.
1:02:00
I will continue to advocate on your behalf.
1:02:02
Don't worry.
1:02:03
Okay.
1:02:04
I think that that's do you have any questions?
1:02:17
Sorry.
1:02:17
I had, one more question.
1:02:19
We recently heard from advocates at DSS.
1:02:21
There is almost 3 months behind.
1:02:23
Well, I think Alexa asked that question about the shopping letter, so I won't ask it.
1:02:30
Okay.
1:02:30
No.
1:02:31
We asked these.
1:02:31
Alright.
1:02:32
Alright.
1:02:32
That's it.
1:02:33
Thank you so much
Molly Wasow Park
1:02:34
for coming.
1:02:35
So much.
1:02:35
Appreciate it.