A Borough of Opportunity and Struggles

Queens is the most diverse borough in New York City, home to over 2.4 million residents representing nearly 200 nationalities and speaking more than 160 languages. It is a vibrant economic and cultural hub, housing small businesses, major airports, and thriving neighborhoods. However, despite its strengths, Queens faces serious financial and infrastructure challenges that demand accountability and solutions from city leadership.

Rising Cost of Living & Housing Crisis

Queens has seen skyrocketing housing costs over the past decade, making affordability a pressing issue for residents. Gentrification and rising property values have priced out long-time New Yorkers, while homelessness has surged by nearly 18% in the last five years. Mismanagement of housing programs, delays in affordable housing developments, and an increase in illegal conversions have only exacerbated the crisis.

What Needs to Be Done:

• A full audit of city spending on affordable housing initiatives to track inefficiencies and eliminate waste.
• Stricter oversight on developers receiving taxpayer-funded subsidies to ensure they deliver on their promises.
• Investigations into illegal housing practices that put low-income residents at risk.

Overburdened Public Transit & Infrastructure Failures

Queens residents face some of the longest commute times in the city, with many relying on an aging subway and bus system that has suffered from years of underinvestment and mismanagement. The MTA’s financial woes, combined with constant delays and service cuts, continue to hurt working-class New Yorkers. Meanwhile, roadway congestion, poor bike lane planning, and lack of proper maintenance on key bridges and tunnels make transportation issues worse.

What Needs to Be Done:

• A forensic audit of MTA spending to ensure that allocated funds are going toward real transit improvements.
• Pushing for greater transparency in infrastructure contracts to prevent politically connected firms from misusing taxpayer dollars.
• Holding city agencies accountable for delays in street repairs, road resurfacing, and bridge maintenance.

Small Business Struggles & Overregulation

Queens has long been a home for entrepreneurs, with its countless mom-and-pop shops, immigrant-owned businesses, and bustling commercial districts. However, small business owners are being crushed by excessive fines, rising commercial rents, and burdensome regulations. City government often favors large corporations while neglecting the needs of small businesses that are the backbone of the local economy.

What Needs to Be Done:

• Reviewing and reducing excessive fines and fees that unfairly target small businesses.
• Advocating for fair commercial lease policies that protect small business owners.
• Implementing pro-business tax policies to encourage economic growth in local communities.

Wasteful Spending & Lack of Fiscal Accountability

From botched city contracts to wasteful spending in public programs, Queens taxpayers are losing millions of dollars each year due to mismanagement. Examples include:

• The failed NYC Ferry system, which cost taxpayers $758 million while serving only a fraction of commuters.
• Unfinished public works projects that go millions over budget due to mismanaged contracts.
• The rising cost of city-run homeless shelters that often fail to provide real solutions for residents in need.

What Needs to Be Done:

• Independent audits of city-funded programs to ensure every dollar is spent wisely.
• Investigating misallocated taxpayer funds and holding agencies accountable.
• Eliminating wasteful spending on programs that fail to deliver tangible results for Queens residents.

A Borough That Needs Strong Financial Oversight

Queens is a borough of innovation, resilience, and diversity, but its challenges cannot be ignored. The people of Queens deserve a city government that spends wisely, protects small businesses, and ensures every tax dollar is being used to benefit the community. With proper oversight, financial accountability, and smart policy decisions, Queens can thrive as a model of efficiency and opportunity for all New Yorkers.