City of New York Files Lawsuit to Protect $100 Million in Federal Emergency and Disaster Grants

Strategic Insights -

The City of New York, as part of a national coalition of nine local governments, has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), challenging federal conditions imposed on grants for countering terrorism, disaster preparedness, and public safety programs. The lawsuit argues that these conditions are unlawful and would harm public safety. Mayor Eric Adams stated that public safety has always been a priority, and the city is fighting to protect funding for critical emergency management programs at the NYPD and other city agencies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The City of New York and a national coalition of nine local governments have filed a lawsuit against DHS and FEMA challenging the federal government's effort to impose unlawful conditions on grants for countering terrorism, disaster preparedness, and public safety programs.
  • The lawsuit argues that without the $100 million in federal funding, the NYPD's ability to detect and defend against a radiological or nuclear attack could be compromised, as well as funding for the New York City transit system's operational security capability and capacity.
  • Mayor Eric Adams stated that public safety has always been the administration's North Star, and the city is committed to investing in necessary programs to keep New Yorkers safe.
  • In the past three fiscal years, New York City has been awarded approximately $150 million in grant funding for critical emergency management programs at the NYPD and other city agencies.
  • The lawsuit states that the new funding conditions added by the heads of federal agencies are unconstitutional and an overreach by the executive branch, which does not have the authority to change conditions related to federal grants without the approval of Congress.
  • Joining New York City and Chicago in filing the lawsuit are the cities of Denver, Colorado; New Haven, Connecticut; Baltimore, Maryland; Boston, Massachusetts; Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Saint Paul Minneapolis; as well as the county of Ramsey, Minnesota.

Statistics:

  • $100 million: The amount of federal emergency and disaster grants at risk due to the unlawful conditions imposed by DHS and FEMA.
  • $150 million: The approximate amount of grant funding New York City has been awarded for critical emergency management programs in the past three fiscal years.
  • $3 billion: The estimated amount of funding at risk if the federal administration's conditions are implemented, as three times the amount of grants would be affected by the requirements.
  • 9: The number of local governments that have joined the lawsuit.

Sources:

  • "City of New York Files Lawsuit to Protect Over $100 Million in Federal Emergency and Disaster Grants" by New York City Mayor's Office (October 23, 2025) - https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2025/10/city-of-new-york-files-lawsuit-to-protect-over--100-million-in-f