New York City officials are now considering eliminating free street parking across the five boroughs as the city is dealing with a $5.4 billion budget shortfall, a move that directly contradicts campaign promises made by Mamdani to make NYC more affordable.

During his campaign, Mayor Zohran Mamdani promoted expanding benefits and lowering costs for residents. But months into the administration, New Yorkers are instead seeing the possibility of yet another new charge and this time for parking spaces that have long been free.

The proposal would require drivers to pay for millions of curbside spaces currently available without charge. Supporters within city government argue the plan could generate over $1 billion annually while improving parking turnover by discouraging drivers from leaving cars parked for long stretches.

Critics, however, say the idea highlights the growing tension between the administration’s promises and fiscal reality. With congestion pricing already in place and living costs continuing to rise, charging for street parking would simply become another financial burden on city residents.

If implemented, the change could impact roughly three million free street parking spaces, or 75 percent of the parking spaces in the city, representing one of the most sweeping changes to New York City’s parking system in decades.