As reported, by June 18, in the 15th City Council primary alone, candidates received close to half a million dollars in public funds. We also reported on how the District 11 and District 15 candidates spent those funds. This followed allegations by local political organization, the Northwest Bronx Democrats, that the candidates in question had not spent the funds locally in the Bronx, and had allegedly “broken promises” previously made to the local community, allegations which most candidates denied. Separately, on June 11, we reported how super PACs had spent $18.6 million citywide on various NYC candidates.

The CFB withholds five percent of the public funds payment until the final payment prior to the election. The next disclosure reports are due by midnight on July 15. The next general election payment will be issued on August 5.

The CFB provides matching funds out of the city’s General Fund to qualifying candidates at a rate of $8 for every $1 raised from New York City residents, up to the first $175 for donations to City Council and Borough President candidates, and up to $250 for donations to citywide candidates, for a maximum payment-per-resident of $1,400 or $2,000, respectively.

 

To qualify for matching funds, candidates must demonstrate support from within their communities by meeting a two-part fundraising threshold, and abide by the other requirements set in the Campaign Finance Act. For instance, to qualify for public funding in City Council races, candidates must raise at least $5,000 from city residents. Only the first $175 contributed per city resident counts towards meeting the threshold.

 

Additionally, City Council candidates must receive at least 75 contributions from residents of the district where they are running. Candidates also must comply with all program rules, including individual contribution limits and a prohibition on collecting contributions from corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships.

 

The matching rate increased to $8-to-$1 in November 2018 when it was adopted by voters along with other improvements to the matching funds program. For 2021, candidates may choose to participate in the previous program, which provides public funds at a $6-to-$1 matching rate. However, 98 percent of 2021 candidates participating in the program are choosing to abide by the new rules.