New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani has promised to increase NYC minimum wage to $30 per hour by 2030. His detractors have argued that he lacks the authority to do so. So can he? The answer is more complex, and less certain.
NYC minimum wage is currently $16.50/hr. (as well as in Long Island & Westchester), and $17/hr. as of January 1, 2026.
Minimum wage in different parts of New York State is determined by a combination of the Governor, the New York State Legislature, and state law, together with the New York State Department of Labor. NYC has never determined its own minimum wage independently.
Mamdani claims that the NYC Council has the authority to do this as well, and it’s actually unclear whether or not he’s right.
Mamdani has invoked the NY state constitution Municipal Home Rule Law Section 10, known as “the home rule,” which grants local governments authority to make and amend laws within their jurisdictions.
Ostensibly this includes setting minimum wage, but the Rule has never been applied in this context, and may be challenged in court.
In August 2024, Tompkins County (around Ithaca) passed a resolution in support of increasing the local minimum wage, which could serve as a precedent, but it has still not been granted authority by the state to implement it.
In January 2025, Mamdani also introduced a bill to the NY State Assembly, which similarly would authorize local governments to pay higher levels of minimum wage.
Though some states do allow cities and municipalities to set their own minimum wage, like Washington, Colorado, and California, it’s uncertain whether the New York State legislature possesses the political will to do the same.
It’s also not at all clear that the NYC Council would support the bill, or the increase in minimum wage, though Mamdani seems confident.
Whatever the case, employers, and those considering starting businesses with employees, should follow closely, as a significant rise in labor costs may affect a business’ viability.
Wage and hour violations are also some of the most common type of labor law infractions, and even when made unintentionally can carry significant fines and penalties.
As always, we will keep you updated regarding any changes to the law.
For any questions or assistance, contact us.
