Key Takeaways:

• Hundreds gathered in Union Square to call on New York City to tax the rich.
• Protesters back mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s plan for day care, free buses, rent freezes, and city stores.
• Organizers launched a “Tax the Rich” campaign to raise money for city services.
• Mamdani’s team crowdfunded $1 million from over 12,000 small donors in 10 days.
• Activists say lasting change will need broad support beyond City Hall.

Tax the Rich Movement Gathers in Union Square

On Sunday, a lively crowd packed Union Square in New York City. They chanted “Tax the Rich” and held signs for a more affordable city. The event backed Zohran Mamdani’s progressive agenda. He will become mayor on January 1. As a democratic socialist, Mamdani promises universal childcare, free public buses, rent freezes, and city-run grocery stores. Supporters say higher taxes on the wealthiest individuals and companies will pay for these services.

The rally drew many groups. They included Democratic Socialists of America, Housing Justice For All, NYS Tenant Bloc, and Jewish Voice for Peace. A local union and new coalitions also joined. Together, they demanded Albany lawmakers tax the rich to build universal public goods.

“Zohran Mamdani’s cost-of-living agenda has the support of working New Yorkers,” said the NYC chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. “But we cannot win big changes with one mayor alone. We need Albany to tax the rich and back us.”

Tax the Rich Campaign Aims to Fund City Services

To push this message, organizers unveiled a new campaign: Tax the Rich. They want to keep grassroots power alive as Mamdani takes office. The plan will target Albany to pass tax laws on billionaires and Fortune 500 firms. In addition, it will raise public awareness across all five boroughs.

The campaign also launched a crowdfunding drive for Mamdani’s transition team. In just 10 days, it raised about $1 million. More than 12,000 New Yorkers chipped in. Their average gift was just $77. This stands in stark contrast to past mayoral transitions. Eric Adams had 884 individual donors giving over $1,000 each on average. Bill de Blasio had 820 donors, each giving close to $2,400.

Crowdfunding a New Path

Instead of relying on wealthy backers, Mamdani’s team turned to everyday New Yorkers. “None of this would be possible without people willing to spare $5, $10, or $20,” Mamdani said. He thanked donors for believing in a fairer city.

Meanwhile, Danny Zaldes of the Democratic Socialists of America urged more people to join the movement. “It will take all of us to push Albany to put working New Yorkers first,” he said. “Tax the rich or face rising rents, shrinking services, and no new daycares.”

State Senator Jabari Brisport joined the rally too. He reminded the crowd that power concedes nothing without a demand. “Today, we demand to tax the rich,” he declared.

Why Every Dollar Counts

The transition fund will pay for hiring top talent. It will also cover planning and outreach during the handover. Elana Leopold, executive director of Mamdani’s transition, said the money will help the new administration hit the ground running. She added that this grassroots fundraising proves there is strong support for Mamdani’s vision.

Furthermore, the Tax the Rich campaign will use some funds to lobby Albany. Organizers plan to meet with legislators to draft bills. They also want to build a coalition of labor unions, tenant groups, and community leaders. This broad base can pressure the state capital to act on a tax increase.

Building a Fairer Future

As 2025 begins, New Yorkers will watch closely. They will see if Mamdani can deliver on his promises. While the mayor-elect holds power in City Hall, Albany controls taxes. Therefore, success will depend on public pressure and ongoing organizing.

Supporters believe the Tax the Rich movement is just the start. They hope to win a broad coalition that stays active even after budgets pass. In doing so, they aim to transform New York City into a model of affordability and justice.

Looking Ahead

The new administration faces big challenges. For example:
• Getting Albany to approve tax hikes on the very wealthy.
• Setting up universal childcare centers across five boroughs.
• Launching free public bus lines in underfunded neighborhoods.
• Freezing rent without discouraging building upkeep.
• Creating city-run grocery stores that undercut big chains.

Yet, activists say these goals are possible. They point to the million-dollar crowdfunding milestone as proof. They also value the unity shown in Union Square. Above all, they know that movements make history, not just one mayor.

FAQs

What does “Tax the Rich” mean in this context?

“Tax the Rich” refers to increasing taxes on the city’s wealthiest residents and for-profit companies. Funds from these taxes would pay for childcare, free buses, rent freezes, and public grocery stores.

Who organized the Union Square rally?

The rally was co-sponsored by the New York City Democratic Socialists of America, Housing Justice For All, NYS Tenant Bloc, Jewish Voice for Peace NYC, UAW Region 9A, Invest in Our New Coalition, and other groups.

How did Mamdani’s transition raise so much money?

Mamdani’s team crowdfunded over $1 million in 10 days. It used online appeals and grassroots outreach to gather donations from more than 12,000 individuals, with an average gift of $77.

What are the next steps for the Tax the Rich campaign?

The campaign will push Albany lawmakers to approve new tax laws. It will also recruit more members, hold events, and keep public pressure high to ensure the new mayor can fund his progressive agenda.