FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 15, 2020 

2021 Recommended Budget Increases Investment in Social Infrastructure

KINGSTON, NY – Mayor Steven T. Noble will present his 2021 Recommended Budget on Friday, October 16, 2020 at 12:00pm via the City of Kingston Facebook page. Each day leading up to Mayor Noble’s address, the City of Kingston will release a preview of key areas of investment in the budget recommendations.

The third major area of Budget recommendations is social infrastructure. In the 2021 Recommended Budget, $100,000 has been allocated to fund recommendations to be set forth by the Re-envision Public Safety Task Force. These funds would allow for the expansion of mental health services, which has also been discussed by the Kingston Police Commission, and could include mobile health units.

The City of Kingston’s community centers have been open for children during this difficult time, providing programs and remote learning opportunities. The Mayor’s Recommended Budget will continue to support this community-based Covid response as the City and school district navigate an uncertain school year in 2021.

“I look at the City budget as the foundation for our community to function, and we have to incorporate a culture of caring into the dollars and cents,” said Mayor Noble. “Through this pandemic, we have seen what a community can do when we come together to support one another, and this budget will allow us to continue supporting crucial partnerships and create new programs. The City of Kingston services extend to many outside our own community, so these resources have widespread reach.”

In addition, this budget allows for us to continue important housing work and support the Common Council in implementing new policies that further protect our current residents.

Mayor Noble said, “Housing is a cornerstone of our community and I am proud to further support the Office of Housing Initiatives and the work of the Kingston City Land Bank.”