Mamdani advocates for tax increase to address budget excess in NYC public schools.

In a significant move toward educational reform, Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has unveiled an extensive proposal aimed at restructuring procurement practices within New York City’s Department of Education (DOE). His initiative, presented on October 21, 2025, is designed to address what he describes as “redundant” spending, potentially reducing costs by a minimum of 10%. However, Mamdani refrained from specifying exact financial figures related to this reduction.

Mamdani’s plan arrives amid ongoing discussions surrounding fiscal responsibility in government spending. Advocating progressive policies, he criticized individuals like Elon Musk for dominating the discourse on efficiency and waste management, asserting that accountability should be a fundamental principle of progressive governance. His agenda has primarily focused on increasing taxes for the wealthy and corporations, using those funds to support various social initiatives, including free childcare for families in New York City. Despite resistance to tax increases from Governor Kathy Hochul, Mamdani has indicated a willingness to explore alternative funding avenues, including reallocating savings found within the city’s budget.

The DOE’s budget, which stands at a staggering .2 billion, is the largest among all city agencies, with approximately billion specifically allocated to external contracts. While Mamdani supports many of these contracts as essential, he argues that the current procurement system is suboptimal, resulting in excessive expenditures and insufficient oversight.

Mamdani’s reform plan consists of three key components: curbing wasteful spending, revamping procurement infrastructure, and enhancing vendor accountability. To undertake this task, he proposes rigorous annual audits of the 50 largest vendors and contracts. He believes this approach could provide much-needed transparency and efficiency in the procurement process.

Additionally, Mamdani advocates for merging two DOE procurement offices and establishing borough-based “hubs.” This strategy would facilitate a more cohesive approach, transitioning vendors to a unified portal used by other city agencies. New training and certification requirements for procurement staff would further enhance effectiveness, and Mamdani envisions creating a “ratings” dashboard to allow educators to evaluate vendors based on their performance in delivering services.

In recent years, the DOE’s procurement operations have faced heightened scrutiny, particularly under Mayor Eric Adams. Investigations into the dealings of former schools chancellor David Banks, including connections to vendors represented by a family member, raised concerns about conflicts of interest and fiscal oversight. Moreover, the office has been criticized for questionable spending practices, further emphasizing the need for reform.

Experts in budget analysis, such as Ana Champeny from the Citizens Budget Commission, recognize the complexity of procurement reform but acknowledge its vital role in improving governmental efficiency. Champeny noted that while procurement may not be the most appealing campaign subject, addressing these issues is paramount for ensuring effective utilization of educational resources. She pointed out the necessity of finding ways to deliver better educational outcomes without excessive spending, given the current challenges faced by students in mastering essential skills.

As Mamdani navigates the political landscape, this proposal marks a pivotal moment in his campaign, showcasing a commitment to transparency and fiscal prudence within one of the city’s most substantial expenditure areas. As the race for mayor progresses, the emphasis on improving the procurement process within the DOE may resonate significantly with voters concerned about educational quality and fiscal responsibility.