NYC Campaign Finance Board Approves $9.4 Million in Public Funds Payments to 2021 Candidates

*Represents a maximum public funds payment

The Board withholds five percent of the public funds payment until the final payment prior to the election. For primary election candidates, the withheld amount will be issued in the payment scheduled for June 17.

Candidates in the 2021 New York City elections filed their most recent disclosure reports with the CFB on January 15, 2021. The payments listed above are based on campaign financial data provided by this deadline.

The next disclosure reports are due before midnight tonight, March 15; there will be a public funds payment on April 15 based on those disclosures. There are eight public funds payments scheduled ahead of the primary elections on June 22.

HOW THE CAMPAIGN FINANCE PROGRAM WORKS

The CFB provides matching funds out of the city's General Fund to qualifying candidates at a rate of $8 for every $1 received 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.

CANDIDATE SERVICES

The CFB's Candidate Services staff offers candidates extensive support by providing access to trainings, resources, and one-on-one guidance to help campaigns navigate their disclosure requirements and compliance obligations. For the 2021 elections, the agency published a detailed guidance document with the payment schedule, requirements, and applicable deadlines for candidates to follow.

FOLLOW THE MONEY

More information about the candidates' campaign finance data is available on the CFB website in the Campaign Finance Summary portal. Individual contributions, campaign spending, intermediaries, and independent PAC expenditures are available in the CFB's Follow the Money database.