Albany mayor Dorcey Applyrs vetoes commuter tax resolution

Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs vetoed a Common Council resolution on October 30, 2026, that sought state authorization to tax non-resident commuters working in the city. Supporters argued the levy would capture revenue from up to 100,000 state and institutional workers using city infrastructure. However, Mayor Applyrs cited a complete lack of support from state lawmakers, alongside explicit opposition from New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who rejected the proposal with 'Not happening' on X.

Mayor Applyrs's veto of the resolution

• ▪Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs stated she vetoed the commuter tax resolution because local state elected officials were not prepared to support the measure in the New York State Legislature.
• ▪Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs vetoed a Common Council resolution on October 30, 2026, that called on New York state to allow the city to implement a commuter tax on non-resident workers.
• ▪Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs had publicly opposed the commuter tax resolution shortly before the city lawmakers approved it earlier in October 2026.

Opposition to the commuter tax proposal

• ▪Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman used the Albany commuter tax proposal as a line of attack against New York Governor Kathy Hochul during his gubernatorial campaign.
• ▪New York Governor Kathy Hochul rejected the proposed Albany commuter tax, stating 'Not happening' on X.
• ▪Blue-collar labor unions opposed the Albany commuter tax proposal.