AHLA Warns NYC Budget Proposal Could Raise Costs for Hotels, Threaten Jobs in Testimony Before City Council
Industry supports nearly 264,000 jobs and generates $4.9 billion in tax revenue annually, according to new report conducted by Oxford Economics
WASHINGTON, D.C. [March 18, 2026] — In testimony submitted to the New York City Council’s Committee on Economic Development, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) raised concerns that provisions in the city’s proposed FY27 budget could increase costs for hotels and threaten jobs across New York City.
AHLA urged policymakers to consider the cumulative impact of proposed tax increases and policy-driven costs on the hotel industry – one of the city’s most important economic drivers.
“New York City is home to more hotels than any other city in the United States, a reflection of the tens of millions of visitors the city welcomes each year and the essential role our industry plays in powering the local economy,” said Rosanna Maietta, President & CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. “At a time when international travel demand has yet to fully rebound, it is essential that policymakers avoid imposing additional burdens that could slow the industry’s recovery. A strong hotel sector is vital to the city’s broader economic health, and we urge the City Council to pursue policies that support growth, investment, and competitiveness rather than measures that risk putting New York at a disadvantage.”