Why NYC Needs City-Owned Grocery Stores — And Free Buses Too
In a city as wealthy and dynamic as New York, it’s a moral and economic failure that so many New Yorkers struggle to afford groceries or reliable public transportation. Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani’s vision for city-owned grocery stores isn’t just bold — it’s necessary. And it fits neatly alongside his long-time push for free public buses. Together, these ideas form the foundation of a more equitable, efficient, and resilient city.
The Grocery Crisis
Across the five boroughs, New Yorkers face a dual problem: rising food prices and disappearing access. Corporate grocery chains have pulled out of low-income neighborhoods. Bodegas are filling the gap — but with higher prices and limited fresh food. The result is food deserts, health inequality, and financial stress on families already living paycheck to paycheck.
What if the city stepped in?
City-owned grocery stores can reverse this trend. With no profit motive, no rent burden, and no city tax obligations, these stores can beat even the most efficient private chains on price. Imagine Costco-quality goods with Trader Joe's affordability — accessible to all, regardless of zip code.
Lessons from Gujarat: Government Can Work
Skeptics will say: government-run programs are inefficient. But that’s a political choice, not a law of nature.
When Narendra Modi became Chief Minister of Gujarat, he didn’t privatize everything. He professionalized it. By removing political interference and holding leaders accountable through clear key performance indicators (KPIs), state-run enterprises turned profitable and performant. The same can be done in New York.
You treat grocery stores not as bureaucracies but as public utilities. You hire managers with retail experience. You let data guide stocking decisions. You reward teams for hitting efficiency and satisfaction targets. The goal is service delivery — not red tape.
Free Buses: The Other No-Brainer
Public transit is a public good. Buses move more people, with less pollution, and more equity than any other urban transport method. And yet fare enforcement, turnstiles, and payment infrastructure create friction, waste, and exclusion.
Free buses aren’t just compassionate — they’re smart.
Cities that have adopted fare-free transit have seen increases in ridership, economic productivity, and small business foot traffic. The cost of collecting fares can nearly cancel out the revenue. Make buses free, and suddenly the city is easier to navigate for everyone: workers, students, seniors, and the disabled.
A New Ethos for City Government
If NYC can run grocery stores and buses better than the private sector, it sends a powerful message: the public sector can work — and work well. These two programs could be the proving grounds for a new city ethos: one that values efficiency and equity, professionalism and public purpose.
The ultimate goal? To take this ethos and spread it. To housing. To healthcare. To every city service.
But let’s start with food and buses.
Because no one in New York should be hungry or stranded. Not in this city. Not with this potential.
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