2013 Citywide Elections
These limits are for the primary and general elections combined. Both monetary and “in-kind” contributions of goods/services are subject to these limits. All candidates are prohibited from accepting contributions from corporations, LLCs, and partnerships.
| Office | Contribution Limit |
| Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller | $4,950 |
| Borough President | $3,850 |
| City Council | $2,750 |
These “doing business” contribution limits are for the primary and general elections combined.
| Office | Doing Business Contribution Limit |
| Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller | $400 |
| Borough President | $320 |
| City Council | $250 |
Program participants must observe strict spending limits. A spending limit is the maximum total amount a campaign can spend during different periods of an election cycle. The amounts vary depending on which office you seek.
| Office | Out-Year * (2010 – 2012) |
Primary Election † | General Election |
| Mayor | $303,000 | $6,426,000 | $6,426,000 |
| Public Advocate, Comptroller | $303,000 | $4,018,000 | $4,018,000 |
| Borough President | $135,000 | $1,446,000 | $1,446,000 |
| City Council | $45,000 | $168,000 | $168,000 |
* Spending in excess of these amounts will be charged against the first limit applicable in 2013.
† If no primary is held, there is no primary election spending limit.
Candidates must meet this two-part threshold, abide by the Program’s requirements, and face opposition on the ballot to qualify for public financing.
Only the first $175 of a contribution counts toward meeting dollar amount threshold.
| Office | Minimum Funds Raised | Number of Contributors |
| Mayor | $250,000 | 1,000 |
| Public Advocate, Comptroller | $125,000 | 500 |
| Borough President | $10,000 – $50,094 * | 100 † |
| City Council | $5,000 | 75 ‡ |
* For borough president, the threshold dollar amount is based upon the number of persons living in each borough. The dollar amount (based on the 2010 census) for each borough is: Bronx, $27,702; Brooklyn, $50,094; Manhattan, $31,717; Queens, $44,614; and Staten Island, $10,000. Note: These amounts are based on the 2010 census and are rounded to the nearest dollar.
† Must be borough residents.
‡ Must be district residents.
The Program matches each dollar a NYC resident gives, up to $175, with six dollars in public funds, for a maximum of $1,050 in public funds per contributor.
| Office | Maximum Public Funds *† |
| Mayor | $3,534,300 |
| Public Advocate, Comptroller | $2,209,900 |
| Borough President | $795,300 |
| City Council | $92,400 |
* Per election, in election year.
† Candidates who face minimal opposition will receive a reduced public funds payment.