New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and former President Donald Trump met at Gracie Mansion to deepen federal-city talks on a Sunnyside Yards redevelopment that could yield up to 12,000 homes and about 30,000 jobs. Mamdani said both sides agreed to "set up a new level of that conversation" to pursue approvals and funding. Trump warned the plan will need significant federal approvals and likely money but said it might be achievable. The meeting follows two earlier encounters between the pair and took place Sept. 21, 2026, ahead of the UN General Assembly.
Mamdani and Trump Meet at Gracie Mansion to Advance Sunnyside Yards Housing Plan
WABC - PHOTO: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani answers reporters questions following a press conference he held with President Donald Trump at Gracie Mansion in New York City, September 21, 2026.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and former President Donald Trump met at Gracie Mansion on Monday to launch deeper talks on a major housing-and-jobs proposal for Sunnyside Yards in Queens.
What They Discussed
At a joint news conference after the meeting, Mamdani said the two leaders agreed to "set up a new level of that conversation" between the city and federal officials to explore a plan that could deliver up to 12,000 homes and roughly 30,000 jobs in Sunnyside Yards.
Zohran Mamdani: "We agreed to set up a new level of that conversation with the White House to move this project forward."
Trump said Mamdani had first raised the Sunnyside Yards proposal during an earlier White House visit and cautioned the project would require "a lot of federal approvals and probably some federal money to do it," while offering that "maybe they have a shot at doing it."
Donald Trump: "It will likely need a lot of federal approvals and probably some federal money — but maybe they have a shot at doing it."
Background and Next Steps
The meeting follows two previous encounters between the two leaders: their first meeting in November, when Mamdani was mayor-elect, and a second meeting in February — both held at the White House. The Gracie Mansion press event took place on September 21, 2026, as Trump was in New York ahead of an address to the United Nations General Assembly.
Mamdani said the city will pursue coordinated discussions with federal agencies to identify necessary approvals, potential funding sources and a timeline for advancing planning and environmental review. Both sides framed Monday's meeting as the beginning of deeper coordination rather than a final agreement.
Photo: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani answers reporters' questions during a joint press event with former President Donald Trump at Gracie Mansion, Sept. 21, 2026.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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