Resolution criteria

This market will resolve to "Yes" if, on January 1, 2030, there is at least one operational grocery store in New York City that is fully owned and operated by the city government. The store must be publicly accessible and offer a range of food products comparable to traditional supermarkets. Verification will be based on official announcements from the New York City government or reputable news sources confirming the existence and operation of such a store.

Background

The concept of government-run grocery stores in New York City has been a topic of discussion in recent years. In 2025, a poll indicated that 66% of New York City voters supported the creation of municipal grocery stores to help reduce food costs. This support spanned across political affiliations, with 72% of Democrats, 64% of Independents, and 54% of Republicans in favor. (dataforprogress.org)

State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani proposed a pilot program to establish city-owned grocery stores in each borough, aiming to provide affordable, fresh food options in underserved areas. (thefern.org)

However, the proposal has faced criticism from local supermarket owners and industry advocates. They argue that government-run stores could disrupt the existing food retail sector and question the city's ability to efficiently manage such operations. (tjvnews.com)

Considerations

While there is public support and political advocacy for municipal grocery stores, the implementation of such initiatives involves complex logistical, financial, and political challenges. The success of similar programs in other cities has been mixed, and the feasibility of establishing government-run grocery stores in New York City remains uncertain.