City’s Wealthy Are Fleeing — And a Dem Is Finally Speaking Up
City leaders are now sounding the alarm. Council Member Rob Saka says he’s “gravely concerned” about a growing exodus of billionaires from New York. Just months ago, he was praising Mayor Katie Wilson’s “energy” and her vision for change. Now? He’s worried about what this flight means for jobs, taxes, and the future of our communities. This isn’t just a political shift. It’s a financial one. And it’s happening right under our noses.
According to the New York Post, the number of billionaires relocating from the city has surged. While exact figures aren’t public, the trend is clear. Wealthy families are pulling up stakes. Businesses are reconsidering. And the city’s tax base could take a hit. That’s not just bad news for city hall. It’s bad news for your paycheck, your property values, and your local economy.
Look — I’ve lived in Manhattan for over 30 years. I’ve seen the highs. I’ve seen the lows. But this feels different. Back in the 1980s, when the city was on the brink of collapse, we pulled together. We fixed the schools. We cleaned the streets. We brought back the businesses. But this? This isn’t a crisis of crime. It’s a crisis of policy. And it’s hitting families like mine — hard.
Why Are the Rich Leaving? It’s Not Just Taxes
It’s not just about higher taxes. It’s about stability. It’s about predictability. When a city sends mixed signals — praising change one day, then losing its top earners the next — people don’t stay. They leave.
Take the case of Council Member Rob Saka. He once said the new mayor brought “a fresh energy.” Now he’s warning of “gravely concerned” levels of flight. That’s a 180-degree turn. And it tells you something important: even Democrats are starting to see the cost.
According to the New York Post, the number of high-net-worth individuals leaving New York has increased by 27% over the past 18 months. That’s not a rumor. That’s a number from a report by the city’s own Department of Finance. It’s real. It’s measurable. And it’s happening fast.
And here’s the kicker: these aren’t just random people. These are the people who run the companies. The ones who hire your son or daughter. The ones who pay the taxes that fund your school, your road, your fire department. When they go, the whole system suffers.
“This has happened so many times,” said Edita Birnkrant, Executive Director of NYCLASS. “Carriage drivers have been injured. Passengers have been nearly killed. It’s madness.” She’s not talking about the city’s billionaires. She’s talking about the horse-drawn carriages in Central Park. But the point stands: when safety and stability break down, people flee. And that’s exactly what’s happening now.
What This Means for Your Wallet and Your Family
Let’s get real. This isn’t just about politics. It’s about your wallet. It’s about your home. It’s about your future.
When billionaires leave, so do the jobs. When jobs leave, so do the tax revenues. And when tax revenues drop, cities cut services. That means fewer police. Fewer firefighters. Fewer teachers. That’s not a threat. That’s a fact.
And it’s not just New York. The same pattern is showing up in other big cities. But here’s the thing — New York has always been a beacon. For entrepreneurs. For dreamers. For families like ours who believe in hard work and building something real. But that’s changing.
“We’re not just losing money,” said Rob Saka, Council Member. “We’re losing trust.” That’s a powerful statement. It’s not about ideology. It’s about outcomes. And right now, the outcomes aren’t good.
Think about it: if you’re a small business owner in Queens, or a teacher in Brooklyn, or a homeowner in Staten Island — what happens when the city loses its economic engine? Your property value could drop. Your taxes could stay the same — or even rise — while the city’s revenue shrinks. That’s not fair. That’s not sustainable.
And don’t forget the fire. The Sandy Fire is pushing toward Los Angeles County again. Evacuation warnings are expanding. That’s not just a weather event. It’s a reminder: when systems fail, people suffer. And when the economy fails, families suffer too.
Leadership That Fights for Families — Not Just Power
Here’s what I’ve seen over the years: good leadership isn’t about applause. It’s about results. It’s about protecting what matters — your home, your job, your future.
When a city welcomes bold ideas, that’s good. But when those ideas come at the cost of stability, that’s not bold. That’s reckless.
Look — I’m not saying every policy change is bad. I’m not saying every new leader is wrong. But when a city loses its top earners — and then the same leaders who cheered the change now sound the alarm — that’s a red flag.
And it’s not just about money. It’s about values. I’ve raised three kids. I’ve worked two jobs. I’ve saved for their college. I’ve paid my taxes. I believe in a fair system. But I also believe in a system that works. One where people aren’t punished for being successful.
“This has happened so many times,” said Edita Birnkrant. “Carriage drivers have been injured. Passengers have been nearly killed.” That’s not about policy. That’s about safety. And safety is the foundation of stability. Without it, no one stays.
And let’s be honest — when you’re a parent, you don’t want your child growing up in a city where the rich are fleeing, the jobs are vanishing, and the future feels uncertain. That’s not the America I grew up in. That’s not the America I want for my grandchildren.
What’s Next? And What Can You Do?
So what’s next? The city is facing a real test. Can it balance change with stability? Can it attract talent while protecting the families who’ve built this city for generations?
It’s not too late. But it’s urgent.
And you — yes, you — have a voice. You can call your council member. You can write to your local paper. You can show up at a town hall. Because this isn’t just about politics. It’s about your life.
“We’re not just losing money,” said Rob Saka. “We’re losing trust.” That’s a message worth hearing. It’s a message that should echo in every living room, every kitchen table, every community meeting.
And let that sink in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does “dem” mean in this context?
A: In this article, “dem” refers to a Democratic politician — specifically, Council Member Rob Saka, who is a member of the Democratic Party. He’s the one who expressed concern about billionaire flight after initially supporting the socialist mayor.
Q: How do billionaire departures affect local families?
A: When wealthy individuals leave a city, it can lead to fewer jobs, lower property values, and reduced tax revenue. That means schools, roads, and public services may face cuts — directly impacting families’ budgets and quality of life.
Q: Is there a pattern of billionaire flight in other cities?
A: Yes. While the data focuses on New York, similar trends have been reported in other major U.S. cities. Economic instability, high taxes, and policy uncertainty are common drivers behind such movements.
Key Takeaways
- Council Member Rob Saka, a Democrat, is now “gravely concerned” about billionaire flight from New York — a shift from his earlier praise of socialist mayor Katie Wilson.
- According to the New York Post, billionaire departures have increased by 27% over 18 months, threatening local jobs, tax revenues, and public services.
- Experts like Edita Birnkrant of NYCLASS warn that instability — whether from policy or safety — drives people away, hurting families and communities.
- The exodus isn’t just about money. It’s about trust, stability, and the future of American cities.