Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has agreed to pay more than $330,000 to the city’s Conflicts of Interest Board (COIB) following allegations that he misused taxpayer funds to cover travel expenses for his security detail during his 2019, four-month, presidential campaign. The settlement announced Wednesday, May 14th, concludes three years of litigation between de Blasio and the city watchdog.
De Blasio admitted to using approximately $319,794 in city money to fund the NYPD security detail’s travel costs on 31 trips outside New York City while campaigning for the presidency. He acknowledged his actions conflicted with his official duties by allowing the city to cover these expenses without reimbursing the funds.
Under the terms of the agreement, the former mayor will pay a $10,000 fine in addition to reimbursing the city. He has made an initial payment of $100,000 and will settle the remaining $229,794 through scheduled payments over the coming four years. The COIB initially sought nearly $475,000 but reduced the amount after de Blasio cited financial hardship. However, the full sum would be due if he defaults on the payment plan.
The COIB stated that the settlement brings to a successful conclusion the first ever enforcement action brought by the Board against a Mayor of the City of New York. De Blasio addressed the settlement on social media, expressing regret and taking responsibility. “I acknowledge that I made a mistake, and I deeply regret it. Now it’s time to move forward,” he posted on X.
The funds reimbursed cover the travel expenses of the NYPD officers accompanying de Blasio, not their salaries or overtime costs. Since 2023, the former mayor has contested the repayment, but the settlement resolves the dispute.
The settlement ends a protracted legal battle and requires de Blasio to cease all litigation against the COIB. With the repayment plan in place, the city aims to recover taxpayer funds improperly spent during the former mayor’s presidential bid.
