Transparency and Accountability
NEW YORK – Ahead of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced the release of over 170,000 pages of previously undisclosed city records detailing the government’s response to the attacks. The move marks the end of a multi-year legal battle with 9/11 Health Watch, which had long sought access to documents regarding air quality and health concerns in the aftermath of the tragedy.
The newly launched public portal, available at nyc.gov/sept11docs, contains records that include the frequently cited “Harding Memo” and a collection of files related to World Trade Center 7. The release also includes “68 boxes” of records that were not discovered until 2025, despite multiple previous Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests.
Budget and Implementation
To support the initiative, the Mamdani administration has allocated $34 million in the FY27 budget to maintain the public portal and ensure continued transparency. The city’s Law Department, which collaborated with 9/11 Health Watch to curate the initial release, plans to update the portal regularly over the next 12 months as additional records are reviewed and personally identifiable information is redacted.
Furthermore, the city will appoint dedicated staff at the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and New York City Public Schools (NYCPS). These officials will assist New Yorkers in verifying their presence in the “New York City Exposure Zone,” a critical step for victims and first responders seeking benefits through the federal World Trade Center Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.
A Long-Awaited Reckoning
The release has been met with strong support from local officials and advocacy groups who have spent decades pushing for disclosure. Congressman Jerry Nadler, who represented Ground Zero, described the release as a “long-overdue reckoning,” alleging that previous administrations, specifically that of former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, had intentionally obscured the truth about the health risks posed by toxic dust and debris.
“By hiding the truth, [the previous administration] prolonged our fight in Congress for funding to take care of victims’ health needs and cost the lives of other victims through unnecessary delays in healthcare interventions,” Nadler said in a statement. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal echoed these sentiments, noting that thousands of first responders continue to suffer from chronic illnesses linked to exposure to over 2,500 contaminants at the site.