NYC Mayor: Intro 1-B & Intro 175-B, Deed Theft Prevention, FIFA World Cup Fan Events, Close Budget Gap, Fast Free Buses In NYC, Shutting Down Rikers, Park In Park Ave, Rent Board Hearings, Little Apple Municipal Day Care, Coney Island Flooding

NEW YORK – Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani released the following statement on Int. 1-B and Int. 175-B:

Mayor Mamdani Establishes Mayor’s Office of Deed Theft Prevention, Appoints Peter White as Director  

Office will coordinate a whole-of-government approach to protect vulnerable homeowners

NEW YORK – Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani established the City’s first Mayor’s Office of Deed Theft Prevention and appointed Peter White as the office’s director.   

Deed theft, in which white-collar criminals use fraudulent filings to steal homes from longtime residents, is a persistent threat to working-class homeowners in New York. Families who have spent decades building stability and generational wealth are being targeted and displaced through complex scams that exploit gaps in oversight.   

“The theft of a home is the theft of a family’s future,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Deed theft preys on the New Yorkers who can least afford it. Today, we are bringing the full force of City government to bear to stop it – to protect homeowners, defend generational wealth and make clear that this City will not tolerate the exploitation of our communities. I am proud to appoint Peter White as the director of New York City’s first-ever Office of Deed Theft Prevention, where he will write a new story of leadership and action.”  

“I am deeply humbled to join the Mamdani administration as the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Deed Theft Prevention. I have worked to protect New York City homeowners throughout my career, and will carry that passion into my new role serving New Yorkers,” said Peter White, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Deed Theft Prevention. “I look forward to working with Mayor Mamdani and leaders across the city and state to bring an integrated approach to protecting working-class homeowners across the city.”  

White, an attorney with Access Justice Brooklyn, has spent years representing homeowners facing foreclosure and deed theft. In his new role, he will lead a coordinated, citywide strategy to prevent fraud, support impacted residents and strengthen enforcement. White holds a law degree from St. John’s University and a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University, and has led extensive community outreach and legal clinic work alongside his practice.  

Over the last decade, thousands of deed theft complaints have been filed across New York City, with the highest concentration in Brooklyn and Queens. Black homeowners and neighborhoods have been disproportionately targeted, deepening racial wealth gaps and destabilizing communities.   

Recent state legislation has strengthened tools to investigate and prosecute deed theft. The new office will leverage those authorities while building a proactive, preventive approach across agencies.    

The Mayor’s Office of Deed Theft Prevention will be housed in the Department of Finance (DOF), which records property documents, and will work closely with the Sheriff’s Office, the New York City Commission on Human Rights, the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, along with state and local partners.  

Established by Executive Order 16, the Mayor’s Office of Deed Theft Prevention will expand strategic enforcement against deed theft, flag suspicious property filings, coordinate with law enforcement, conduct public education and outreach, promote preventative safeguards and improve data-sharing across agencies.   

“By creating an office dedicated solely to combating deed theft, the Mayor is delivering on his commitment to protect vulnerable communities and help preserve generational wealth for New Yorkers most at risk of exploitation,” said Department of Finance Commissioner Richard Lee. “Critically, the office’s mission is both proactive and responsive: preventing deed theft before it occurs while ensuring a swift, effective response when cases arise. By dedicating resources and providing direct support to impacted New Yorkers, the office will help victims navigate the complicated web of legal, financial, and bureaucratic processes—connecting them with the tools and guidance they need to protect their home.”   

“Deed theft is exploitative and criminal—and we are committed to ending it,” said Dina Levy, Commissioner of the Department of Housing Preservation & Development. “Scammers have stolen from too many New Yorkers, especially Black families who have fought for generations to own a home. New York homeowners deserve to sleep at night knowing that their home will remain theirs tomorrow. I look forward to working with Peter White and the Mayor’s Office of Deed Theft Prevention to protect vulnerable homeowners across New York.”  

“Deed theft is rampant in New York City, with criminals illegally scamming people out of their homes in broad daylight,” said Christine Clarke, Chair and Commissioner of the NYC Commission on Human Rights. “We have long known that deed thieves specifically target Black neighborhoods and Black homeowners in distress. Not only is this unlawful, but we know that many Black families build generational wealth through homeownership, making the effects of deed theft particularly profound. The NYC Commission on Human Rights enforces the law prohibiting racial discrimination in housing, which includes predatory racist deed theft schemes and reverse redlining. We look forward to an all-of-city approach to tackling this problem that has stripped so many Black families in New York of hard-fought generational wealth.”  

“No New Yorker should have to live with the fear that their family’s home and financial stability may be stolen out from under them. Deed theft and other illegal housing schemes are fueling displacement, and we must use every tool at our disposal to stop it. I have fought to pass statewide legislation to criminalize deed theft and allow us to pause evictions as we investigate these cases, and I have brought deed thieves to justice and returned stolen homes to their rightful owners. I commend Mayor Mamdani and all of the elected and community leaders who have prioritized the fight against deed theft, and I am proud to celebrate the appointment of Peter S. White II as the first director of the newly created Mayor’s Office of Deed Theft Prevention. This is a critical step forward in our efforts to end deed theft and keep New Yorkers in their homes,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James.  

“I commend the mayor for establishing this office, an effort I’m proud to support and inform,” said Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. “At a time when working families – particularly Black families – are being forced out of our city by an affordability crisis, It’s important now that we provide homeowners with the resources and information needed to combat deed theft, unscrupulous actors and untenable situations. Home ownership is a dream and a goal that builds wealth, builds power, builds community. This is a generational fight for generational wealth and stability, and one we have to win.”  

“Deed theft and predatory housing scams can devastate families, strip away generational wealth, and leave homeowners fighting to keep the homes they worked decades to build.  I commend Mayor Mamdani for bringing government together to confront this crisis. My office will investigate these cases, prosecute when the conduct is criminal, and work closely with the Office of Deed Theft Prevention and our partners to help Brooklyn homeowners in distress,” said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.  

“The establishment of the Office of Deed Theft Prevention marks a turning point in this city’s history,” said Council Member Chi Ossé. “I’m proud to have worked alongside Mayor Mamdani to create this office, and we will continue to use every lever of power to confront this crisis. For decades, deed theft has gone unchecked, an epidemic that has stolen Black homes, destabilized families, and stripped generational wealth. Today, we are bringing the full force of city government to bear. This victory was won through partnership with the People’s Coalition to Stop Deed Theft. Because of this work, we are sending a clear message: New York City will not allow displacement to continue, and for as long as I have power, I will use every last breath to ensure Black Brooklyn is never erased.”  

“I’m so grateful to Mayor Mamdani for setting up this office and for standing with us in this fight. I also want to thank the Stop Deed Theft Coalition for their years of amplifying the issue and fighting deed theft, including working with me to draft the Deed Theft Protection Package. The deck is stacked against New Yorkers facing deed theft in far too many ways. Together though, we can begin to change that. With the Mayor’s new Office of Deed Theft Prevention – designed to tackle the problem from multiple angles – and legislation to make prevention and restorative-justice easier, we can protect our neighborhoods from exploitation,” said State Senator Jabari Brisport.   

“In Central Brooklyn, specifically Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights, deed theft is stripping generational wealth and stability from Black and Brown families. I have worked alongside my colleagues in government, homeowners, advocates, and legal partners to push for stronger protections, accountability, and coordinated action, because our community deserves more than awareness, they deserve results. The creation of the Mayor’s Office of Deed Theft Prevention is a meaningful step toward aligning resources and strengthening enforcement, and I look forward to continuing this work to ensure homeowners are protected and have a clear path to reclaim and keep what is rightfully theirs,” said Assemblymember Stefani Zinerman.  

“Two years ago, I led the fight in the state Assembly to make deed theft a crime because no one should lose their home to fraud. I applaud Mayor Mamdani for creating an Office of Deed Theft Prevention that will use the tools we put in place to go after bad actors and protect homeowners and will fight alongside our office to eliminate deed theft in New York State,” said Assemblymember Landon Dais.

“Peter White is a brilliant lawyer and advocate whose combined skill, expertise, and deeply rooted respect for and dedication to his community uniquely defines him as a leader. His new appointment as Director of the NYC Department of Deed Fraud Prevention is a testament to his tenure with Access Justice Brooklyn, where he has dedicated over seven years to the preservation of homeownership for Brooklyn families. We take great pride in knowing that Peter will now have the opportunity to bring his talents beyond Brooklyn, serving communities across all five boroughs of New York City,” said Lilia Toson, President & CEO, Access Justice Brooklyn.

“NAACP-New York State Conference commends Mayor Mamdani for creating an office dedicated to fighting deed theft. A longstanding, predatory form of fraud, deed theft disproportionately targets Black homeowners, stripping them of a primary source of generational wealth. We cannot continue to treat incidents of deed theft as isolated, civil disputes when they are, in fact, coordinated assaults on the stability of our neighborhoods. This is how Black New Yorkers want to see their elected officials fighting for them. We look forward to working with the office and the administration on protecting vulnerable homeowners,” said L. Joy Wiliams, President of the NAACP New York State Conference.

“I applaud Mayor Mamdani on establishing the Office of Deed Theft Prevention. Homes represent legacy, sacrifice, and security for families, especially our elders. Efforts like this help safeguard that legacy and send a clear message that our city stands with those who are most vulnerable to exploitation,” said Bishop Orlando Findlayter, New Hope Christian Fellowship.

“For generations, lack of access to homeownership has been one of the primary drivers of the racial wealth gap. As homeownership becomes increasingly inaccessible for all New Yorkers, it’s outrageous that deed theft is rising. Black families, especially households led by Black women, lost more wealth in the 2008 foreclosure crisis than any other demographic. Families that managed to buy and keep their homes despite redlining, predatory mortgages and more should not be worried that those homes will be stolen with a falsified deed. Thank you to Mayor Mamdani for working to address this growing crisis in the Black community,” said James Inniss of New York Communities for Change. 

Mayor Mamdani, Governor Hochul and FIFA World Cup 2026 ™ NYNJ Host Committee Announce Free Fan Events Across Five Boroughs

City expands World Cup programming with free events in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island

NEW YORK — Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and the FIFA World Cup 2026 ™ New York New Jersey Host Committee today announced a free, citywide slate of Official NYNJ Fan Events across all five boroughs, bringing live match viewings, cultural programming, local businesses and interactive experiences directly to New Yorkers at no cost.  

All together, these five FIFA World Cup 2026 ™ Fan Events in New York City will be one of the largest free fan events in the country.   

“When I think back on my first World Cup, some of my most meaningful memories weren’t in the stadium, they were in the fan zones, surrounded by thousands of people brought together by a pure love of the game,” said Mayor Mamdani. “That’s what we’re building here: a World Cup that belongs to New Yorkers. By bringing these free fan events to every borough, we’re making sure everyone can be part of that joy.”   

“New Yorkers are ready to welcome fans from across the world for the 2026 World Cup and we’re making sure everyone who calls this city home is part of this historic event,” said Governor Hochul. “These free fan events across all five boroughs bring the excitement of the game to every New Yorker in every community — supporting our small businesses and bringing New Yorkers together.”  

“The World Cup is an opportunity to celebrate all of the diverse cultures and people that call New York City home,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su. “In the past, host cities have been criticized for failing to ensure their own workers and residents benefit and get to participate in the opportunities this global game presents. Under Mayor Mamdani, we are charting a new model where New Yorkers across the five boroughs are prioritized with free events, activations, and celebrations like these.”  

“These free fan events show our commitment to making New York City the best host city in North America,” said World Cup Czar Maya Handa. “By expanding free programming across all five boroughs, we are ensuring that local restaurants and small businesses share in the benefits of the World Cup.”  

“These events are about welcoming the world to New York New Jersey and showcasing the very best of our region,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the NYNJ 2026 World Cup Host Committee. “As the sports and entertainment capital of the world, we’re creating fan experiences that are affordable, accessible, and authentically New York New Jersey—for visitors and, just as importantly, for the residents who call this region home. We’re grateful to Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani for their leadership and partnership in bringing these experiences to life.”  

“This summer is all about the World Cup, and I am so excited that Brooklynites will have access to daily programming at the World Cup Fan Zone at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Brooklynites from every corner of the world will be represented at the World Cup, and Fan Zones like the one at Brooklyn Bridge Park will ensure they too can revel in the glory and excitement of the World Cup. Thank you to Mayor Mamdani for prioritizing access and equity as we head into this historic event,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.  

“The world’s game is coming to the world’s greatest city, and I’m thrilled we’ll be hosting free watch parties and events right here in Brooklyn Bridge Park,” said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. “This is about bringing people together, and I’m excited to watch the World Cup with folks from across the city and around the world. Thanks to Mayor Mamdani for making this happen.”

“The World Cup will be a major boost for tourism, bringing visitors from around the world to experience everything our city has to offer. As the Senator representing the 29th Senate District, it is just as important that New Yorkers have the opportunity to experience the matches, and I am thrilled that one of the locations is at the Bronx Terminal Market. These fan events across the five boroughs will ensure that every New Yorker can join together to celebrate this historic event, free of charge. Thank you to Mayor Zohran Mamdani and partners in government for the efforts to bring the World Cup to all New Yorkers,” said State Senator José M. Serrano.

“Kickoff of the World Cup is nearly here and we need to ensure NYC is ready for millions of visitors and residents alike. I thank Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani for their leadership in making this event more accessible to every New Yorker. I have been calling for the City and State to get game ready and this does just that,” said Assemblymember Tony Simone.  

“I’m proud to see Staten Island included in the NYNJ World Cup 2026 celebration. The World Cup has a way of bringing people together like nothing else, uniting communities across the globe, and it means a lot that Staten Islanders will get to share in that experience at SIUH Community Park right here at home. It’s a reminder of how powerful sports can be in connecting us all,” said Assemblymember Charles D. Fall.  

“The FIFA World Cup brings people together across cultures and backgrounds, a spirt reflected every day in the Bronx.  I’m glad Mayor Mamdani is creating a fan zone right here in the Mighty 77th District, so neighbors can come together and celebrate with passion and pride,” said Assemblymember Landon Dais.  

“It’s not every day we get to host the World Cup right here in New York City, and bringing fan zones to every borough means all our communities get to be part of the excitement. Excited that our very own Brooklyn Bridge Park will be a fan zone bringing people together to cheer, celebrate, and experience the joy of the most beautiful game,” said Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon.  

“With the Mayor’s announcement of fan zones across all five boroughs, more New Yorkers will be able to celebrate the World Cup in their own neighborhoods. These sites, including Rockefeller Center in my district, help ensure this global event supports local businesses, encourages economic activity beyond the stadium, and gives fans more ways to be part of the energy across New York City,” said Councilmember Virginia Maloney.   

“New York City’s hosting of the World Cup should be an experience for all of us to enjoy. The Mamdani administration’s smart selection of Emily Roebling Plaza in Brooklyn Bridge Park as a World Cup fan zone will be a great spot for epic matches and the best view in New York City,” said Councilmember Lincoln Restler.  

“The fan zone at Bronx Terminal Market brings the electric atmosphere of the World Cup directly to our community, creating an open space where everyone can come together to enjoy the games. I am proud we will be able to offer this experience at no charge to South Bronx residents so that we can all share the unforgettable moments of this global tournament,” said Councilmember Elsie Encarnacion.  

Staten Island University Hospital Community Park, where the announcement took place, received a new LED scoreboard, funded through the Economic Development Corporation and a donation from the FIFA New York New Jersey Host Committee. The collaborative effort between the City and the Host Committee not only readies the Stadium to host FIFA Fan Fest watch parties this summer but will also serve as a permanent critical equipment upgrade for baseball seasons well beyond the end of the 2026 World Cup.   

Free Official NYNJ Fan Events Across the Five Boroughs  

QUEENS | NYNJ World Cup 26 Queens Group Stage HQ | USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows | June 11–27 | Daily programming and match viewings  

MANHATTAN | NYNJ World Cup 26 & Telemundo Fan Village at Rockefeller Center | Rockefeller Center | July 6–19 | Daily programming; extended hours during Finals Week  

THE BRONX | NYNJ World Cup 26 Bronx Fan Zone | Bronx Terminal Market | June 13–14 | Matchday programming and local cultural programming  

BROOKLYN | Brooklyn Fan Zone | Brooklyn Bridge Park | June 13 – July 19 | Daily Programming and match viewings  

STATEN ISLAND | NYNJ World Cup 26 Staten Island Fan Zone | Staten Island University Hospital Community Park | June 29–July 2 | Daily programming and evening match viewings  

Together, these events form a 39-day, citywide celebration – spreading economic opportunity and World Cup energy across every corner of the city, not just its busiest destinations.  

Additional details on programming, partners and talent will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, visit nynjfwc26.com. 

Mayor Mamdani and Speaker Menin Urge Albany to Help Close City’s Multi-Billion Dollar Budget Gap

For the first time in recent history, Mayor and Speaker jointly call for increased revenue and an end to the drain of City resources to the state  

Mayor and Speaker urge State to reduce NYC PTET tax credit to raise nearly $1 billion in city revenue and agree on initial savings in the City budget  

Mayor and Speaker agree to budget extender as State budget remains unfinished

Mayor Mamdani Names Elizabeth Adams Senior Advisor for Fast and Free Buses 

Transportation organizer and advocate will lead efforts to deliver fast and free buses

NEW YORK – Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced that Elizabeth Adams will serve as Senior Advisor for Fast and Free Buses, a key priority the Mayor has committed to delivering before he leaves office.    

Adams, a longtime organizer, has worked for years to improve New York City’s transportation system. In her new role, she will lead efforts to speed up some of the slowest buses in the country and make them free. She will work across agencies and external partners to strengthen support for the initiative and will report to the First Deputy Mayor.    

“My administration is grounded in a simple belief: that the future New Yorkers have been organizing toward for years must be delivered. That means streets that are safe, buses and trains that people can rely on and a public transit system that is affordable, accessible and built to grow with our city,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Elizabeth brings a deep commitment to this fight. Her leadership will be critical as we make our buses fast and free and build a 21st-century transit system that works for everyone.”

“We are so excited to have Elizabeth join our Administration as Senior Advisor for Fast and Free Buses. Elizabeth has dedicated her career to making our streets safe, affordable and accessible,” said First Deputy Mayor Dean Fuleihan. “Elizabeth is uniquely qualified to lead our efforts to deliver fast and free buses. Her organizing prowess and clear ability to build coalitions is exactly what we need to give New Yorkers the transit system they deserve.”

“New Yorkers deserve fast, reliable buses – and Elizabeth Adams has consistently centered the needs of everyday riders and communities in her years of advocacy,” said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn. “We look forward to working with her to deliver our bold agenda for the more than 1 million daily bus riders stuck on some of the slowest buses in the nation.”  

“I am honored to be joining the Mamdani administration as Senior Advisor for Fast and Free Buses,” said Elizabeth Adams, Senior Advisor for Fast and Free Buses. “Our streets belong to the people of New York City and that starts with our buses. Mayor Mamdani has made improving public transportation and infrastructure a priority and I am looking forward to working with our partners in government to deliver on making our buses fast and free.”   

“You can tell who really cares about transit by who shows up. Elizabeth is always there on the frontlines and brings the policy expertise and organizing chops that this work demands,” said Transportation Committee Chair Councilman Shaun Abreu. “These skills will serve her well as the Senior Advisor for Fast and Free Buses, and I look forward to working with her and the Mayor to improve our transit system for every New Yorker.”    

“The fare free bus pilot program I championed with Mayor Mamdani was a resounding success,” said Senate Deputy Leader Gianaris. “I am so glad Mayor Mamdani is continuing to push for free buses by appointing Elizabeth Adams to help steer its future.”  

“I’m delighted Mayor Mamdani has appointed public servant and transit advocate Elizabeth Adams as Senior Advisor for Fast and Free Buses. Manhattanites have been clear: there is an affordability and mobility crisis facing our city. Together with Elizabeth, I look forward to turning fast and free buses from policy into reality, which will drastically speed up travel times and cut costs for the 1.3 million+ New Yorkers who depend on MTA buses every day,” said Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal.   

“Our communities experienced the benefits of a fare-free bus pilot that was made possible by Mayor Mamdani’s leadership as a legislator. Appointing Elizabeth Adams as the Senior Advisor for Fast and Free Buses demonstrates the Mayor’s continued commitment to delivering the high-quality bus service New Yorkers deserve. Elizabeth’s tenacity and years of expertise in public transit policy will be crucial to achieving the goal of fast and free bus service,” said State Senator Julia Salazar.   

“I’m thrilled to see Elizabeth Adams stepping into the role of Senior Advisor for Fast and Free Buses. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside her at the forefront of street safety — fighting to improve public transit and build a New York City that is safer for pedestrians, cyclists, bus operators, deliveristas, micro-mobility users and drivers alike. As a co-sponsor of the original legislation and a champion in the legislative push for fast and free buses, I’ve seen firsthand how critical this work is. Elizabeth’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing faster, more reliable and more equitable bus service, and I look forward to continuing this work together to deliver a transit system New Yorkers deserve,” said Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas.   

“Elizabeth Adams is a champion for safe streets. Excited for her to help implement the Mayor’s bold bus agenda,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler.  

“Elizabeth has spent her career in and out of government fighting for a more equitable city that centers the needs of marginalized New Yorkers. I had the pleasure of working with her when we were both staffers in the City Council and have seen firsthand how her policy acumen and deep understanding of state and city government have advanced ambitious initiatives. Those are just a few of the skills that make her the perfect candidate to actualize the Mayor’s vision of fast and free buses. I look forward to working alongside Elizabeth in this new role and fighting for a transit system that works for all New Yorkers,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson.   

“Fast and Free Buses are a hallmark of the Mayor’s Affordability Agenda and it’s exciting to see progress being made toward delivering on this bold idea which has the potential to make a substantial impact on residents in the South Bronx. I’m looking forward to partnering with Ms. Adams and making certain that District 17 is part of the implementation of this initiative,” said Council Member Justin Sanchez.   

“Elizabeth Adams has spent her career serving the people of New York City through roles in both advocacy and government with compassion, intelligence, and grit. While she’ll be sorely missed here at Transportation Alternatives, we’re thrilled that she’s now stepping into government once more to serve in this important role in City Hall. She is an excellent choice to help enact Mayor Mamdani’s mandate for fast and free buses, and we’re excited to work together to deliver reliable commutes for millions of New Yorkers,” said Ben Furnas, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives.    

“Elizabeth Adams is a seasoned champion of streets that work better for all New Yorkers,” said Riders Alliance Executive Director Betsy Plum. “She knows what it takes to transform bus service and save millions of riders time and money. Riders are eager to work with Elizabeth and her colleagues across the Mamdani administration to deliver on the promise of fast and free buses.”   

“Mayor Mamdani’s hire of long-time transit advocate Elizabeth Adams to steward New York City’s buses shows just how sincere and committed he and his Administration are to prioritizing faster and more reliable service for the city’s bus riders. Having worked with Elizabeth for many years on issues like bus priority projects and congestion pricing, we know she will be a fierce and determined champion for riders’ priorities,” said Lisa Daglian, Executive Director, Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA (PCAC).   

“RPA is thrilled that Elizabeth Adams has been appointed as Senior Advisor for the First Deputy Mayor. As someone who has worked closely with Elizabeth for many years, I know she cares deeply about the communities of New York. RPA believes streets should reflect the needs of the people who live, work and gather on them every day, and we look forward to working with City Hall and the MTA to speed buses throughout the city,” said Kate Slevin, Executive Vice President at Regional Plan Association.   

“Elizabeth Adams is the perfect fit for this role – with a combination of government and advocacy experience, she knows how to get things done,” said Sara Lind, Co-Executive Director of Open Plans. “Fast and free buses are a critical tool towards reducing driving and Open Plans looks forward to working with Elizabeth and the administration to advance these important policies.”   

“New York City under Mayor Mamdani has an historic opportunity to transform New York City’s bus system. Elizabeth Adams has been a fierce advocate for fast buses in NYC and is a great choice.  In this strategic new position, she can help elevate any inter-agency obstacles, like coordination with DDC, EDC and the MTA that might otherwise inhibit New York City’s ability to deliver world class bus rapid transit, transformative public spaces, and radically faster buses,” said Walter Hook, Executive Director of People-Oriented Cities.   

“We’re thrilled that Mayor Mamdani has appointed Elizabeth Adams as Senior Advisor for Fast and Free Buses to the First Deputy Mayor! Elizabeth has done invaluable work as Transportation Alternatives’ Deputy Director for Public Affairs these past few years, and we can’t think of anyone better suited to the job of shaping and implementing the administration’s bus policies,” said Eric McClure, Executive Director of StreetsPAC.   

“Prioritizing NYC buses is not only a win for the environment, it is critical for the upward economic mobility of countless New Yorkers. We applaud Mayor Mamdani on naming Elizabeth Adams as Senior Advisor for Fast and Free Buses, because she understands that everyone deserves access to reliable and affordable public transportation,” said Alia Soomro, Deputy Director for NYC Policy at the New York League of Conservation Voters.   

About Elizabeth Adams   

Elizabeth Adams is an advocate and organizer focused on improving New York City’s transportation system. She grew up in a rent-stabilized, union household and is a product of New York City’s public schools.    

Adams most recently served as Deputy Executive Director of Public Affairs at Transportation Alternatives, where she worked for more than four years on street safety and transportation policy. She previously spent more than six years at Planned Parenthood of New York City, serving as Director of Government Relations, and also worked in the New York City Council.    

She holds a bachelor’s degree from University of California, Santa Cruz.  

Mayor Mamdani Names Dana Kaplan City’s Close Rikers Czar, In Latest Step Toward Shutting Down Rikers Island 

Czar will oversee next steps in closing Rikers Island, including reducing the jail population

Kaplan previously served as senior advisor to the Independent Rikers Commission 

Mayor Mamdani Unveils Design Concepts to Put the ‘Park’ Back in Park Avenue  

Redesign would transform Park Avenue between East 46th Street and East 57th Street, making it safer, greener and more welcoming  

City to host public workshops for New Yorkers to learn more and provide feedback

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn today unveiled design concepts to put the ‘park’ back in Park Avenue, reimagining a key stretch of Midtown Manhattan as a greener, safer and more people-centered corridor.   

The proposed redesign would expand the avenue’s median, add pedestrian enhancements, seating and landscaping, and explore potential bike lanes and innovative streetscape amenities. The project area sits directly above the Grand Central Terminal train shed, which is undergoing a major capital rehabilitation by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)’s Metro-North Railroad.   

As the MTA replaces and waterproofs the structure below, the City is advancing a parallel effort to transform the avenue above — aligning infrastructure renewal with a broader vision for public space shaped by community input.    

“With this new redesign, we are putting the ‘Park’ back into Park Avenue and upgrading Midtown Manhattan by providing residents and visitors alike with more usable public space,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Our city’s public spaces must better serve the public, and my administration has made this a priority through bold infrastructure investments and street redesigns. Working together with our partners across the City and State, we will ensure that New York City’s streets are the envy of the world.”  

“The Park Avenue redesign will make Midtown Manhattan safer, greener and more welcoming for pedestrians,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson. “By upgrading the medians and seating, Park Avenue will finally, truly belong to the public. The Mamdani Administration will keep pushing to make our streets safer and more accessible for all New Yorkers.”   

“Whether you’re walking, biking or just looking for a place to sit and take a break, this project is about making Park Avenue work better for you” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “We’re turning underused space into something welcoming, functional and vibrant for the people who live, work and spend time on this iconic street.”  

The proposal covers 11 blocks from 46th Street to 57th Street. It would remove one travel lane in each direction, allowing medians to expand and accommodate seating, plantings and other pedestrian and cycling amenities. New crosswalks would connect the medians along the corridor.   

The design aims to balance the needs of pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. Potential bike improvements are being studied in coordination with the City’s broader bike network. A typical median could include planting areas, a north-south bike lane and a pedestrian pathway.

The concepts were developed through extensive community engagement, including a public survey, stakeholder interviews, workshops and meetings with community boards and local organizations.    

The train shed rehabilitation is part of the MTA’s 2025–2029 capital plan. The agency is coordinating construction with nearby development projects in East Midtown.   

Upcoming Outreach  

NYC DOT will host public events to gather feedback:   

Wednesday, April 29, 2026  

12-2 p.m.   

• Lever House (54th Street & Park Avenue)
• 425 Park Avenue (56th Street & Park Avenue)

5-7 p.m. (Rain date is Thursday, April 30 from 5-7 p.m.)

• Lever House (54th Street & Park Avenue)  

• 277 Park Ave (47th Street & Park Avenue)   

Saturday, May 2, 2026  

10 a.m. – 12 p.m.  

• St. Bartholomew’s Church (50th Street & Park Avenue)  

Community Board Meetings  

• Manhattan Community Board 6: May 4, 2026, 7 p.m. (virtual)  

• Manhattan Community Board 5: May 28, 2026 (details forthcoming)    

The planning process is funded through the East Midtown Governing Group, created as part of the 2017 Greater East Midtown rezoning, which requires new commercial developments to contribute to nearby public realm improvements.  

Community and business leaders echoed support for expanded public space, citing the benefits of wider medians, improved access and a more people-focused streetscape.   

“I am pleased this important plan has taken a critical step forward with the launch of the proposed redesign to put the ‘park’ back in Park Avenue,” said Congressman Jerry Nadler. “New York City residents will benefit from the transformational redesign to improve eleven of New York’s most famous city-blocks for years to come. The proposal will modernize the area into a safer, greener space while balancing the needs of all modes of transportation so vehicles, cyclists and especially pedestrians can enjoy Park Avenue. After years of prioritizing vehicle travel, Midtown will soon have improved access to public space that includes programming and natural beauty.”  

“I’m thrilled DOT is advancing a redesign of Park Avenue alongside the MTA’s essential work to rehabilitate the train shed beneath Grand Central Terminal. This proposal will transform Park Avenue into a greener, safer and more welcoming corridor, with expanded medians, improved pedestrian crossings and thoughtfully designed public space. I’m grateful to Mayor Mamdani, Commissioner Flynn, Community Boards 5 and 6 and the East Midtown Governing Group for their partnership in moving this long-envisioned project forward. I encourage Manhattanites to participate in DOT’s upcoming public meetings so we can shape the best possible future for Park Avenue together,” said Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal.  

“Park Avenue is one of the most iconic corridors in our city, serving commuters, businesses and the millions of people who move through Midtown every day. As the MTA addresses critical infrastructure needs under the roadway, we have a real opportunity to invest in a greener, more accessible and more functional Park Avenue. I appreciate the focus on public engagement and look forward to working with DOT and the community to ensure the final design reflects how New Yorkers use this corridor every day,” said Council Member Virginia Maloney. 

“Manhattan Community Board 5 wholeheartedly supports putting the Park back in Park Avenue. We look forward to working with key stakeholders and the community at large to identify and implement equitable measures and improvements to better everyone’s interaction with Park Avenue,” said Bradley Sherburne, Chair of Manhattan Community Board 5.     

“While dramatic changes continue to reshape the skyline of Park Avenue with the rise of new state of the art office towers like JPMorgan Chase’s new campus at 270 Park Avenue, L&L Holding’s 425 Park Tower and the planned development of 350 Park Avenue by Vornado, Rudin and Citadel, the city is now taking another step forward to reimagine the pedestrian experience by upgrading accessible open public space for Midtown East in order to put the PARK back in Park Avenue,” said Fred Cerullo, President and CEO of the Grand Central Partnership.  

“Our community is strongly supportive of new pedestrian and recreational space. Done right, we expect the widening of the Park Avenue medians and increasing public accessibility along these eleven blocks will prove of great benefit to the people who live and work in East Midtown Manhattan,” said Rob Byrnes, President of the East Midtown Partnership.   

“Mayor Mamdani and Commissioner Flynn keep showing us what is possible on city streets. We’re excited that they’ll make Park Avenue worthy of its name and introduce a better walking, biking and sitting experience at the heart of Midtown for every New Yorker to enjoy,” said Daniel McPhee, Executive Director of Urban Design Forum.

“The Park Avenue redesign marks a welcome change in the heart of our city. Eliminating two lanes of car traffic to create space for people to walk, bike and gather is a huge step towards reimagining NYC streets. We are encouraged by the steady stream of projects that center people and active mobility that we’ve seen over the last 100 days, and we hope the DOT and Mamdani administration continue their bold leadership in the months to come,” said Sara Lind, Co-Executive Director of Open Plans.  

“We are thrilled to see the Mamdani Administration and NYC DOT leverage the power of community-informed design to make NYC’s streets greener and more livable. The Park Avenue redesign is bold model for a safer, happier and healthier urban landscape,” said Matthew Clarke, Executive Director of the Design Trust for Public Space.  

Mayor Mamdani Launches Organize NYC to Mobilize New Yorkers to Testify Ahead of Rent Guidelines Board Hearings   

Organize NYC brings the people-powered movement that elected the Mayor into City governance  

“For us to be complacent in accepting of a process where 0.02% of those impacted are testifying is to me a failure of civic engagement. And what this office and our partners are dedicated towards is ensuring that far more New Yorkers understand not only the responsibility government has but the role they have,” said Mayor Mamdani. 

NEW YORK, NY – Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Tascha Van Auken, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement, announced the launch of Organize NYC, a long-term initiative to bring mass public participation into the work of governing.  

The effort begins with a campaign focused on upcoming Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) hearings. Volunteers will canvass across the city to encourage tenants and landlords to testify ahead of the Board’s June vote, which will determine whether rents increase or remain the same for more than 2 million New Yorkers. The RGB considers public testimony as part of its decision-making process.  

Organize NYC will begin canvassing in early May in:  

• Concourse, the Bronx  

• Jackson Heights, Queens  

• Northern Washington Heights, Manhattan  

• East Village, Manhattan  

• Flatbush, Brooklyn  

New Yorkers can sign up to canvass at: organize.nyc.gov.   

Organize NYC will not advocate for any specific outcome in the RGB vote or guide what participants say if they choose to testify. Instead, the campaign focuses on ensuring more New Yorkers can take part in decisions that directly impact their lives.  

“This movement was never about a single election or a single administration. It’s about building lasting power for working-class New Yorkers,” said Mayor Mamdani. “This June, the Rent Guidelines Board will make a decision that affects more than 2 million people. But first, they will hear from us. Organize NYC will mobilize New Yorkers to make sure they know they have a voice in that decision – and how to use it – because government only works when it answers to the people it serves.”  

“Too often, people don’t know about the opportunities they have to make their voices heard — or they don’t know how to take part. Organize NYC is about changing that by breaking down barriers and cutting through the complexity that has kept New Yorkers at arm’s length from the decisions that shape their lives,” said Tascha Van Auken, Commissioner for the Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement. “The movement that brought us here showed what’s possible when people come together — and that same spirit continues to guide this work today.”  

“When New Yorkers organize, services come faster, buildings are safer, housing policy becomes fairer and enforcement is stronger. Whether it’s a meeting in your lobby or testimony at City Hall, Organize NYC will bring everyday New Yorkers into the work of governing and keep this administration connected to what is happening on the ground,’ working people,” said Cea Weaver, Director, Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants.  

Last year, about 400 people testified at RGB hearings, even though the RGB’s decisions affect more than 2 million New Yorkers. Organize NYC aims to close that gap by growing awareness and participation citywide.  

Upcoming Rent Guidelines Board hearings:  

• Queens: Thursday, June 4, 5 p.m., Jamaica Performing Arts Center Auditorium; 153-10 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11432  

• Bronx: Monday, June 8, 5 p.m., Main Theatre of Hostos Community College; 450 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451  

• Brooklyn: Thursday, June 11, 7 p.m., The Theater at City Tech, NYC College of Technology; 275 Jay Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201  

• Manhattan: Tuesday, June 16, 5 p.m., Symphony Space; 2537 Broadway & 95th Street, New York, NY 10025  

The Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement will also host an NYC 101 training to break down the affordability crisis, explain how city government works and connect New Yorkers with ways to get involved.  

Sign up atorganize.nyc.gov.

Mayor Mamdani Opens Applications for “The Little Apple,” New York City’s First Free Child Care Pilot Program for Municipal Workers

City selects 100% employee-owned provider Imagine Early Learning Centers to administer full-day, full-year child care program for children ages 6 weeks to 3 years  

Program will kick off this fall following the completion of $10 million renovation of 4,000-square-foot facility

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Yume Kitasei today announced that applications are now open for “The Little Apple,” the City’s first free, full-day, full-year, on-site child care pilot program for City workers.   

Mayor Mamdani and Commissioner Kitasei also announced Imagine Early Learning Centers as the program’s operator. Imagine Early Learning Centers has more than two decades of experience in early childhood education, is 100% employee-owned and currently serves more than 600 children across 12 child care centers in the New York metropolitan area.  

The Little Apple’s pilot location will serve approximately 40 children ages 6 weeks to 3 years and operate out of the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building. Last month, Mayor Mamdani expanded the child care program eligibility to include all City workers based at the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building at 1 Centre Street in addition to all DCAS employees regardless of work location. The Municipal Building, one of the largest government office buildings in the world, houses more than 2,000 employees across a dozen municipal agencies.  

The program will operate on the ground floor of the building’s North Tower and provide year-round care Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The $10 million renovation is underway to construct a 4,000-square-foot child care facility, with completion expected this fall.  

“The dedicated public servants who keep this city running deserve high-quality, free child care that meets the needs of their busy schedules — that is exactly what ‘The Little Apple’ will do,” said Mayor Mamdani. “We hope this center will serve as a model for City government at its best, where a strong start for New York’s Cutest is a guarantee and not a luxury. We’re calling on all DCAS and 1 Centre employees to apply today — kids from 6 weeks to 3 years are eligible!”   

“With the launch of the application period and selection of the vendor to operate The Little Apple, we are taking monumental steps forward and transforming what child care looks like in a modern workforce,” said DCAS Commissioner Yume Kitasei. “We’re excited to work with Imagine Early Learning Centers to open the doors to the city’s first The Little Apple site this fall.”  

“Imagine is honored to be partnering with DCAS and the Mamdani administration to bring our best-in-class early childhood care and education to New York City employees at no cost,” said Laura Tulchin, CEO of Imagine Early Learning Center. “As the country’s only 100% employee-owned child care company, we know that a strong child care program like this will benefit all of New York’s families, children and workers. We believe deeply in this program and are proud to be a part of such an important step for our city.”  

APPLICATION AND ELIGIBILITY DETAILS  

Applications for eligible families are open online now through May 15, 2026.  

To be eligible, employees must:  

• Be a full-time DCAS employee regardless of work location or a full-time City employee who is assigned to 1 Centre Street.  

• Be a parent or legal guardian of a child between the ages of 6 weeks (as of Sept. 1, 2026) and 3 years old (as of Dec. 31, 2026).   

One application may be submitted per family and may include multiple children per application. Families will be chosen using a random selection process, with a limited number of seats reserved for applicants seeking five-day/week enrollment. Selected participants will be notified in June. Families not selected will be placed on a waitlist and contacted if space becomes available.  

Full eligibility details and application portal are available online.  

By expanding access to free, on-site child care, the City is putting upwards of $20,000 a year back in the pockets of working families. The program is also expected to improve the retention of top talent, boost productivity and strengthen job satisfaction among working parents.  

Today’s announcement builds on the Mamdani Administration’s commitment to delivering universal child care to New York City families, supported by the State in partnership with Governor Kathy Hochul. Since Jan. 1, 2026, the City has announced the launch of full-day, full-year 2-K, the city’s first universal child care for 2-year-olds, set to launch with 2,000 initial seats this year, as well as an expansion of more than 1,000 3-K seats in 56 ZIP codes.    

“Today’s announcement is a huge first step to deliver free child care for municipal employees,” said New York City Comptroller Mark Levine. “This will be a game-changing service for parents, who won’t have to choose between devoting their career to civil service and saving on child care expenses. I look forward to seeing The Little Apple open this Fall, and to the positive ripple effects free and affordable child care will have on our workforce, local economy and government.”  

“I’m pleased DCAS is opening applications for the city’s first free municipal child care program, a real step forward in advancing Mayor Mamdani’s free child care policies citywide,” said Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal. “I’m grateful to Commissioner Kitasei for her leadership, and for her commitment to lowering child care costs for our city’s public servants. I look forward to seeing DCAS further expand the city’s child care program borough-wide.”

Mayor Mamdani Announces $95 Million Cloudburst Project to Manage Flooding in Homecrest, Brooklyn  

Porous pavement will absorb and divert stormwater, while parks and school sites will store it underground  

Project will protect water quality in Coney Island Creek 

NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Lisa F. Garcia, NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura, New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn and New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) Chancellor Kamar Samuels today announced $95 million in DEP funding for an innovative Cloudburst stormwater management project in Homecrest, Brooklyn.   

The project is designed to reduce flooding, protect local waterways and strengthen neighborhood resilience as extreme weather becomes more frequent and more severe.  

Cloudburst projects use a network of neighborhood-scale infrastructure to move stormwater off streets during short, intense storms without overwhelming the sewer system. In Homecrest, DEP will install porous pavement on City streets and underground storage systems on public land, managing an estimated 30 million gallons of stormwater each year. The Homecrest project will be built to handle the increasingly common, heavy downpours that can drop more than two inches of rain in a single hour. 

The Homecrest project will relieve pressure on the sewer system during peak rainfall by capturing and storing stormwater before it floods streets or flows untreated into Coney Island Creek. Reducing polluted runoff is essential to protecting water quality and meeting Clean Water Act standards.    

“We are building a city that protects New Yorkers in the places where flooding hits hardest,” said Mayor Mamdani. “This project turns everyday public spaces — our schoolyards, streets and parking lots — into infrastructure that keeps our communities safe. As climate change accelerates, investments like this are not optional. They are how we deliver a city that is resilient, equitable and prepared.”   

“Climate change is already here, and our infrastructure must catch up. Cloudburst projects rebuild our city with the green infrastructure, like porous pavement and underground stormwater storage, that will keep us safe during storms,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson. “These investments into stormwater management are increasingly critical, and I am glad to see our agencies working hand in hand to deliver creative solutions to flooding.”   

“The Homecrest Cloudburst project is a major step forward in protecting this community from the kind of extreme rainfall we know is becoming more common,” said DEP Commissioner Lisa F. Garcia. “By capturing and storing stormwater before it overwhelms local streets and sewers, we’re reducing flood risk, improving water quality in Coney Island Creek and building the resilient infrastructure New Yorkers deserve.”  

The project will target flooding hotspots across a 350-acre area, including Kings Highway, Coney Island Avenue and avenues P, R, S, T, U and V.   

In partnership with NYC Parks, NYC DOT and NYCPS, DEP is evaluating traffic triangles, athletic courts, schoolyards and parking lots as sites for underground storage tanks.  

“New Yorkers shouldn’t have to worry about flooding every time there’s intense rain. In addition to making South Brooklyn more resilient to extreme weather and protecting our waterways from pollution, this new Cloudburst system will include upgrades to Homecrest’s public spaces that New Yorkers will be able to enjoy, rain or shine,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “We’re proud to work with DEP and our partners across City government to design Cloudburst systems here and throughout the city.”  

“As climate change continues to bring wetter weather to the five boroughs, we must act urgently and collaboratively to construct stormwater management systems in public spaces that will protect future generations from the damages of devastating flooding,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “We look forward to working in lockstep with our sister agencies to deliver these critical infrastructure enhancements across the city in the years ahead.”    

“Investments like this help keep our communities safe,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels. “I’m grateful to our City partners for coming together and prioritizing what might go unnoticed by many but can have a huge impact should a cloudburst occur. Together, we are building a more resilient future for our Homecrest students and staff.”  

“For too long, every time a major storm rolls through, families throughout Southern Brooklyn have watched their streets turn into rivers — and every year it’s happening more and more due to climate change. We’ve dealt with flooded basements, damaged cars and roads that become impassable,” said State Senator Sam Sutton. “This $95 million investment in infrastructure is exactly the kind of serious, long-term commitment our communities need.”   

“Flooding in Homecrest and across Southern Brooklyn has been a long-standing problem that residents — and my office — have been raising for years as the city has faced a rapid increase in intense storms,” said Assemblymember Michael Novakhov. “Our community needs real, consistent infrastructure solutions that address these challenges and deliver lasting results. I will continue working to ensure that projects like this are implemented effectively and that our neighborhoods finally continue to receive the attention they deserve.”  

“Investing in projects like Cloudbursts helps alleviate the disruptions caused by the increase in intense storms across our borough,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “As the climate crisis worsens, it is imperative to protect Brooklynites from its devastating effects — especially in southern Brooklyn and other coastal parts of the borough. I applaud Mayor Mamdani and the DEP for making this investment for our neighbors in Homecrest and look forward to working together to fight for better climate protections across Brooklyn.”  

“On behalf of Community Board 15, we are elated to see a flood resiliency project implemented in southern Brooklyn,” said Theresa Scavo, Chair of Brooklyn Community Board 15. “After the devastation of Super Storm Sandy, our community fears every time there is a forecast of heavy downpours.”   

DEP launched its Cloudburst Management Program in 2023, advancing projects in flood-prone neighborhoods across the city, including Parkchester in the Bronx; Brownsville and East New York in Brooklyn; East Harlem in Manhattan; and Corona, Jamaica, Kissena and St. Albans in Queens. DEP continues to seek federal funding to support additional projects.