Workers Rights Restitution, Summer Youth Employment, Venezuela Relief In Brooklyn, Faster Buses, Spanish WhatsApp Channel, Bringing Soccer to Queens, Legionnaires’ Cluster, $15 Tickets To Soccer Match Next Week, Better Bus Service, Civil Service Exam Fees Waived: Mayor Mamdani
Editor’s note: We have previously covered these workers’ rights laws, which are being enforced by this Mayor, though they were enacted in the last few years during the last administration. See last week’s Mayor’s Office rundown for more details on senior housing updates, affordable health insurance for New Yorkers no longer qualified for free health insurance under the new rules enactetd by the OBBBA, and the new health vending machines providing essentials to those that need them free of charge. Check back next week for a video and photo slideshow of the Gotham FC event discussed below. See the Health Department’s article on the Legionnaires disease cluster, talked about by the Mayor here. The available interactive map is below
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin announce a handshake agreement on the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, at City Hall on Tuesday, June 29,, 2026. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
Mamdani Administration Recovers $2.3 Million for Workers in Major Labor Rights Crackdown
DCWP Secures Restitution for More Than 1,600 New York City Workers
NEW YORK – Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levineannounced settlements against Walgreens, Allstar Security & Consulting, Calzedonia (Intimissimi) and Kinship Coffee for violating New York City’s worker protection laws.
The four companies will pay a combined $2.1 million in restitution to more than 1,600 workers, along with more than $218,000 in civil penalties and costs. Since the start of the Mamdani administration, DCWP has secured more than $10.1 million in restitution for New York City workers.
“When a company shorts a worker on their schedule or their time off, that worker pays for it — missing their kid’s pickup, losing a shift they were counting on, scrambling to find childcare with two days’ notice,” said Mayor Mamdani. “These laws exist because working families deserve stability on the job. If corporations choose to break them, they will pay what they owe.”
“Everyone’s time is valuable but too often, workers are treated as if theirs isn’t,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su. “I’ve spent my career fighting for workers to get paid what they’re owed and to be treated with basic dignity on the job. Respect for workers’ time is about both. When an employer drops a schedule on their workers without notice or punishes them for not being able to take a last minute shift, it’s an abuse of power. And with these actions, we are sending a clear message that it’s against the law.”
“For too many workers, receiving a work schedule at the last minute or being wrongly denied time off can disrupt child care arrangements, interfere with educational opportunities, and make it harder to make ends meet,” said DCWP Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levine. “The Fair Workweek and Protected Time Off Laws were enacted to provide workers with the stability and predictability they deserve. These actions will provide over two million dollars to workers whose rights were violated and serve as a reminder that DCWP will continue taking decisive action against employers, including national corporations like Walgreens, that violate workplace protections.”
Walgreens will pay more than $1.6 million in restitution to more than 570 workers at three Brooklyn stores, along with $163,000 in civil penalties. DCWP found the company failed to provide workers with 72 hours’ advance notice of work schedules and required employees to work additional hours without the notice or consent mandated under the Fair Workweek Law, among other violations. Allstar Security & Consulting will pay $270,000 in restitution to more than 900 workers, plus $30,000 in civil penalties and costs, after failing to provide paid protected time off required under the City’s Protected Time Off Law.
Calzedonia, owner of SoHo-based lingerie retailer Intimissimi, will pay more than $154,000 in restitution to more than 50 workers, along with more than $15,000 in civil penalties and costs. The company violated the Fair Workweek Law by failing to provide 72 hours’ advance notice of schedules, requiring employees to work additional hours without proper notice or consent and canceling shifts with insufficient notice.
Kinship Coffee will pay more than $67,000 in restitution to more than 90 workers, along with more than $9,000 in civil penalties and costs, for violating the City’s Protected Time Off Law at three Queens locations.
NYC Worker Protection Laws
DCWP enforces New York City’s Fair Workweek Law, which gives retail and fast-food workers more predictable schedules and compensation for certain schedule changes, helping workers better balance work, family and school. Research shows that among the 10 jurisdictions nationwide with fair workweek protections, New York City workers have experienced the greatest improvements in scheduling stability due to DCWP’s enforcement of the law.
For retail workers, New York City employers must:
- Provide work schedules at least 72 hours in advance. Not schedule on-call shifts.
- Not cancel scheduled shifts with less than 72 hours’ notice.
- Not require employees to work additional hours with less than 72 hours’ notice unless the employee voluntarily agrees.
For fast food workers, employers must:
- Provide regular schedules that remain consistent week-to-week.
- Post schedules at least 14 days in advance.
- Pay required premiums for schedule changes and “clopening” shifts.
- Allow workers to decline additional shifts and “clopening” shifts.
- Offer additional regular hours to existing employees before hiring new staff;
- Not terminate workers or reduce their hours by more than 15% without just cause.
- Reinstate laid off employees by seniority when hours become available.
DCWP also enforces the Protected Time Off Law, formerly known as the Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law. Covered employees are entitled to up to 40 or 56 hours of time off each year, depending on employer size, as well as unpaid protected time off and paid prenatal leave.
Workers who believe their rights have been violated can https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/workers/worker-rights.page file a complaint by visiting nyc.gov/workers. Complaints may be filed anonymously regardless of immigration status, and employers are prohibited from retaliating against workers who exercise their rights.
DCWP is the nation’s leading municipal enforcement agency, charged with delivering economic justice, bringing New Yorkers real economic relief and protect them from predatory, deceptive and unfair practices that violate their rights as consumers and workers. This includes pioneering cutting-edge protections for New Yorkers, such as the City’s Consumer Protection Law, Protected Time Off Law, Fair Workweek Law, and Delivery Worker Laws. Across New York City, DCWP levels the economic playing field by licensing more than 45,000 businesses in over 45 industries and providing essential services including free tax preparation and financial counseling to ensure New Yorkers keep more of what they earn and can plan for their futures. This work ensures that New York City is a fairer, more affordable place to live for all.
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani attends Toñita Fest 2026 in Williamsburg on Sunday, June 28,, 2026. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
Mayor Mamdani Kicks Off Summer Youth Employment Program, Providing More Than 100,000 Young New Yorkers With Jobs and Paid Work Experiences
Participation in SYEP tied to improved school attendance, reduced incarceration rates, and lower chances of arrest
Program offers professional experience to thousands of young New Yorkers who are homeless, at high risk of gun violence, live with disabilities, justice involved, reside in foster care
NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani kicked off the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), as 100,000 young New Yorkers prepare to step into workplaces across the five boroughs. From community organizations and small businesses to hospitals, cultural institutions, and government agencies, SYEP offers work experience at thousands of workplaces across the city, allowing young New Yorkers to hone professional skills while earning a paycheck.
“For so many young New Yorkers, a summer job is more than just a way to pass the time, it’s a step towards their future. For years, SYEP has helped thousands of New Yorkers start their careers, hone their professional skills, and give back to the neighborhoods they call home – all while allowing them to earn money,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Congratulations to the newest members of the SYEP cohort. We hope you not only learn new skills at work, but new things about yourself this summer.”
“The road to professional and personal success is paved by programs like SYEP that provide young New Yorkers the experience they will need in the future,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga. “SYEP does not just develop skills in the workplace, it also provides education in key areas, like financial literacy, and to high-risk communities, so those young New Yorkers are afforded the opportunity to achieve long-term economic success and stability.”
“Celebrating its 63rd year as the nation’s largest youth employment program, SYEP continues to create career pathways and expand opportunities for young people to explore their interests, gain meaningful work experience, build professional skills and earn a paycheck. By connecting participants to employers, mentors and real-world experiences, SYEP helps prepare the next generation of New York City’s workforce while investing in communities across the five boroughs,” said NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Sandra Escamilla-Davies. “Alongside Summer Rising, Saturday Night Lights, Summer Night Lights, and other free DYCD programs, SYEP provides young people with safe, engaging opportunities to build lasting relationships, develop skills, discover new possibilities and create experiences that will shape their futures long after the summer ends.”
Earlier this year, Mayor Mamdani released a video encouraging young New Yorkers to apply for SYEP, leading to a record number of applications.
SYEP is a six-week program, running from July to August, that allows participants to jumpstart their careers at thousands of worksites across the city. SYEP advances the City’s vision of making New York City more affordable by helping young people earn income, gain valuable and transferable skills, and build pathways to long-term economic opportunities.
The program offers tailored experiences to thousands of young New Yorkers who often face barriers to summer jobs, including young people at the highest risk of gun violence, NYCHA residents, homeless youth, youth with disabilities, and those who are justice-involved, or in foster care.
SYEP participation outcomes cited in studies include improved school attendance, connections to new skills, reduced incarceration rates, and keeping teens and young adults safe—including youth who would not otherwise have access to paying jobs. Additional research indicates summer jobs save lives, reduce crime and strengthen communities. A 2021 study found that SYEP participation lowered participants’ chances of being arrested by 17 percent, and by 23 percent for felony arrests. SYEP youth are also significantly less likely to be incarcerated in New York State more than five years after their participation in the program.
Every year, Lyft provides 1,200 free two-month Citi Bike memberships for SYEP participants, enabling young people to get to their jobs, explore their city and have fun. The company also hosts SYEP interns on their Social Impact team; participants gain exposure to careers in the private sector while building their leadership and communications skills as Citi Bike community ambassadors.
“We’re proud to continue partnering with the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development because we believe access to transportation is access to possibility. Since 2022, Lyft has provided free Citi Bike memberships and hands-on experience to help young New Yorkers build real skills — and real confidence. Because when young people move, cities move with them,” said Inbar Kishoni, senior manager, Community & Equity Programs, Lyft Urban Solutions.
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani celebrates Vesak Day in Jackson Heights on Sunday, June 28,, 2026. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
Mayor Mamdani Visits Venezuela Earthquake Relief Site in Brooklyn, Renews Call to Redesignate Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela
At Lulla’s restaurant, Mayor Mamdani joined owner Ivo Diaz, City officials and volunteers packing food, medicine and supplies for families in Venezuela
NEW YORK – Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani visited Lulla’s restaurant in Brooklyn, where he joined Venezuelan New Yorkers, community members, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs Ana Maria Archila, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Faiza N. Ali and volunteers packing food, medicine and other critical supplies for families affected by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. The restaurant has become one of the region’s largest donation hubs for earthquake relief.
“In moments like this, it is ordinary people who show us what solidarity looks like. That is exactly what is happening at Lulla’s,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “New Yorkers are stepping up to care for people they’ve never met because they understand our humanity does not end at our borders. As families in Venezuela grieve unimaginable loss, we will stand with Venezuelan New Yorkers here at home. And we will keep demanding that the federal government redesignate Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela and restore humanitarian protections for those living in the United States. After two major earthquakes and years of political instability, no honest person can argue that Venezuela is safe to return to.”
On June 24, two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela near the coast west of Caracas. More than 2,000 people have died, and the United Nations estimates as many as 50,000 remain unaccounted for. The disaster struck a country already grappling with years of economic and political crisis, leaving hospitals and emergency services overwhelmed.
“New York City is home to a growing Venezuelan community. For thousands of families across the five boroughs, this is not a distant tragedy – it is deeply personal. Within hours of the earthquakes, Venezuelan New Yorkers organized,” said Commissioner of International Affairs Ana Maria Archila. “Restaurants, businesses and volunteers transformed more than 20 locations across the tri-state area into donation hubs. Ivo Diaz turned Lulla’s into one of the first and largest collection sites. Our administration is identifying ways the city can support these community-led relief efforts while sharing our expertise as Venezuela moves emergency response to the long work of recovery and rebuilding.”
The federal government moved to terminate Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans, ending protections that had been scheduled to remain in place through October 2026. Although a federal appeals court found that decision unlawful, hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans have already lost their protected status while the litigation continues, and the remaining TPS designation is set to expire later this year.
“For the thousands of Venezuelan New Yorkers who call our city home, this tragedy is not far away. They are anxiously trying to reach loved ones while finding every possible way to get lifesaving resources to families recovering from these devastating earthquakes,” said Commissioner of Immigrant Affairs Faiza N. Ali. “Today’s visit to Lulla’s reflects the very best of New York City: our compassion, our resilience and our commitment to one another. We will continue working alongside community leaders to support relief efforts across our city. This disaster has deepened an already severe humanitarian crisis. We urge the federal government to use every humanitarian tool available, including authorizing Deferred Enforced Departure or redesignating Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela, so Venezuelan families can remain safely in the United States while continuing to support their loved ones here and abroad.”
New Yorkers who want to help can volunteer at Lulla’s, 169 Graham Ave. in Brooklyn.
Mayor Mamdani joins NYC Welcome Corps volunteers to help World Cup matchgoers get their wristbands at Penn Station. Saturday, June 27, 2026. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.
Fast Buses, Faster Commutes: Mayor Mamdani Completes Madison and Lexington Avenue Bus Lane Projects Serving More Than 150,000 Daily Riders
Double bus lanes on Madison Avenue will speed up commutes for 92,000 daily riders from all five boroughs
Upgraded offset bus lanes on Lexington Avenue will improve service for 71,000 daily riders
Double bus lanes on Madison Avenue allow buses to stop for riders without disrupting the flow service. Credit: NYC DOT
NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn today announced the completion of two major bus priority projects in Manhattan that will deliver faster, more reliable commutes for more than 150,000 daily riders from across the five boroughs.
On Madison Avenue, new double bus lanes now extend from East 23rd Street to East 42nd Street, improving service for 92,000 daily riders across 34 local and express bus routes. On Lexington Avenue, offset bus lanes between East 52nd and East 60th Street replace curbside bus lanes, helping keep lanes clear of illegally parked vehicles and speeding up service for 71,000 daily riders traveling between the Bronx, Staten Island and Manhattan on eight routes.
“Since the cold days of January, our administration has unstuck and advanced bus lane projects that will shorten daily commutes for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers. Now, as summer enters full swing, we’re completing them — and returning more time to New Yorkers’ already busy schedules,” said Mayor Mamdani. “These projects will deliver on our promise of fast buses and build a reliable, efficient transit network for the working New Yorkers who power our city.”
“Our bus priority work on Madison and Lexington Avenues will speed up buses and keep New Yorkers safer as they travel from all corners of the five boroughs,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “These improvements are just the beginning of our commitment to support the next generation of bus service. We look forward to continued partnership with the MTA to deliver faster, more reliable service across the city.”
Rendering of the completed Madison Avenue redesign between East 23rd Street and East 42nd Street. Credit: NYC DOT
Faster Buses on Madison Avenue
Buses along Madison Avenue’s 34 local and express routes often crawl through traffic south of East 42nd Street; speeds have fallen as low as 4.5 mph — nearly half the citywide average bus speed of 8.1 mph. Along this stretch, 55% of people traveling on the corridor ride the bus, despite the absence of a dedicated bus lane before to this project.
MTA data shows double bus lanes can significantly speed up service. After similar lanes were installed on neighboring Fifth Avenue, local bus speeds increased by as much as 12% and express bus speeds increased by as much as 20%.
During Mayor Mamdani’s first month in office, the administration announced it would move forward with the stalled Madison Avenue project, extending double bus lanes from East 42nd Street south to East 23rd Street. In addition to the two new bus lanes, the redesign includes one general travel lane, a parking lane with left-turn pockets between East 23rd and East 34th Street and a parking lane that converts to a travel lane during rush hours between East 34th and East 42nd Street. The project also updates curb regulations on Madison Avenue and nearby side streets to improve parking availability.
Rendering of the redesigned Lexington Avenue with an offset bus lane. Credit: NYC DOT
Better Bus Service on Lexington Avenue
Buses on Lexington Avenue average just 5 mph during daytime hours because vehicles frequently block curbside lanes while making deliveries or picking up and dropping off passengers.
In May, Mayor Mamdani announced work to convert eight blocks of Lexington Avenue between East 52nd Street and East 60th Street from curbside to offset bus lanes, helping keep bus lanes clear and buses moving.
The redesign builds on a similar project completed in 2019 between East 96th Street and East 60th Street. After NYC DOT converted that corridor to offset bus lanes, bus speeds increased by 26% and pedestrian injuries declined by 35%.
“As a proud champion for congestion pricing and improved mass transit, I am pleased to celebrate the opening of the new bus lanes on Madison and Lexington Avenues,” said Congressman Jerry Nadler. “New York City must have a fast, safe and reliable mass transit system to support our residents and visitors, and dedicated bus lanes help achieve this goal by keeping New Yorkers moving and reducing traffic on the streets. The new lanes will improve pedestrian and cyclist safety and make trips faster and more efficient for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers who rely on bus transportation every day.”
“As a longtime advocate for better and faster bus service in Manhattan, I am thrilled that NYC DOT is advancing bus lanes projects on Madison and Lexington Avenues that will improve commute times for thousands of New Yorkers,” said Assemblymember Keith Powers. “These redesigns will keep our buses moving, make our transit network more reliable and help get New Yorkers where they need to go faster. I thank Commissioner Flynn and NYC DOT for continuing to prioritize projects that make our streets safer and our commutes shorter.”
“I’m thrilled that the City Administration under the leadership of Mayor Mamdani and NYC DOT Commissioner Flynn are focusing on buses, which have historically been an underutilized component of mass transit,” said Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal. “As part of this effort, the completion of new bus lanes on Madison and Lexington Avenue will deliver faster and more reliable commutes for more than 163,000 daily bus riders. For too long, two of Midtown’s most important corridors have been slowed by congestion, delaying the workers, residents and visitors who rely on buses every day. These dedicated bus lanes will help keep our borough moving, strengthen our economy and make it easier to access jobs, businesses and cultural institutions in Manhattan.”
“New Yorkers deserve a bus system that is fast, reliable and works for the people who depend on it every day. These improvements on Madison and Lexington Avenues will help tens of thousands of riders spend less time stuck in traffic and more time where they need to be,” said Council Member Carl Wilson. “Investing in dedicated bus infrastructure is one of the smartest ways we can improve mobility, reduce congestion and make our streets work better for everyone. I thank NYC DOT for continuing to prioritize transit improvements, and I look forward to working with them to expand this into District 3!”
“Double bus lanes on Madison Avenue and an offset bus lane on Lexington Avenue will make commutes faster and more reliable for 163,000 New Yorkers,” said Ben Furnas, Executive Director at Transportation Alternatives. “We congratulate DOT on getting these twin projects completed, and we hope to see similar haste for bus priority projects across the city.”
“Fast, reliable bus service is one of the most cost-effective investments we can make in New York City’s transportation network,” said Kate Slevin, Executive Vice President, Regional Plan Association. “The completed segments along Madison and Lexington Avenues will help more than 160,000 daily riders spend less time stuck in traffic and make transit a more attractive option for commuters from every borough. As congestion pricing helps reduce traffic in Manhattan’s core, projects like these ensure those benefits are reinvested in a faster, more reliable bus system that moves people more efficiently.”
Mayor Mamdani joins NYC Welcome Corps volunteers to help World Cup matchgoers get their wristbands at Penn Station. Saturday, June 27, 2026. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.
Mayor Mamdani Launches “El Chisme Oficial de NYC” to Connect Directly with Spanish-Speaking New Yorkers
New WhatsApp channel and Instagram account deliver city news, resources, events and exclusive content directly to New Yorkers in Spanish
NEW YORK – Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced El Chisme Oficial de NYC, a new WhatsApp channel and relaunched Spanish-language Instagram account that will connect Spanish-speaking New Yorkers directly with City Hall in the language they speak at home.
Through WhatsApp, New Yorkers can receive City news, service updates, community resources, immigration information, public transit alerts and announcements about programs and events – all delivered directly to an app millions of New Yorkers already use every day to stay connected with family and friends. Subscribers will also receive exclusive photos and videos from community events, behind-the-scenes moments from across the five boroughs and occasional voice notes from Mayor Mamdani and other city government leaders.
“Every New Yorker deserves to know what their city is doing for them in the language they speak at home,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “Spanish-speaking New Yorkers are on WhatsApp and Instagram every day, so that is where City Hall should be, too. You should not have to chase down a dozen agencies to find the information you need. We’re bringing it together in one place, in Spanish, and delivering it directly to your phone. That’s what a city government that works for working people looks like.”
The launch is part of a broader effort to meet New Yorkers where they are and make City Hall more accessible. WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging platforms among Latino communities in New York City. By bringing City information directly to the platform, the administration is making it easier for New Yorkers to get timely, reliable information without having to search across multiple agencies.
The administration is also relaunching City Hall’s dedicated Spanish-language Instagram account with a unified voice and consistent look across City government. Instead of following a dozen different agency accounts, New Yorkers can find updates on City services, policy announcements, plain-language explainer, public safety information and livestreams – all in one place and entirely in Spanish.
New Yorkers can subscribe to El Chisme Oficial de NYC on WhatsApp at on.nyc.gov/ElChismeOficialNYC
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani visits older adults at cooling center in Harlem on Thursday, July 2, 2026. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
Mayor Mamdani, Governor Hochul, Gotham FC, New York City FC Announce Gotham FC Will Make Etihad Park in Queens its New Home Beginning in 2028
Reigning NWSL champions will play at New York City’s first soccer-specific stadium, bringing world-class women’s soccer to Queens
Builds on Mamdani administration’s efforts to make soccer, including Gotham FC and World Cup matches, accessible for all New Yorkers
NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Governor Kathy Hochul, Gotham FC and New York City FC announced today that Gotham FC — the two-time, reigning National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) champion — will make Etihad Park in Queens its permanent home beginning in 2028.
The move will bring one of the world’s premier women’s soccer clubs to New York City’s first soccer-specific stadium — creating a permanent home for professional women’s soccer in the five boroughs, giving supporters a world-class matchday experience, and putting three million people within a 75-minute bus, subway, or Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) ride of Gotham FC.
Today’s announcement builds on the Mamdani administration’s commitment to making the world’s game accessible to every New Yorker. Over the last year, the administration has expanded affordable access to Gotham FC and 2026 FIFA World Cup™ matches, created new opportunities for young people to play soccer in every borough and invested in public spaces where New Yorkers can gather to enjoy the game together.
“From Sam Kerr’s legendary four-goal comeback to Midge Purce’s championship-clinching heroics, Gotham FC has given us some of the greatest moments in women’s soccer. Now the next electrifying chapter of that story will be written in New York City,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Bringing Gotham FC to Queens means that the young girl kicking a ball around Jackson Heights, Jamaica or the South Bronx will be able to take the train and watch some of the best players in the world in her own city. It means more customers for neighborhood restaurants, more visitors filling our hotels and, most importantly, a permanent home for world-class women’s soccer in the greatest city in the world.”
“New York State is home to some of the world’s greatest sports teams, and we couldn’t be more excited to officially add the reigning NWSL Champions, Gotham FC, to our ranks,” said Governor Hochul. “Now residents and visitors alike will be able to experience our premier women’s soccer team right here in New York City at our first-ever soccer specific stadium — giving players and fans the world-class experience they deserve.”
“From day one, our ambition has been bigger than championships,” said Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, Gotham FC Governor. “We are building one of the world’s most iconic clubs and helping define the future of women’s sports. Our move to Etihad Park reflects that ambition, and we are deeply grateful to New York City FC for their vision and commitment to helping make this historic moment possible. World-class athletes deserve world-class environments, and this move allows us to keep raising the standard for our players, supporters and the game itself. Gotham FC is showing what is possible when you invest boldly in women’s soccer, and we are committed to building an experience worthy of the fans who have believed in this club from the beginning.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Gotham FC to Etihad Park as both of our clubs enter an exciting new chapter. New York City FC and Gotham FC share a belief in what soccer can mean to this city, and with Gotham FC making their home alongside us in what will be a truly world-class soccer stadium in Queens, we have an extraordinary platform to help shape the future of the game in New York City together,” said Brad Sims, New York City FC CEO. “Etihad Park will be a place where the world’s game comes to life in the world’s city for our players, our supporters, our communities, and the next generation of fans. We are proud to call Gotham FC our partner and excited for the future we will build together.”
“The Queens Classic is exactly the kind of world-class sporting event that showcases New York City’s unmatched energy and brings visitors and New Yorkers together,” said NYC Tourism + Conventions President & CEO Julie Coker. “As the global spotlight remains on our region during an extraordinary summer of soccer, opportunities like this help introduce new fans to the excitement of women’s sports while reinforcing New York City as one of the world’s premier destinations for major sporting events.”
The agreement reflects a shared commitment by Gotham FC, New York City FC and the Mamdani administration to establish New York as a global capital for professional soccer. For Gotham FC, the move follows the club’s first continental title and a second NWSL championship in three seasons; for New York City, it comes amidst the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ and the Mamdani administration’s efforts to expand access to soccer to every New Yorker. Earlier this year, Mayor Mamdani and Gotham FC released 1,000 tickets priced at $5 each to the club’s May 9th match against the Boston Legacy, offering the public affordable opportunities to watch professional women’s soccer.
Opening in spring 2027, Etihad Park will be New York City’s first soccer-specific stadium as well as the country’s first all-electric outdoor sports venue. Privately funded by City Football Group and being built entirely with union labor, New York City FC will begin playing at Etihad Park during the 2027 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, with Gotham FC joining in 2028. In addition to MLS and NWSL matches, the stadium is expected to host international soccer matches, Olympic soccer matches in 2028, concerts and other major events, further elevating New York City’s status a global soccer capital.
Gotham FC supporters can place season ticket deposits beginning at $28 today at gothamfc.com/nyc for Gotham FC’s inaugural season at Etihad Park in 2028. Existing season ticket members who renew for the 2027 season will retain priority access, while new supporters can join the list beginning today. Additional information on seat selection, premium hospitality and season ticket member benefits will be announced in the coming months.
The 25,000-seat stadium will feature dedicated spaces for Gotham FC, including a permanent locker room and club merchandise throughout the venue. Fans will also enjoy the Five Boroughs Food Hall, featuring gathering spaces and local small businesses representing each borough.
Gotham FC supporters will get their first look at the team’s future borough next Wednesday during The Queens Classic at Citi Field, when Gotham FC faces the Washington Spirit in a rematch of the NWSL Championship before an expected crowd of more than 40,000.
This summer marks the club’s largest infrastructure advancement to date, delivering on its ambition to become one of the world’s leading women’s soccer clubs and bolster New York City’s future.
“To the reigning NWSL champions, welcome home. We couldn’t be prouder to call Gotham FC our newest neighbors here in Queens, as we continue to bring world-class soccer to The World’s Borough and its families who maintain an unmatched passion for the beautiful game,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. “With Gotham FC’s coming move to Etihad Park, we can’t wait to see generations of young girls across Queens grow up idolizing Rose, Tierna, Bruninha and the countless inspirational superstars that will come after them. In bringing yet another elite professional sports team to Queens, the soccer capital of the country, we have scored a remarkable goal for New York City and the sport of soccer.”
“Gotham FC’s move to Etihad Park is another milestone in the continued evolution of our league,” said Jessica Berman, National Women’s Soccer League Commissioner. “As our clubs create permanent homes that are both world-class and easily accessible, they are strengthening the connection with existing supporters while making it easier for new fans to experience the excitement of the NWSL firsthand. This announcement reflects Gotham FC’s ambition, reinforces New York’s role as one of the world’s premier soccer markets, and demonstrates how infrastructure can help grow the game for generations to come.”
“Moving into Etihad Park is a defining moment for this organization. Our players compete at the highest level in the world every single time they step on the pitch, and our matchday will reflect that standard,” said Yael Averbuch West, Gotham FC President of Soccer Operations. “Access to dedicated facilities, permanent infrastructure and a modern stadium built for soccer in the world’s most famous city creates the environment our players need to sustain and build on their excellent on-field performance.”
“Etihad Park and this historic agreement provide us with a foundation to further establish Gotham FC as a premier global club. This is a pivotal moment that drives our commercial expansion, fan and partner engagement, and our capacity to create a matchday environment befitting our elite players and supporters,” said Mark Zarthar, Gotham FC President of Business Operations. “The support of the New York-New Jersey community has propelled this club to two championships, and this is the world-class matchday experience our players, fans and partners deserve.”
“This is a very important moment for Gotham FC because it reflects the commitment of the club to keep investing in the team and in the future we are building together. The players and staff work incredibly hard every day to create a team that competes at the highest level. For the club, for the players and especially for our supporters, Etihad Park is going to bring another level of energy,” said Juan Carlos Amorós, Gotham FC head coach. “We want it to become a place where our fans can push us, where people feel proud to come and where Gotham FC can continue showing what this team and this club can be.”
“Our move to New York City is a statement by our club leadership that they know we have something special at Gotham FC, and they are committed to ensuring we have the resources and environments to support our continued success,” said Tierna Davidson, Gotham FC defender and club captain. “That means everything to the players at this club, and we are looking forward to playing in a world-class stadium and sharing this next chapter with our supporters.”
“Being a part of this club’s journey for more than a decade, I know how much this moment means. So many people have poured everything into helping Gotham FC get here, from the players and staff to the supporters who believed in us long before the championships and the big moments,” said Mandy Freeman, Gotham FC defender and longest-tenured player. “To know where we started and see where we are going now is really special. This move reflects what this club has become, and I’m most excited for everyone who has been with us every step of the way to experience it with us.”
“This club has such a special group of people and such amazing fans, and this move, along with the new training center, is a big step in our journey together,” said Rose Lavelle, Gotham FC midfielder and leadership group member. “As a player, you want to play in world-class facilities that feel like home, and it’ll be really exciting to do that in New York City at Etihad Park.”
“From the earliest days of planning Etihad Park, our vision was for it to be more than the home of New York City FC,” said Marty Edelman, New York City FC Co-Vice Chairman. “We set out to create a venue that would bring the world’s game to the world’s borough and showcase soccer at the highest level, including women’s soccer. Welcoming Gotham FC to Etihad Park is an important step in delivering on that promise and building a world-class home for the game in New York City. We are grateful to Carolyn and the entire Gotham ownership group for their partnership in making this moment possible, and we look forward to working together to elevate the game, inspire the next generation, and shape the future of soccer in New York City and beyond.”
New Yorkers beat the heat on the Coney Island Beach on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
Mayor Mamdani Takes Aggressive Action to Address Upper East Side Legionnaires’ Disease Community Cluster
The Mamdani Administration will publicly release addresses of buildings with positive initial Legionella tests, require immediate cleaning and disinfection of cooling towers
NEW YORK — Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and the New York City Health Department today announced additional emergency measures to respond to the Legionnaires’ Disease community cluster on the Upper East Side that has sickened at least 23 people as of July 6.
After identifying just two cases that suggested a possible community source on Thursday, July 2, Mayor Mamdani directed the Department of Health to immediately begin testing cooling towers across the affected area and launch community outreach ahead of the holiday weekend. The Department mobilized more than 100 staff members to carry out the investigation.
As part of this response, the Administration will take an unprecedented step of publicly releasing the addresses of all buildings whose cooling towers test positive for Legionella bacteria during the initial PCR screening process. Buildings with positive initial tests are also being ordered to immediately drain, clean and disinfect their cooling towers to reduce the risk of further exposure.
“When there’s a public health threat, New Yorkers deserve urgency and transparency from their government,” said Mayor Mamdani. “That’s why we’re using every tool available to protect people by moving quickly to identify potential sources of exposure, requiring immediate remediation and making sure New Yorkers have the information they need to keep themselves and their families safe. If you live, work or recently visited the area and are experiencing symptoms like fever, cough or difficulty breathing, please contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible.”
“Our administration is increasing the speed with which it responds to the spread of Legionnaires’ Disease and improving systems that keep the public informed,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga. “New York City is aggressively identifying, cleaning and disinfecting cooling towers that test positive for the presence of Legionella bacteria, and while our administration works to address this public health emergency, we urge everyone in the area, especially older adults and other vulnerable communities, to seek care if they develop flu-like symptoms.”
“More than 100 NYC Health Department staff members have worked nonstop since the start of this cluster as we take aggressive action to ensure that we are cutting off the source of exposure as quickly as possible,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin. “The Mamdani administration is taking unprecedented steps, not just to cut off the source of exposure, but to keep New Yorkers informed on what’s happening. We urge New Yorker who live or work on the Upper East Side to seek medical care if they are experiencing flu like symptoms. We look forward to providing more information in the coming days.”
The City’s immediate priority is stopping any further exposure by rapidly identifying and remediating cooling towers that may contain Legionella bacteria. Cooling towers release mist into the outside air and have been identified as the source of previous community outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease.
Under this response, any building whose cooling tower tests positive during the initial PCR screening test will receive a Commissioner’s Order requiring immediate remediation, including draining, cleaning and disinfecting the towers immediately.
In previous community clusters investigations, buildings with positive PCR results were initially required to boost chemical disinfectant levels while awaiting confirmatory culture testing, a process that can take up to two weeks. Full cleaning and disinfection was generally required only after a positive culture result.
This year, the City is taking a more aggressive approach by requiring full remediation immediately after a positive PCR result, accelerating the response and reducing the possibility of ongoing exposure. Several building owners have already completed remediation, while others are actively carrying out the required work.
The Upper East Side has a high concentration of cooling towers — more than three times the number tested during the 2025 Central Harlem investigation. As of July 6, 2026, approximately 160 cooling towers are registered within the three ZIP codes under investigation, though not all are operating or located within the investigation zone.
As of July 6, 2026, Health Department staff had collected samples from 139 cooling towers. The remaining operating towers will be sampled, if operating, within the next 24 hours.
The Health Department will release the addresses of all buildings whose cooling towers test positive on the PCR screening test as results become available.
The Health Department launched its investigation July 2 after identifying two Legionnaires’ disease cases in close proximity in Carnegie Hill and Yorkville (ZIP codes 10028 and 10128). Although a community cluster is typically defined as three or more cases linked by location and time, the Health Department initiated its response immediately rather than waiting for additional cases.
On July 5, ZIP code 10075 was added to the investigation after another confirmed case involving someone who lives, works, or recently visited that area.
As of July 6, 23 people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease connected to this cluster. 17 people have been hospitalized, including two who have since been discharged and are now recovering at home. No deaths have been reported. The Health Department continues to test every cooling tower in the investigation area. Building owners whose cooling towers test positive for Legionella bacteria are required to complete full remediation.
Anyone who lives, works or has visited the affected area since late June and develops symptoms such as fever, cough or difficulty breathing should contact a health care provider immediately.
The Health Department issued a Health Alert to providers and has conducted community outreach since July 2, including throughout the holiday weekend. The Health Department hosted a virtual town hall on July 6 and will hold an in-person town hall tonight at 6 p.m. at St. Ignatius Loyola Wallace Hall, 980 Park Avenue. Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria, which grow in warm water. People become infected by breathing in water droplets containing the bacteria; the disease does not spread from person to person.
Symptoms typically develop two to 14 days after exposure and may include fever, chills, muscle ache and coughs. Legionnaires’ disease can be treated effectively with antibiotics, particularly when diagnosed early.
The Health Department reminds New Yorkers that it is safe to use air conditioners, cooling centers and other City facilities in the affected area. It is also safe to shower and drink tap water. Cooling tower mist is released outdoors and does not affect indoor air conditioning systems, window air conditioners or building plumbing. People at higher risk include adults age 50 and older, people who smoke and those with chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems.
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani delivers remarks at the Hotel Trades Council’s Rally with picketing workers in Midtown on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
Mayor Mamdani, Gotham FC Announce $15 Tickets for “The Queens Classic”
Up to 4,000 discounted tickets available as Gotham FC pursues New York City’s women’s sports attendance record
Offer follows announcement that Gotham FC will make Queens its permanent home beginning in 2028
NEW YORK — Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Gotham FC today announced a limited $15 ticket offer for The Queens Classic, the reigning National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) champion’s marquee match against the Washington Spirit at Citi Field next Wednesday at 8 p.m.
Up to 4,000 tickets will be available at the discounted price, making one of the biggest matches in women’s soccer accessible to New Yorkers. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Gotham FC has already sold more than 34,000 tickets to The Queens Classic, putting the match on pace to break a new attendance record for a women’s sporting event in New York City.
“The biggest events in our city should be affordable to the people who make this city run,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Whether it’s the World Cup, a championship celebration or The Queens Classic, our goal is the same: Make sure working New Yorkers have a chance to be there. This ticket offer will help thousands more fans cheer on one of the best clubs in the world as Gotham FC makes history.”
“Gotham FC is proud to partner with Mayor Mamdani’s office on an initiative that opens the doors to one of the biggest nights in our club’s history,” said Mark Zarthar, president of Gotham FC. “The Queens Classic is about more than one match. It is about bringing New Yorkers together, growing the women’s game and creating a moment that reflects the energy, ambition and diversity of this city.”
The ticket offer comes one day after Mayor Mamdani, Gotham FC and New York City FC announced that Gotham will make Etihad Park in Queens its permanent home beginning in 2028. The move will bring one of the world’s premier women’s soccer clubs to New York City’s first soccer-specific stadium and establish a permanent home for professional women’s soccer in the five boroughs.
The Queens Classic will feature Gotham FC against the Washington Spirit, led by U.S. Women’s National Team star Trinity Rodman, during the week of the FIFA World Cup final, as New York celebrates a historic summer for the world’s game.
Tickets are available at GothamFC.com/Mayor.
Representing New Jersey and New York, Gotham FC is one of 16 clubs in the National Women’s Soccer League. The club won NWSL championships in 2023 and 2025 and captured the inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup, becoming the first North American club to win a continental women’s championship. Founded in 2007 as Sky Blue FC and rebranded as Gotham FC in 2021, the club currently plays its home matches at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey.
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani joins NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch and the United States Coast Guard for a security briefing for Sail 250 and the Fourth of July on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul Unveil Historic Plan to Build the Fastest, Best Bus System in New York City History
“Next Stop: Fast Buses, Better Service” identifies 50 priority corridors for speed improvements, including five next-generation rapid bus routes, saving riders as much as six minutes each ride
Plan will install shelters and seating at hundreds of bus stops, roll out thousands of new buses, phase in all-door boarding in 2027 and deliver a new, world-class rapid bus route on Flatbush Avenue by 2030
Rendering of a future rapid transit corridor in New York City. Credit: NYC DOT
NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul today unveiled Next Stop: Fast Buses, Better Service, a sweeping bus action plan to build the next generation of bus service in New York City.
The plan marks a historic partnership between the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to transform how New Yorkers experience the city’s buses — with investments that will make service faster, more accessible and more comfortable from curb to destination. The City has committed $254 million in expense funding and $628 million in capital funding over five fiscal years to carry out Next Stop.
Next Stop identifies 50 priority bus corridors for improvements across the five boroughs and launches the City’s next generation of rapid bus service along five key routes. Together, these investments will speed up buses by 20%, shorten commutes by up to six minutes each way, improve reliability, expand accessibility and create a bus system worthy of the city that depends on it.
“For working New Yorkers, every minute matters. But for too long, our buses have been stuck in traffic instead of keeping pace with the city that never sleeps,” said Mayor Mamdani. “When a commute stretches longer than it should, that’s less time with your kids, less time with your loved ones and less time enjoying the greatest city on earth. Together with Governor Hochul, we’re investing in faster, more reliable buses because New Yorkers deserve a transit system that respects their time. This plan will make it easier to get to work, school and home — and build a city that works better for the people who keep it running.”
“Every day, millions of New Yorkers rely on buses to get around this city, but for far too long, making their journeys faster and their lives easier has seemed out of reach. That all changes today,” said Governor Hochul. “New York is in the midst of a transit renaissance, with historic investments being made to improve the lifeblood of our city. Now, working with Mayor Mamdani, we are advancing a bold and ambitious plan to move buses faster, dramatically expand bus priority, reduce delays and make our bus system the envy of the world.”
“For years, we at MTA have wanted more bus lanes, more enforcement of cars and trucks blocking bus lanes. Faster buses. Congestion pricing. But it’s no secret we didn’t have support at the local level,” said Janno Lieber, Chair and CEO of the MTA. “That is not the case anymore. Our partners today — this Governor, this Mayor and this NYC DOT — all want to make sure that riding the bus is always faster than walking. They want to follow through on long overdue commitments to build bus lanes and busways. They will ramp up traffic enforcement to keep streets moving. Buses can only move as fast as traffic allows, so if you are a bus or a bus rider this is terrific news.”
“Next Stop represents a historic partnership to build the fastest, best bus system in our city’s history,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson. “The plan is designed to deliver for riders, to give time back to our neighbors and to make our bus system easier, more reliable and more comfortable for everyone. It represents a unique spirit of collaboration in which Albany and City Hall do not hesitate to work together to improve working people’s lives. The City has the streets, the State has the buses, and together, we are committed to delivering fast buses and better service for New Yorkers.”
“Too often, New York City’s bus riders have felt like an afterthought. The Mamdani administration is putting the city’s one million daily bus riders front and center through this historic partnership and investment,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “Bus service shouldn’t be treated as a second-rate option at the mercy of traffic congestion. It should be a world-class system for a world-class city: fast, comfortable, reliable and convenient enough that every New Yorkers sees the bus as a great way to get around. Next Stop: Fast Buses, Better Service provides the blueprint for transforming our bus system, and we are deeply appreciative of Governor Hochul and the MTA for their strong partnership.”
“The Mayor came in with a mandate for fast and free buses, and today he’s proudly delivering on fast, with a bold plan that will speed up buses for millions of daily riders,” said Elizabeth Adams, Senior Advisor for Fast and Free Buses for Mayor Mamdani. “Thanks to a historic partnership between the MTA and DOT, we are marking a new chapter for bus riders. These improvements will give people real time back in their day for what’s truly needed. The bus is a lifeline for countless New Yorkers and when someone is made late to work, school or to pick up their kids, it can have devastating impacts. Thank you to the advocates and partners who made this plan possible and helped bring this vision forward.”
New Yorkers take 2.75 million trips on New York City buses each day, making the system the busiest in the nation — carrying more riders than the bus systems of Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Philadelphia combined. But New York’s buses remain the slowest of any major U.S. city, averaging just eight miles per hour.
Improving bus service is central to Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul’s promise to make New York City more livable for working people. Bus riders are disproportionately working class, women and people of color and are more likely than subway riders or drivers to live in households earning less than $100,000 annually.
Fast Buses and the Next Generation of Rapid Transit
Next Stop: Fast Buses, Better Service identifies 50 priority corridors where NYC DOT and the MTA will target investments to address the city’s slowest and most delay-prone bus routes. Improvements along routes will begin this year.
Five corridors in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx have been selected as the first phase of New York City’s next generation of rapid bus routes:
- Tremont/Cross Bronx, the Bronx
- Northern Boulevard, Queens
- Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn
- Utica Avenue, Brooklyn
- Kensington-JFK, Brooklyn and Queens
These corridors were selected because they connect New Yorkers to jobs, schools, subway service and major destinations while supporting current and future housing and economic growth.
Beginning in 2026, NYC DOT and the MTA will advance these projects with dedicated, protected bus lanes, frequent all-day service, upgraded stations with sheltered waiting areas and public space improvements modeled after the best rapid bus systems around the world.
Reliable Buses
The MTA will work to improve service reliability by ensuring scheduled trips are completed, modernizing depot operations and strengthening bus maintenance.
Through the MTA’s historic $68 billion 2025-2029 Capital Program, fully funded by Governor Hochul and the State Legislature in the FY26 Enacted Budget, the authority will purchase approximately 2,500 new buses, replacing 40% of its aging fleet.
The MTA will also phase in all-door boarding in 2027 with the complete transition to tap and ride, reducing time bus riders are stuck at stops and helping buses move faster throughout the city.
Improving the Rider Experience
The plan recognizes that riders deserve more than a faster trip — they deserve a better one.
To make bus stops safer, more comfortable and more accessible, NYC DOT and the MTA will:
- Expand the bus stop accessibility program to reach 65 stops per year by 2030.
- Install 300 new bus shelters by 2028.
- Add seating at 875 bus stops annually, ensuring every feasible stop has seating by 2035.
- Plant 30 trees at bus stops in 2026 and pilot shelter design improvements for mitigating extreme heat at bus stops.
- Install 90 new Real-Time Passenger Information displays in 2026 and expand to 2,900 displays citywide by 2030.
Keeping Bus Lanes Clear
Keeping buses moving requires keeping bus lanes free of illegal traffic.
Automated Camera Enforcement (ACE) has increased bus speeds by as much as 30% while reducing collisions by 20%.
To build on those gains:
- NYC DOT and the MTA will expand bus-mounted ACE to 25 additional routes each year in 2026 and 2027.
- NYC DOT will install 200 additional stationary bus lane cameras by 2027, an effective program to capture vehicles illegally driving in bus lanes.
- The New York City Police Department (NYPD) will expand targeted bus lane enforcement from 14 to 20 corridors beginning in 2026.
Putting Riders Front and Center
Next Stop: Fast Buses, Better Service also establishes a more robust, rider-centered approach to community engagement.
Working alongside the Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement (OME) and other City agencies, NYC DOT and the MTA will hold community events, conduct surveys and partner with advocacy organizations and community groups before the projects begin. Public education campaigns will help riders understand upcoming improvements and service upgrades.
To ensure accountability, NYC DOT and the MTA will publicly release performance data within six to 12 months after projects are completed, measuring impacts on travel times, reliability and rider experience while identifying opportunities for further improvements.
“In recent years, then-Assemblymember Mamdani and I worked to deliver the accessible and reliable public transit system New Yorkers deserve through the Fix MTA and Fare Free Bus Pilot Programs,” said New York State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris. “Today’s announcement will put bus riders in the express lane to improved service. I applaud Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani for continuing our work to deliver a better bus system.”
“Every New Yorker deserves a faster, more reliable commute. The Next Stop: Fast Buses, Better Service plan provides a blueprint for improving service, expanding accessibility and keeping our city moving,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “This investment in our bus network will help millions of commuters and demonstrate what is possible when we prioritize efficient, reliable and accessible public transportation. I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber and NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn for their collaboration and leadership in advancing such an ambitious proposal. Together, we are building a bus system that meets the needs of New Yorkers today and for generations to come.”
“Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul’s bus action plan will deliver faster, more reliable bus service across the city, returning countless hours to New Yorkers’ lives,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “I am especially happy that Brooklyn will receive three priority rapid bus corridors along Flatbush Ave, Church Ave and Utica Ave — areas that have long been plagued by slow bus service and are each identified as priorities in my 2025 Comprehensive Plan for Brooklyn. This mutual cooperation between the City and the State is essential for delivering results for New Yorkers, and my office looks forward to working with the Mayor and the Governor to ensure the perspectives of Brooklyn riders are incorporated as we pursue these much-needed improvements.”
“More than 800,000 Queens residents ride an MTA bus each day – rivaling the average daily usage of Chicago’s entire mass transit system. For far too long, however, our borough’s working families have rarely received the fast, reliable and efficient service that they have always deserved. At least, until now,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “From the Queens Bus Network Redesign to the action plan we’re announcing today, we continue to make historic investments in the speed and reliability of our buses. Thank you to Governor Hochul, Mayor Mamdani and all our agencies involved for your partnership in prioritizing these 14 vital corridors in Queens. I look forward to work ahead of finally giving Queens residents that quick and effective bus service they have always deserve.”
“This investment in faster buses and better service across the five boroughs is desperately needed,” said Council Member Tiffany Cabán. “Working class New Yorkers rely on our buses to get to work, to see loved ones and to access services. But when they wait at bus stops, they’re too often encounter buses that are late, slow or don’t show up at all. I’m glad to see that we’re delivering on fast, better buses to serve New Yorkers.”
“This historic partnership between Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul represents the kind of bold investment New Yorkers deserve,” said Council Member Rita Joseph. “For far too many working families, students, seniors and people with disabilities, buses are not a last resort they are a lifeline. A faster, more reliable, and more accessible bus system means shorter commutes, greater economic opportunity and a stronger, more equitable city. As Chair of the New York City Council Committee on Higher Education, I know that reliable transit is essential to student success. Whether it’s a CUNY student getting to class, a parent commuting to work or a senior traveling to a doctor’s appointment, every New Yorker deserves a bus system that works for them. I applaud Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul for advancing this historic vision, and I look forward to working with partners in government to ensure these investments reach every neighborhood and every rider.”
“For hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers, including myself, bus service is the primary way we get to work, school, medical appointments and other locations around the city. Investing in faster, more reliable and more accessible bus service is a commitment to equity, quality of life and the economic vitality of our neighborhoods,” said Council Member Lynn Schulman. “I applaud Mayor Mamdani, Governor Hochul, the MTA and the Department of Transportation for coming together to advance this ambitious vision for the future of our bus system. I look forward to working closely with the MTA, NYC DOT and both the Mayor’s and Governor’s office to ensure the communities in my district are able to experience these improvements. By delivering a better, faster and more dependable bus system, all New Yorkers will benefit.”
“Bus riders across New York organized and won a visionary plan for fast buses and the chance to win back hours of our lives,” said Betsy Plum, Executive Director of Riders Alliance. “By reigniting a real partnership between NYC DOT and the MTA, Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul are creating a historic opportunity to make buses dramatically faster and more reliable for the New Yorkers who depend on them every day. Slow buses are not just an inconvenience. They are a barrier to opportunity, a drain on family time and a daily indignity for the New Yorkers who rely on them to reach work, school, childcare, healthcare and other basic needs and opportunities. Getting buses right means getting the basics of city life right. Riders built the power that made this moment possible, and we’ll keep organizing until these promises become real improvements in every borough.”
“The new bus plan from Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul sets the bar high — and rightfully so, with the commutes of more than two million riders at stake,” said Ben Furnas, Executive Director at Transportation Alternatives. “Reaching these bold goals along 50 priority corridors is going to take hard work coordinated by both the City and the State, and this plan is a comprehensive vision for how we get there. We’re particularly excited by the focus on Central Brooklyn routes, by citywide all-door boarding and by the commitment to providing seating, shade and shelter universally at every feasible bus stop across our city, so riders will no longer have to stand in the sweltering heat or freezing cold while they wait — and soon, they’ll be waiting a lot less!”
“Regional Plan Association congratulates the Governor, the Mayor and the New York City Department of Transportation for advancing this plan to make bus service faster, more frequent and more reliable,” said Kate Slevin, Executive Vice President of Regional Plan Association. “These improvements are long overdue and can’t come soon enough for New Yorkers who depend on buses every day. Faster, more efficient bus service is essential to building a more sustainable, equitable and economically competitive city.”
“For too long, bus riders have endured unbearably slow, unreliable trips, due in part to politics, but that’s about to change,” said Lisa Daglian, Executive Director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA (PCAC). “Concrete investments that put bus riders front and center — including bus priority corridors and all-door boarding — will speed up their rides so they can finally move faster than a chicken. We applaud the extraordinary partnership and political will shown by the Governor, Mayor, MTA, DOT and enforcement agencies, which will make a difference in the lives of millions of New York riders.”
“The Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York (CIDNY) supports equitable bus expansion that allows for people with disabilities, seniors and all riders to benefit from experiencing accessible, safe and time-efficient service to and from their destinations,” said Sharon McLennon Wier, Ph.D., MSEd., CRC, LMHC, Executive Director of CIDNY. “The proposed faster bus design in Brooklyn targets neighborhoods where numerous people with disabilities, seniors and riders who use baby strollers and grocery carts. These riders must have a way to onboard and deboard these buses safely. Fast bus service cannot take for granted safe and accessible transit for all.”
“New Yorkers deserve a transit system that keeps pace with how they live, work and age,” said Beth Finkel, State Director of AARP New York. “Improvements that make buses faster, more reliable and more accessible are especially important for older adults and others who depend on public transportation every day. AARP New York welcomes this commitment to strengthening bus service and helping people remain active, connected and independent in their communities.”
“Public transit is one of the most effective ways to reduce emissions while lowering the cost of living and expanding economic opportunity for all New Yorkers,” said Alia Soomro, Deputy Director for NYC Policy at New York League of Conservation Voters. “By investing in faster, more reliable bus service, New York is making it easier for millions of people to choose mass transit over driving, which will reduce congestion and improve air quality in communities across the five boroughs. NYLCV applauds Mayor Mamdani, Governor Hochul and Commissioner Flynn for launching this ambitious plan and looks forward to seeing these improvements delivered for riders.”
“With Next Stop: Fast Buses, Better Service, we at People-Oriented Cities are thrilled that NYC DOT and MTA are committed to truly moving the needle on bus speeds and reliability,” said Walter Hook, Executive Director of People-Oriented Cities. “We look forward to partnering with both agencies to help ensure that buses are meeting the ambitious targets set forth in this report and that the five Rapid Bus corridors reach the level of true, world-class Bus Rapid Transit.”
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani leads an extreme heat preparedness briefing at the New York City Emergency Management Headquarters in Brooklyn on Tuesday, June 29,, 2026. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
Mayor Mamdani Announces Free Civil Service Exams for High School Students and First-Time Test Takers
Hundreds of thousands of high school students and millions of New Yorkers now eligible for exam fee waivers for careers ranging from caseworker to blacksmith
NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Yume Kitasei today announced that civil service exams are now free for New York City high school students and first-time test takers.
Each year, DCAS administers an average of 175 civil service exams to more than 110,000 candidates for careers ranging from scientist and forester to bridge operator, caseworker, blacksmith and physical therapist. With 80% of City jobs requiring candidates to pass a civil service exam, the new fee waivers will open the door to public service for hundreds of thousands of students and millions of New Yorkers.
“To serve New York is the privilege of a lifetime,” said Mayor Mamdani. “The people best equipped to build a city that works for everyone are the students in our classrooms, the people who walk our streets and the New Yorkers who call our city home. By making civil service exams free for high schoolers and first-time test takers, we’re opening the doors to millions more New Yorkers to serve the city they love.”
“We want all New Yorkers to have access to great careers in public service. By offering new fee waivers and sharing exam information in multiple languages, we are making it easier for more New Yorkers to get a job with the City of New York,” said DCAS Commissioner Yume Kitasei. “Our mission is to remove barriers that may prevent qualified candidates from pursuing a job with the City in order to strengthen our workforce.”
Established under Local Law 57 of 2025, the new waivers expand on the City’s existing fee waivers for veterans, unemployed individuals and applicants receiving public assistance. Eligible applicants can request a waiver through the City’s Online Application System, OASys 2.0. First-time applicants will have their eligibility verified automatically, while New York City high school students can qualify by submitting proof of current enrollment.
Also today, the City released the Fiscal Year 2027 civil service examination schedule, providing New Yorkers with a roadmap to careers across City government. The schedule includes 149 exams for positions in public safety, administration, engineering, healthcare and other essential roles that keep the city running.
Exams will be offered throughout the next fiscal year. Seventy-two percent will be open to all qualified New Yorkers, while 28% will be promotional exams for current City employees. The new 2027 exam list and schedule can be foundhere.
Beginning today, Notices of Examinations — which outline the qualifications and requirements for each exam — can also be translated into more than 190 languages, making information about City careers more accessible than ever. Civil service exams will continue to be administered in English.
“Our shared goal is for every young New Yorker to be on a clear path to economic mobility, and that means connecting classroom learning directly to careers,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels. “This expansion of civil service fee waivers and commitment to language access removes real barriers for our students and opens the door to stable, rewarding careers in City government. I am proud to partner with our sister agencies to build a seamless bridge from school to public service so our students can go on to lead the city that they call home.”
“Making civil service exams free for high school students is an important investment that expands access to stable, rewarding careers in City government and helps ensure that talent — not financial barriers — determines opportunity,” said DYCD Commissioner Sandra Escamilla-Davies. “At DYCD, we are committed to helping young New Yorkers pursue opportunities in public service. This initiative will help prepare the next generation of public servants and build a workforce that reflects the communities it serves.”
“Congratulations to DCAS for making the civil service exams available to more New Yorkers by offering fee waivers for younger and first-time test-takers and by sending notices about the exams out in many languages,” said Council Member Gale A. Brewer. “This is a common sense approach in which to attract more people to become City employees. Add a TikTok video by the Mayor or the Commissioner and even more New Yorkers will apply!”
“As a former public school teacher and now Chair of the Council’s Education Committee, I know how important it is to show young people a clear path from the classroom into a good career and for the health of our civil service workforce,” said Council Member Eric Dinowitz. “Waiving exam fees for high school students and first-time test takers removes a barrier for the next generation of our civil servants.”
Banner Image: Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani celebrates Vesak Day in Jackson Heights on Sunday, June 28,, 2026. Image Credit – Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani
Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as Mayor of the City of New York on January 1st, 2026. Prior to becoming Mayor, he represented the 36th New York State Assembly District and its neighborhoods of Astoria, Ditmars-Steinway, and Astoria Heights.