NYC Click to Cancel Subscriptions, Parents Night Out, Parking Lot To Homes, Trucker Jobs, Rental Ripoff Report, Other Updates: Mayor Mamdani

Mayor Mamdani Announces Landmark “Click-To-Cancel” Consumer Protection Rules to Ban Subscription Traps and Junk Fees 

First-in-the-nation municipal “Click-To-Cancel” rule expected to save New Yorkers hundreds of millions per year 

NEW YORK – Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levineannouncedsweeping new consumer protections that will crack down on junk fees and subscription traps,making it easier for New Yorkers to know the real price of what they are buyingand to stop paying for the services they no longer want.

“Every dollar a family loses to a hidden fee or a subscription they couldn’t cancel is a dollar stolen from them, a dollar that could have gone toward rent, groceries, childcare, or anything else. And just as important, the hours spent trying to cancel a subscription or membership you no longer want is stolen time,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su. “That’s what affordability means in practice—closing the small holes that drain people’s paychecks and their time month after month. These rules put New Yorkers back in control.”

 

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Mayor Mamdani Secures $1.7 Million from Extra Space for New York City Consumers

DCWP enforcement action returns $1 million to consumers and establishes enhanced compliance terms on the self-storage company to protect New Yorkers’ property  

NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levine today announced a $1.7 million settlement with Extra Space, one of the nation’s largest self-storage companies, resolving a landmark enforcement action over widespread violations of New York City’s Consumer Protection Law.

After DCWP sued the company in February 2026, alleging deceptive and exploitative business practices, Extra Space agreed to pay $1 million in restitution to harmed consumers and more than $700,000 in civil penalties, while accepting strict compliance terms that stop the company from luring consumers in with low prices only to raise rates excessively, from maintaining filthy storage units, and from seizing and auctioning off personal property without due process.

The settlement comes just weeks before New York City’s new self-storage licensing program takes effect, sending a clear message that self-storage companies seeking to do business in the city will be held to a higher standard.

“People pay Extra Space to protect the things that matter most to them, not to have those belongings neglected, held hostage or auctioned off,” said Mayor Mamdani. “This company — like others in this industry — lured New Yorkers in with low prices, jacked up prices, let units rot and took people’s property when they couldn’t keep up. Today they’re paying $1.7 million, and every self-storage company in this city should take note: if you prey on New Yorkers, this administration will hold you accountable.”

“Storage units hold the things people can’t replace — family photos, a parent’s belongings, whatever didn’t fit when the walls closed in,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su. “Extra Space knew that and exploited that trust. This settlement gets New Yorkers their money back and puts real rules in place before this company touches another person’s things.”

“An acute lack of square feet is a near-universal New York City struggle, and like many self-storage businesses, Extra Space preyed on that fact,” said DCWP Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levine. “Not only did this company rip customers off with bait-and-switch pricing and junk fees–they actually auctioned off people’s personal belongings after they protested the price increases. DCWP’s decisive enforcement action puts an end to this egregious conduct that consumers face from self-storage businesses, and provides direct monetary relief to people. Nothing can ever replace cherished family heirlooms. But the resolution of this case delivers economic justice to New Yorkers and sets the standard for the self-storage industry before licensing begins later this summer.”

Details of the Case

DCWP opened its investigation after receiving a surge of complaints about Extra Space and other self-storage operators. The agency reviewed more than 100 complaints against Extra Space and found that, beginning in 2023, the company engaged in widespread violations of New York City’s Consumer Protection Law, including:  

• False advertising: The company promised clean storage units despite renting units affected by vermin infestations, rodent droppings, water damage and mold.  
• Bait-and-switch pricing: Extra Space suddenly and steeply increased customers’ rates after move-in despite written assurances that it would provide 30 days’ advance notice before raising prices. 
• Junk fees: Consumers were hit with arbitrary hidden fees, some of which the company continued charging customers after they canceled their contracts. 
• Wrongful lockouts and auctions: Extra Space denied customers access to their units and auctioned off personal belongings without due process in order from consumers who owed them money or had fallen behind on payment.  

Under the settlement, which has been filed with the court, Extra Space is prohibited from deceptively advertising prices or facility conditions and must implement stronger due process protections before restricting access to storage units or auctioning personal property. The company must also improve consumer service by establishing a relocation assistance program and providing adequate notice before raising prices.

Extra Space is just one self-storage operator among many in New York City. Consumer complaints about the self-storage industry have increased dramatically in recent years. New York City has more than 300 self-storage facilities, and Extra Space generated among the highest number of consumer complaints. As apartment sizes shrink and housing costs continue to rise, more New Yorkers rely on self-storage, making strong consumer protections increasingly important.

Beginning Aug. 25, 2026, Local Law 171 of 2025 will require every self-storage facility operating in New York City to obtain a DCWP license. The compliance measures required under this settlement establish a model for how companies must operate if they want to do business in the city. DCWP encourages consumers who believe they have been harmed by a self-storage operators to file a complaint, with supporting documentation when possible, at NYC.gov/Consumers. 

Free drop-off program offers children an evening of supervised recreation while parents and caregivers enjoy a few hours to themselves 

Families can register online from July 13 through July 20 

NEW YORK – Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura announced the launch of NYC Parks’ first-ever Parents’ Night Out, a free, one-night drop-off program that gives parents and caregivers the opportunity to enjoy an evening to themselves while children participate in supervised fun at select NYC Parks recreation centers across the five boroughs.  

While parents recharge, run errands, enjoy a date night or simply take time for themselves, children will spend the evening participating in supervised games, sports and fitness activities, arts and crafts, media education programs and nature exploration with Urban Park Rangers, all led by trained NYC Parks staff. The experience is designed to showcase the wide range of engaging recreational programs NYC Parks offers year-round. Dinner will be provided for all participants. 

“Every parent knows that a few hours to yourself can feel like a luxury,” said Mayor Mamdani. “It shouldn’t be. That’s why we’re launching New York City’s first-ever Parents’ Night Out, so that parents can get a little time on their own to catch a movie, run errands or go on a date without worrying about who will take care of the kids — or how much it will cost. Making New York City more affordable isn’t just about lowering costs, it’s about giving people back their time. This administration is committed to making it easier to raise a family in the greatest city in the world.” 

“Parents and caregivers spend so much of their time taking care of everyone else, and they deserve an opportunity to recharge,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “Our first-ever Parents’ Night Out is about making sure our administration is working for New Yorkers by providing a free, safe and fun experience for children while giving families a few hours to themselves. Whether it’s enjoying dinner or simply taking a well-earned break, we’re proud to offer an affordable program that supports families and strengthens our communities.”  

This free program reflects NYC Parks’ commitment to making recreation more accessible and support working families by creating affordable opportunities that improve quality of life for New Yorkers. Children will enjoy an evening of recreation, including active games, sports, arts and crafts and group activities at the following in NYC Parks recreation centers:   

Brooklyn:  

Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center 

3105 Farragut Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11210    

Manhattan:   

Highbridge Recreation Center 

2301 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10033    

Queens:   

Al Oerter Recreation Center 

131-40 Fowler Ave, Flushing, NY 11355    

Bronx:  

Kwame Ture Recreation Center 

1527 Jesup Ave, Bronx, NY 10452  

Staten Island:   

Greenbelt Recreation Center 

501 Brielle Avenue (across from Sea View Hospital)  

Space is limited, and registration is required on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-ins will not be permitted. Families must register online between Monday, July 13 and Monday, July 20 and are asked to register for only one location. To apply, please visit: nyc.gov/parks/parentsnightout.

Following registration, participants will receive information by email about completing a required event waiver by Friday, July 31 and obtaining a free NYC Parks Recreation Center membership for each participating child by Sunday, August 16.  

Recreation center memberships are always free for children, and all participants must be between the ages of 6 and 13 by August 16, 2026.

Mayor Mamdani Launches “Public Interest Technology (PIT) Crew” to Rapidly Build Digital Solutions to Public Problems 

City will deploy five PIT Crews — including one with support from The Rockefeller Foundation to the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City — to make City services easier to access for working New Yorkers

First PIT Crew will build an online complaint portal to enforcenation‘s first “Click to Cancel” protections

324 E. 5th St. development will include affordable housing, a senior center, community space and replacement parking  

First City land designation of the Mamdani administration advances community ownership through partnership with a community land trust

Mamdani Administration Releases Summer Safety Plan, Highlighting Whole-of-Government Approach to Community Safety

Read the full report here  

NEW YORK — Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and the Mayor’s Office of Community Safety released the City’s “Summer Safety Plan,” outlining a whole-of-government strategy to keep New Yorkers safe during a historic summer of major events and public celebrations.    

The plan focuses on three priorities:   

• Safe Summer Gatherings: Help New Yorkers and visitors safely enjoy this summer’s celebrations, cultural events and public gatherings, including the World Cup.   

• Supporting Young People: Expand access to jobs, mentorship and leadership opportunities so young New Yorkers have safe, enriching places to spend their summers.  

• Preventing Violence: Reduce violence that historically increases during the summer months through prevention, intervention and survivor support.  

As part of the administration’s commitment to supporting young New Yorkers, the Office of Community Safety launched a Youth Listening Tour ahead of summer 2026. To date, the Office has reached approximately 1,400 students, with plans to engage additional community organizations in the months ahead.   

The Mamdani administration also launched an interactive Summer Activities website, where young New Yorkers can search hundreds of free and low-cost classes, sports leagues and events by age, interest and location. The website has already received more than 200,000 visits. In addition, more than 1,000 young people are enrolled in the City’s Anti-Gun Violence Employment Program.   

The administration is also expanding evidence-based violence prevention efforts through the City’s Crisis Management System (CMS). Providers are increasing outreach, neighborhood canvassing and on-call staffing to align with documented patterns of summer violence, ensuring more trained responders are present during evenings, weekends and holidays. CMS providers will also activate a 72-hour shooting response protocol to rapidly support victims, families and communities in the aftermath of gun violence.   

As New York City hosts a historic summer of major events – including the FIFA World Cup™, Pride celebrations and American 250 commemorations – the Office of Community Safety is coordinating with agencies across City government on a Know Your Rights campaign to ensure New Yorkers and visitors have access to important public safety information. The Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence has also launched a multimedia campaign raising awareness about human trafficking on LinkNYC kiosks and TaxiTVs across the five boroughs. This complements the NYPD’s efforts to deliver the fewest shooting incidents, shooting victims, and murders for the first half of the year.   

“New York City government is working across agencies and around the clock to deliver the safe summer that New Yorkers deserve,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Whether you’re heading to a World Cup match, taking your kids to a block party or just enjoying some time in the sun, our administration is bringing every part of City government together to help keep New Yorkers safe.”   

“Safety is not just the absence of violence, but the presence of opportunity, dignity, and community,” said Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Renita Francois. “This summer, the Mayor’s Office of Community Safety is bringing together the full strength of city government to ensure that every New Yorker can not only stay safe, but enjoy themselves.”   

“The Mamdani administration’s commitment to a safe summer includes making sure young people have opportunities, families have support and communities have the resources they need to thrive,” said Mayor’s Office of Community Safety Commissioner Dr. Ayesha Delany-Brumsey. “The Office of Community Safety is bringing together agencies, community organizations and trusted local partners to prevent violence before it occurs, strengthen neighborhood safety and ensure every New Yorker can safely enjoy everything our city has to offer this summer.”  

Mayor Mamdani and Chancellor Kamar Samuels Launch Major Expansion of Pre-K Special Education 

$67.5 million investment brings nationally recognized special education programs to 14 school districts across every borough beginning this fall  

NEW YORK — Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) Chancellor Kamar Samuels announced a major expansion of preschool special education, bringing the City’s nationally recognized Nest, Horizon, AIMS, Path and ACES programs to Pre-K classrooms for the first time.

Supported by a $67.5 million investment in the Fiscal Year 2027 Executive Budget, the expansion will make these specialized programs available in 14 school districts across all five boroughs beginning this fall, giving young children with disabilities access to high-quality instruction in their own communities.

“Children with disabilities should not be forced to travel across the city just to get the education they deserve,” said Mayor Mamdani. “That’s why we’re bringing those classrooms closer to home and taking another critical step toward making Pre-K truly universal. Every child deserves to learn and grow in their community, and every family deserves a public education system that meets them exactly where they are.”

“Every child deserves the chance to learn and grow in a classroom built around their needs, and that chance should start as early as possible,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. “For the first time, we’re giving young children with autism and other disabilities the same high-quality, specialized instruction that has delivered real results for our older students. This investment is about strengthening the foundation and when we get early childhood education right, we set children up for a lifetime of success.”

“Early childhood education is about delivering every child a strong start in life – the kind of framework that sets children up for high academic performance throughout their lives, long-term career success and strong social emotional skills that they will carry with them forever,” said Emmy Liss, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education. “This investment means more children with disabilities will receive the responsive, attentive and evidence-based education they deserve, from the very beginning of their educational journey.”

The expansion will provide young learners with high-quality, individualized instruction that strengthens academic, communication and social development in both inclusive and specialized classroom settings.

In addition to expanding classroom access, the investment strengthens the systems that help children receive services earlier and supports families throughout the special education process.

NYCPS will hire hundreds of new staff members to reduce evaluation wait times, expand bilingual assessment options and help families navigate the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. The investment includes 35 new professionals across 10 additional Preschool Regional Assessment Centers (PRACs), including psychologists, social workers, speech evaluators and occupational therapists.

Building on a successful pilot, the Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT) program will also expand, placing special education teachers in general education preschool classrooms and helping more young children with IEPs learn alongside their peers. An additional 29 therapists and specialists will strengthen services for children attending community-based 3-K and Pre-K programs.

Students will be placed into new program locations across the following school districts:  

• District 2: PS 042 Benjamin Altman 
• District 5: PS 133 Fred R. Moore 
• District 6: PS 005 Ellen Lurie 
• District 7: Academy of Exploratory Arts 
• District 9: PS 028 Mount Hope, P.S. 058, P.S. 070 Max Schoenfeld, P.S. 063X Author’s Academy, and Lucero Elementary School 
• District 10: P.S. 310 Marble Hill, PS 023 The New Children’s School, Rose Hill Pre-K Center 
• District 11: P.S. 068 Bronx, P.S. 111 Seton Falls, P.S. 121 Throop 
• District 12: P.S. 006 West Farms, Samara Community School 
• District 14: P.S. 147 Isaac Remsen 
• District 15: P.S. 015 Patrick Daly, P.S. 024, P.S. 958 
• District 20: D20 Pre-K Center 
• District 21: P.S. 212 Lady Deborah Moody 
• District 30: P.S. 152 Gwendoline N. Alleyne School, P.S. 171 Peter G. Van Alst 
• District 31: P.S. 054 Charles W. Leng 

“A strong educational start sets up all our kids for a bright future and these investments ensure that for our pre-k students with disabilities,” said NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities’ Commissioner Nisha Agarwal. “Under this administration, we’re working everyday to see that every child and family has what they need to thrive in education and beyond. Thank you to our partners at NYC Public Schools and the teams across the city that will help this investment come to life.”

When children with disabilities have access to the support they need from the very beginning, we build classrooms, communities, and a city where every child has the opportunity to thrive,” said Jennifer Gutiérrez, Chair of the NYC Council’s Subcommittee on Early Childhood Education. ”This expansion recognizes that families deserve a system that meets children where they are and responds early, when interventions can have the greatest impact. Every child should have the opportunity to build confidence, develop meaningful connections, and enter kindergarten ready to succeed.”

“Disabled students have a right to learn, belong, and thrive in our schools,” said Council Member Shahana Hanif, Chair of the NYC Council’s Disabilities Committee. “As Chair of the Committee on Disabilities I’ve seen how families are forced to fight far too hard for the services their children are entitled to. This $67.5 million investment in preschool special education is a critical step toward ensuring our youngest New Yorkers with disabilities get the support they need from the very beginning. I’m grateful to Mayor Mamdani for making this critical investment in our children and families.”

“Every child deserves a world-class education system that meets them where they are, sees their full potential, and invests in them at every turn – not just in elementary school, but from their very first classroom experience. This Disability Pride Month, I’m glad to see the Nest, Horizon, AIMS, Path, and ACES specialized programs expanding into Pre-K for the first time citywide. I’m grateful to Mayor Mamdani, and Chancellor Samuels for committing to advancing a higher standard of excellence for New York’s young children with disabilities, and look forward to working in partnership with the Mamdani administration to continue uplifting and expanding access to academic opportunity for all Manhattanites,” said Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal.

“For generations, families of children with disabilities have been asked to navigate systems that too often made support feel distant, delayed, or conditional. This investment reflects a different promise: that the doors of public education must open early, fully, and with dignity,” said State Senator Robert Jackson. “I commend Mayor Mamdani and Chancellor Samuels for recognizing that inclusion is not simply an educational goal—it is one of the clearest measures of whether our public institutions truly serve every child. When we build classrooms around the needs of our youngest learners, we are not simply expanding services—we are strengthening the foundation of justice itself. Every child deserves to be met with care, challenged with love, and given the tools to grow into the fullness of who they are.”

“Every one of our littlest New Yorkers deserves access to a robust education tailored to their success. As the mother of a public-school student, I know our working families would do anything to ensure their children are well-adjusted in their educational journey — it is imperative that the largest public school system in the country ensures proper access to students who require additional support in the classroom,” said Council Member Carmen De La Rosa, District 10. “We are excited that this administration is addressing that commitment, expanding staffing and investments citywide, and bringing special education programming to three of our very own centers in Upper Manhattan.”

“Child care can only truly be universal if every child has access to a program that meets their needs. We thank Mayor Mamdani for making this important investment, which will help ensure more preschoolers with disabilities receive needed, legally required support. Access to high-quality specialized programs during these critical early years can have a lasting impact on children’s development while helping make New York City a more affordable and appealing place to raise a family. We look forward to working with the Administration to ensure that every child with a disability has access to the programs and services they need to thrive,” said Maria Odom, Executive Director, Advocates for Children of New York.

“Young children with disabilities and their families must have access to early childhood programs that build the vital social and emotional skills to be successful in school,” said Cheryelle Cruickshank, Executive Director of INCLUDEnyc. “INCLUDEnyc is excited to support New York City Public Schools in the launch of these new specialized preschool programs and classes for the 2026-2027 school year, which will lay the groundwork for our youngest learners to thrive in their communities.

“NYU Steinhardt is excited to expand our longstanding partnerships with Nest and more recently, the Path Program, which leverage our successful inclusion model. Research shows how critical early intervention and supports are for children’s long-term outcomes and we’re thrilled for the expansion of all specialized programs into pre-school. The impact of investing in children so that they succeed and flourish cannot be overstated,” said Kristie Patten,  Gale and Ira Drukier Dean, NYU Steinhardt.

Mayor Mamdani, Groundswell Community Mural Project Announce 12 Community Murals in Parks Across New York City to Celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup 

Community-designed murals across all five boroughs will celebrate the diversity, energy and joy of the World Cup

New Yorkers invited to help paint the murals through public activations at every site   

NEW YORK — Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and the Groundswell Community Mural Project today announced 12 community-designed murals in parks across all five boroughs to celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup and leave a lasting legacy in New York City’s neighborhoods.

This initiative—launched in partnership with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development—will transform public spaces into vibrant works of art created by young people, artists and community members. Together, the murals will celebrate the energy, creativity and community spirit that define New York City while creating welcoming public spaces that will remain long after the tournament ends. Throughout the summer, New Yorkers of all ages will be invited to help create the murals through community paint days at each site.

“These murals will belong to the neighborhoods that brought them to life—from Fordham Heights to Ocean Hill to Laurelton and communities across our city. Long after the final whistle of the World Cup, kids will walk past these walls and see something their families helped create,” said Mayor Mamdani. “That’s how public art strengthens our sense of belonging and reflects the people who call their neighborhoods home. I’m grateful for this partnership and for the chance to leave something behind that will outlast the tournament itself.”

“New York City is alive with the spirit of the World Cup. Neighbors living here for generations alongside newer New Yorkers from countries around the world are coming together to celebrate, and these murals will illustrate this unique moment in our city,” said NYC Cultural Affairs Commissioner Diya Vij.  “I encourage all New Yorkers to pick up a paintbrush and join one of Groundswell’s community paint days, and help shape these vibrant, community-led public artworks that will keep the World Cup energy alive for months to come.”

“Murals have the power to tell the stories of our neighborhoods and create a sense of belonging for everyone who visits our parks,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “By inviting New Yorkers of all ages to help create these works of art, we’re creating more than murals—we’re celebrating the creativity and diversity of our communities. As New York City continues to welcome the world for the 2026 World Cup, we’re proud to partner with Groundswell NYC, the Mayor’s Office, and the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs to showcase how park spaces bring New Yorkers together every day.”

“This project serves as a special way for Groundswell to close out our 30th anniversary year. Our partnerships with professional teaching artists, young people, and communities across New York City create public art that unites people from all walks of life,” said Yvonne M. Brathwaite, Executive Director, Groundswell Community Mural Project. “This summer, we’re especially excited to welcome not only local New Yorkers, but also visitors from around the world to pick up a paintbrush and join our mural making experiences. We are honored to create these murals that lift up the joy of play and highlight the diversity of cultures and languages that create a sense of belonging, and celebrate creativity and community pride all over New York City!”

Mural Locations:

Bronx

• Walton Playground (Fordham Heights) 2115 Walton Avenue at East 181st Street. Lead Artist: Angel Garcia. Mural Size: 880 square feet. 
• Franz Sigel Park (South Bronx) 670 Walton Avenue at East 153rd Street. Lead Artist: VASH. Mural Size: 1,200 square feet.  

Brooklyn

• Callahan-Kelly Playground (Ocean Hill) 2300 Fulton Street. Lead Artist: Miki Mu. Mural Size: 600 square feet. 
• Garden Playground (Bushwick/South Williamsburg) – 16 Garden Street at Flushing Avenue. Lead Artist: Yolande Delius. Mural Size: 720 square feet. 

Manhattan

• St. Nicholas Park (West Harlem) 582 St. Nicholas Avenue at West 139th Street. Lead Artist: Viktoriya Basina. Mural Size: 480 square feet. 
• Coleman Playground (Two Bridges/Lower East Side) 58 Market Street at Monroe Street. Lead Artist: Misha Tyutyunik. Mural Size: 780 square feet. 
• Lily Brown Playground at Fort Washington Park (Washington Heights) 915 Riverside Drive at West 163rd Street. Lead Artist: Vincent Ballentine. Mural Size: 1,200 square feet. 

Queens

• Montbellier Park (Laurelton) 138-17 Springfield Boulevard at 138th Road. Lead Artist: Peach Tao. Mural Size: 180 square feet. 
• Emerald Playground (Pomonok) 162-41 71st Avenue at 164th Street, Fresh Meadows. Lead Artist: Carlos Mateu. Mural Size: 360 square feet. 
• Steinway Playground (Astoria-Ditmars) 20-35 38th Street at 20th Road. Lead Artist: Colleen Kong-Savage. Mural Size: 720 square feet. 

Staten Island

• Prall Playground (West Brighton) 241 Elizabeth Street at Forest Avenue Long Pond Lane. Lead Artist: Mimi Ditkoff. Mural Size: 1,200 square feet. 
• Arrochar Playground (Arrochar) 71-61 Sand Lane at Major Avenue. Lead Artist: Lina Montoya. Mural Size: 1,200 square feet. 

Community members shaped each mural through neighborhood conversations and surveys, ensuring every design reflects the identity, culture and aspiration of the surrounding community. The completed murals will remain as permanent public artwork.

New Yorkers can learn more about upcoming Paint Days here. 

Double Decker: Mayor Mamdani Advances First Busway in the Bronx, Launches Community Engagement for Three Bus Rapid Transit Corridors in Brooklyn  

Just one week after unveiling historic plan with Governor Hochul to speed up 175 bus routes by up to six minutes, Mayor advances four major transit projects

Tremont Avenue busway will shorten commutes for 39,000 daily riders

Community engagement begins to transform three Central Brooklyn corridors, delivering faster trips for 150,000 riders along 13 bus routes every day  

City will deliver a new, world-class Bus Rapid Transit corridor on Flatbush Avenue by 2030 

Mayor Mamdani, Chief Climate Officer Yeung Announce Appointment of Annel Hernandez as Public Utility Advocate

Hernandez to lead City efforts to lower utility costs, improve service and expand clean energy affordability programs for working-class New Yorkers   

NEW YORK — Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Chief Climate Officer Louise Yeung announced the appointment of Annel Hernandez as New York City’s Public Utility Advocate.  

As part of the Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice (MOCEJ), Hernandez will work closely with City agencies, community organizations and other stakeholders to protect utility customers, fight for affordable rates, expand access to energy affordability programs, increase public participation in utility rate proceedings and ensure the transition to clean energy delivers material benefits to the New Yorkers who need them most.  

Hernandez’s appointment comes as New Yorkers face some of the highest energy costs in the nation. Lowering utility bills is central to the Mamdani administration’s efforts to confront the climate and cost-of-living crises facing working families.   

“Gas and electricity are not luxuries — they are basic necessities. But too many New Yorkers are struggling to afford the energy they need to keep the lights on, stay cool in the summer and heat their homes in the winter,” said Mayor Mamdani. “As Utility Advocate, Annel Hernandez will be a relentless fighter for working people. She will stand up to utility companies pocketing billions in profit at the expense of hard-working New Yorkers, push back against unjustified rate hikes and champion a clean energy future that lowers costs and improves people’s lives.”   

“Our energy grid powers our every day, and yet most New Yorkers feel disconnected or disempowered from shaping that very system. NYC’s clean energy transition should mean a modern grid, large renewable energy projects, resilient distributed energy, healthy efficient homes, community solar and lower energy bills. I look forward to collaborating with allies to uplift community voices as we advance our clean energy goals,” said Public Utility Advocate Annel Hernandez.   

“It’s unacceptable that New Yorkers are forced to choose between putting food on their dinner tables and plugging in their AC on a dangerously hot summer day,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson. “Annel Hernandez will lead the charge to challenge rate hikes, secure affordability and move our city toward a greener future. She will anchor this administration’s commitment to holding wealthy utility companies accountable to the people they serve, and I look forward to the wins she will deliver for the working families of our city.”   

“Every month, New Yorkers facing high energy bills are confronted with the reality that the climate crisis is inextricably linked to the affordability crisis,” said Chief Climate Officer Louise Yeung. “Annel Hernandez is a dedicated climate justice leader and public servant who not only understands that reality but also knows how to deliver climate solutions. In her new role as Public Utility Advocate, Hernandez will fight to keep energy affordable for working-class New Yorkers to make sure no one is left behind in a just and equitable transition to clean energy.”     

“With utility costs skyrocketing, New Yorkers need someone like Annel who can fight greedy utility companies and help reduce costs for working class households,” said Council Member Sandy Nurse. “There is no one more ready for this role: she has dedicated her life to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, expanding renewable energy capacity and was instrumental in implementing the Council’s Zero Waste Act and the Public Solar bill. I can’t think of anyone more deserving or qualified for this role, and I am so proud to call her my Public Utility Advocate.”  

“Annel Hernandez is a champion for environmental justice and energy equity. Annel has advanced climate, environmental and energy policies that have made our city healthier and more equitable. She is rooted in the communities she has worked to support, from Brooklyn to the Bronx,” said Eddie Bautista, Executive Director of the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance. “She will continue to represent New Yorkers and advance our collective clean energy future as Public Utility Advocate.”   

“PULP congratulates Annel Hernandez on her appointment as the NYC Public Utility Advocate. Ms. Hernandez has deep experience in environmental justice policy work that makes her well-positioned to be a strong and effective voice for utility consumers across New York City,” said Laurie Wheelock, Executive Director of the Public Utility Law Project (“PULP”).  

About Annel Hernandez   

Annel Hernandez has dedicated her career in public service to advancing climate policy with a focus on equity, environmental justice and clean energy. She currently leads the clean energy team at the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice.  

Previously, Hernandez served as the Director of Climate and Environmental Policy for New York City Council Member Sandy Nurse and as Associate Director of the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance. She also held roles at the Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and the Urban Climate Change Research Network at Columbia University’s Earth Institute. She began her public service career as a New York City Urban Fellow.  

Hernandez teaches environmental justice and climate resiliency at Columbia University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and Latino studies from Fordham University and a Master of Public Administration in Energy and Environment from Columbia University. A lifelong New Yorker, she lives in Bushwick, Brooklyn. 

Mayor Mamdani Releases “Rental Ripoff Report,” Outlining New Actions to Crack Down on Hazardous Housing Violations and Deceptive Landlord Practices

Administration will require disclosure of AI-altered rental listings, recognize tenant unions and strengthen enforcement against negligent landlords and conditions like mold and pests  

Plan includes 23 policy changes to target “repeat-offender” landlords, modernize housing code enforcement, improve oversight of fees and utility charges and better protect tenants   

The actions build on the Mayor’s housing plan, Block by Block, which charts a path to build 200,000 affordable homes, preserve another 200,000, make the largest investment in public housing in modern history and enforce the nation’s strongest tenant protections.  

The report’s recommendations include recognizing tenant unions, expanding tenants’ ability to organize and bargain collectively over building conditions and other shared concerns; requiring landlords to disclose when rental listings have been altered using artificial intelligence or other digital tools; modernizing building owner registration and communication systems; and using the City’s full enforcement authority to crack down on “repeat-offender” landlords through inspections, enforcement programs and litigation.  

“At Rental Ripoff Hearings across the five boroughs, we heard from thousands of New Yorkers living with mold that was never treated, pests that were never addressed and fees that were never explained. Listening was only the first step. This report turns those stories into concrete action. From requiring disclosure of AI-altered listings to bringing our code enforcement systems into the 21st century and finally recognizing tenant unions, we are making it clear that every New Yorker deserves a safe home – and every landlord who refuses to provide one will be held accountable,” said Mayor Mamdani.  

“The actions laid out in the Rental Ripoff Report will help create a city where every New Yorker can live with dignity. From improving code enforcement to supporting tenants who organize with their neighbors, these policies are rooted in real experiences and address real concerns. My thanks to the thousands of New Yorkers who helped shape these actions and to the many City staff who helped make the Rental Ripoff Hearings a success,” said Leila Bozorg, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning.

“The Rental Ripoff Hearings and today’s report are writing a new chapter in tenant power in New York City. Governing is a partnership. By bringing tenants’ voices directly into policy and taking unprecedented steps to facilitate tenant organizing across the city, we are showing what governing with New Yorkers looks like. From legally recognizing tenant unions to coordinating enforcement days with tenants and owners, we are making clear that our city and our housing market is stronger when tenants are mobilized, engaged and represented,” said Cea Weaver, Director, Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants.  

Mayor Mamdani established the Rental Ripoff Hearings through Executive Order 8, signed during his first week in office. Between February and April, the administration held one hearing in each borough and accepted testimony online, engaging over 2,400 New Yorkers.   

The report identifies the most common concerns raised by tenants. 16% of testimony referenced pests, while 13% mentioned mold and another 13% cited leaks. New Yorkers also described widespread problems with poor housing conditions, landlord harassment, confusing interactions with agencies, deceptive fees and surprise utility bills. That feedback directly informed the policies included in the Rental Ripoff Report.  

The Mamdani administration will use every tool at the City’s disposal to implement the report’s recommendations, including executive action, agency rulemaking, legislation and litigation.   

Examples of executive actions and agency rulemaking include:   

• Investigating every heat complaint individually rather than consolidating complaints from the same building.  

• Allowing tenants to schedule certain building inspections.  

• Improving response time to elevator outage complaints.  

• Addressing the root causes of residential fires.  

• Streamlining public information about tenants’ rights and strengthening protections against harassment based on immigration status.  

The Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants will also convene a Legislative Task Force to recommend reforms to the City’s housing quality enforcement system. Possible reforms to be studied include:   

• Adding financial penalties to the Underlying Conditions Program for landlords who fail to remediate mold.  

• Strengthening the Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP) to better address chronic building violations.  

• Modernizing the property registration process, which remains paper-based and does not require building owners to provide an email address.  

• Allowing the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) to serve building owners with violations through digital notice to existing methods.   

“I’m grateful for the two thousand New Yorkers who took the time to attend these hearings and to tell us what they need. That feedback now serves as our call to action and the reforms laid out in this report will significantly advance HPD’s mission to ensure that New Yorkers are safe and secure inside their homes,” said HPD Commissioner Dina Levy.  

“This administration has done more than any other to better understand the lived experiences of renters and working New Yorkers facing the brunt of this city’s housing affordability crisis,” said Department of Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani. “Informed by hundreds of hours of testimony from our fellow New Yorkers at these Rental Ripoff hearings, this report now gives us the blueprint we need to repair what’s broken in our enforcement protocols and close the gaps in city regulations. The Department of Buildings provides critical services protecting tenants against bad landlords, and supporting the responsible property owners who properly maintain their buildings. We look forward to enacting these reforms to make these services work better for our fellow New Yorkers.”   

“Every New Yorker deserves a safe and stable place to call home, without having to navigate deceptive practices or pay onerous or surprise fees just to keep a roof over their head. The Rental Ripoff Report reflects what thousands of New Yorkers told us directly: the system is broken,” said Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levine. “From enforcing the FARE Act, which protects renters from being forced to pay a broker fee when a landlord hired the broker, to the policies outlined in this report, we are building a fairer housing marketplace where tenants have greater transparency and stronger protections. At DCWP, we will continue using every tool available to deliver economic relief to all New Yorkers.”  

“Tenants organized to elect a Mayor who pledged to listen to our voices and the Rental Ripoff Hearings were a perfect example of that. The City brought the experts – tenants – to the table to learn about the pressing issues impacting us and are now using that testimony to shape policy. This report represents a new era of tenant power in the city. We will continue organizing to ensure that new insights from the Rental Ripoff Hearings lead to lasting change for tenants across the city,” said Sumathy Kumar, Executive Director, NYS Tenant Bloc.   

“The Rental Ripoff Report is an important step in naming the failures that tenants experience every day. However, it’s real promise is in using this information to strengthen tenants’ voices, hold bad landlords accountable, and build a housing system where tenants shape the policies that govern their homes. CASA knows that we will win safe and dignified homes by continuing to organize and build tenant power,” said Joanne Grell, Community Action for Safe Apartments (CASA) Leader.  

“New York City tenants have always organized to fight harassment, neglect, and displacement. We welcome this Rental Ripoff Report as an ambitious commitment from the Mamdani administration to be a strong partner in that work. Together, we look forward to building a city where homes are treated as places to live with dignity, not opportunities for speculation,” said Charlie Dulik, Director of Organizing, Housing Conservation Coordinators (HCC).  

“Tenants fought for a mayoral administration that answers to the working class–and we are heartened by the steps taken during the rip-off hearings and looking forward to what comes next. For far too long, the city has put the profits of real estate above the lives of working class and immigrant tenants. We deserve a city administration that takes our needs, concerns, and demands seriously. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the mayoral administration to ensure that the administration answers to NYC’s tenant majority,” said Julie Xu, Chinatown chapter lead organizer at CAAAV: Organizing Asian Communities. 

Mayor Mamdani Expands Next Mile NYC, Connecting New Yorkers on Probation to Careers in the High-Paying Trucking Industry  

Mamdani administration expands commercial driver’s license training and career support to thousands of New Yorkers under community supervision  

Program advances public safety, reduces recidivism and strengthens New York City’s economy by investing in opportunity instead of incarceration  

Next Mile NYC has connected nearly 200 justice-involved New Yorkers to full-time job offers with starting salaries exceeding $70,000  

The expansion creates a direct pathway from community supervision to stable, family-sustaining careers in the commercial trucking industry. The new partnership extends Next Mile NYC to more than 11,000 New Yorkers currently under DOP supervision across the five boroughs, building on the program’s success serving justice-involved New Yorkers in the community and its March 2026 expansion to people in custody on Rikers Island.  

“Public safety is built by creating the conditions that allow people to establish stable lives,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Expanding Next Mile NYC means thousands more New Yorkers on probation will have access to good-paying jobs, a pathway to long-term stability and the chance to provide for their families. When we invest in opportunity, we reduce recidivism, strengthen our economy and make our city safer for all.”  

“Next Mile NYC is how our city invests in gainful careers that support public safety,” said Deanna Logan, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice. “By expanding this program to New Yorkers under community supervision, we are creating more pathways to financial stability, while removing a significant barrier from individuals returning to their community.”  

“Expanding Next Mile NYC ensures more New Yorkers have the chance to gain valuable skills, secure stable employment, and successfully reintegrate into their communities. That is how we build safer neighborhoods and stronger futures,” said Sharun Goodwin, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Probation. “Every person deserves the opportunity to write a new chapter. At the Department of Probation, we see the potential in the people we serve every day, and we know that access to meaningful employment can change the trajectory of a life.”  

Through workforce development organization Emerge Career, participants complete a 40-hour online CDL training course, earn their Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLPs), receive behind-the-wheel instruction and take the New York State CDL road test. Graduates also receive job placement support connecting them with employers offering salaries ranging from $70,000 to $125,000.

Since launching in 2025, Next Mile NYC has delivered measurable, life-changing results:  

• 306 participants have earned CLPs and 187 have obtained CDLs.  

• 111 participants have secured full-time employment, earning an average salary of $73,573 and a median salary of $75,000. Another 74 graduates have pending job offers.  

• Zero participants have reported being rearrested.   

• 94% of participants who completed behind-the-wheel training earned a CDL.  

• 97% of participants who earned a CDL received a job offer within six months.  

The expansion reflects Mayor Mamdani’s commitment to creating economic opportunity for justice-involved New Yorkers while meeting the City’s workforce needs. Reaching people while they are on probation gives them access to stable employment at a critical moment, helping them successfully complete community supervision, support their families and avoid future involvement with the criminal legal system.    

In March 2026, the Mayor announced the expansion of Next Mile NYC in partnership with the Department of Correction, allowing eligible people on Rikers Island to begin online coursework while in custody before transitioning to behind-the-wheel instruction, licensing and job placement after release. Since that expansion, 66 people have enrolled in the program and 22 have successfully completed the online training.  

“We are thrilled to expand our existing partnership with MOCJ and DOC to bring real, tangible second chances — rooted in careers, not just credentials — to New Yorkers on probation,” said Zo Orchingwa, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Emerge Career. “Our vision is to harness technology to open pathways to skilled trades careers that begin before release, not just after. This isn’t a checkbox initiative or training that leads nowhere. Next Mile NYC is a real jobs and reentry program, built to change lives and deliver outcomes.”