School Cell Phone Policy, Citizen App Expansion, Subway Surfing Drone Success, Protecting Youth Programs, New After School Sites, Drone Ops Cmte, Free Wifi For Affordable Housing, Hotel Licensing Requirements, Animal Care Center Investment
School Cell Phone Policy, Citizen App Expansion, Subway Surfing Drone Success, Protecting Youth Programs, New After School Sites, Drone Ops Cmte, Free Wifi For Affordable Housing, Hotel Licensing Requirements, Animal Care Center Investment
Editor’s note: Readers can view our PSA on the issue of subway surfing, including the related deaths it has caused. Readers may remember our article about how the difference between legal and illegal migrants, in terms of their difference in cost to the government, is illusory. Readers also learned about NYC Solves in a past article by the mayor featuring this topic. We have also covered in the past the hotel licensing requirements, including community pushback on this particular bill. You can see last week’s rundown here, and last week’s op-ed here.
MAYOR ADAMS, CHANCELLOR AVILES-RAMOS ANNOUNCE PASSAGE OF NEW YORK CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ NEW CELL PHONE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY FOR UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR
Policy Reflects Extensive Stakeholder Engagement and Input, Complies with State Mandate Passed in Albany Earlier This Year
$25 Million in Funding for School Implementation Part of Fiscal Year 2026 Adopted Budget, Building on “Best Budget Ever”
Investments Continue Adams Administration’s Commitment to Making New York City Best Place to Raise a Family
NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos today announced an updated “Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy,” the implementation of which will provide for a citywide standard for distraction-free schools starting this coming academic year. This change — part of proposed amendments to Chancellor’s Regulation A-413 — was approved by the Panel for Educational Policy (PEP) tonight to ensure a safe and productive learning environment for all students and align with a recent mandate passed by New York state Legislature. To comply with the state law, Mayor Adams allocated $25 million to help with implementation of the policy at the 1,600 public schools across the five boroughs in the Fiscal Year 2026 Adopted Budget, which builds on the Fiscal Year Executive Budget, often called the “Best Budget Ever.” The state has allocated $4.3 million to help with implementation.
“Our kids are in school to learn, but, too often, cell phones are used in manners that are distracting, degrading, and dangerous to our young people. The state cell phone ban was the first step in putting our kids back on track to learn and thrive in safe, nurturing environments, and this new cell phone policy is the next step in ensuring students are given the best shot to succeed in school,” said Mayor Adams. “We know that excessive cell phone use is harmful to our children’s concentration and mental health, and, with this new policy, we will finally reduce distractions as we help our students reach their full potential. We are proud to have engaged in a thorough citywide process that balances the learning needs of our students with the safety concerns of our families. And, thanks to our ‘Best Budget Ever,’ we are ensuring our schools have the funding to get this done with a $25 million investment for implementation this coming school year. We will continue to advocate for additional state resources and will work closely with our school communities to ensure compliance and long-term sustainability because making New York City the best place to raise a family means ensuring our students have everything they need.”
“As an educator and a parent, I have seen firsthand how constant access to cell phones in the classroom distracts from learning, divides attention, and significantly impacts our students’ mental health, inside schools and at home. I am proud to be introducing a policy that takes input from unions and advocacy groups, families, community members, and our students into account,” said Public Schools Chancellor Aviles-Ramos. “This policy is designed to be responsive to the diverse needs of schools, individual students, and families, and I am grateful to all of our partners for their hard work in moving this policy forward.”
Under the revised regulation, starting in the 2025-2026 school year, personal internet-enabled devices — such as smartphones, tablets, and smart watches — cannot be used during the school day by students. Students can use their devices when traveling to and from school, but they must be turned off and put away during the school day. As part of the revised policy, schools will be required to provide at least one method for families to reach their children during the school day in the case of an emergency, provide a secure way to store devices, and annually provide staff and families with information about school-specific policies.
Additionally, the updated Chancellor’s Regulations include specific exceptions to the policy for students who need devices for medical reasons, are responsible for the care of a family member, have a stipulation in their Individual Education Program, or if a device is authorized for a specific educational purpose.
This work comes on the heels of multi-year consultations with school communities and alongside the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to develop well-rounded policies that meet the needs of those in New York City Public Schools. Following recent changes in New York state law, over the previous six weeks, New York City Public Schools has been working together with partners across the city to institutionalize a long-lasting and equitable policy focused on dovetailing with specific school communities. In the early stages of this policy, New York City Public Schools partnered with the PEP, advisory councils, parent leaders, elected officials, unions, advocacy groups, teachers, principals, superintendents, and students.
Today’s announcement further builds on the Adams administration’s core educational accomplishments for New York City public school students, including implementing a major literacy initiative through “NYC Reads;” instituting nation-leading dyslexia supports; expanding Gifted and Talented Programs; increasing math and English test scores in the past and making strong academic gains in 2025; building nine new schools for the 2024-2025 school year alone; helping students prepare for college and careers; cementing new labor contracts for teachers, principals, and staff; and, most recently, unveiling a signature math initiative, “NYC Solves,” as well as creating the Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning to prioritize the city’s most vulnerable students and families, including multi-language learners and students with disabilities.
Recently, Mayor Adams announced the city will hire 3,700 new teachers at nearly 750 schools to help the school system reduce class sizes and provide more individualized care, as well as announced the investment of $128 million to stabilize school budgets in upcoming school year. In Fiscal Year 2025, the city invested over $600 million to protect programs that were previously only temporarily funded with federal stimulus dollars, by making investments in Summer Rising, a citywide 3-K expansion, special education pre-K, community schools, social workers, and arts education. Under Mayor Adams’ leadership, the administration invested nearly $1 billion for major five-year teacher, principal, and staff pay increases in October 2023.
Over the last three years, the Adams administration has been focused on making New York City more affordable for families through popular and essential programs like early childhood education. Recently, Mayor Adams announced $167 million investment in long-term commitment to funding 3-K and special education pre-K annually. Under the Adams administration, a record 150,000 children are enrolled across the early childhood education system today, the out-of-pocket costs of child care subsidies have been reduced from $55 per week in 2022 to $5 per week today, and the Adams administration met its commitment to offer a seat to every child who applied for 3-K on time — the first time this has ever been done in the city’s history.
Starting in January, Mayor Adams is launching “After-School for All,” a historic and new $331 million commitment — phased in starting this fiscal year and fully baselined by Fiscal Year 2028 — and that will bring the after-school budget to a total of $755 million in an effort to support Mayor Adams’ vision of universal after-school for all public students from kindergarten through eighth grade.
Additionally, in the Best Budget Ever, Mayor Adams also announced $70 million in funding to support pre-K special education students who require occupational therapy, speech therapy, or other related services, as well as $10 million in funding for a childcare pilot program for 0-2 year-olds that will serve low-income families across New York City. The pilot program — a first for a major city in the U.S. to offer — put New York City on the path to provide universal child care to low-income families if the pilot is successful.
Mayor Eric Adams delivers remarks and presents a proclamation at the 47th Precinct, Bronx. Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Credit: Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office.
MAYOR ADAMS EXPANDS PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS WITH‘NYC PUBLIC SAFETY’ ACCOUNT ON CITIZEN APP TO KEEPNEW YORKERS SAFE AND INFORMED
No-Cost Initiative Allows City to Share Verified Real-Time Safety Updates Directly to Over 3 Million New Yorkers on Citizen
Rollout Builds on Adams Administration’s Commitment to Breakdown Communications Siloes, Make New York City Safest and Best Place to Raise a Family
NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced a new city-run account, “NYC Public Safety” on Citizen, a free app that provides users with real-time notifications about nearby emergencies and ongoing incidents. The account will compile public safety alerts and notifications from across public safety agencies to share public safety updates and incident information directly with Citizen users — including more than 3 million subscribers across the five boroughs — ensuring that critical information reaches New Yorkers when and where it matters most. New York City government has a presence in multiple languages across various social media channels, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, X, and the city’s own NotifyNYC channel, among others, to meet New Yorkers where they are online and ensure information is accessible.
“A huge part of building a safer city is ensuring New Yorkers have the information they need to keep themselves and their loved ones safe,” said Mayor Adams. “Whether it’s a heat emergency, a flood warning, a fire or crime, our new ‘NYC Public Safey’ account on Citizen will keep New Yorkers informed on threats and how their city government is working to keep them safe. Since taking office, we’ve made real progress on making our city safer and improving communications, and this new official account is yet another way we’re working to meet New Yorkers where they are by providing real time alerts to keep every New Yorker safe and informed.”
“Millions of New Yorkers already use the Citizen app to stay informed about public safety incidents in their neighborhoods, and now the people who protect our city will be able to use this platform to send critical information directly to the people we serve,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry. “Whether it’s an alert about a major incident, a crime pattern, or a safety tip that could help someone avoid being scammed, we’re putting that information right into New Yorkers’ hands. That’s what this administration is all about: meeting people where they are, keeping them informed, and using technology to protect our communities.”
“Easily accessible and digestible information and clear, accurate communication are critical to keeping New Yorkers safe, especially during emergencies,” said Deputy Mayor for Communications Fabien Levy. “Today’s announcement builds on the work our administration has already done to utilize technology and expand our channels of communication as we break down siloes to make our city safer for the 8.5 million New Yorkers we serve and who call this city home every day. By expanding our outreach and establishing the ‘NYC Public Safety’ account on Citizen, we will more immediately share more information with more New Yorkers about the emergencies and public safety issues they care most about, keeping people across the five boroughs informed and safe.”
The NYC Public Safety account will publish public safety-related announcements, alerts about major incidents or weather emergencies, safety tips about crime patterns and scams, and updates to high-profile incidents. The city will also be able to send geo-targeted push notifications to users citywide based on neighborhood, zip code, or borough. This initiative has been launched at no cost to the city.
Additionally, designated public safety agencies — including the New York City Police Department (NYPD), Fire Department of the City of New York, and New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) — will be granted secure access to a dashboard that allows authorized personnel to view and download user-submitted videos from incident scenes, potentially aiding investigations and after-action reviews. NYPD and NYCEM also operate accounts on Citizen to share alerts with New Yorkers.
Today’s announcement adds another layer to the city’s public safety communication strategies, helping to reach even more residents with timely, verified information from official sources. Over 1.2 million New Yorkers are enrolled in NotifyNYC, the city’s official emergency notification system. Subscribers can opt in to receive updates through text, email, social media, RSS feed, or the Notify NYC mobile app. It is available in 14 languages, including American Sign Language. In April 2025, Mayor Adams announced that New Yorkers could enroll in Notify NYC by texting “NOTIFYNYC” to 692-692 in addition to the previous methods of signing up on the NotifyNYC website, by calling 311, or by downloading the free NotifyNYC app.
This initiative is the latest way the Adams administration is leveraging emerging technologies to serve as force multipliers for first responders, increase efficiency, and keep New Yorkers safe. In May, Mayor Adams announced that the city is investing $1.6 million to equip bodegas with emergency buttons to combat retail theft and protect staff and customers. In March, he expanded the New York City Department of Transportation’s automated enforcement efforts to keep streets safe. And, last year, he launched a program allowing businesses to voluntarily share security camera footage with the NYPD to aid in criminal investigations. New York City has also led the nation in utilizing drone technology to keep residents safe, including by creating the “Drone as First Responder” program to enhance the NYPD’s emergency-response capabilities, as well as to use drones to combat subway surfing, increase situational awareness for first responders, inspect infrastructure, assist with search and rescue operations, deliver flotation devices to distressed swimmers and monitor for sharks at beaches, and broadcast flood warnings in low-lying communities.
Mayor Eric Adams delivers remarks and presents a proclamation at the 122 Precinct, Staten Island. Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Credit: Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office.
MAYOR ADAMS AND NYPD COMMISSIONER TISCH ANNOUNCE MILESTONE IN LIFE-SAVING DRONE PROGRAM TO STOP SUBWAY SURFING
From Emergency Response to Youth Safety, NYPD Drones Deliver Life-Saving Results
Deployed to Monitor Subway Lines, Drones Helped Prevent Deadly Stunts — Made 200 Saves
NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch today announced that 200 rescues have been made through the NYPD’s drone and enforcement operations targeting subway surfing— a dangerous trend that has claimed lives and continues to put young New Yorkers at serious risk. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the city’s strategy to prevent fatalities by combining technology, enhanced transit enforcement, social media monitoring, and targeted youth outreach to schools and neighborhoods where young people are most affected.
“Drones are saving lives — from our beaches to our subways — and helping keep New York the safest big city in America,” said Mayor Adams. “Subway surfing isn’t a game. It’s deadly, and it’s putting our youth at risk. Thanks to this program, we’ve made 200 rescues, and this year alone, we’ve already safely rescued subway surfers from trains 52 times before tragedy struck. Let me be clear: Riding outside a train is not only dangerous, but it is also a crime, and there is zero tolerance for it. We’ll keep using every tool and every technology to protect our children and build a safer city for all New Yorkers.”
“Subway surfing isn’t a thrill-seeking trend — it’s a tragedy waiting to happen. The NYPD’s drones have made the difference between life or death, using cutting-edge technology to make 200 rescues, mostly of teens, since late 2023,” said NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “Our drone teams are strategically deployed to hotspot locations where we know these incidents occur, providing eyes above to monitor trains and signaling to patrol units below when a rescue needs to be made. We are not going to wait for the next fatality, it’s our job to use every tool available to change this reckless, deadly behavior, and I thank Mayor Adams for his work to keep our kids safe.”
In response to the rise of subway surfing incidents beginning in 2022, the NYPD launched a targeted drone and field response program in November 2023. As part of this effort, the NYPD deploys drones and field response teams to subway lines with the highest rates of subway surfing complaints, using 911 and 311 call data and tips from concerned New Yorkers to identify the most at-risk locations. These drones — equipped with 4K cameras and long-range zoom — provide live aerial surveillance that help officers intervene before a stunt becomes fatal. Once a subway surfer is spotted, officers can alert the next station to stop the train and safely remove the individual from harm’s way.
Officers have already conducted more than 340 drone operations across the subway system since the program’s launch. So far, this year alone, there were 125 deployments that have resulted in individuals being safely removed from moving trains 52 times already. Those removed in 2025 have ranged in age from 11 to 36 years old, with an average age of 15. In previous years, the youngest individual on record to be removed from a train for subway surfing was just nine years old. These operations have helped save lives 200 times by identifying and intervening when individuals were found riding on the top, sides, or rear of train cars.
Subway surfing remains an extremely dangerous activity with potentially fatal consequences. The NYPD began tracking this behavior in 2022, when it first emerged, and has since recorded 32 reported aided cases — individuals who required medical assistance — including 16 confirmed deaths. Overall, a total of 63 individuals have been identified as repeat subway surfer offenders, including 18 reoffenders this year alone — demonstrating the persistence of this risky behavior and underscoring the need for sustained youth engagement.
The majority of these incidents are concentrated along specific routes; 44 percent of this year’s removals occurred on the 7-train line, and more than half of all apprehensions took place in Queens.
The NYPD continues to conduct home visits for individuals caught subway surfing, engaging directly with their families to explain the life-threatening dangers involved and offer support services. Since the start of this effort, officers have made more than 100 home visits to subway surfers identified through enforcement efforts with the goal of preventing repeat offenses and building stronger partnerships with parents. During these visits, families are encouraged to have young people in the household partake in positive alternatives — including NYPD Community Center programs, New York Public Library Teen Centers, New York City Department of Youth and Community Development after-school programs, the Public Schools Athletic League, and the NYPD Explorers Program — to help keep them engaged in safe, meaningful activities. Families are provided a resource card, available in both English and Spanish, and a full list of resources for families can be accessed via the NYPD Transit’s Linktree.
To complement the enforcement and prevention strategy, the city is continuing to highlight the “Subway Surfing Kills – Ride Inside, Stay Alive” campaign launched by Mayor Adams, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) in September 2023. This comprehensive, multi-channel public information campaign, in partnership with New York City Public Schools, the NYPD, and the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, was designed for and was created by New York City teenagers — putting the youth voice front and center in a peer-to-peer effort to deter this dangerous behavior among young people. The campaign’s electronic fliers were disseminated at all 1,600+ New York City Public Schools locations. Additionally, anti-subway surfing posters and palm cards were distributed to schools in proximity to the J, M, Z, and 7 train lines, which garner the most subway surfing complaints.
“Subway Surfing Kills – Ride Inside, Stay Alive” includes public service announcements in stations recorded by students; digital signage across stations; student-created graphics and animations; posters and banners across stations and distributed in schools; physical palm cards distributed at schools and in stations; school swag including planners, pens, pencils, notepads, and sticky notes; social media posts across platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube in the form of posts, reels/shorts, and influencer collaborations. Meta, Google, and TikTok also made space available on their platforms to help amplify the new messaging campaign.
In February 2024, Mayor Adams also announced a lawsuit against social media companies for the negative impacts they have had on young people, and cited subway surfing as one of the examples. The case remains ongoing.
Building on this administration’s innovative use of technology to enhance public safety, the NYPD launched their Drone as First Responder (DFR) program in November 2024 — a first-in-the nation initiative that deploys drones in response to 911 calls and emergency incidents. The DFR program allows NYPD officers certified as a drone pilot by the Federal Aviation Administration to dispatch drones rapidly from remote locations, providing real-time aerial footage and critical situational awareness to officers on the ground — often arriving faster than patrol cars or emergency personnel.
The DFR program is one component of the NYPD’s broader drone program, which, since late-2018, has used drones to support a wide range of public safety operations, including recreating floor plans with 360-degree views and searching collapsed structures, facilitating two-way communication with barricaded individuals, tracking fleeing crime suspects, documenting collision and crime scenes, conducting evidence searches, assisting with warrant executions, and helping to effect rescues during storms. NYPD drones were also used to inspect the structural integrity of buildings and bridges following the region’s 4.8-magnitude earthquake last year. Additionally, the technology can potentially be used to deliver vital first-aid equipment — such as automated external defibrillators, tourniquets, and naloxone (a nasal spray that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose) — to bystanders at emergency scenes.
Further, drone deployments are part of the city’s summer safety strategy, including efforts to protect swimmers by monitoring shark activity near city beaches and having the capability to drop flotation devices to swimmers in distress.
“I urge every parent, teacher, and caregiver to engage in open and honest discussions with teenagers about the dangers of subway surfing,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. “Let’s remind them that social media ‘likes’ and momentary thrills are not worth the ultimate price of their lives.”
“Mayor Adams’ successful deployment of drones to deter subway surfing is a powerful example of how innovation can save lives,” said New York City Councilmember Francisco Moya. “Far too many young New Yorkers have been injured or killed by this dangerous trend, and we couldn’t stand by any longer. By using drones strategically, we’re not just enforcing the law—we’re protecting our youth and preventing tragedy. I’m proud to see our city take bold, smart steps to keep our communities safe.”
“Riding outside subway cars isn’t a video game, it’s suicidal, which is why the MTA monitors social media platforms, resulting in thousands fewer videos online glorifying that deadly behavior,” said MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara.
Mayor Eric Adams Hosts Older Adult Town Hall in Brooklyn. Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.
CITY OF NEW YORK TAKES LEGAL ACTION TO PROTECT FEDERAL FUNDING FOR YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS
Submits Declaration in Support of Lawsuit Challenging Federal Government’s Funds to Social Service Programs
New Interpretation Under PRWORA Restricts Eligibility for Services Provided Using SAMHSA Funding Based on Immigration Status
City Health Department Serves At-Risk Youth With Nearly $2 Million Federal Grant
NEW YORK – The City of New York today submitted a legal declaration in support of a challenge by the Office of New York Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of 21 attorneys general challenging the federal government’s new interpretation of what qualifies as a federal public benefit under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), which would impact federally-funded social safety net programs and the return of taxpayer dollars back to cities and states across the nation, including New York City. The declaration states that this restriction would impact mental health and substance use disorder treatment, prevention, and recovery support services programs administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) — and would severely limit support services to at-risk youth, possibly leading to an increase in criminal recidivism.
“Public safety has always been our administration’s North Star, and that means investing in not only downstream solutions but also upstream programs that divert people, especially our youth, away from entering the criminal justice system in the first place,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Mental illness does not discriminate based on legal status, and to ensure all of our residents are safe, neither should funding to programs that prevent crimes from happening from the start. These programs serve youth with mental health needs and help them from falling into a life of crime. We are proud to submit this declaration as we fight to ensure New Yorkers receive every dollar they’re entitled to as we continue to make New York City safer and the best place to raise a family.”
“The City of New York stands with Attorney General James in seeking to preserve uninterrupted access to the federally-supported social service safety net, which includes mental health programs for at-risk youth across New York,” said New York City Corporation Counsel Muriel Goode-Trufant. “Conditioning access to these programs on proof of immigration status is unlawful and undermines decades of public health practices.”
“All New Yorkers deserve access to health care, without exception,” said New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Acting Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “The New York City Health Department partners with communities across the city to ensure that young New Yorkers get the mental health services they want and need. Restricting eligibility to the programs within the Partnership for Early Diversion of Youth will only create barriers for teens who need the program the most. We support this declaration on behalf of the health and safety of all New Yorkers.”
As detailed in the declaration, DOHMH received a $1.645 million grant to run its Partnership for Early Diversion of Youth program from SAMHSA in 2022 for a five-year period, beginning in 2023 and running through 2028. Studies indicate that a substantial number of youth in detention or correctional setting have diagnosable mental health problems. The Partnership for Early Diversion of Youth is designed to engage at-risk youth in detention or correctional settings with mental health problems prior to potential arrests, and also to reduce recidivism for those who have already had interactions with the juvenile legal system.
Under the program, DOHMH collaborates with multiple partners — including community-based organizations, a clinical mental health provider, and a coordinated diversion partner — with a goal of diverting youth, aged 13-21 years, from the juvenile justice system to community-based mental health, substance use disorder, and other critical support services. In the time since the Partnership for Early Diversion of Youth program’s initiation in 2023, DOHMH’s partners have screened more than 120 youth, linking many with program-funded mental health services. Participation in the program continues to grow, and the city aims to engage with 225 youth and connect them to appropriate services over the course of the five-year period of the program.
The new interpretation under PRWORA restricts eligibility for services provided using SAMHSA funding based on immigration status. Neither DOHMH nor any of its community-based partners ask youth receiving services through the Partnership for Early Diversion of Youth program about their immigration status before offering those services, and there are no systems in place to undertake such verifications. If DOHMH or its partners were required to ask about immigration status, many youth and their families would not be willing to engage with the program and would be deprived of the crucial services the program provides. Further, some of the youth in the program may not have government-issued identification, so even some of those who may be willing to continue with the program may still not be able to provide proof of the immigration status that would satisfy HHS and would, thus, become ineligible for services.
Mayor Eric Adams Harlem outreach regarding Legionnaires’ disease. Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.
MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES 40 NEW AFTER-SCHOOL SITES TO SERVE FAMILIES THIS FALL, FIRST STEP IN ACHIEVING AMIBIOUS UNIVERSAL AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMMING FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
$21 Million Immediate Investment Will Bring 5,000 New Seats Across 40 Schools This Fall
Unprecedented $331 Million Additional Investment Will Bring “After-School for All” to 20,000 Additional K-5 Students by Fall 2027
Universal After-School First Announced as Part of Mayor Adams’ “Best Budget Ever”
Initial Programs Beginning This School Year Support Adams Administration’s Commitment to Making New York City Best Place to Raise a Family
NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Keith Howard today announced the first 40 new after-school program sites providing 5,000 new K-5 after-school seats to New York City students beginning this September, putting New York City on the path to universal after-school in the next three school years. The 37 New York City Public Schools locations and three public charter school locations were selected based on economic need and service gaps in those communities. The $21-million investment in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Adopted Budget, which builds on Mayor Adams’ FY 2026 Executive Budget — often called the “Best Budget Ever” — will bring the initial new seats online this fall, and marks the first step in delivering Mayor Adams’ vision of “After-School for All.” The ambitious $331-million commitment made by the Adams administration will support the addition of 20,000 new after-school seats over the next three school years, bringing the total number of public-school students served by universal after-school programming to 184,000 with a total investment of $755 million annually, baselined by FY 2028.
“Every parent knows that learning doesn’t just take place in the classroom, but, for too long, too many families did not have access to affordable child care and during after-school hours. But building a safer, more affordable city starts with creating a safe space for our young New Yorkers to learn,” said Mayor Adams. “Less than three months after we announced our ambitious goal of delivering universal after-school to families with 20,000 additional seats, we are delivering on that promise with our first batch of 5,000 new after-school seats for the upcoming school year that starts in just a matter of weeks. Universal after-school will make life easier for a total of 169,000 students and their parents this fall who will no longer have to choose between work and taking care of their kids — or worse yet, using an iPad as a babysitter. Working-class New Yorkers deserve nothing less than a hard-working administration that puts their needs first, and today’s announcement builds on our increased and baselined funding for 3-K and special education pre-K, a historic child care pilot for children two years old and younger, and reduced child care costs. Every day, we are working to make New York City the best place to raise a family, and it is exactly by delivering promises like universal after-school that will help us get there.”
“Once again, the Adams administration has demonstrated our deep commitment to families by delivering real, meaningful support where it’s needed most. Expanding after-school programming has been a top priority since the moment I stepped into my role as deputy mayor, and I’m incredibly proud of the hard work we’ve done to make this vision a reality,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana J. Almanzar. “Welcoming thousands of students into new after-school seats next school year will help support their intellectual growth and give parents the confidence to focus on their careers, while knowing their children are safe and academically engaged. This step is a clear example that, together, we are building a stronger, more supportive city for all New Yorkers.”
“As the commissioner overseeing the first major expansion of New York City’s after-school system in a decade, I have seen firsthand how these opportunities will forever change the lives of thousands of young people. For me, after-school programming is personal. My mother made sure my siblings and I attended after-school growing up in the Bronx, and I carried on that family tradition by sending my own children,” said DYCD Commissioner Howard. “Mayor Adams knows that to make New York City more affordable and the best place to raise a family, we have to start with engaging our young people in free, safe programming. DYCD looks forward to kicking off the new school year with our outstanding nonprofit partners, who have played such a vital role in developing the next generation of the city’s afterschool programming.”
The selected new locations can be found on DYCD’s After-School webpage.
The total number of public-school students served by after-school programming will rise to 184,000 by the 2027-2028 school year, with an overall investment of $755 million annually that will then be baselined going forward. DYCD will assess the ongoing need and add slots if necessary.
The expansion also includes the first request for proposals in over a decade, in an effort to enhance and improve programs for New York City youth, as well as raise provider rates to stabilize the non-profit organizations leading these programs and better support the workforce who serve New York City’s youth. Additionally, the Adams administration will form a commission for universal after-school by engaging providers and community stakeholders to develop a sustainable, long-term system that ensures non-profit organizations are able to continue to hire and train staff and deliver quality programming.
“I am proud to see our community included in this transformative investment in after-school education,” said New York State Assemblymember Emerita Torres. “These new programs will provide critical academic, extracurricular, and social support to our children and much-needed peace of mind to working families in the South Bronx. For too long, neighborhoods like ours have gone without equitable access to enriching, safe after-school opportunities. This initiative is a powerful step toward changing that reality and uplifting the next generation of the South Bronx and across New York City.”
“This landmark investment marks a critical step forward for New York City families,” said Rachel Gazdick, CEO, New York Edge. “Expanding access to after-school programs means more students will benefit from safe, enriching environments that foster academic achievement, support social-emotional development, and help them thrive well beyond the classroom. As the city’s largest provider of afterschool and summer programming, New York Edge is committed to bridging the gap in access to these essential opportunities for local youth and proudly supports the mayor and DYCD’s vision for universal after-school.”
“The Comprehensive After-School System ensures students succeed during their K-8 academic years,” said Yokasta Morales, executive director, Children’s Arts and Science Workshops. “Its services are crafted to enhance and enrich the educational experience without duplicating the New York City school curriculum. Students participate in after-school specialized activities, such as STEAM, literacy, recreation, sports, project-based learning, social-emotional learning, and family engagement, including summer services. These activities foster vibrant communities and stronger families. A partnership between DYCD and New York City Public Schools offers an excellent opportunity for thousands of families in New York City!”
“We’re thrilled that New York Junior Tennis League is part of this exciting new chapter for afterschool programs in New York City,” said Udai Tambar, president and CEO, New York Junior Tennis and Learning. “This investment recognizes the vital role organizations like ours play in supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional development. This fall, we look forward to expanding high-quality opportunities like our ACES Afterschool Program, a unique blend of tennis and learning that helps students succeed both on the court and in the classroom. We commend Mayor Adams and his administration for prioritizing our city’s families and future.”
This investment adds to the Adams administration’s historic investments in young people, and supports both the Summer Youth Employment and Summer Rising programs to serve record numbers, and increases spending on young adult career success programming by 25 percent, as announced in “Pathways to an Inclusive Economy: An Action Plan for Young Adult Career Success,” a forward-thinking roadmap to build inclusive pathways for the city’s young people to discover their passion, receive hands-on career experience, and, ultimately, enter the workforce.
Over the last three years, the Adams administration has been focused on making New York City more affordable for families through popular and essential programs like early childhood education. Recently, Mayor Adams announced a child care pilot for 0-2 year olds that puts New York City on the path to universal child care for low-income families if the pilot is successful and a $167-million long-term investment and commitment to funding 3-K and special education pre-K programs annually. Under the Adams administration, a record 150,000 children are enrolled across the early childhood education system today, the out-of-pocket costs of child care subsidies have been reduced from $55 per week in 2022 to $5 per week today, and the administration met its commitment to offer a seat to every child who applied for 3-K on time — the first time this has ever been done in the city’s history.
Over the FY 2025 budget cycle, Mayor Adams protected more than $600 million in key, long-term education programs that had been previously funded with expiring stimulus dollars by making investments in Summer Rising, a citywide 3-K expansion, special education pre-K, community schools, social workers, and arts education. Additionally, the Adams administration invested $20 million to ensure that every student on a 3-K waitlist was offered a seat, and $55 million to provide more than 700 new seats for three- and four-year-olds with special needs.
Today’s announcement further builds on the Adams administration’s core educational accomplishments for New York City public school students, including implementing a major literacy initiative through “NYC Reads;” instituting nation-leading dyslexia supports; expanding Gifted and Talented Programs; increasing math and English test scores in the past and making strong academic gains in 2025; building nine new schools for the 2024-2025 school year alone; helping students prepare for college and careers; cementing new labor contracts for teachers, principals, and staff; and, most recently, unveiling a signature math initiative, “NYC Solves,” as well as creating the Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning to prioritize the city’s most vulnerable students and families, including multi-language learners and students with disabilities.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams deliver remarks at the Murid Islamic Community in America’s (MICA) Annual Shaykh Ahmadou Bamba Day event in Harlem Monday, July 27, 2025. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES NEW DRONE OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
Committee Comprised of Leaders from Across City Agencies, Will Strengthen Governance, Oversight, and Innovation in New York City
NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the new Drone Operations Committee and appointed Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry as chair. The committee will cement New York City’s position as a national leader in leveraging cutting-edge technology to keep New Yorkers safe as the city has already used drones to keep New Yorkers safe at the beach, protect against subway surfing, track criminal suspects fleeing a crime scene, and more. Deputy Mayor Daughtry and committee members — comprised of leaders from across city agencies — will spearhead a citywide effort to coordinate drone operations across key agencies, including the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the Fire Department of the City of New York, New York City Emergency Management, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, the New York City Department of Buildings, the and New York City Department of Environmental Protection.
“New Yorkers deserve to know that when there’s an emergency — whether it’s a terror threat, a protest, or a natural disaster — our administration is using every tool available to keep them safe,” said Mayor Adams. “Drones are the future of public safety, and under Deputy Mayor Daughtry’s leadership, New York City’s first-ever Drone Operations Committee will take this technology to the next level. Kaz has spent his career protecting this city and has spent much of it utilizing new technologies to keep New Yorkers safe, and now he’ll ensure that our drone operations are coordinated, strategic, and always focused on safeguarding the people of New York City.”
“Our public safety strategy is built on interagency coordination, real-time intelligence, and the smartest technology available,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Daughtry. “Drones are a force multiplier — they give us eyes on the ground in seconds, help us coordinate evacuations, monitor critical infrastructure, and keep our first responders safe. I’m honored to lead this team and make sure we’re using these powerful tools in the most effective and responsible way possible.”
As chair of the committee, Deputy Mayor Daughtry will bring together leadership from across city government to oversee policy development, interagency training, and real-time data sharing.
This effort will expand on the city’s existing drone programs, including the NYPD’s pioneering ‘Drone as First Responder’ initiative, which allows drones to autonomously deploy from police precincts and arrive at scenes within minutes, providing live intelligence that helps save lives. New York City also deploys drones to monitor beaches for distressed swimmers and sharks during the summer, prevent injuries and fatalities from subway surfing, monitor large-scale events, track criminal suspects attempting to flee, assess damage after incidents, and protect critical infrastructure.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams deliver remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for Coney Island Phase III to kick off “Housing Week,” a week highlighting the administration’s relentless focus on creating record amounts of homes, connecting New Yorkers to record amounts of homes, and keeping New Yorkers in the homes they already have on Monday, July 27, 2025. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
MAYOR ADAMS, HPD, NYPL ANNOUNCE NEW PROGRAM TO DELIVER FREE AND LOW-COST WI-FI TO THOUSANDS OF LOW-INCOME NEW YORKERS IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING
“Liberty Link” Will Serve Nearly 2,200 Households in Section 8 and Other Affordable Housing Buildings Across Bronx and Upper Manhattan
Pilot Program Continues Adams Administration’s Efforts to Close City’s Digital Divide
New Liberty Link Program Builds on Success of Mayor Adams’ “Big Apple Connect,” Which Has Already Delivered Free Access to Wi-Fi to 330,000 NYCHA Residents
NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Acting Commissioner Ahmed Tigani today announced “Liberty Link,” a groundbreaking program that will deliver high-quality internet to thousands of low-income New Yorkers in 100-percent affordable housing buildings at little to no cost to tenants. Through the pilot program — which is being led by HPD and the New York Public Library (NYPL) system — NYPL will connect the buildings to fiber internet and deploy building-wide Wi-Fi infrastructure. With $3.25 million in funding from HPD, the pilot internet network will serve nearly 2,200 households across 35 affordable housing buildings in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan. Additionally, as part of Liberty Link, tenants will have access to HPD’s “Neighborhood Tech Help” program, a one-on-one digital literacy program launched earlier this year to help New Yorkers connect to the internet, use technology, and navigate online resources. Today’s announcement reaffirms Mayor Adams’ commitment to closing the digital divide in New York City and making sure that every New Yorker has affordable access to the internet. In 2022, the Adams administration launched “Big Apple Connect” to bring access to free internet and cable to 330,000 New Yorkers across 220 NYCHA facilities and save working-class families an average of roughly $1,700 per year. With Liberty Link — which was first previewed in Mayor Adams’ State of the City address earlier this year — the Adams administration will double down on those efforts and deliver an essential, free service to even more New Yorkers.
“Whether it’s finding a job, filling a prescription, or applying for child care, the internet is no longer a luxury; it’s an essential service. But when we came into office, too many New Yorkers were disconnected from the internet, which is why we launched our ‘Big Apple Connect’ program to bring free broadband to hundreds of thousands of NYCHA residents. Today, we are doubling down on those efforts and expanding our free Wi-Fi services to thousands of new Section 8 and affordable housing tenants with ‘Liberty Link,’” said Mayor Adams. “‘Liberty Link’ will build on the success of ‘Big Apple Connect’ and give over 2,000 more households the free internet they need. We will help more working-class New Yorkers save on the cost of this vital service, put money back into their pockets, and deliver, once again, on our commitment to create a more affordable city for working-class families.”
“Access to reliable, high-speed internet is a fundamental necessity in today’s world. With ‘Liberty Link,’ we are extending the reach of our digital equity work to ensure that more New Yorkers, regardless of income or zip code, can fully participate in our economy and society,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Adolfo Carrión, Jr. “This program is about ensuring equal opportunity and creating a more connected and inclusive city.”
“At HPD, we talk a lot about housing as a foundation. But today is about what we build on top of that foundation: access to jobs, education, health care — all of which increasingly depend on access to the internet,” said HPD Acting Commissioner Tigani. “For the families we serve, the internet isn’t a luxury — it’s how you find a job, get your kids through school, stay connected to health care and community. With ‘Liberty Link,’ we’re meeting people where they are and removing a barrier that’s held too many New Yorkers back for far too long.”
“Part of the Library’s mission is to promote free access to information, and in today’s digital world that means internet access,” said Anthony W. Marx, president, The New York Public Library. “From applying to jobs to staying informed, the internet is increasingly necessary to fully participate in society. This is why we are so committed to closing the digital divide and proud to help spearhead this innovative program designed to deliver free at-home Wi-Fi to lower-income New Yorkers.”
The Liberty Link pilot program will run for three years and test a range of models and technologies to identify the most effective and scalable approaches for a citywide expansion. As part of the Adams administration’s efforts to increase investments in minority- and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBEs), approximately half of the pilot’s funding will be awarded to M/WBEs to install, maintain, and operate the network infrastructure. Network design and procurement will begin this summer, with service rollout expected to begin by the end of 2025.
Liberty Link will operate in 35 buildings with 100-percent affordable housing across the Bronx and Upper Manhattan. These buildings include properties owned by non-profit housing providers such as Comunilife, JASA, Lantern Community Services, Lutheran Social Services, PIBLY Residential Programs, Services for the Underserved, and Urban Pathways. Many residents of these buildings participate in the Section 8 rental assistance program and currently face barriers to internet access.
Liberty Link builds on the Adams administration’s continued investment in closing the city’s digital divide and delivering public services that meet the needs of New Yorkers where they live. Mayor Adams originally launched Big Apple Connect in September 2022 to provide residents of New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments with a free bundle that consists of in-home, high-speed internet connection, basic cable TV service, and access to common area Wi-Fi hotspots, selected in consultation with NYCHA. After a first phase that reached more than 90,000 households across 135 NYCHA developments, the Adams administration has steadily expanded Big Apple Connect to reach 150,000 households, and 330,000 total New Yorkers, citywide across 220 NYCHA facilities.
Additionally, earlier this year, the Adams administration announced a $2.4 million “NYC Digital Equity Roadmap” to advance digital equity for underserved communities across the five boroughs. The investment will make it easier for New Yorkers of all ages to access devices and digital literacy skills programming in their communities, including renovating computer labs in libraries and older adult centers. The roadmap outlines 11 new initiatives — including the creation of an interagency Digital Equity Working Group, expanding the city’s NYCHA mobile computer lab fleet, the creation of a new chief digital equity officer, and more — to meet the immediate needs of under connected New Yorkers.
Liberty Link further supports the goals of the Adams administration’s “Housing Our Neighbors” blueprint to expand broadband access in affordable housing developments as well as the “New” New York Panel’s “Making New York Work for Everyone” action plan, which calls for greater investment in partnerships with public libraries to support remote work and address broadband gaps in historically marginalized communities. Today’s announcement responds directly to the unique needs of the residents in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx, with a recent study by the Center for an Urban Future finding that 22 percent of Bronx households still lack home internet, and 184,000 households lack a computer.
“Reliable access to high-speed internet is fundamental to ensuring equal opportunities in education, employment, and civic engagement. I commend Mayor Adams, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and the New York Public Library for their leadership in launching the Liberty Link program,” said New York State Assemblymember George Alvarez. “This vital initiative will provide thousands of low-income families in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan with affordable, high-quality internet service, representing a significant advancement.”
“By bringing free and affordable Wi-Fi to thousands of affordable housing residents through the new ‘Liberty Link’ program, our libraries are once again stepping up to bridge the digital divide. From books and job resources to language classes and now building-wide Wi-Fi, public libraries remain one of New York City’s greatest equalizers, connecting New Yorkers not just to information, but to opportunity,” said New York City Councilmember Carlina Rivera. “As chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs and Libraries, I will keep fighting to ensure our libraries have the funding and support they need to expand this vital work.”
“Access to the internet is a necessity, not a luxury. From day one, I advocated to get free Wi-Fi for all, starting with NYCHA residents and low-income New Yorkers. The city’s expansion of free and low-cost internet through HPD and NYPL’s ‘Liberty Link’ program is a big step toward closing the digital divide,” said New York City Councilmember Julie Won. “Thank you to the mayor, CTO Fraser, HPD, and NYPL for prioritizing basic digital connectivity for all New Yorkers.”
“Access to high-quality internet is no longer a luxury — it is essential for education, career advancement, and meaningful participation in today’s world,” said Dr. Larry Johnson Jr., president, Bronx Community College. “The Liberty Link pilot program will transform the lives of thousands of residents in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan by providing reliable internet access and the digital literacy skills needed to thrive. We commend Mayor Adams for his commitment to closing the digital divide while supporting minority- and women-owned businesses, and Bronx Community College is proud to support initiatives that connect our communities to opportunity.”
“Urban Pathways is thrilled to partner with the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development and the New York Public Library on this exciting initiative,” said Ariel Garcia, chief housing development officer, Urban Pathways. “‘Liberty Link’ will offer our residents fast, free, reliable internet access, as well as access to the vast educational resources that the New York Public Library has to offer. Many of our residents are unable to frequent their local libraries, however the convenience of bringing this resource to them, free of charge, will be of great benefit. We thank the Mayor’s Office, HPD, and NYPL for the vision and fortitude to implement this invaluable program.”
“We are thrilled to have four of our supportive and affordable communities included in HPD’s wireless network pilot to provide free internet services to buildings with large Section 8 populations in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan,” said Michael O’Donnell, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Comunilife. “This project will bring high-speed fiber internet service to our formerly homeless and low income residents — closing the digital divide and providing essential access to jobs, education, health care and family — all critical to their continued success and wellbeing!”
“At Per Scholas, we know that digital access is the foundation of economic opportunity,” said Debbie Roman, managing director, Per Scholas New York. “This initiative will empower thousands of individuals and families in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan with access to life-changing educational and career opportunities.”
Mayor Eric Adams delivers remarks at a flag-raising ceremony for Ecuador. Bowling Green, Manhattan. Thursday, August 7, 2025. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.
MAYOR ADAMS, DCWP CELEBRATE EFFORTS TO PROTECT HOTEL WORKERS AND GUESTS, BOLSTER TOURISM INDUSTRY
Legislation Signed by Mayor Adams Last Year Helps Keep Hotel Guests and Workers Safe With New Licensing Requirements and Safety Standards
NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga today celebrated the city’s ongoing efforts to create safer hotels for employees and visitors alike and bolster the city’s tourism industry. Last year, Mayor Adams signed Intro. 0991 — also known as the Safe Hotels Act — into law to set new, stronger standards around safety, staffing, and cleaning in the city’s hotels, as well as establish licensing requirements to help enforce worker and guest protections. Since the law went into effect earlier this year, the Adams administration has actively worked to implement and enforce the legislation, making sure that all active hotels that the law applies to have a license to operate and are upholding new requirements around worker and guest protections.
“When we came into office, crime was skyrocketing, and our hotels were shuttered. Three years later, the opposite is true. Crime has dropped for six straight quarters in a row while our city is welcoming millions of tourists every single month,” said Mayor Adams. “The Safe Hotels Act is helping us double down on those efforts, keeping guests and workers safe while strengthening our city’s tourism industry. These efforts would not be possible without our partners in law enforcement, labor, business, and, most importantly, our dedicated hotel workers and staff.”
“Our administration is steadfast in our commitment to both protecting workers and consumers and being the best place in the country for industry to flourish,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Adolfo Carrion, Jr. “That is as true for the hotel and tourism industry as any other, and I am thankful to DCWP, our industry and labor partners, and our partners in the New York City Council for getting this balance right with the Safe Hotels Act and in ensuring that we continue to provide customers and staff alike with a safe and positive experience in our city’s hotels.”
“Visitors flock to our city to enjoy all we have to offer, from food to culture, and it’s crucial we do all we can to ensure they have a safe and comfortable stay,” said DCWP Commissioner Mayuga. “Tourism is a vital piece of our economy, and we’re committed to supporting our city’s hotel industry. Thank you to Mayor Adams, Councilmember Menin, and the hotel industry for working together to make sure that our city’s guests and hotel staff are safe.”
Thanks to the Safe Hotels Act and enforcement efforts by the Adams administration, New York City is taking several steps to keep city hotels safe, healthy, and clean. Many hotels must now receive a license from the city and ensure that staff — including front desk staff at all hotels and security guards at large hotels — are on-site whenever a guest is staying at the hotel. Hotel operators are required to train employees on recognizing human trafficking and equip employees with panic buttons. Additionally, hotels are now required to clean guest rooms every day unless a visitor declines the service. The Safe Hotels Act also created a private right of action for hotel workers who have experienced retaliation. Finally, the law requires hotels to keep records demonstrating compliance with all these requirements.
In 2020, DCWP began enforcing a local law that expanded consumer and worker protections to hotel workers and guests. The law created a private right of action for hotel service workers who were illegally terminated after a change in hotel ownership and management, and required hotels to notify guests of a specific service disruption that would impact their stay. In 2024, in response to 18 consumer complaints about a range of issues with hotels, DCWP recovered more than $23,000 in relief through mediation. Most of these complaints were for failure to refund deposit holds or charging excessive undisclosed fees.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch announce the expansion of the NYPD’s Quality of Life Division in Queens on Monday, August 11, 2025. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES $1 MILLION INVESTMENT IN ANIMAL CARE CENTERS TO INCREASE SHELTER CAPACITY AND BETTER CARE FOR ANIMALS, HIRE ADDITIONAL STAFF
Announcement Comes as Shelters Across New York City Reach Intake Capacity
Funding Will Go Toward Increasing Capacity and Training, Hiring Additional Staff
NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced a new $1 million investment to Animal Care Centers of New York City (ACC) to increase capacity to better care for the shelter populations in Manhattan and Queens and improve shelter conditions by supporting the hiring and training of 14 additional staff for those locations. Additionally, Mayor Adams encouraged all New Yorkers to consider adding a pet to their family by visiting ACC to find the perfect match.
“In so many ways, our pets care for us and our loved ones, and it’s important that we care for them, too,” said Mayor Adams. “ACC’s work to ensure no animal is left behind is essential to protecting animals across New York City, and our administration is proud to invest $1 million in additional funding to support the work ACC does and boost their capacity to better care for animals. I also urge New Yorkers looking for a pet addition to their families to adopt, so we can ensure that every animal can find a loving home.”
ACC is a non-profit organization contracted by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to serve as the city’s open-admissions animal-shelter system. ACC finds placement for animals through direct adoptions from the public and through partnerships with hundreds of other animal welfare organizations. Before animals are adopted, ACC ensures that every animal is vaccinated, licensed, and micro-chipped. ACC offers resources to reduce pet surrenders and help people keep their animal companions, as well as to reunite lost pets with their families.
In 2022, the Adams administration opened anew ACC in Staten Island to better serve the needs of sheltered animals on Staten Island. In 2024, the first full-service animal shelter opened in Queens and a new Pet Adoption Center opened in Manhattan. A new Bronx ACC — the first full-service animal shelter for the borough — and a completely renovated Brooklyn ACC are expected to open next year.
Banner Image: New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch announce the expansion of the NYPD’s Quality of Life Division in Queens on Monday, August 11, 2025. Image Credit – Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
[…] their need for shelter for two, where many places, including shelters, don’t allow animals. Issues arise if these individuals did want to part with them, as the city run shelters are not no-kill shelters, making it likely that giving up their best […]