NYC Mayor: Helping Food Insecure New Yorkers, 2-K Updates, Free Home Inspection Program, Good Paying Jobs, Upcoming Sports Events – UPDATED

Mayor Mamdani To Race For 2-K Himself, 2K For 2-K Run, 2-K Providers Available, 2-K Jingle Contest, Food Insecurity, Home Inspection Initiative, Trans Rights, Jobs for Low-Income NYers, World Cup Video, NY Knicks Economic Activity

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani attends the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Association Memorial Day Event on Monday, May 25, 2026. Kara McCurdy | Mayoral Photography Office.

Editor’s note: We had covered the jingle contest when it was open as well here. The winner;s jingle will be used to market and spread the word about the 2-K program.  Earlier today, we also covered the Staten Island Hunger Task Force’s meeting minutes, which included those from April.  That was the month that the Farm Bill was being debated. This new bill will set those new regulations affecting SNAP eligibility and benefits for an entire FIVE YEARS.  Even asylum seekers and refugees, those fleeing war, famine, poverty, disease, political persecution, and more, will no longer be eligible to receive SNAP food assistance.  Considering the stance of the current federal government against asylees and refugees, removing options from them whenever possible, this increases the demands on an already strained food pantry and private donation funded system.  It also causes food pantries and soup kitchens to require the help of more neighbors to help those in their own communities.  The Salvation Army’s food pantry and soup kitchen hours can be found here.  They recently announced the opening of a choice-oriented food pantry, Harvest of Hope. The recently activated Neighbors Feeding Neighbors is one such effort.  Readers may remember our review of “I Was A Stranger,” a film by Angel Studios about the refugee crisis as told through the eyes of multiple refugee seekers and a few of the ‘coyotes’ that help them reach a relatively safe destination – if they survive, which they often do not.  They risk their lives, personal safety, and money for a chance at a better future.  

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani launches “Soccer Streets,” a traveling series of field days visiting 50 public schools across the five boroughs ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. To celebrate, he joined students in the Bronx for a game of football. Monday, May 11, 2026. Kara McCurdy. Mayoral Photography Office.

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NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York Road Runners (NYRR), the nonprofit that “runs” New York City, announced that registration is now open for 2K for 2-K, a new free, family-friendly event celebrating the launch of the Mamdani administration’s historic 2-K program and encouraging families to apply for a seat this fall.

The 2K for 2-K event, along with accompanying youth dashes and a family festival, will take place June 7 at 8 a.m. in Fort Tryon Park in Manhattan. The event is open to the public through registration on the NYRR website. Capacity is limited, and registration will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition to the 2-kilometer (1.2 mile) family run and walk for participants ages 2 and older, the event will feature short dashes for children ages 2 to 11, as well as games and activities for families.

2-K is the City’s answer to the child care affordability crisis, delivering free, full-day, full-year quality child care to New York City families. In partnership with Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Mamdani announced the launch of 2-K on the eighth day of his administration. Families in the initial four 2-K communities have until June 26 to apply at myschools.nyc.

“This January, we drew the starting line for universal child care. Later this summer, the first 2,000 families will receive life-changing offers for free, full-day, full-year child care for their 2-year-olds. But this work is a marathon, not a sprint. We are building a city where every family, no matter where they live or how much money they earn, has access to the care they need to build a life in New York City,” said Mayor Mamdani. “This race is about bringing families together to raise awareness about 2-K, and giving New York’s cutest the running start they deserve.”

“New York Road Runners is proud to continue our enduring partnership with the city of New York and welcome families from across the five boroughs to run, walk, and celebrate the launch of 2-K together,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, New York Road Runners CEO. “This event embodies our vision as a nonprofit to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running and we look forward to seeing the next generation of runners and New Yorkers on the start line.”

New York Road Runners produces 60 adult and youth races annually, including the TCS New York City Marathon, and provides free year-round youth and community programming like Rising New York Road Runners. The nonprofit’s running-based youth program serves 200,000 students nationwide, including 100,000 students in New York City. Throughout the year, NYRR hosts more than 20 free Rising New York Road Runners youth events, including its marquee event, the TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff. The 2K for 2-K event expands the nonprofit’s decades-long partnership with the City.

In February, Mayor Mamdani launched a 2-K request for information, and last month, announced that most 2-K seats would operate on a full-day and full-year schedule. Earlier this month, the Administration partnered with Bronx-born rapper Cardi B to host a 2-K jingle contest, with the winner to be announced later this summer.

The Mayor and Governor announced the first four communities to receive 2000 free 2-K seats in March.

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani attend the Commissioners’ Breakfast, hosted by New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum on Monday, May 11, 2026. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today announced that families can now view the first round of 2-K program options on MySchools ahead of the June 2, 2026, launch of the City’s 2-K application process.

The initial list includes more than 550 home-based and center-based early childhood programs across school districts 6, 10, 18, 23, and 27, offering families a wide range of options designed to meet their individual needs.

“The cost of child care has become a crushing burden that pushes families out of our city and stops working people from getting ahead,” said Mayor Mamdani. “2-K is about giving every child the strongest possible start while giving parents the freedom and stability they deserve. As applications open, we encourage every family in these first communities to explore their options, apply through MySchools and take advantage of this historic investment in New York families.”

First announced in January by Mayor Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul, 2-K is New York City’s effort to deliver free, accessible, high-quality child care for 2-year-olds across the five boroughs. The program will provide full-day, full-year child care regardless of ZIP code, income or immigration status.

Families will be able to apply for 2-K seats in districts 6, 10, 18, 23 and 27 beginning June 2, with offers released in August. Applications can be submitted through MySchools, by calling 718-935-2009, or by visiting one of the City’s Family Welcome Centers.

“Fighting for New York families has always been at the core of my agenda and achieving affordable, universal child care is one of the many ways we are working to make New York the best place to raise a family,” said Governor Hochul. “Today’s announcement means families across New York City will have access to free, high-quality, full-day, full-year child care for two-year-olds for the first time. I am proud to continue partnering with the Mayor to put our transformative investments to work to make the vision of achieving universal child care a reality.”

“For the first time, families can log on to MySchools.NYC right now and see real, high-quality, free 2-K options,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. “This is what it looks like when a city truly invests in its children and communities. Early childhood care and education is the greatest foundation we can give New York City’s two-year-olds, I am excited to continue our work to ensure every family access to it.”

“Today’s announcement of providers is an exciting step for our City and the working families who rely on safe, quality, and affordable childcare” said Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez. “As chair of the Council’s Subcommittee on Early Childhood Education, I know the many steps this Administration has taken to engage with providers and vet those participating in this exciting launch. I congratulate those providers who have been selected, who have the most important job of caring for the youngest New Yorkers.”

Since announcing the initiative in January, the administration has continued building out the program. In February, the City launched a 2-K request for information to expand provider participation, and last month, the Mayor announced that most 2-K seats will operate on a full-day and full-year schedule.

Earlier this month, Mayor Mamdani partnered with Bronx-born rapper Cardi B and Lin Manuel Miranda to host a 2-K jingle contest, with New Yorkers currently voting to choose the winner.

The Mayor and Governor announced the first four communities receiving 2000 free 2-K seats in March.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani launches “Soccer Streets,” a traveling series of field days visiting 50 public schools across the five boroughs ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. To celebrate, he joined students in the Bronx for a game of football. Monday, May 11, 2026. Kara McCurdy. Mayoral Photography Office.

NEW YORK – Public voting is now open for the official jingle contest for Mayor Mamdani’s 2-K program. New Yorkers can cast their vote at nyc.gov/jingle through 10 p.m. on June 3.

Bronx-born rapper Cardi B and Washington Heights native Lin Manuel-Miranda helped select the five finalists: Gerald, Allegra, John, Amanda and Miyuki.

The contest comes ahead of the launch of applications for the City’s first-ever 2-K program, which opens June 2. Mayor Mamdani first announced the jingle contest alongside Cardi B in April. More than 300 jingles were submitted before the five finalists were selected.

First announced in January by Mayor Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul, 2-K is New York City’s effort to deliver free, accessible, high-quality child care for 2-year-olds. The program will launch with 2,000 free seats this fall and expand to universal access within four years.

Most of these seats will offer full-day care from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., 260 days a year, replacing the traditional 180-day school calendar and providing working families with the reliable care they need.

Families in districts 6, 10, 18, 23 and 27 will be able to apply for 2-K beginning June 2. Applications can be submitted through MySchools, by calling 718-935-2009, or by visiting one of the City’s Family Welcome Centers.

As far as the prize for this jingle contest: The Winner will receive recognition by the New York City Office of the Mayor as the winner of the 2-K jingle contest and such Winner’s entry will be used by the New York City Office of the Mayor to promote the 2-K program in various media.

Mayor Mamdani presents his FY27 Executive Budget. City Hall. Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.

NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today announced early results from the City’s coordinated effort to help eligible New Yorkers maintain access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits following new federal eligibility requirements. Through an unprecedented interagency response, the City has reduced by 65% the number of New Yorkers projected to lose their benefits.

But the work is far from over. Beginning this month, the administration is expanding a citywide canvassing and phone-banking effort to reach the remaining New Yorkers still at risk of losing food assistance. The federal legislation known as H.R. 1 is one of the most significant attacks on the social safety net in recent memory. The law eliminated automatic work requirement exemptions for homeless people, veterans and young adults formerly in foster care. These changes do not address unemployment; they make it harder for people to access food.

“Food stamp work requirements don’t create jobs, they create hunger. If the federal government wanted to help people find work, it would invest in public jobs programs and guarantee a living wage. Instead, it’s punishing people who are already struggling to survive,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Here in New York, we refuse to stand by while Washington takes food away from our families. We are using every tool available to keep New Yorkers connected to the benefits they deserve.”

Most SNAP recipients already work. Recent data show that 82% of single adult SNAP recipients had earnings, while 91% of SNAP households with children had earnings. Without intervention, New Yorkers stood to lose approximately $823 million in food assistance over the course of a year.

In response, Mayor Mamdani directed a whole-of-government effort involving the Department of Social Services (DSS), the Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI), NYC Health + Hospitals, the Department of Homeless Services, the City University of New York (CUNY) and other agencies to help residents document medical, caregiver and other exemptions, connect with qualifying educational opportunities and comply with federal requirements.

Ahead of the March 1 expansion of federal work requirements, the Mayor launched a whole-of-government strategy that combined cross-agency coordination with neighborhood-based outreach to identify residents who might need assistance navigating the new rules or documenting exemptions for which they are eligible.

The City has also partnered with community based organizations and launched direct outreach efforts – including phone calls, text notifications and door-to-door canvassing – to reach the remaining 40,000 New Yorkers who could lose their benefits this month.

“Food insecurity is among the most pressing issues facing our city, and the federal government’s implementation of laws that make accessing high-quality, nutritious food even harder for working-class families is shameful,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga. “In response, the Mamdani Administration has taken unprecedented measures to directly contact those who may be at risk of losing their benefits, and while we’ve made remarkable progress in reducing that number, our ultimate goal is to make sure that no one who relies on SNAP goes without it.”

“Government should make it easier, not harder, for people to access the benefits they are eligible to receive,” said DSS Commissioner Erin Dalton. “These early results demonstrate what is possible when agencies work together, use information responsibly, and partner with communities to reach people.  By combining data-driven and community-based approaches, we are creating a more effective, more responsive, and more customer-focused public benefits system. And it’s still not too late: if you get a notice or find that your SNAP card didn’t load, call us at 718-SNAP-NOW. We are here to help.”

City data indicate that young, single men face the highest risk of noncompliance under the new federal work requirements. Mayor Mamdani has prioritized reaching New Yorkers through trusted messengers and platforms they already use.

The Mayor has: 

• Delivered a SNAP public service announcement during his first “Talk With the People” livestream; 
• Partnered with Morris from Subway Oracle (@subwayoracle) to raise awareness about the new SNAP work requirements; 
• Shared informational videos on Twitter and Instagram 

Department of Social Services:

DSS has undertaken a comprehensive outreach effort to help impacted New Yorkers understand the new work requirements and maintain eligibility.

The agency has: 

• Sent direct communications to potentially impacted New Yorkers; 
• Launched a partnership with more than 100 community-based organizations to create volunteer, workforce training and service opportunities that satisfy federal requirements;  
  • Established two pathways for organizations to certify community service and workforce readiness programs; 
  • Partnered with CUNY to identify compliance opportunities for students who may be affected; and  
  • To support outreach efforts, DSS has hosted webinars for more than 6,500 community partners and expanded public awareness campaigns through bus shelters, LinkNYC kiosks, NYC Radio and other City-owned communications channels.  

Office of Mass Engagement/Public Engagement Unit:

DSS and the Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement are conducting targeted outreach to New Yorkers most at risk of losing benefits, including door-to-door engagement and direct assistance.

Since January 2026, DSS’ Office of Community Outreach has: 

• Conducted nearly 30 training sessions for community-based organizations, reaching more than 1,000 representatives;  
• Organized nearly 40 pop-up events in communities serving at-risk New Yorkers, including NYCHA developments, faith institutions and anti-hunger organizations; and 
• Knocked on thousands of doors across the five boroughs, connected residents with assistance and driving calls to 718-SNAP-NOW. 

Department of Health and Mental Health/NYC Health + Hospitals  

DSS is working closely with NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H) and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOH), to identify SNAP recipients who may qualify for medical exemptions and ensure they remain connected to benefits. 

Office of Technology and Innovation 

OTI’s Office of Data Analytics recently launched a new data-sharing initiative with H+H and DSS that is helping identify SNAP recipients who qualify for exemptions and can retain their benefits.

About the Federal Work Requirements

On March 1, as part of President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” the federal government expanded SNAP work requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs). As a result, thousands of New Yorkers who were previously exempt must now satisfy federal work requirements to maintain benefits.

Recipients may comply by: 

• Working at least 20 hours per week (80 hours per month);  
• Participating in an approved job training or education program for at least 20 hours per week (80 hours per month);  
• Volunteering with an approved organization for the required number of hours based on their SNAP benefit amount. 

Beginning in June, newly affected recipients may start losing benefits under the federal government’s “three-strike” policy, which reduces or terminates SNAP benefits after three months of noncompliance.

New Yorkers who lose their SNAP benefits or believe they may qualify for an exemption should call 718-SNAP-NOW (718-762-7669) for assistance. Additional information is available through the ACCESS HRA app, or at nyc.gov/ACCESSHRA. 

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani joins NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch and New York Governor Kathy Hochul for a public safety-related announcement in the Bronx on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

NEW YORK – Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and the New York City Commission on Human Rights, in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, launched “Trans Rights are Human Rights,” a citywide public awareness campaign highlighting protections for transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) New Yorkers under the New York City Human Rights Law.

The campaign comes as gender discrimination complaints remain at persistently high levels across New York City. From fiscal years 2020 through fiscal year 2025, complaints based on gender identity increased from 5% of all complaints to nearly 20%—the highest level in five years.

“At a time when the federal government is fueling attacks on trans people across this country, New York City is making something clear: We will protect your rights, defend your humanity and stand beside you without hesitation,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Every trans and gender nonconforming New Yorker needs to know that the law is on their side—whether in their workplace, their housing, or in public spaces.”

“Attacks on transgender and gender nonconforming New Yorkers coming from the federal government do not stop at the federal level—they can shape how people are treated in housing, work, and public spaces across our city,” said Christine Clarke, Commissioner and Chair of the New York City Commission on Human Rights. “When New Yorkers are directly targeted, we have a responsibility to step in, and the Commission is responding by making protections clear and visible across all five boroughs.”

Throughout Pride Month, New Yorkers will see the “Trans Rights are Human Rights” campaign placements across print advertisements, public transit, and LinkNYC kiosks citywide, reaching millions of residents as reports of gender discrimination continue to rise.

“LGBTQ+ New Yorkers are and have always been apart of the very fabric of our City—and on the first day of Pride Month we are reminding New Yorkers that our city will protect transgender and gender non-conforming people without hesitation,” said the Director of Mayor’s Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs Taylor Brown. “This campaign is a reminder that our City stands with you, that your rights under law are undeniable and nonnegotiable, and that every New Yorker inherently deserves a life free from discrimination.”

Under the New York City Human Rights Law, discrimination based on gender identity or gender expression is illegal in housing, employment, and public spaces.

The law also prohibits retaliation, discriminatory harassment, and bias-based profiling by law enforcement.

“All New Yorkers have a right to fair and unbiased treatment, no matter their gender identity.” said Dr. Alister Martin, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. “The NYC Health Department is proud to support access to inclusive healthcare for our transgender and gender nonconforming neighbors and ensure patients know their rights in healthcare settings.”

The NYC Commission on Human Rights partnered with transgender artist, Dez Stavracos, ensuring the materials reflect the experiences of TGNC New Yorkers.

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Deputy Mayor Leila Bozorg and Deputy Mayor Julia Kerson release the Streamlining Procedures to Expedite Equitable Development (“SPEED”) report, a sweeping set of reforms to deliver affordable housing faster across New York City. University Heights Preparatory School, Bronx. Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.

NEW YORK — Last Friday, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, the Department of Social Services’ Human Resources Administration (DSS/HRA), and the NYC Office of Talent and Workforce Development (NYC Talent) celebrated a major milestone for the Pathways to Industrial and Construction Careers (PINCC) program: more than 1,300 low-income New Yorkers have now been connected to union and prevailing wage jobs since 2024.

The announcement follows last week’s “PINCC Tools for Success” distribution event with District Council 9 of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), where more than 200 union apprentices received essential tools and protective equipment to begin their careers safely and successfully. PINCC connects participants to free career training, job placement and supportive services — including uniforms, tools, transportation assistance and background checks — helping New Yorker access and succeed in careers across the industrial, construction, transportation and building services sectors. The program is funded through an $18.6 million federal grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Good Jobs Challenge program.

“Working class New Yorkers deserve stable union jobs that can support a family and build a future,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Talented people should not be locked out of these careers because they can’t afford the tools, transportation, or certifications required to get started. This program removes those barriers and invests directly in the potential of our people.”

For many workers, the cost of basic supplies and services can stand between them and a life-changing career opportunity. Programs like “PINCC Tools for Success” ensure apprentices have the equipment they need from day one. The initiative prioritizes recruitment of public assistance recipients, noncustodial parents and other low-income New Yorkers. The PINCC team hosts regular information sessions for interested applicants. To register for the next session, visit: https://pincc.nyc/infosession.

“Connecting 1,300 New Yorkers to union and prevailing wage jobs means ensuring workers share in the prosperity they help create,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su. “When we invest in workers, we strengthen our economy and build a city that is more just and inclusive. By placing working people at the heart of our workforce strategy, we ensure New York’s growth is truly sustainable.”

“PINCC is a lifeline for so many hard-working New Yorkers, and today, we proudly celebrate the program’s milestone of connecting more than 1,300 people to union and prevailing wage jobs,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga. “At a time when families are struggling to make ends meet, services like PINCC that secure stable, good-paying jobs are critical to the well-being of New Yorkers. I look forward to building upon this program’s success and taking additional steps to create a city where everyone can afford to live with dignity.”

“Expanding pathways to union and prevailing wage jobs is a critical for advancing economic justice in New York City,” said DSS Commissioner Erin Dalton. “I’m incredibly proud that the PINCC program has now helped over 1,300 low-income New Yorkers obtain the kind of careers that position them for stability and success over the long term. We look forward to advancing these parentships and creating many more employment opportunities for the New Yorkers we serve.”

“PINCC demonstrates the value of partnership in supporting a strong public workforce system,” said NYC Talent Executive Director Doug Lipari. “By providing training, mentorship, and access to good union and prevailing wage jobs, PINCC expands opportunity to communities that have historically been locked out of the City’s prosperity and economic growth.”

Last week’s announcement builds on the City’s ongoing efforts to expand access to union jobs and strengthen labor standards. In November 2025, NYC Talent announced two Project Labor Agreements with the Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York covering more than $7 billion in City construction projects. The agreements guarantee fair pay, union benefits and workplace safety standards while expanding apprenticeship and union opportunities for underserved New Yorkers through community hiring requirements.

HRA also continues to host regular hiring halls through its Business Link program, connecting job seekers with employers actively hiring for open positions.

NYC Talent and its Resiliency, Manufacturing, Industrial, and Infrastructure Council (ReMaIIC) Industry Partnership work to coordinate workforce development strategies across manufacturing, industrial, construction, transportation, utilities, decarbonization, supply chain, waste and materials management, building operations and water systems. The partnership aligns workforce and economic development efforts to meet employer demand and support the skilled workforce needed to build and maintain New York City’s infrastructure.

“The tool bag giveaway is more than just equipment — it’s an investment in the future of our apprentices. Starting out in the construction industry can be challenging, and having the right tools, knowledge, and safety mindset from day one helps set our members up for success,” said Joe Azzopardi, Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer, DC9. “As DC9 union members, we take pride in being prepared, working safely, and carrying on the professionalism and craftsmanship that define our union. We thank CWE and the City of New York for understanding that.”

“Union construction is a consistent creator of stable, family-sustaining careers that provide New Yorkers of all backgrounds a more accessible pathway to the middle class, and it is imperative that we continue to invest in programs that create these opportunities and also develop a highly-skilled workforce that can help push critical projects across the finish line,” said Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. “The Pathways to Industrial and Construction Careers program plays a key role in boosting the industry’s talent pipeline and connecting more hardworking people with these life-changing opportunities. We applaud Mayor Mamdani, DSS/HRA, and NYC Talent for their attention to and support of this crucial initiative and look forward to collaborating further.”

“Union construction jobs give working people a real chance to build stable careers and support their families with dignity,” said New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO President Brendan Griffith. “Programs like PINCC help make those opportunities more attainable by covering some of the upfront costs that can keep people from entering the trades, from tools to transportation. As our city continues to invest in major infrastructure and construction projects, we also need to invest in the workforce that will carry out that work. The New York City Central Labor Council is proud to support efforts that connect more New Yorkers to good union jobs and strengthen our city’s skilled workforce. We thank the Mamdani Administration, HRA, NYC Talent, and the Consortium for Worker Education for their partnership in helping make these opportunities possible.”

“CWE is proud to partner with Mayor Mamdani, District Council 9, NYC Talent, and HRA/DSS to help connect New Yorkers to union careers that provide family-sustaining wages, benefits, and long-term opportunity. Programs like PINCC show what is possible when labor, government, and workforce organizations work together to remove barriers and invest in workers’ success. At a time when too many working people are being priced out of economic opportunity, union apprenticeship pathways remain one of the clearest routes into the middle class,” said Marco Carrión, President of the Consortium for Worker Education.

“Union construction jobs give working people a real chance to build stable careers and support their families with dignity,” said New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO President Brendan Griffith. “Programs like PINCC help make those opportunities more attainable by covering some of the upfront costs that can keep people from entering the trades, from tools to transportation. As our city continues to invest in major infrastructure and construction projects, we also need to invest in the workforce that will carry out that work. The New York City Central Labor Council is proud to support efforts that connect more New Yorkers to good union jobs and strengthen our city’s skilled workforce. We thank the Mamdani Administration, HRA, NYC Talent, and the Consortium for Worker Education for their partnership in helping make these opportunities possible.”

“PINCC has been instrumental in helping Pathways to Apprenticeship keep its mission to help under-serviced and marginalized residents of NYC gain access to union construction careers. By providing transportation support, students have an opportunity to travel, without worry, even when not in the classroom. This basic understanding of providing holistic assistance speaks to PINCC’s knowledge that life events are happening outside of training and needs to be supported, just as much as the time in the classroom,” said Gyasi Headen, Executive Director of Pathways to Apprenticeship.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani visits the 2026 New York City Continuity of Operations (COOP) full-scale exercise training with New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM), Fire Department of New York (FDNY), and the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Developement (HPD) to observe inspections at Fort Totten Park on Friday, May 22, 2026. Kara McCurdy | Mayoral Photography Office.

Mayor Mamdani visits Sunnyside Nightmarket in Queens. Friday, May 22, 2026. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani attends Intrepid Museum’s Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25, 2026. Kara McCurdy | Mayoral Photography Office.

Banner Image:  New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani attends Intrepid Museum’s Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25, 2026. Image Credit – Kara McCurdy | Mayoral Photography Office