City Continues Push in Crackdown Against Illegal Smoke Shops

On November 27, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams announced the City’s latest efforts in the push against illegal smoke shops citywide. The New York City Sheriff’s Office Joint Compliance Task Force to Address Illegal Smoke contacts landlords and owners whose tenants have previously received violations for selling tobacco or cannabis products without a proper license. The task force consists of the Sheriff’s Office, the NYPD, and the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement. 


Small Business Services Launches “Live NYC Map” Tool to Show Small Businesses and Public-Facing Locations Citywide

On November 22, 2023, the Department of Small Business Services announced the launch of Live NYC Map, an interactive database that includes a searchable map of the city’s small businesses and public-facing locations. The map launches ahead of Small Business Saturday, the part of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend where consumers are encouraged to explore and support local businesses for their holiday shopping. 


Mayor Celebrates 20th Anniversary of 311

On March 9, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams celebrated the 20th anniversary of the launch of 311, the city’s platform for New Yorkers to seek assistance and information. The service launched in March 2003 and has taken over 525 million contacts via phone, texts, social media, chat support, and website and mobile app submissions. The City has released a State of 311 Report to mark the milestone, which can be read here


Conflicts Board Adopts New Rules on Post-Employment Restrictions and Gifts

On October 8, 2020, the Conflicts of Interest Board adopted new and important changes to its post-employment rules that restrict former City employees from contacting their former City agencies. The Board, in addition, on May 21, 2021, adopted rules relating to the acceptance of gifts by City employees in certain recurring situations. This article examines these new rules.



The Impact of the 2016 Amendments to the Ethics Laws

jcope-seal-cover-artOn August 24, 2016, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed Chapter 286 of the Laws of 2016 which amends the State’s ethics laws. The legislation is not a transformational game changer in the ethics arena, but does make significant changes in the State’s laws. The new law vests the Attorney General with authority to disclose sources of funding for various not-for-profit entities, expands the disclosure of all sources of funding by those engaging in lobbying, and codifies … <Read More>