Comptroller M/WBE Report Shows City Needs to Make More Progress in Distributing Contracts

On February 14, 2024, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander released the Annual Report on M/WBE Procurement which found that the City fell short of ensuring equitable distribution of contracts with Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs). The report takes into consideration a review of contract registration data from the City and analyzes M/WBE contracts based on procurement method, dollar value, and industry. The report examines city agencies’ use of the M/WBE Noncompetitive Small Purchase … <Read More>


COMMENTARY: Creating Social Housing in the Sky

By Assemblymember Harvey Epstein and Senator Cordell Cleare

The next innovation in the pursuit of permanently affordable housing for New Yorkers can be found amongst the glistening luxury high-rise condominiums. These high-rise condominium complexes will also include the next wave of cooperatively-owned and community-controlled affordable homeownership opportunities in New York City — social housing in the sky — if our bill, the recently updated Martin Act amendment (S3566A/A6921A), becomes law.


DOT Releases Final Rules for Permanent Outdoor Dining Program

Almost two years after the City Planning Commission’s zoning text changes, applications for the permanent program are expected to open next month. On February 2, 2024, the Department of Transportation released the final rules for the permanent outdoor dining program, “Dining Out NYC.”  Through the new program, outdoor dining will be expanded citywide on sidewalks year-round and in roadways seasonally from April through November. 


Council Passes Bill to Allow for Tenant Complaints and Inspections of Unoccupied Apartments

On December 6, 2023, the City Council voted to approve Int. 195-B, which creates a path for tenants to report housing maintenance code violations for unoccupied units in their buildings. The bill, sponsored by Council Member Carlina Rivera, provides a way for tenants to have their concerns addressed when conditions in unoccupied apartments are impacting tenants in other apartments. 


Council Passes Bill to Require Reports on Lifeguard Training and Emergency Events at Pools and Beaches

On September 14, 2023, the City Council voted to approve a bill that addresses a national spike in drownings. The bill, effective as of last month, requires all public pools and beaches to submit a lifeguard training and emergency report. Bill 1017-A, sponsored by Council Member Shekar Krishnan, will require the Parks Department to submit an annual report to the Mayor and City Council, detailing lifeguard staffing levels and training for the city’s pools and … <Read More>


DOT Begins Enforcement for Overweight Trucks on BQE

On November 9, 2023, Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced that the City will start to issue violations for its weigh-in-motion enforcement program that targets overweight trucks on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway (BQE). In August, a 90-day warning period about the violations was launched. The program’s goal is largely to limit the wear and tear on the Expressway’s cantilever.