First Citywide Participatory Budgeting Program Seeks Ideas from Public

All New Yorkers aged 11 and up can help decide how to spend $5 million of mayoral expense funding. On September 14, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams and Civic Engagement Commission Chair and Executive Director Dr. Sarah Sayeed announced the launch of NYC’s first ever citywide participatory budgeting process. “The People’s Money” will allow all New Yorkers ages 11 and up to decide how to spend $5 million in mayoral funds, with the goal of addressing … <Read More>


City Revamps Composting Efforts Starting in Queens

Last month, Mayor Adams announced a new plan to bring automatic, weekly curbside organic waste collection to the entire borough of Queens. Residents can order free compost bins from the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY), and bins will automatically be sent to buildings with 10 or more residential units.


Mayor Announces Enforcement Effort for Abandoned Open Restaurants Sheds Among Challenges to Open Restaurant Program

Multiple lawsuits have challenged both the temporary and proposed permanent open restaurant programs. On August 18, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced a new enforcement initiative with multiple city agencies to remove abandoned outdoor dining sheds. The City’s temporary open restaurants program allowed for restaurants to build outdoor shed structures on sidewalks and in roadways to allow for safer outdoor dining during the pandemic. However, some of these structures have been abandoned by restaurants that have <Read More>


Ground Broken on $5 Million Renovation of Beach 59th Street Playground in Queens

The Arverne, Queens community is receiving a renovated playground so they can use it for years to come. On August 12, 2022, NYC Parks Queens Borough Commissioner Mike Dockett, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Assembly Member Khaleel M. Anderson, Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato, City Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, representatives from Queens Community Board 14, and community members gathered for an official groundbreaking ceremony to mark the commencement on the $5 million renovation of Beach … <Read More>