Council also votes to create new task force to study and make recommendations to improve NYC’s 988 system for New Yorkers in mental health crisis

CITY HALL, NY – Today, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the New York City Council voted to pass a package of legislation to prepare New Yorkers and small businesses for the economic opportunities presented by the global tournament. This year’s World Cup will be the largest version of the tournament in history, expanding from 32 to 48 national teams and featuring 104 matches across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for New York City, with significant potential for economic growth, tourism, and global visibility. The New York/New Jersey Host Committee has projected the eight matches will generate approximately $3.3 billion in total economic impact, including $1.7 billion in visitor spending, support for over 26,000 jobs, and $432 million in state and local tax revenue.

The package of legislation would require the City to ensure public bathroom access for attendees of large-scale events during the World Cup, publish a digital events calendar and digital map of small businesses hosting World Cup events, implement a cultural passport program, and conduct an outreach and education program to spread awareness of common scams targeting and impacting tourists. Through November 1, streets in Manhattan and Queens will also be co-named after soccer legends Thierry Henry and Pelé.

The Council also approved legislation requiring the creation of a new task force to review and make recommendations to improve New York City’s 988 mental health crisis system. As part of the legislation, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) would be required to report annually on 988 activity and conduct a citywide education campaign in multiple languages so that all New Yorkers can access help.

“This summer, New York City will host millions of soccer fans from around the world, and the Council is taking the lead to ensure that our small businesses benefit from that influx of economic activity,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “Every borough will be part of the celebration, and our legislation will connect visitors and New Yorkers alike to watch parties, events, and, most importantly, small businesses across the city.”

2026 World Cup Package

Introduction 807-A, sponsored by Majority Leader Shaun Abreu, would require the Mayor’s Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management and the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to require, to the extent practicable, that the organizer of any special event with a permit for 500 or more expected attendees on city-owned land during the 2026 World Cup ensure the provision of temporary public bathroom access for attendees. As a condition of the permit, the relevant office or department may require the organizer to post wayfinding signage directing the public to available temporary bathrooms; ensure temporary bathrooms are open and accessible throughout the event; ensure temporary bathrooms are cleaned, maintained, and appropriately staffed; provide accessible bathrooms in accordance with applicable law; and ensure the provision of washbasins or hand disinfectant dispensers near temporary bathrooms.

Introduction 808-A, sponsored by Majority Leader Shaun Abreu, would require an agency or City tourism and conventions entity designated by the Mayor to develop and publish two digital resources no later than one week before the start of the 2026 World Cup. The first is an events calendar of World Cup activities that have been submitted to the designated agency for inclusion, including viewing parties, street festivals, cultural programming that celebrates participating nations, soccer clinics, art installations, and musical performances. The second is a digital map of small businesses hosting World Cup events, offering World Cup promotions, or otherwise connected to participating nations. The designated agency would also be required to conduct outreach to prospective participants, including small businesses and event organizers, to encourage submissions to the calendar and the map.

“All eyes will be on New York during our World Cup matches and we are going to make sure that neighborhoods across the city can make the most of the moment,” said Majority Leader Shaun Abreu. “By helping New Yorkers and visitors find the watch parties, festivals, small businesses, and cultural corridors tied to the teams playing, we’ll spread the celebration and economic boost out citywide. And to prepare for the crowds, we’re making sure that the big events will have temporary bathroom facilities so fans won’t miss a minute of the action.”  

Introduction 849-A, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Dr. Nantasha M. Williams, would require an agency or City tourism and conventions entity designated by the Mayor to develop and implement a cultural passport program in consultation with the Department of Small Business Services (SBS), the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA), and a City tourism and conventions entity. The cultural passport program would be required to identify at least five participating sites selected for a minimum period of one year in each borough. It would be designed to encourage public engagement with, and visitation to, participating sites in each borough.

Introduction 822, sponsored by Council Member Virginia Maloney, would name two thoroughfares and public places as Thierry Henry Way in Manhattan and Pelé Way in Queens. The street co-namings would be repealed on November 1, 2026.

“While the matches may be played across the river, New York is where the World Cup will truly come alive,” said Council Member Virginia Maloney. “With five free fan fest sites across five boroughs, this is how most New Yorkers will experience the tournament, gathering with family and friends, watching on big screens, supporting local vendors and small businesses, and celebrating alongside fans from around the world. Intro 0822 anchors that excitement in our neighborhoods by co-naming Thierry Henry Way at Rockefeller Center and Pelé Way in Queens, honoring two icons whose legacies extend far beyond the game itself and reflect soccer’s unique power to unite people across cultures, languages, and generations. As New York prepares to welcome the world, these celebrations should extend beyond the stadiums and into the communities that make New York City so special.” 

Introduction 847-A, sponsored by Deputy Leader Sandra Ung, would require the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) to establish and implement an outreach and education program to create awareness of common scams targeting and impacting tourists. DCWP would be required to develop educational materials that include: identification of and safety tips for avoiding common scams; contact information for reporting scams in real time; information related to hotel service disruptions; identification of and rate information for pedicab drivers; identification of sightseeing guides, sightseeing buses, or horse drawn cabs; and instructions for filing a consumer complaint with DCWP. Educational materials would be required to be posted on DCWP’s website in multiple languages and updated annually. The bill would also make technical changes to the headings of four sections of the Administrative Code that established related outreach and education programs administered by DCWP.

“New York City welcomes millions of visitors each year, who play a vital role in supporting our local economy,” said Deputy Leader Sandra Ung. “However, the world-class experience they expect can be undermined by bad actors looking to take advantage of tourists unfamiliar with our city and their rights as consumers. With global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, it is more important than ever that we are prepared. By helping visitors avoid scams and deceptive practices, we are protecting the reputation of New York City as one of the greatest destinations in the world, while supporting the countless small businesses, restaurants, hotels, and cultural institutions that rely on the tourism industry.” 

Resolution 428-A, sponsored by Council Member Shanel Thomas-Henry, would celebrate the arrival of the 2026 World Cup in the City of New York.

“Resolution 428 is about more than the games themselves; it is about celebrating the people, cultures, small businesses, and communities that make New York City a global destination,” said Council Member Shanel Thomas-Henry. “As millions of visitors prepare to experience our city in less than a month, this recognition affirms that New York City is ready to welcome the world and showcase the energy, diversity, and spirit that define us.”

Providing Confirmation Notices to New Yorkers Regarding Their Benefits Interviews

Introduction 139-A, sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán, would require the Department of Social Services (DSS) to provide a confirmation notice electronically via ACCESS HRA to applicants of public assistance regarding their benefits interview. The notice would include a confirmation number, the date, time, and location of the interview, the type of benefit for which the interview was conducted, and any other relevant information.

“This important piece of legislation will provide people seeking public benefits with transparency around eligibility interviews,” said Council Member Tiffany Cabán. “Over and over again, we heard from constituents who were denied benefits on the grounds of failure to complete an eligibility interview. This law, which will require DSS to provide written notice detailing the interviews, will help solve this issue and make public benefits more accessible to those who need it.” 

Task Force to Study and Make Recommendations to Improve NYC 988 System

Introduction 741-A, sponsored by Council Members Linda Lee and Tiffany Cabán, would create a task force to study and make recommendations to improve the current NYC 988 system. The task force would be required to submit a report to the Mayor and City Council with their recommendations, including updates to counselor training to ensure culturally-competent and trauma-informed responses, strategies to strengthen language access, and methods to track the quality of service that callers receive. The task force would also be required to make recommendations on strategies to address the underutilization of 988 among historically underserved communities, as well as outreach and communication strategies targeting those communities. The bill would require the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to submit an annual report on NYC 988 operations, including data on the number of calls, texts, and chats answered, average response times, transfers to 911, mobile crisis team referrals, peer support contacts, and follow-up rates. In addition, the bill would require DOHMH to create a public education campaign on mental health and NYC 988, which would be conducted in English and all designated citywide languages. The campaign would provide information on the appropriate use of 988, services accessible through 988, additional community-based mental health resources, how 988 differs from 911, and key features of the system including its availability, confidentiality, and language access options.

“For far too long, 988 and other critical mental health resources have remained underutilized – sometimes because of stigma, and other times because these services are inaccessible or people simply did not know how to seek support,” said Council Member Linda Lee. “Int. 741 will establish a task force to study and strengthen the current 988 mental health hotline system, while also improving public awareness of mental health resources and the services 988 provides. As the former Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addiction, I was proud to help create the Mental Health Roadmap, the Council’s plan to establish preventative support measures to address the mental health crisis. While there is still work to do, I am appreciative of the advocates as well as Speaker Menin and Chair Caban for their leadership on this important issue.” 

Installing Illuminated, Solar-Powered Traffic Control Devices in NYC

Introduction 13-A, sponsored by Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to install illuminated, solar-powered traffic control devices at a minimum of 200 crosswalks by December 31, 2031, with 40 installations required by December 31, 2027, subject to limited exceptions. DOT would be required to submit an annual report regarding the installations completed during the prior calendar year. The bill would also require DOT to study the efficacy of these devices and the potential for further installations.

“Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe crossing the street in their own neighborhood,” said Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “Too many communities across our city continue to experience dangerous conditions at intersections and crosswalks that put pedestrians, motorists, cyclists, and vulnerable residents. Intro 13 takes a practical, forward-looking approach by requiring the installation of illuminated, solar-powered traffic safety devices at crosswalks across the city to improve visibility and help prevent serious injuries and fatalities. I am proud to sponsor this bill as part of our continued commitment to advancing safer streets, strengthening traffic infrastructure, and building a more equitable transportation system for all New Yorkers.” 

Calling on the NYC Department of Education to Establish May as Labor History Month

Resolution 26, sponsored by Council Member Alexa Avilés, would call on the New York City Department of Education (DOE) to establish May annually as Labor History Month in New York City Public Schools.

“May is a month of great significance to the labor movement, and so, I am proud that today, the NYC Council has passed a resolution calling for May to be established as Labor History Month in NYC public schools,” said Council Member Alexa Avilés. “Students deserve to be educated on the history of worker’s protections in our country. It’s crucial to arm young people with knowledge so they can enter the workforce and advocate for their rights. We owe a so much to the labor leaders of history who have stood up to demand the protections we take for granted now—2-day weekends, child labor laws, and workplace safety protections, to name a few. I hope the NYC Department of Education will hear our call and implement this important recognition of labor history in public schools.”

Land Use:

9201 4th Avenue Rezoning – a private application to facilitate the development of an 11-story, mixed-use building with 96 residential units, 24 of which will be permanently affordable under MIH Option 1, as well as commercial space and 56 parking spaces in Council Member Kayla Santosuosso’s district. The Council has modified this application to strike MIH Option 2 and require MIH Option 1.

46 Nelson Street Rezoning – a private application to facilitate the development of a seven-story, mixed-use building with 108 residential units, up to 27 of which will be permanently affordable under MIH Option 1 or 3, as well as ground-floor commercial space and 42 parking spaces in Council Member Alexa Aviles’ district. The Council has modified this application to strike MIH Option 2 and add MIH Option 3.

Appointments:

The Council approved the Mayor’s appointment of Lisa Kersavage to the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC).

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