Council also voted on several bills to establish e-bike safety standards for delivery services, protect immigrant communities, expand public access to school recreational facilities, and address quality of life issues

City Hall – Today, the New York City Council voted to approve a $115.9 billion budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The FY 2026 budget includes many of the priorities shared by the Council and New Yorkers for investments in the city and neighborhoods across the five boroughs. These include expanded 7-day library service, permanent funding for 3-K, Pre-K and public school programs, newly increased childcare access for young children from zero to two years old, greater access to mental health care, stronger public safety programs, older adult services, and a $50 million increase in immigration legal services.

The Council also voted on several legislative, finance, and land use proposals, including to establish clearer e-bike safety standards for delivery services, protect immigrant communities, expand public access to school recreational facilities, and address quality of life issues related to derelict vehicles, truck parking, and sidewalk sheds.

“The Council is proud to adopt a city budget that takes critical steps forward to invest in the needs of New Yorkers and our city’s neighborhoods,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The Fiscal Year 2026 budget will invest in expanded childcare for working families, more 7-day library service, and greater support for older adult services, maternal and mental health care, and proven public safety programs to reduce recidivism and help advance the closure of Rikers. This budget is the product of the Council’s consistent and relentless budget advocacy, alongside the people of our city and stakeholders, to deepen investments in the health, safety, and prosperity of all New Yorkers. I thank my colleagues in the Council for our unwavering commitment and collective work to secure the resources our communities and constituents deserve.”

The Council’s adoption of an on-time budget preserves many critical programs, includes key restorations of prior Program to Eliminate the Gap (PEG) cuts, and deepens investments in priority areas, including those negatively affected by actions of the Trump administration and its allies in Congress.

Over $1.6 billion of the Council’s priorities were added for inclusion in the Adopted Budget. The budget also includes $3 billion in capital funding and $1 billion in expense funding, secured by the Council as part of its City for All housing plan, to support the creation and preservation of more affordable housing, increased homeownership, homeless prevention, and tenant protection resources, and bolstering of neighborhood infrastructure.

“Building a city that actually works for working people can only happen when false austerity and budget brinkmanship are cast aside,” said Council Member Justin Brannan, Chair of the Committee on Finance. “The FY26 budget is a testament to this City Council’s tireless fight to give New Yorkers what they demand and deserve: a safer, fairer, healthier, more affordable city. Whether it is the historic $50 million increase in immigrant legal services, $4 billion in capital funding to support the creation and preservation of more affordable housing through our City for All plan or our big, bold 0-2 initiative that will help hundreds of low-income families and represents a giant leap toward making New York the first American city to provide free universal childcare, this is what happens when City Hall stops pretending this is a monarchy and actually acknowledges the Council as the co-equal branch of democratic city government. From Coney Island to Co-op City, our priorities are shared by working families across the city and it is our job to deliver for them. Today the City Council is proving you can Trump-proof a budget while still doubling down on what matters most. We are proud to pass a balanced, on-time budget, that sets aside $8.5B in reserves and while still investing in what New Yorkers need at this critical time.”

The Council also voted to pass the following legislation:

Establishing E-Bike Safety Requirements and Standards for Delivery Services

Introduction 30-B, sponsored by Council Member Oswald Feliz, would establish safety requirements for powered bicycles when used by contracted delivery workers. Specifically, the bill requires that any powered bicycle operated by a contracted delivery worker on behalf of a delivery service meet local standards established for the sale of such device, which includes certification by an accredited testing laboratory. Such device may be provided by the delivery service or the worker, but the delivery service could not require that the worker obtain a compliant device as a term of employment. Responsibility for compliance with these provisions would fall on the delivery service. This bill would relieve a delivery service of their obligation to verify the use of compliant delivery devices under this law if the delivery service contributes significantly to a trade-in program that provides compliant e-bikes to delivery workers that trade in their non-compliant devices. It would also relieve a delivery service of their obligation under the law if the delivery service contributes to a rental program that would rent compliant devices and batteries to delivery workers.

“Fires related to e-bikes have been increasing at an alarming rate across the city,” said Council Member Oswald Feliz. “Although we’ve made progress on the issue of injuries and deaths related to e-bike fires, the threat remains. This year, NYC has seen more e-bike fires than it’s ever seen: 116, compared to 113 and 108 in 2023 and 2024, through June 23rd. These fires are destructive – they destroy homes, displace families, and put all of us at risk. Last week’s fire in the Bronx was just an example: a five-alarm fire in the Bronx, caused by a lithium ion battery led to 15 people being injured, including a firefighter. The fire-related threats caused by e-bikes will not go away on their own – resolution requires better rules, standards, and systems. This piece of legislation will be a step towards removing dangerous uncertified batteries off our streets and ensuring delivery workers who rely on them have access to safe equipment.”

Repealing Criminal Penalties for General and Mobile Food Vendors

Under current city law, vending without a license is classified as a misdemeanor and could result in penalties of up to $1,000 in fines, three months in jail, or both. In 2023, the NYPD issued more than 1,000 criminal vending tickets, and 82% of them were for unlicensed sales. There are severe collateral consequences of a criminal record on people’s education, employment, housing, and immigration prospects. Vendors who are Black or Latino are disproportionately impacted, receiving nearly 80% of all the criminal tickets issued in 2023, while making up just 50% of the city’s overall population. The following legislation was recommended by the Street Vendor Advisory Board, which was established by Local Law 18 of 2021 and includes diverse stakeholders representing community organizations, property owners, retail food stores, small businesses, and street vendors.

Introduction 47-B, sponsored by Council Member Shekar Krishnan, would remove all misdemeanor criminal penalties for general vendors and mobile food vendors. Vendors who operate without a license could be subject to a violation and a fine or a civil penalty. Vendors who violate any other street vending laws would be subject to a civil penalty.

“No vendor should face jail time because of a broken vending system,” said Council Member Shekar Krishnan. “With Donald Trump’s growing attacks on immigrants, passing Int. 47 is more important than ever to protect our immigrant street vendors. I am grateful to Speaker Adams and my colleagues in the council for supporting and passing this important legislation. Street Vendors are our city’s smallest businesses, and my bill takes action to make sure unlicensed vending does not mean jail time and a criminal misdemeanor. This bill is one step of many the council is actively considering to ensure we reform our city’s broken vending system.”

Protecting New Yorkers from Immigration Services Fraud

Introduction 205-A, sponsored by Council Member Shahana Hanif, would require the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) to conduct outreach about common fraudulent schemes committed by providers of immigration legal services and how to avoid them. The bill would also require DCWP to report annually on its outreach and education efforts, as well as complaints and inspections related to providers of immigration assistance services.

“The Trump administration’s anti-immigrant policies have generated anxiety and confusion among immigrant communities,” said Council Member Shahana Hanif. “Bad actors often exploit these vulnerabilities through fraudulent practices, charging high fees and sometimes even sabotaging ongoing immigration cases. Reports from DCWP and the State Office for New Americans show this problem has worsened in recent years, especially with the recent surge of new arrivals. Intro. 205-A will further protect New York’s immigrant communities by expanding DCWP’s current outreach to educate about common immigration legal service scams, how to identify and avoid them, reputable immigration legal services, and how to report fraud through DCWP’s complaint systems. I’m proud that the Council is set to pass my Intro. 205-A, along with Council Member Won’s Intro. 980-A, the boldest municipal legislation in the nation addressing this longstanding issue.”

Introduction 980-A, sponsored by Council Member Julie Won, would increase civil penalties for immigration assistance service providers that do not comply with applicable regulations, such as the requirements to execute a written contract with customers, include specific language in signage and advertisements, retain documents, and maintain a surety. The bill would also clarify that immigration assistance service providers who advertise services must post, or include with the advertisement, a legally required notice of the services they are not authorized to provide.

“It is deplorable to overcharge and mislead desperate community members searching for a legal pathway to citizenship,” said Council Member Julie Won. “With the passage of Int. 980-A, fake lawyers and predatory providers will now receive double the civil penalties for serious violations of NYC’s laws for Immigration Assistance Services. Today NYC is passing the most comprehensive and aggressive laws in the nation to protect immigrants from “notario fraud.”

Increasing Public Access to School Playgrounds and Basketball Courts

Introduction 566-B, sponsored by Council Member Gale A. Brewer, would require the Department of Education (DOE), in consultation with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), to create and submit to the Mayor and Speaker an annual report on how to expand public access to school playgrounds. The plan would need to prioritize playgrounds that are located in environmental justice areas and include, for the upcoming year, a list of at least 15 school playgrounds that could be open to the public on weekends and after school hours, a list of the duties of DPR and DOE in increasing the number of public playgrounds, the estimated budget required, and any challenges with implementing the plan.

“There are 945 school buildings with an outdoor school yard. Just 288 of them—about 30 percent—are open to the public outside of school hours. My bill will grow that number by at least 15 per year, prioritizing low-income communities with the least access to outdoor open space,” said Council Member Gale A. Brewer. “Outdoor recreation is critical to the physical, mental, and social well-being of young people. I am grateful that children in my council district can access many excellent public playgrounds every day. We want all children to have the same access to parks and playgrounds that we enjoy on the Upper West Side.”

Introduction 643-A, sponsored by Council Member Kevin Riley, would require that information be posted on DPR’s website on how to access DOE indoor basketball courts when the weather does not allow for the use of outdoor basketball courts. The bill would also require DPR and DOE to conduct a study on how to improve overall access to indoor basketball courts. The study would evaluate how to improve the efficiency of the permitting process for indoor basketball courts and the feasibility of opening DOE indoor basketball courts to the public during inclement weather or when school is not in session.

“Intro. 643-A brings us one step closer to closing the recreational equity gap that continues to impact underserved communities across our city,” said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. “This legislation builds on the original Indoor Hoops Act by requiring clear and accessible information about indoor basketball court availability, including those under the Department of Education. It also launches a study to improve access by streamlining the permit process and exploring opportunities for expanded public use. For many of our youth, a basketball court is more than just a place to play. It is a space for mentorship, structure, and safety. Rain or shine, every young person deserves access to safe and reliable recreational spaces. This bill helps set a precedent that recreational access should not depend on the weather or your zip code.”

Removing Derelict Vehicles from City Streets

Introduction 3-A, sponsored by Council Member Shaun Abreu, would specify that the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is the agency responsible for the removal of all derelict vehicles from the street. Under state law, a vehicle is derelict if it is abandoned, does not have license plates, and has a wholesale value of $1250 or less.

“Today, the Council is passing my bill to make the Department of Sanitation the lead agency for removing derelict and abandoned vehicles from our streets,” said Council Member Shaun Abreu. “These cars aren’t just an eyesore—they attract rats, pile up garbage, and send a message that no one’s paying attention. In partnership with DSNY, we’ve already been able to get many of these vehicles off our streets. This bill puts that work into law, so DSNY can continue to act quickly and coordinate with agencies like the NYPD when necessary. It’s about keeping our streets clean, safe, and cared for.”

Introduction 857-B, sponsored by Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr., would require DSNY to, within 24 hours of receiving a report of an abandoned vehicle, determine whether the vehicle qualifies as derelict under state law. If DSNY cannot ascertain the vehicle identification number of any vehicle it determines to be derelict, it would be required to remove the vehicle from the street within 72 hours of it being reported as abandoned.

“Every day, abandoned and inoperable vehicles clog our neighborhoods, blocking bike lanes, bus stops, fire hydrants, and curb space desperately needed for everything from commercial deliveries to parking for residents,” said Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr. “These abandoned vehicles turn our streets into a graveyard for zombie cars and are a source of constant frustration for all of our constituents. Intro 857 sets a clear, reasonable timeframe for action, and empowers the Department of Sanitation to act swiftly but fairly, bringing much-needed accountability to a system that too often lets inaction persist.”

Requiring Overnight Commercial Parking in Industrial Business Zones

Introduction 99-B, sponsored by Council Member Nantasha Williams, would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish overnight parking areas in industrial business zones (IBZ) for commercial vehicles. These parking areas would only be available for commercial vehicles, and would be active for at least 10 continuous hours overnight, but inactive between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. DOT would be required to provide notice to the community boards and Council Members representing the IBZ. The bill would also require DOT to conduct outreach to commercial entities in the area, as well as truck drivers operating in the City, to inform them of these new areas. Finally, this bill would require annual reporting by DOT on these overnight parking areas.

“Illegal truck parking has been a constant concern in Southeast Queens clogging streets, disrupting daily life, and raising serious safety issues,” said Council Member Nantasha Williams. “When the City launched its overnight parking pilot, our neighborhoods were left out entirely. And how can any community support a solution it had no role in shaping? Intro 99 is a step toward doing things differently. It doesn’t just create designated overnight parking in Industrial Business Zones, it requires meaningful outreach to local communities and the drivers who rely on our streets to do their jobs. That kind of structure matters. When outreach is built into the process, it creates clarity, accountability, and a better chance for solutions that actually work.”

Adjusting City Requirements for Natural Gas Alarms Installations

Introduction 1281-A, sponsored by Council Member Eric Dinowitz, would postpone the natural gas alarm requirement of Local Law 157 of 2016 to no earlier than January 1, 2027. The Department of Buildings (DOB) would also be required to submit to the Mayor and the Council, by July 1, 2026, a determination on whether the Department has been able to identify four distinct manufacturers of battery-powered natural gas alarms. If such determination finds an insufficient number of alarms, DOB would be required to extend the compliance date to January 1, 2029.

“This legislation is about protecting public safety while ensuring fairness for tenants, homeowners, and property managers,” said Council Member Eric Dinowitz. “I’m grateful to Speaker Adams, Housing and Buildings Chair Pierina Sanchez, and my Council colleagues for moving this bill forward quickly and collaboratively. This is what responsive, effective policymaking looks like, and I’m proud we got this done – so New Yorkers don’t have to worry about penalties hanging over their heads from the implementation of this law any time soon.”

Bringing City Canavas Artwork to Sidewalk Sheds Citywide

Introduction 1296-A, sponsored by Council Member Carlina Rivera, would expand the allowable color of sidewalk shed parapet panels to include approved or alternative artwork through the City Canvas program. This change would make city buildings eligible to utilize capital funding to participate in the program.

“New York City has always been a beacon of arts and culture, and the City Canvas program brings that creative spirit to our streets by transforming sidewalk sheds, scaffolding, and fences into vibrant showcases for local artists,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera. “By updating the eligibility requirements, we’re making it possible for city-owned properties and those receiving capital funding to actively participate and use those funds to support this work. I’m proud to partner with DCLA and Commissioner Cumbo to expand opportunities for artists and make our public spaces more inviting for all New Yorkers.”

Condemning the Trump Administration’s Disappearances of Immigrants

Resolution 931, sponsored by Council Member Sandy Nurse, would condemn the Trump Administration for disappearing immigrants to prisons in other countries. On March 15, 2025, President Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 (AEA) to justify the expulsion of over 200 immigrants to El Salvador’s Terrorist Confinement Center, or CECOT, a 40,000-capacity secretive mega-prison. The Trump Administration alleges that the immigrants taken to CECOT are gang members, but a flurry of lawsuits filed across the country reveal many of these allegations are baseless, and several orders from federal judges have halted deportations under the AEA, with the United States Supreme Court ruling that individuals subject to deportation under the AEA must be given due process to challenge their deportation in the region they were detained.

“Today, the City Council once again rejects a politics of fear, xenophobia and the blatant violations of our sanctuary city laws by the federal government,” said Council Member Sandy Nurse. “No New Yorker should live in fear of unlawful deportation, especially not to a foreign prison without due process as guaranteed by our Constitution. Today we reaffirmed that when we stand up for our immigrant communities, we fight for the rights of all New Yorkers.”

Calling on State to Require Access to Gender Affirming Care

Resolution 817, sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Caban, would call upon the New York State Legislature to provide the necessary funds to ensure hospital and healthcare provider services for gender-affirming care remain accessible for all people in New York City.

“I’m proud that today, on the last day of Pride Month, the Council is expected to pass my resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to fund and protect gender-affirming care,” said Council Member Tiffany Cabán, Chair of the LGBTQIA+ Caucus. “Gender-affirming care is essential, evidence-based, lifesaving medical care. The Trump administration’s campaign to strip access to gender-affirming care is anti-science, cruel, discriminatory, and dangerous. With this resolution, we are sending a clear message: we won’t allow our transgender neighbors to be targeted and scapegoated. We will fight for a world where everyone has access to the health care they need. To our transgender and gender nonconforming communities: we see you, we support you, and we will never stop fighting for you.”

Land Use:

The Coney Development – modifications to the City Map that will enable a proposed entertainment complex in the Coney Island amusement district to apply for a State Gaming Facility License. As part of the State’s process to award gaming facility licenses, applicants must obtain in advance any needed local land use approvals. If awarded, the proposed development would include a casino, hotel, convention center, retail spaces, a food hall, event and rooftop space, as well as a 1500-space parking lot, in Council Member Justin Brannan’s district.

Grace Houses – will facilitate the development of a five-story, mixed-use building and a seven-story residential building, creating a combined 153 affordable rental units and a community facility space for the Grace Baptist Church in Council Member Sandy Nurse’s district.

Halletts Point SCA Siting – will facilitate the construction of a new, approximately 547- to 754-seat K-8 school in Council Member Tiffany Caban’s district.

Finance:

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, would approve the expenditure of payments in lieu of taxes to fund the development of infrastructure over the Western Rail Yards in support of the development of housing. 

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, would approve the new designation and changes in the designation of certain organizations to receive funding in the Expense Budget.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, would establish a new 40-year, Article XI tax exemption for one lot in Council Member Shaun Abreu’s district.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, would establish a new 30-year, extended partial Article V tax exemption for two lots in Council Member Shaun Abreu’s district.

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