Council also voted to strengthen support for displaced tenants and foster youth, increase transparency on Rikers deaths, extended or impeded investigations into NYPD, and 9/11 WTC environmental toxins
City Hall – Today, the Council voted to extend protections for all contracted delivery workers, including those delivering food, groceries, or other goods, to address pay, transparency, and safety standards. The Council also voted to pass legislation that provides support to displaced tenants, increases transparency around deaths on Rikers Island and in DOC custody, enhance DOI reporting on investigations into the NYPD, and requires a DOI investigation on information possessed by city government on environmental toxins produced by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
“Delivery workers provide essential labor, and it’s critical that our city continues to expand protections that advance their safety, health, and dignity to make our growing delivery sector sustainable,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The Council is proud to continue advancing legislation that improves equity, safety and sustainability of the delivery sector for its workers and all New Yorkers.”
“When New Yorkers are displaced from their homes due to an emergency, the City must help them remain in or near their communities,” continued Speaker Adams. “Our passage of the Back Home Act supports families facing immense uncertainty to access greater stability. We also took a critical step forward in requiring transparency on deaths that occur on Rikers Island and under the custody of the Department of Correction so that we can better address the systemic failures that harm New Yorkers. Finally, the resolution we passed requiring an investigation into what information city government possessed on the toxins produced by the 9/11 attacks is transparency that our heroes, survivors and their families deserve.”
Expanding Workplace Protections for Delivery Workers
In recent years, the app-based delivery industry has rapidly expanded within New York City, as consumers embraced online shopping and delivery as a safe and convenient alternative to in-store shopping during the pandemic to supercharge the sector’s growth. In 2021, the Council passed a package of bills establishing minimum wages and working conditions for delivery workers who contract with third-party food delivery platforms, which were the largest entities employing contracted delivery workers at that time. Building on this previous legislation, the following bills seek to extend protections for all contracted delivery workers, including those delivering food, groceries, or other goods, and address pay, transparency, and safety standards. They are part of the Council’s efforts to comprehensively address concerns related to delivery app services and workers, including the Council’s recent passage of new laws to preserve caps on fees that third-party delivery services can charge restaurants and establish e-bike safety requirements for delivery services.
Introduction 737-A, sponsored by Council Member Shaun Abreu,would require third-party food and grocery delivery services to offer a tipping option of at least 10 percent of the purchase price on each food or grocery delivery order.
Introduction 738-A, sponsored by Council Member Shaun Abreu,would require third-party food and grocery delivery services to provide the option to tip before or at the same time an order is placed.
Introduction 859-A, sponsored by Council Member Shaun Abreu,would require delivery services to pay their contracted delivery workers no later than 7 calendar days after the end of a pay period. This bill would also require delivery services to provide each contracted delivery worker with an itemized, written statement that outlines their compensation no later than 7 days after the end of the pay period. Finally, this bill would require delivery services to keep such statements for at least three years and provide copies to contracted delivery workers upon request.
“Deliveristas deserve a clear understanding of how their pay is calculated, and customers deserve an easy and transparent way to tip,” said Council Member Shaun Abreu. “This legislation strengthens fairness and transparency for both workers and customers. I’m grateful to Speaker Adams for her leadership, to my colleagues for their collaboration, and to the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection for their thoughtful work on these bills.”
Introduction 1133-A, sponsored by Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez, would extend food delivery worker protections to all contracted delivery workers retained to deliver goods for a delivery service. These worker protections would include requirements for transparently providing information, access to bathrooms, distribution of fire safety materials, and insulated delivery bags. This bill would also require the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) to study working conditions and determine a minimum pay rate for contracted delivery workers.
“I’m proud to move Intro 1133 forward with Council Member Nurse to close the loopholes that left thousands of delivery workers behind,” said Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez. “Whether you’re delivering food, groceries, or goods—you deserve the same pay, protections, and oversight. These bills create a flexible, future-proof standard that covers all delivery apps, and makes clear that no platform gets to opt out of treating workers fairly. The gig economy moves fast, but so do we—and we’re not slowing down.”
Introduction 1135-A, sponsored by Council Member Sandy Nurse,would require third-party grocery delivery services to pay their delivery workers a minimum pay rate that would meet or exceed that set by DCWP. DCWP may adjust the minimum pay rate to the circumstances of grocery delivery workers.
“People should get equal pay for equal work, but that is not what’s happening with delivery workers today,” said Council Member Sandy Nurse. “Intro 1135 will right this wrong by bringing pay parity to tens of thousands of grocery delivery workers who effectively do the same job as their food delivery counterparts, but get paid much less and have fewer protections. This injustice perpetuates inequality, enriches apps, and makes our City even more unlivable for working class families. Enough is enough, and I’m proud to pass this bill today.”
Strengthening Support for Displaced Tenants (Back Home Act)
New York City residents are frequently displaced from their homes due to unforeseen emergency situations or structural issues within a building being deemed unsafe to occupy and the issuance of a vacate order from the Fire Department (FDNY), the Department of Buildings (DOB), or Housing and Preservation Department (HPD). Many displaced residents have limited resources and all are generally left without their home and personal belongings. Residential displacement disproportionately impacts lower-income and immigrant New Yorkers, with financial and language barriers hindering their ability to navigate an already difficult system of support and hold landlords accountable. The location of temporary housing or shelters can also pose challenges, with families being relocated to different parts of the city that are unfamiliar and disruptive. The following bills seek to address some of these challenges faced by New Yorkers.
Introduction 607-A, sponsored by Council Member Shekar Krishnan, would require HPD to relocate tenants who lost their homes due to a fire or other emergency in the same or an immediately adjacent community district upon request. The bill would also require HPD to relocate such tenants to the nearest community district in the same borough, where possible, if no suitable accommodation is available in the same or immediately adjacent community district.
“New Yorkers displaced by the increasing reality of climate change emergencies like fires or floods deserve to stay in the communities they love,” said Council Member Shekar Krishnan. “The New York City Council reaffirmed its commitment to keeping communities together by passing Int. 607, legislation that ensures, when disaster strikes, New Yorkers remain in their same community district, allowing their children to attend the same school, to keep the same commute to work, and to be close to their neighbors. I’m deeply appreciative to Speaker Adrienne Adams and Co-Prime Sponsor Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez for getting The Back Home Act to the finish line and delivering for New Yorkers.”
Introduction 749-A, sponsored by Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez, would require the Mayor to designate an agency or office to provide centralized support to residents displaced by a fire, natural disaster, or other emergency impacting a residential building. The designated agency or office would be required to serve as a point of contact for displaced residents by responding to inquiries and requests for assistance, and by facilitating communication between residents and relevant agencies. The designated agency or office must also attempt to notify such residents, as well as the relevant community board and elected officials, when a building is determined safe to reoccupy.
Introduction 750-A, sponsored by Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez,would require DOB to publish a report on how long it takes to correct violations in certain residential buildings, measuring the number of days between when DOB issued a notice of violation to when DOB accepted the correction. Additionally, when a property owner has been issued a vacate order and seeks to demolish the building, the owner would be required to submit documentation to show steps taken to correct unresolved violations related to the vacate order before proceeding.
Resolution 307, sponsored by Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez, would call upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation that limits the duration of time for which a landlord can collect payment from loss of rents insurance coverage without conducting meaningful repairs to an uninhabitable unit leased by a tenant to three months.
“The Back Home Act is about turning chaos into clarity,” said Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez. “After a fire or disaster, too many New Yorkers are left in the dark—no updates, no guidance, no path forward. This bill changes that. It puts real systems in place: QR-coded recovery guides on fire trucks, case navigators to track progress, and stronger rules to make sure landlords don’t delay repairs. We’re finally treating disaster recovery like the urgent, coordinated response it should be—and giving families the support they’ve always deserved.”
Resolution 802, sponsored by Council Member Julie Won, would call on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.3886/A.5427, which would require HPD to assist residents displaced by fire with finding a comparable living situation. This state legislation would also require building owners found responsible for a fire that results in a vacate order to cover the costs of a temporary apartment for displaced tenants until building repairs are completed.
“We continue to see the same pattern across the city. After fires caused by landlord negligence, tenants are left without homes or support. In my district, over 250 tenants were displaced in 2023 after a fire caused by A&E Real Estate,” said Council Member Julie Won. “The building is still empty and unrepaired. I’m grateful that Res. 802, my resolution calling on Albany to pass S.3886/A.5427 passed today. It would require landlords to cover temporary housing for displaced tenants. Along with the Back Home Act, this will ensure that tenants are not left homeless for a fire they did not cause.”
Expanding Support for Vulnerable Youth in Foster Care and Juvenile Justice System (Mental Health Roadmap)
Introduction 1245-A, sponsored by Speaker Adrienne Adams, would amend the report on foster youth required by Local Law 145 of 2016 to require the data be disaggregated by age. This bill would also require information to be collected on the council district of each supportive housing building in which foster youth are placed.
Introduction 1246-A, sponsored by Speaker Adrienne Adams, would codify the Fair Futures Program, in which ACS partners with non-profit organizations to provide coaching and tutoring in a range of academic, career development, housing, and independent living programs for young people in or who have exited foster care.
“These bills are another step forward for the Council’s Mental Health Roadmap and an essential investment in our future by supporting young people who too often have been left behind,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “I’m proud to pass my legislation that will make the Fair Futures program a permanent support system for foster youth and strengthen data collection on the experiences and outcomes of these young people in our city. By prioritizing evidence-based decisions and programs to meet the needs of our young people involved in the foster care system, we are committing to support their success as future leaders of New York City. I thank my Fair Futures daughter, Cheyanne, for her powerful advocacy and partnership in shaping these bills.”
Introduction 1259-A, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, would require that all direct service staff employed at juvenile detention facilities who are not professionally certified or licensed in mental health, behavioral analysis, medicine, or a similar field, to complete foundational training in behavioral support strategies. Such strategies include de-escalation and crisis prevention techniques, guidance on incorporating trauma-informed and culturally competent practices when addressing challenging behaviors, as well as basic principles for encouraging positive behaviors and learning. The bill would also require the commissioner of ACS to make the trainings, informational materials, and guidance available to providers who work directly with youth involved in the juvenile justice system.
“Far too often, staff at juvenile detention centers and community-based organizations are expected to handle high-stress situations without sufficient training in behavioral health support, placing both themselves and the youth in their care at serious risk,” said Council Member Linda Lee. “Intro 1259 addresses this critical gap by equipping staff with the tools they need to respond safely and effectively, using trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches to care. We are leveling the playing field by investing not only in government systems, but also in the trusted community partners who make rehabilitation possible.”
Providing Luggage to Youth in Foster Care
Introduction 1077-A, sponsored by Council Member Rita Joseph, would require the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) to provide luggage to youth entering the foster care system, transitioning between foster homes, or exiting the foster care system.
“As a mother of foster youth, I know firsthand how deeply the small things can matter,” said Council Member Rita Joseph. “The passage of my legislation, Intro 1077, is more than just about replacing trash bags with luggage it’s about restoring dignity, humanity, and care in the lives of young people who have already faced too much instability. This bill is a step forward in affirming that their lives matter, their stories matter, and they deserve to be seen and supported by the city they call home.”
Requiring Transparency on Deaths in Rikers and DOC Custody
Introduction 423-A, sponsored by Council Member Carlina Rivera, would establish procedures for the Department of Correction (DOC), Correctional Health Services (CHS), and the Board of Correction (BOC) to follow after an individual dies in DOC custody. DOC would be required to notify the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the deceased’s defense attorney, BOC, and the public and provide all relevant records to BOC for investigation. DOC, CHS, and BOC would be required to investigate every death and issue reports. DOC and CHS would be required to respond to recommendations contained in reports from BOC and the Department of Investigation (DOI). DOC would be required to provide regular updates on the status of any staff misconduct cases related to the circumstances that contributed to an individual’s death. This bill would also establish a Jail Death Review Board to examine systemic issues that contributed to deaths in custody.
“A jail sentence should never be a death sentence, yet for too long, a culture of dysfunction, dehumanization, and deadly violence has persisted in our city jails,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera. “My legislation responds directly to a troubling pattern of secrecy and neglect that has kept grieving families shut out when they deserve answers, access to records, and their loved one’s personal belongings. Amid continued brutality and abuse, City Council, advocates, and impacted families are stepping up to demand accountability and action. New Yorkers deserve nothing less than the full truth about what happens in our jails.”
Increasing Transparency of Extended & Impeded Investigations into NYPD
Introduction 1020-A, sponsored by Council Member Gale Brewer, would require DOI to report: the subject matter of any investigation, review, study, or audit relating to the New York City Police Department (NYPD) that has been open for more than three years; the number of incidents when the NYPD restricted or significantly delayed access to any information that the Inspector General for the NYPD required or interfered with the Inspector General’s duties in closed investigations and investigations that have been open for more than three years; and the number and subject matters of investigations, reviews, studies, and audits relating to the NYPD that were closed without issuing a report during the preceding calendar year.
“The Office of the Inspector General for the NYPD has undertaken groundbreaking investigations that led to real improvements, but the office has faced significant challenges which have caused inconsistencies in the number and quality of investigative reports—the office’s main oversight tool,” said Council Member Gale A. Brewer. “More information will help the Council assess the critical work of the OIG. The bill’s language allows the OIG to decide the level of detail it provides, giving the office the level of discretion necessary to protect any information that may inhibit ongoing investigations.”
Ensuring Community Transparency in Economic Development Projects
Introduction 164-A, sponsored by Majority Leader Amanda Farías, would require the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) to prepare and post community impact reports for economic development projects receiving $4 million or more in city subsidies. These reports would need to be submitted to the Mayor and Speaker and posted online at least 15 days before final project agreements are executed. The reports would include information on potential resident and business displacement, job creation estimates, housing impacts, and for projects in highly distressed areas, additional analysis of job training opportunities, local investment, and wage impacts.
“Intro 164 is about putting communities at the center of economic development,” said Majority Leader Amanda Farías. “When the City invests millions in a project, New Yorkers deserve to know how it will impact jobs, housing, displacement, and equity before a deal is signed. This bill brings long-overdue transparency and accountability to major development projects – especially those overseen by the NYC EDC – ensuring that our economic growth is informed, inclusive, and responsive to community needs.”
Supporting Economic Growth for Public Housing Residents
Over 1,600 NYCHA residents reported owning their own small businesses in 2021, which represents a near 500% increase since 2012. Yet, research shows there are far more residents whose businesses are informal and unregistered because of barriers to formalization. Public housing residents in New York City have the talent and entrepreneurial spirit, but lack the support and resources to successfully start or formalize their businesses. To address this, the following bills come from ideas that were first introduced in Speaker Adams’ 2023 State of The City Address.
Introduction 810-A, sponsored by Majority Leader Amanda Farías, would require the Mayor or a designated agency to conduct a feasibility study on using vacant commercial space at NYCHA developments for businesses owned by public housing residents on a temporary basis. The study would examine factors including space availability, appropriate occupancy periods, financial considerations including rent payments, coordination with existing economic opportunity programs, and potential insurance requirements.
“Intro 810 unlocks economic opportunity for NYCHA residents and reaffirms the Council’s commitment to equity,” said Majority Leader Amanda Farías. “NYCHA residents have the talent and drive to succeed, but access to business opportunities remains limited. Intro 810 directs the City to study how to create a public housing entrepreneurship and pop-up program—examining space, rent, business terms, and legal needs. Paired with Council Member Riley’s Intro 844, which adds financial support, this legislation lays the foundation for a more inclusive and opportunity-rich city economy.”
Introduction 844-A, sponsored by Council Member Kevin Riley, would expand the scope of the NYCHA commercial space feasibility study required by Introduction 810-A by adding examination of potential grant funding up to $10,000 per business to help NYCHA residents establish, expand, or grow their businesses that would use the vacant commercial space.
“Intro 844-A is about doing the work the right way, from the ground up. By embedding micro-grants into the City’s feasibility study on NYCHA commercial space, we’re not just opening doors for homegrown entrepreneurs; we’re creating a path to keep those doors open,” said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. “This legislation ensures that support for resident-owned businesses goes beyond intention. It’s about building a real, researched, and sustainable roadmap for long-term investment. As the sponsor of this bill, I’m proud to lead this effort to make equity-driven entrepreneurship a priority in public housing and ensure that opportunity reaches the communities that need it most.”
Identifying and Addressing Common Neurological and Mental Health Conditions of Older Adults
Introduction 1257-A, sponsored by Council Member Crystal Hudson, would require the Commissioner of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to identify the 10 most common neurological conditions and the 10 most common mental health conditions affecting older adults and to report this information to the Commissioner of the Department for the Aging (DFTA). The DFTA Commissioner, in collaboration with city agencies that frequently interact with older adults, would then issue a report on the provision of city agency services to older adults with these conditions.
“Too often, the wellbeing of our older adult population is overlooked. They are at higher risk of food insecurity and chronic health challenges and are confronted with the general experience of ageism from the world around them,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson. “It is upsetting, though not surprising, that the Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health (OCMH) reports older adults have ‘higher rates of late onset mental health disorders’ while simultaneously struggling with ‘low rates of identification and treatment.’ Intro 1257 works to solve this by requiring the City to study how City agencies serve older adults with common neurological and mental health conditions. The City must then assess agency capacity, consult with community groups, and publish a report with recommendations within one year. This will begin to chip away at the inadequate resources and stigma that keep older adults struggling in silence. Older adults deserve comprehensive, compassionate support and Intro 1257 is a meaningful step towards making that a reality.”
Street Co-Namings
Preconsidered Introduction, sponsored by Council Member Shekar Krishnan, would co-name 128 thoroughfares and public places, based on requests of Council Members whose district includes the location.
Rescinding Certain Reporting Requirements
Introduction 1317-A, sponsored by Council Member Lincoln Restler, would waive or partially waive certain reporting requirements, repealing outdated and unnecessary reports.
“It’s important that our city government operates as efficiently as possible, and that includes regular review of outdated and duplicative reporting requirements to ensure City agencies can remain focused on delivering key services,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler.
Directing Investigation of Known Environmental Toxins Produced by 9/11 at Site of World Trade Center Attacks
For years, 9/11 survivors, their families and elected officials have sought to learn what information is held by mayoral administrations about the environmental risks caused by the attacks at the World Trade Center site. Mayoral administrations since the attack have failed to release City records that may provide insight into health risks, despite consistent requests to do so.
Resolution 560-A, sponsored by Council Member Gale Brewer, directs DOI to conduct an investigation to ascertain the knowledge possessed by mayoral administrations on environmental toxins produced by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center and to submit a report to the Council no later than 2 years after the Resolution is adopted.
“Today, my legislation is about responsive, transparent, and accountable government,” said Council Member Gale A. Brewer. “The remaining residents and survivors of the September 11, 2001 attacks are deeply interested in what the city knew about the hazards of that period, and when. Resolution 560-A will provide answers that are 20 years overdue. Successive mayoral administrations have refused to release the documents due to concerns over legal liability. Fear-based opacity is bad public policy.”
Adopting the New York State Climate Smart Communities Pledge
Resolution 926, sponsored by Speaker Adrienne Adams, would call for the City of New York to adopt the New York State Climate Smart Communities pledge in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate.
Land Use:
Bally’s Ferry Point Amendment – A motion to disapprove L.U.s 321, 322, and 323, relating to the Bally’s Ferry Point Map Amendment, which would include modifications to the City Map, disposition of city-owned property for an access easement, and rezoning to enable an application for a State Gaming Facility license to be submitted for consideration in Council Member Kristy Marmorato’s district.
One45 – An application for a zoning map amendment and zoning text amendment to map Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) to facilitate the development of a three-building complex in Council Member Yusef Salaam’s district. Following negotiations with the Council, it would include approximately 1,000 housing units, including 90 units of affordable senior housing and 338 affordable units total. A number of community benefits would be provided, including the renovation of a neighboring playground, a new technology center, commercial and retail space set aside for local businesses, and paid internships for local youth. The Council additionally modified the proposal to require MIH Option 1 at one of the three buildings and to reflect revised building heights and programs.
993-995 Union Avenue Cluster Amendment – An amendment of a previously approved HPD Neighborhood Cooperative Program affordable homeownership cluster to allow one of the buildings to provide rental affordable housing, in Council Member Rafael Salamanca’s district.
Carmen Villegas Apartments – An application for a zoning map amendment, a zoning text amendment to map MIH, an acquisition of the development site by the city, the designation of an Urban Development Action Area (UDAA) and Urban Development Action Area Project (UDAAP), and disposition of City-owned property to facilitate the development of a 28-story building with 210 affordable senior housing units and ground floor community facility space in Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala’s district. The Council is modifying the application to strike Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) Option 2, requiring MIH Option 1.
North 7 Street Rezoning – An application for a zoning map amendment and zoning text amendment to map MIH to facilitate the construction of a new six-story mixed-use building with 28 dwelling units including 7 MIH affordable units and ground floor commercial space in Council Member Jennifer Gutierrez’s district. The Council is modifying the application to strike MIH Option 2, requiring MIH Option 1.
Marcus Garvey Boulevard LSGD – An application for a zoning map amendment, a zoning text amendment to map MIH, and a zoning special permit to modify height and setback requirements to facilitate the development of a new 14-story senior affordable housing building, containing 292 units, in Council Member Chi Ossé’s district. The Council is modifying the application to strike MIH Option 2 and add Option 3.
The Modulightor Building Apartment Duplex – A Landmarks Preservation Commission designation of the Modulightor Building as an interior landmark in Council Member Keith Powers’ district. The duplex, designed by Paul Randolph, was opened to the public in 2022 and is now the only publicly accessible interior designed by the architect in New York City. It was previously designated as an exterior landmark in 2024.
Mykonian House’s application for a revocable consent to operate a sidewalk cafe in Council Member Powers’s district.
Ajo & Oregano Restaurant’s application for a revocable consent to operate a sidewalk cafe in Majority Leader Amanda Farías’ district.
Finance:
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.
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