Join AOC at the March to End Fossil Fuels!

 

What are you doing Sunday? Join us at the March to End Fossil Fuels — Alexandria is speaking at the closing rally!

March to End Fossil Fuels! Sunday, September 17 Gather from 12 - 1PM // March at 1 PM starts at W. 56th Street & Broadway in Midtown, Manhattan Sign up to attend → The organizers have also asked for volunteer support  on the day of the event. To get involved, sign up here →

The March to End Fossil Fuels is led by a broad-based collaboration of over 600 grassroots organizations who are united to fight for a rapid, just phase out of fossil fuels. The March will accompany over 200 actions around the world leading up to the Climate Ambition Summit at the United Nations, on September 20.

The UN announced the Climate Ambition Summit after pressure from grassroots movements worldwide. Grassroots organizations in the United States were asked to lead the March in New York City as officials and leaders arrive for the Summit.

Join Alexandria and organizers on Sunday to make clear: we are in a climate emergency, we need to phase out fossil fuels, and we need a just transition to a renewable energy future with millions of good jobs and protections for frontline communities →

Sign up to attend →

We hope to see you there!

In solidarity,

Team AOC

Governor Hochul Unveils Targeted Action Plan to Combat Car Thefts

 

Comprehensive Auto-Theft Reduction Strategy Will Provide Support to Reduce Car Thefts in Counties Across New York State

Five Point Plan Includes $55 Million To Support Local Law Enforcement and Prevention Efforts

New York State Police to Increase Enforcement Efforts and Division of Criminal Justice Services to Support Local Law Enforcement with Crime Analysis Center and New Crime-Fighting Dashboard to Coordinate Investigations

Launches Public Messaging Campaign Focused on Vulnerable Car Owners Encouraging Them to Install Anti-Theft Measures, See DMV's Letter to 440,000 Kia and Hyundai Owners Here

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a series of targeted actions to combat the high number of car thefts, particularly of certain Kia and Hyundai model vehicles, in counties across New York State called the Comprehensive Auto-Theft Reduction Strategy, CARS. The Governor made the announcement with elected officials, local law enforcement, and state Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder at the Public Safety Building in the city of Rochester. As violent crime continues to fall statewide, these actions will provide significant support to reduce car thefts in Monroe, Erie, Niagara, and other counties that continue to experience this problem and streamline support for local law enforcement. These actions include fast-tracking $50 million for law enforcement technology and equipment, $5 million to enhance youth justice alternatives and diversion programming for teenagers and young adults, directing the State Police and Division of Criminal Justice Services to implement new enforcement efforts, supporting local district attorneys in the prosecution of car thefts and other crimes, and the launch of a public engagement campaign targeting vulnerable car owners.

"I want all the car thieves out there to know: You’ve reached the end of the road," Governor Hochul said. "My top priority has always been keeping New Yorkers safe and today we are launching a new, comprehensive strategy to combat a surge in car thefts. Too many New Yorkers have experienced the shock of waking up to an empty driveway or the heartbreak of seeing one of their most valuable possessions disappear, that is why we are supporting local law enforcement to prosecute and prevent these thefts, and ensuring car owners are taking appropriate steps to safeguard their vehicles."

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “A car is not a toy. It is one of the most expensive and important purchases someone can make, next to buying a home. Someone should not have to worry that the vehicle parked near their home could be stolen in seconds, and they should not have to worry about someone being seriously injured or losing their life all because of something they saw online. We commend the Governor’s leadership on this issue, and in accordance with her plan, we will be notifying owners of these vehicles to take action to prevent these thefts and protect themselves and others.”

During the height of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, two crimes increased in the nation: murders linked to gun violence (+35 percent) and car thefts (+101 percent). Through targeted and evidence-driven legislative, policy, and budgetary strategies rooted in strong federal, state, and local partnerships, New York State has driven down murders and gun violence to the historic lows reported in 2017 through 2019. Shootings in New York City are down 26 percent year over year, and in the state-funded Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative jurisdictions, shootings declined 25 percent and fatal shootings decreased 35 percent through mid-August of this year compared to the same period of 2022.

Car thefts, however, have continued to rise, initially driven by the rise in catalytic converter thefts. In October 2022, Governor Hochul announced actions to crack down on those thefts, which have been on the decline. This year, car thefts have been fueled in select counties – Erie, Monroe and Niagara, as well as parts of New York City – by viral social media posts showing young people how to steal Kias and Hyundais.

In the first seven months of 2023, car theft in Monroe County increased 345 percent, which is the largest increase in the nation, and in Erie County, 213 percent, when compared to the same timeframe last year. These two counties account for approximately two-thirds of car thefts outside of New York City, with most of them occurring in the cities of Rochester (+829 percent) and Buffalo (+488 percent). By comparison, vehicle thefts were down 11 percent in the Capital Region and Suffolk County; 24 percent in the Southern Tier and Hudson Valley; and more than 50 percent in the North Country and Mohawk Valley. In New York City, car thefts increased 20 percent with the Bronx (+37 percent) and Northern Queens (+45 percent) driving that spike. In July 2023, there were 1,499 motor vehicle thefts in New York City, with half of them occurring in these two boroughs.

To address these unprecedented increases, Governor Hochul has announced the Comprehensive Auto-Theft Reduction Strategy (CARS) to provide significant support to local law enforcement:

$50 Million in Law Enforcement Technology and Equipment 

Last fall, Governor Hochul announced an initial commitment of $20 million for law enforcement technology and equipment to help prevent, reduce, and solve crime, as well as build trust within communities. DCJS administered a request for information (RFI) to obtain feedback from police departments and sheriffs' offices on the types of technologies they need to improve public safety within their communities. DCJS received more than $44 million in requests for equipment, including license plate readers, mobile and fixed public camera systems, computer-aided dispatch systems and communication software, among other public safety equipment and technology.

Earlier this year, Governor Hochul secured $50 million in the FY24 Budget to fully fund these identified needs. Now, DCJS will expedite the availability of that funding to assist law enforcement agencies in combating car thefts and other crimes by issuing a request for applications, allowing law enforcement agencies to easily secure funding for equipment and technology. Funding will be disbursed on a rolling basis and prioritized for agencies within counties with the greatest proportions of car thefts and other crimes. Based on an analysis of initial requests from law enforcement agencies, the counties that are experiencing significant increases in car theft this year -- Erie, Monroe, and Niagara – could receive up to $10 million for new technology and equipment.

$5 Million to Enhance Youth Justice Alternatives and Diversion Programming 

Car thefts have reportedly been fueled by viral videos posted to social media, like TikTok, showing young people how to steal certain vehicle models, but also due to persistent disruptions that the pandemic created for criminal justice response and prevention efforts. Law enforcement agencies in communities experiencing the greatest increases report that teenagers and young adults ranging from 13 to 24 are most often arrested in connection with these thefts. These individuals frequently are associated with an organized group or crew. This plan will focus on strategies targeting teenagers and young adults who are at risk of, or interacting with, the police and the criminal justice system.  

To address this rise in youth-involved property crime, Governor Hochul is dedicating up to $5 million to enhance youth justice alternatives and diversion programs and services. Funding will be prioritized for the counties and adjacent counties that have reported increases in young people involved in motor vehicle theft and other property crime, such as Erie, Monroe, and Niagara. This investment will be paired with dedicated technical assistance from DCJS and the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to help build the capacity of local government and community-based organizations to intervene in the lives of these young people, change their thinking and behavior, and promote positive development.  

With a dual focus on evidence-based interventions for young people who have been involved in property crime and primary prevention for youth who are at risk for being system-involved, these out-of-school time programs will be designed to provide accountability and age-appropriate opportunities – such as restorative justice practices, creative arts, athletics, and skill development – that lead toward graduation or employment, depending on their educational attainment and age.

Increase Enforcement and Data Sharing to Combat Car Thefts and Assist Local Partners 

The New York State Police and the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) will increase the support they provide to local law enforcement agencies to address motor vehicle thefts throughout New York State.

Governor Hochul is directing the New York State Police to ramp up enforcement, increase intrastate and interstate coordination, and partner with law enforcement in high-theft areas. In coordination with the state Department of Motor Vehicles, State Police will leverage existing partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement to increase investigations and crackdowns in high-theft areas and on the state’s highways, mirroring the work of the successful Multi-State Gun Trafficking Task Force.

The State Police also will deploy Community Stabilization Units to assist with enforcement and investigative efforts in Buffalo and Erie County, and Rochester and Monroe County and continue providing city and county agencies with highway and aerial support.

In addition, DCJS Crime Analysis Center Network and New York State Intelligence Center (NYSIC), operated by the State Police, will continue to integrate and share state-of-the-art mapping and other investigative technologies with local partners. Currently, the state-supported Crime Analysis Centers in Erie, Monroe, and Niagara counties have dedicated crime analysts and deployed specific software to track, map, and analyze motor vehicle thefts to identify patterns and suspects to aid in enforcement. A new dashboard – MVTRAC (Motor Vehicle Theft, Recovery and Collaboration) – will be deployed to all 11 centers in the network and NYSIC. The dashboard will allow analysts and law enforcement personnel to use local and state data to visualize and connect theft locations, recovery locations, and suspect information. The FY2024 budget provided record funding for the network and that funding -- approximately $17 million per year -- will be instrumental in the development of this effective enforcement strategy.  

Strengthening the Prosecution of Car Thefts

In Erie and Monroe counties, the disposition of car theft arrests has suffered greatly during the pandemic. The FY2024 budget provides additional funding ($52 million in aid to prosecution funding for all 62 district attorneys’ offices and $40 million in funding to support discovery reform implementation). Erie and Monroe County are receiving $3.9 and $2.6 million in discovery funds and $2.8 million and $1.9 million in aid to prosecution, respectively. We will continue to work with the respective district attorneys to support their efforts to deliver fair and swift justice.

Cooperation between the State, our law enforcement partners, including our District Attorneys is paramount to ensuring that these crimes are prosecuted effectively. Governor Hochul will convene an interagency taskforce with the District Attorney Association of New York, the DAs of the counties with the highest rates of car thefts, and other law enforcement officials to work on strategies designed to deter and incapacitate offenders. 

There are initially three areas of focus that will drive the work of the Task Force. The first is to analyze charging and pleading decisions and increase the use of custodial arrests and arraignments minimizing the use of desk appearance tickets. The second is to prioritize the prosecution of cases where car thefts and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are interconnected.  Arrests for operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs are down 23 percent in ONYC and 55 percent in NYC.  However, conviction rates in these cases continue to be high through the Pandemic (above 90 percent in both felony and misdemeanor cases) so there is an opportunity to coordinate more effectively our car theft and impaired -driving strategies.

The second area of focus is the fact that 60-65 percent of felony cases involve sentences other than incarceration as the norm, such as probation, fines, and conditional discharge.  In misdemeanor cases, city or jail sentences are uncommon (under 5 percent) and the most common sentence is a fine (~80 percent).  There is an opportunity to strengthen the prosecution of these cases by reevaluating the use of the current VTL provisions (for example, VTL § 510. Suspension, revocation and reissuance of licenses and registrations) in cases in which vehicles are used in the furtherance of another crime.  

The gathering of this Task Force will focus on data-driven enforcement practices that work in bringing these perpetrators to justice and using the prosecutorial tools at our disposal to hold them accountable.

Implement a Robust Public Engagement Campaign and Work Dealers to Inform Hyundai and Kia Owners

Governor Hochul is launching a public engagement campaign targeting owners of Kia and Hyundai vehicles most susceptible to theft, encouraging them to take precautions and to install anti-theft measures. This will include the state Department of Motor Vehicles contacting car owners directly and encouraging them to receive new software upgrades to their vehicles free of charge; read that letter here. Additionally, Governor Hochul has written to Auto Dealers associations, asking them to prioritize the repair and remediation of vulnerable vehicles across the state; read that letter here.

MAYOR ADAMS AWARDS KEY TO THE CITY OF NEW YORK TO CULTURAL ICON AND MUSIC MOGUL SEAN COMBS

 

Key to the City of New York to Honor Combs for Decades of Contributions to Music and Business, Philanthropic Support to Underserved Communities

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today awarded a Key to the City of New York to legendary musician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Sean “Diddy” Combs. Combs has produced and released countless iconic songs and albums over the last several decades, while discovering some of hip hop’s biggest names during his career. Combs has also expanded beyond music, becoming a leading Black entrepreneur and major philanthropic donor to underserved communities.    

“Sean Combs is the embodiment of the New York City attitude. A son of Harlem, Combs worked his way to the top, becoming a successful musical talent both in front of and behind the mic,” said Mayor Adams. “Despite all of his successes, Sean has never forgotten where he came from — giving back to New York City, donating millions to underserved communities, and supporting aspiring Black entrepreneurs. ‘Every step he takes, every move he makes,’ Sean Combs has proven to be a singular, generational talent. For his contributions to music, business, and philanthropy, I am honored to present Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, with a Key to the City of New York.”

 

“Receiving the Key to the City of New York, the very city that molded me, is an honor and incredible moment in my life,” said Sean “Diddy” Combs. “From growing up on the streets of Harlem to the international stage — New York’s energy and resilience have always been the backdrop of my story. This city has given me triumphs, life lessons, and love. Today, I accept this key not just for me, but for every dreamer, every hustler, every artist, and every kid from New York who dares to dream big. To Mayor Adams and the City of New York: I promise to keep giving to this city that made me. Thank you for recognizing my journey and my mission to uplift and empower. Let’s continue to make history together.”

Mayor Eric Adams presents Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs with a Key to the City of New York. Credit: Caroline Rubinstein-Willis/ Mayoral Photography Office

A Harlem native, Sean Combs quickly cemented himself as one of the most influential voices in popular entertainment. Combs founded Bad Boy Entertainment and then Bad Boy Records in 1993, releasing Notorious B.I.G.’s influential hip hop album “Ready to Die,” the label’s first record, one year later. While running Bad Boy Records, Combs helped launched the careers of some of the biggest names in music, including Lil Kim, Faith Evans, Mase, and the Lox. To date, Bad Boy Records has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Receiving international acclaim, Combs’ own first full-length album, “No Way Out,” debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 charts and earned Combs two of his eventual three Grammy Awards wins in 1997. Combs would go on to receive the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers’ Founders Award in 2011 and the Black Entertainment Television’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.

 

Combs’s influence goes beyond music. As a leading entrepreneur, Combs won the Council of Fashion Designers of America Award for Menswear Designer of the Year in 2004 for his clothing line, Sean John. He has also been instrumental in education initiatives, helping to open schools in Harlem and the Bronx, and donating millions in scholarships to historically Black Colleges and Universities Howard University and Jackson State University.

 

The Key to the City of New York was first awarded in 1702 by New York City Mayor Phillip French, when he offered “Freedom of the City” to Viscount Edward Cornbury, then the governor of New York and New Jersey. By the mid-1800s, it became customary to award the Key to the City of New York as a direct symbol of the city’s wish that a guest feel free to come and go at will. Today, the Key to the City of New York is a beloved symbol of civic recognition and gratitude reserved for individuals whose service to the public and the common good rises to the highest level of achievement.

Two Foreign Nationals Sentenced for Human Smuggling Conspiracy

 

Two Guatemalan nationals were sentenced this week in the Western District of Texas for their role in a prolific human smuggling conspiracy that resulted in the death of a migrant. 

Armando Gael Galicia, aka Artemio Diego Andres Gonzalez, aka Luis Moreno-Gonzalez, 27, was sentenced today to 17 years and six months in federal custody. Jose Diego Tercero-Gonzalez, 23, was sentenced on Sept. 14 to 15 years and eight months in federal custody.

According to court documents, Gael Galicia and Tercero-Gonzalez were responsible for smuggling a young indigenous Guatemalan woman. In May 2021, her body was discovered in a remote area outside of Odessa, Texas. In August 2021, Gael Galicia and Tercero-Gonzalez were arrested near the trailer where the victim was taken and died. Inside the trailer were additional migrants who had entered the country unlawfully.

The case is related to the recent guilty pleas of Felipe Diego Alonzo, Nesly Norberto Martinez Gomez, Lopez Mateo Mateo, and Juan Gutierrez Castro for their involvement in the Guatemala-based human smuggling conspiracy that led to the young woman’s death. 

Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas, Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner Troy Miller of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) made the announcement.

This investigation was coordinated through Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA was created in June 2021 by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, in partnership with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas, to strengthen the Justice Department’s efforts to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous smuggling emanating from Central America and impacting our border communities. JTFA’s goal is to disrupt and dismantle human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, with a focus on networks that endanger, abuse, or exploit migrants, present national security risks, or engage in other types of transnational organized crime.

HSI Midland investigated the case, working in concert with HSI Guatemala and the HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. HSI received substantial assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations, ICE’s Parole and Law Enforcement Programs Unit, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center/Operation Sentinel, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Marshals Service, the Odessa and Midland Police Departments, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Ector County, Midland County, and Crane County Sheriffs’ Offices. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs (OIA), and Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training (OPDAT) provided significant assistance in this matter.

JTFA Co-Director James Hepburn of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Fedock and Jose Luis Acosta for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case, with assistance from HRSP Historian/Latin America Specialist Joanna Crandall and Trial Attorney Daria Andryushchenko of the Criminal Division's Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenn Harwood for the Western District of Texas provided substantial assistance. The Justice Department thanks Guatemalan law enforcement, who were instrumental in furthering this investigation.

Since its creation, JTFA has successfully increased collaboration between the Justice Department, DHS, and other interagency law enforcement participants, and with foreign law enforcement partners, including in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico; targeted those organizations who have the most impact on the United States; and coordinated significant smuggling indictments and extradition efforts in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country resulting in over 250 domestic and international arrests. JTFA is comprised of detailees from southwest border, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, including the Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of New Mexico, District of Arizona, and Southern District of California, and dedicated support for the program is also provided by numerous components of the Criminal Division that are part of JTFA – led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, and supported by OPDAT, the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations, OIA, and the Organized Crime and Gang Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, DEA, and other partners.

Bronx Man Sentenced To 70 Months In Prison For Armed Robbery Of Jewelry Store Using A Gun, Bear Spray, And Hammers

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that PABLO ARMANDO VALENZUELA was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero to 70 months in prison for committing an armed robbery of a jewelry store in the Bronx, New York.  VALENZUELA previously pled guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “The defendant committed a violent armed robbery of a Bronx jewelry store and injured innocent employees and bystanders by spraying a can of extremely hazardous bear spray directly into their faces.  Violent criminals who commit firearms offenses and terrorize hardworking New Yorkers will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

According to the allegations contained in the Complaint and court filings:

On August 10, 2022, VALENZUELA, along with at least five other co-conspirators, committed an armed robbery of a jewelry store in the Bronx, New York, using a firearm, bear spray, and hammers.  On the evening of August 10, VALENZUELA entered the jewelry store wearing a ski mask and sprayed a can of bear spray into the eyes of jewelry store employees, temporarily blinding them.  As customers, including young children, attempted to flee the jewelry store, five other masked robbers entered the store and used hammers to destroy glass display cases.  At least one robber brandished a firearm.  VALENZUELA and the other robbers then stole hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry.  VALENZUELA fled the jewelry store and sprayed bear spray into the eyes of bystanders, many of whom were then rushed to the hospital.  The robbers then fled in various directions on foot, in cars, and on the backs of mopeds driven by co-conspirators who stood nearby as lookout and getaway drivers.

Photographs of VALENZUELA committing the offense are below:

In addition to his prison term, VALENZUELA, 33, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.

VALENZUELA’s co-defendant, AARON MILLER, pled guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery and will be sentenced on December 1, 2023.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department.

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR FATALLY SHOOTING INNOCENT BYSTANDER AS SHE WALKED HOME FROM SCHOOL

 

Defendant Shot Two More Teen Victims; Pleaded Guilty to Second-Degree Murder

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced today that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree Murder in the fatal shooting of Angellyh Yambo, 16, an innocent bystander.

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant was in a dispute with two men when he fired multiple shots from a “ghost gun,” striking Angellyh Yambo, 16, and two more teens who were walking home from school. His actions ended the life of a beautiful young girl and shattered the lives of the survivors and the families of the victims.” 

 “Since Angellyh’s death, her family members have channeled their grief into action by starting a foundation to honor her memory. They have met with elected officials and supported legislation targeting ghost guns and have attended multiple anti-violence events my Office has held. Through their work, Angellyh’s memory will live on forever.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Jeremiah Ryan, 18, of the Bronx, was sentenced today to 15 years to life prison by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Rosenblueth. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree Murder on August 4, 2023.

 According to the investigation, on the afternoon of April 8, 2022, in front 510 East 156th Street, Ryan had a dispute with two men and fired at least six shots, striking Angellyh, a 17-yearold boy and a 17-year-old girl. The bullet struck Angellyh in her upper back, piercing her lung and pulmonary artery, causing her death. One surviving victim was shot in the left leg, and the other teen sustained a gunshot wound to the left buttocks. The victims were walking home from school when they were shot. The defendant fled the scene and was apprehended later that day.

 District Attorney Clark also thanked NYPD Detectives Brianna Constantino and Edwin Ayala of the 40th Precinct for their work in the investigation.

Governor Hochul Signs Public Health Legislation to Crack Down on Tobacco Sales

 

Legislation (A1025/S50) Bans the Sale of Tobacco Products at Vending Stands and in Vending Machines in New York State Buildings

Protects Public Health by Making Harmful Tobacco Products Less Accessible

 Governor Kathy Hochul today signed public health legislation (A1025/S50) to crack down on tobacco sales in New York. This legislation will make tobacco products less accessible by prohibiting the sale of these products at vending stands and in vending machines in New York State buildings.

“For decades, tobacco companies have hooked generations of New Yorkers on nicotine,” Governor Hochul said. “We’re cracking down on Big Tobacco by banning the sale of their harmful products in New York State buildings. Protecting public health is a top priority for me, and I will continue to discourage the sale and use of these dangerous, addictive products in New York.”

Legislation (A1025/S50) amends the public buildings law to prohibit the sale of tobacco products in vending machines and at vending stands leasing space in New York State buildings. The prohibition will apply to new leases and contracts with vendors. This legislation makes the public buildings law consistent with other state laws and policies regarding tobacco sales. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, resulting in more than 480,000 deaths each year. Given the proven link between the use of tobacco products and serious disease and health risks, this legislation aims to protect public health in New York State by curbing the sale of these products on State property. According to the 2013 Independent Evaluation Report of the New York Tobacco Control Program, reductions in tobacco use are achieved by creating a social environment and legal climate in which tobacco becomes less desirable, less acceptable, and less accessible. 

MAYOR ADAMS RELEASES FY23 MAYOR’S MANAGEMENT REPORT

 

MMR Shows Significant Improvements in Youth Services, Economic Development, Quality-of-Life, and More Under First Full Fiscal Year of Adams Administration

New York City Mayor Eric Adams released the Mayor’s Management Report (MMR) for Fiscal Year 2023, a report assessing city agency performance for all of Fiscal Year 2022, from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. The report — which covers the first full fiscal year of Mayor Adams’ term — shows that the Adams administration continues to “Get Stuff Done” for New Yorkers who need it most, with upgrades to youth services, progress in the city’s economic recovery, and quality of life improvements for all New Yorkers.

 

“As I say often, New York is not coming back — New York is back. And the numbers from our first full fiscal year in office show it,” said Mayor Adams. “Thanks to the smart investments our administration has made to boost youth programming, promote an equitable economic recovery, revamp our organics recycling program, build more housing, and so much more, our city is moving in the right direction. There is still more work to do, but this report shows that we are notching critical victories that will improve the lives of all New Yorkers.”

 

“For more than four decades, the MMR has been the gold standard for public accountability in city government,” said Mayor’s Office of Operations Director Daniel Steinberg. “This administration believes in the power of data to better inform decision-making and enhance public accountability, which is why we debuted the dynamic Mayor’s Management Report last year and continue to add metrics relating to key governmental functions and Mayor Adams’ signature initiatives. By giving the public a better picture into how city government is performing, we can continue to ‘Get Stuff Done’ for New Yorkers.”

 

The MMR, which emerged out of the city’s 1970s fiscal crisis, is a national model for using data-driven reporting to provide transparency on municipal services. Both the MMR and the Preliminary Mayor’s Management Report — which covers the first four months of the fiscal year and is released in January — are mandated by Section 12 of the New York City Charter.

 

Highlights of this year’s MMR include:

 

Boosting Youth Services

• Participation in the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) rose by 22 percent over last summer, after the mayor increased the number of slots for the program to 100,000.
• Overall stipends and wages paid to SYEP participants went up to $117.4 million, a 21 percent increase over the summer of 2022.
• The number of young people receiving life coaching as part of the Fair Futures program increased by 24 percent, following Mayor Adams’ creation of the College Choice program building on the work of Fair Futures.
• The city continued to identify and engage runaway and youth, experiencing homelessness with the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development’s street outreach teams engagements rising by 22 percent.
• Enrollment in Summer Rising among students aged K-8 increased by 8 percent following Mayor Adams’ expansion of the program last year.
• Average center-based child care voucher enrollment jumped by 42 percent, ensuring broader access to affordable child care.

 Promoting an Equitable, Healthy, Sustainable Economic Recovery 

• Construction jobs associated with housing production increased 31 percent, and permanent jobs increased by 19 percent.
• Visitors to the city’s Cultural Institutions Group members — a diverse coalition of institutions including museums, botanic gardens, and more — increased by 9 percent, the largest total number of visitors since Fiscal Year 2019.
• The number of jobseekers registered through the New York City Department of Small Business Services’ Workforce1 Career Centers rose by 15 percent. 

Building a Greener City 

• NYC Ferry ridership increased 23 percent and set an all-time high for average monthly ridership with 550,000 riders.
• Staten Island Ferry ridership increased 21 percent, a faster rate of ridership increase than the New York City subway system.
• Citi Bike trips increased by 13 percent and set an all-time fiscal year ridership high with over 32 million total rides.
• The city reached a record level of organic waste being diverted from landfills, surpassing 100,000 tons for the first time since the city’s organics recycling program began, thanks in part to Mayor Adams’ $23 million investment in the citywide expansion of the administration’s curbside organics program in the Fiscal Year 2023 Executive Budget.
• The number of electric vehicles in the city’s fleet managed by DCAS rose by 34 percent, with a 41 percent increase in cumulative electric vehicles charger ports installed. 

Investing in Affordable, Quality Housing 

• Total affordable housing starts went up by 44 percent to 24,090, and the number of total supportive housing units increased 21 percent.
• There was a 17 percent increase in households previously experiencing homelessness moving into affordable units and a 222 percent increase in applicants previously experiencing homelessness placed in public housing through the federal Section 8 program.
• The number of units in New York City Housing Authority developments abated for lead skyrocketed by 426 percent.
• The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development completed a record 830,328 inspections. 

Improving Quality of Life 

• Major felony crime arrests increased 17 percent, to the highest level in over 10 years.
• Gun arrests increased from 6,426 to 6,837, a 6.4 percent increase thanks to the introduction of Neighborhood Safety Teams under Mayor Adams’ leadership, which continues to take illegal guns off our streets.
• Narcotics arrests increased 30 percent.
• City agencies removed 82 percent more square footage of graffiti than in the previous year — the highest level since Fiscal Year 2019.
• The New York City Department of Mental Health and Hygiene reached an all-time high of 179,000 initial pest control inspections. 
• Bad neighbors were brought into line with the number of unreasonable noise summonses increasing by 154 percent to the highest level since Fiscal Year 2017.
• A record 84.6 percent of New Yorkers now live within walking distance of a park — critical progress towards Mayor Adams’ goal of increasing park equity across the five boroughs. 

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Bronx Business News You Can Use

 

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(Friday) Extra, Extra Click here for this week's video: Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15-October 15 Rosh Hashanah begins 9/15/2023 Business to Business Networking Success in Throggs Neck HGAR Highlights Bronx developments Mott Haven Merchant Organizing Moves Forward Member Spotlight Casita Maria, The Art of Networking - 9/26/2023, 6:00pm Upcoming Events IMentor Mentorship Webinar, 9/26/2023 - Virtual, 12:00pm 2023 Gala - The Bronx is Building, 9/21/2023 - Marina Del Rey, 6:30pm

BUSINESS TO BUSINESS NETWORKING W. COUNCILMEMBER VELAZQUEZ

Networking for success with Councilmember Velazquez. Networking and financial education were the buzz words at The Living Room in Throggs Neck as the Bronx Chamber with Councilmember Marjorie Velazquez, NYC Department of Small Business Services, and TD Bank hosted an evening of learning with business experts. The event brought together a panel of business and financial literacy experts to assist businesses in planning their future with tax advice, marketing and revenue solutions, and ways to integrate digital technology to assist in developing a robust bottom line. For more info or to get involved, sbrn@bronxchamber.org

BRONX CHAMBER JOINS HGAR FOR BRONX COUNTY DAY

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce's leadership team joined elected officials and agency leaders in providing Bronx development and business updates to the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors for their annual Bronx Day Conference, sharing Bronx Chamber information and updates. During the afternoon attendees learned about new policies and trends impacting their businesses and the real estate industry. For more information, email: communications@bronxchamber.org.

MERCHANT ORGANIZING MOVES FORWARD ON 138TH ST. AVENUE NYC - MOTT HAVEN

Being in and of community as we work toward creating a 138th St. Merchant Association. The Avenue NYC Program is building off of FY23 BID Exploration efforts by forming a merchants association on 138th Street. Part of these efforts includes partnering with community organizations and residents to bring information and services to our Bronx neighborhoods. Avenue NYC Program Manager Tony Billups partners with the NYPD 40th Precinct, businesses, community based organizations for the annual Back to School Resource Fair on 138th Street. Now in its 3rd year, the Avenue NYC Program is creating sustainable solutions to address area challenges and opportunities. For more information: avenuenyc@bronxchamber.org

UPCOMING EVENTS

2023 Gala - The Bronx is Building September 21 from 6:30pm - 10:30pm Marina Del Rey 1 Marina Drive Bronx, NY Join The Bronx Chamber of Commerce for our flagship event of the year the 2023 Gala! Join over 600 attendees for an evening of entertainment, great food, dancing, and networking. Reserve Your Spot

IMentor Mentorship Webinar September 26 from 12:00pm - 1:00pm Virtual Join The Bronx Chamber of Commerce and IMentor for an afternoon of learning about mentorship opportunities. Reserve Your Spot

Business to Business Networking - City Island October 26 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm Scavellos of City Island 101 City Island Avenue Bronx, NY Join the Bronx Chamber of Commerce and Councilmember Marjorie Velazquez for an evening of business to business networking and coalition building in the City Island section of Council District 13. Reserve Your Spot

For the complete Bronx Chamber Events Calendar, featuring educational workshops, networking events and other opportunities hosted by the Chamber, its members, & partners, please visit and bookmark our website events calendar link in your browser - new events are added weekly!