NYCEDC Launches Request for Proposals for Modular Public Restrooms Across New York City

 

$4 Million Request for Proposals Will Install and Expand Access to Modular, High-Quality Public Bathrooms Across Five Boroughs 

  

Mamdani Administration Delivers on Promises Made, Continuing Fast-Paced, Focused Efforts to Improve Lives of Working New Yorkers 

New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) announced the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the production, delivery, installation and maintenance of high-quality modular bathroom units that will be located in neighborhoods across New York City. Originally announced in January by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, this $4 million pilot program will expand public restroom access citywide, while also delivering them faster and cheaper than traditional versions of public restrooms that require extensive underground construction to sewer and water lines that can take years to complete. This announcement delivers on his commitment to release an RFP within the administration’s first 100 days in office. Mayor Mamdani announced the commitment at 12th Avenue and St. Clair Place, in upper Manhattan, where NYC DOT will be installing a self-cleaning public toilet that will be free to use, fully accessible, and contain a water bottle filler.   

   

City agencies, including the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks), in coordination with NYCEDC, will determine where the modular bathroom units will be located. Rollout of these modular facilities is expected to be complete by the end of Summer 2026.   

 

“Everyone in this city knows what it’s like to need a bathroom and have nowhere to go. That’s why we’re taking concrete action to build dozens of new public restrooms across New York City. Access to a restroom shouldn’t depend on how much money you make or where you work—it’s basic public infrastructure," said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. "For delivery workers, street vendors, drivers, and so many others, the workplace is the street. They don’t have an office bathroom to duck into, and they shouldn’t be punished for that. This is about building a city that works for everyone—so every New Yorker can move through their day with dignity, comfort, and respect, no matter their job, their income, or their ZIP code."   

   

"These modular public restrooms will serve as a blueprint for high-quality, cost-effective infrastructure that improves quality of life for millions of New Yorkers," said NYCEDC Interim President & CEO Jeanny Pak. "As part of delivering on commitments made in the Administration's first 100 days, NYCEDC is proud to work with Mayor Mamdani and our partners across city government to quickly advance this RFP to deliver practical, scalable solutions that will meaningfully enhance daily life for all New Yorkers."   

   

“Mayor Mamdani tasked us with making our streetscape the envy of the world, and this RFP represents an important step in the city's process to more rapidly deploy public bathrooms later this year, improving the quality of life for everyone--and especially our seniors, parents with young children, delivery workers, and people with disabilities," said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. "We look forward to working closely with EDC and Parks to help locate these bathrooms where they are needed the most."   

   

“NYC Parks is very proud to be the provider of the largest share of public restrooms in New York City, and we know how essential this infrastructure is in making our city welcoming, healthy, and dignified for everyone,” said NYC PARKS Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “We are eager and supportive of the city experimenting with new approaches that deliver high-quality public restrooms faster and more efficiently, and we welcome creative ideas that expand restroom access for New Yorkers and visitors alike. We look forward to evaluating options for placing modular public restrooms on the perimeter of parks.”   

   

Proposals must be submitted to NYCEDC by February 24, 2026, by 4:00 PM ET. Click here to review the RFP requirements and learn how to apply.   

   

This commitment is a part of the Mamdani Administration’s efforts to improve the public realm and to ensure New Yorkers can enjoy and travel around their city safely and with dignity. There are currently nearly 1,000 public restrooms in New York City, roughly 70 percent of which are in parks. This program will significantly increase the number of public restrooms elsewhere in the city  – exponentially increasing the number of new restrooms that the city adds each year.    

   

Similar projects in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Portland, and other cities have delivered restrooms within months at a fraction of the cost as New York’s prior public restroom projects; this program will allow New York City to benefit from more widely available public restrooms, too.