State Labor Department Releases Preliminary August 2023 Area Unemployment Rates

The New York State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for August 2023. Rates are calculated using methods prescribed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The State’s area unemployment rates rely in part on the results of the Current Population Survey, which contacts approximately 3,100 households in New York State each month. To recap last week’s statewide press release, New York State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held constant at 3.9% in August 2023.

Local Area Unemployment Rates* (%)
August 2022 and August 2023
(Not seasonally adjusted)

The data in the preceding table are not seasonally adjusted, which means they reflect seasonal influences (e.g., holiday and summer hires). Therefore, the most valid comparisons with this type of data are year-to-year comparisons of the same month, for example, August 2022 versus August 2023. Labor force data for the current month are preliminary and subject to revision as more information becomes available the following month. Revised estimates for prior months are available at: https://dol.ny.gov/local-area-unemployment-statistics Labor force statistics, including the unemployment rate, for New York and every other state are based on statistical regression models specified by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These are the most up-to-date estimates of persons employed and unemployed by place of residence. Estimates are available for New York State, labor market regions, metropolitan areas, counties and municipalities with population of at least 25,000.

Unemployment Rates By County,
New York State,
August 2023

Jobs and Unemployment Fact Sheet This fact sheet conveys important technical information that will contribute to a better understanding of labor force data (“household survey”), including resident employment/unemployment rates, and jobs by industry data (“business survey”), which are presented in the New York State Department of Labor’s monthly press release. State Unemployment Rates Based on Regression Model Beginning with data for January 1996, unemployment rates for New York State and all other states (as well as New York City and the City of Los Angeles) have been estimated using time-series regression statistical models developed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Advantage of Regression Model Use of a time-series regression model reduces the month-to-month variation in unemployment rates and resident employment by reducing variation caused by sampling errors and other components of statistical noise (irregularities). Benchmarking of Estimates Once each year, labor force estimates, such as civilian labor force and the unemployment rate, are revised to reflect updated input data including new Census Bureau populations controls, newly revised establishment jobs data and new state-level annual average data from the Current Population Survey (CPS). As part of this procedure, all state figures are reviewed, revised as necessary and then re-estimated. This process is commonly referred to as “benchmarking.” Changes in Methodology Labor force estimates are now produced with an improved time-series regression model, which utilizes “real-time” benchmarking. “Real-time” benchmarking reduces end-of-year revisions, which also means that major economic events will be reflected in a more timely manner in state labor force estimates. In addition, the new methodology includes an updated way of estimating for sub-state areas (e.g. counties, metro areas) the number of unemployed who are new entrants or re-entrants into the labor force. This change in methodology will result in lower unemployment rates in some areas and increased rates in others. Unemployed and UI Beneficiaries The estimate of the number of unemployed includes all persons who had no employment during the reference week (the week including the 12th of the month), were available for work, except for temporary illness, and had made specific efforts to find employment sometime during the 4-week period ending with the reference week. Unemployment insurance (UI) beneficiaries include those who apply for and qualify for UI benefits. Consequently, the estimate of the number of unemployed and the number of UI beneficiaries do not necessarily move in tandem. Jobs Data Jobs data are obtained from a separate joint federal-state survey of business establishments. The survey, called the Current Employment Statistics of Establishments, samples establishments in New York State. It excludes self-employed workers, agricultural workers, unpaid family workers and domestic workers employed by private households. This data represents a count of jobs by place of work. Data for each month is revised the following month as more complete information becomes available. The New York State Department of Labor is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.

ED COX UNANIMOUSLY ELECTED TO FULL TERM AS NYGOP CHAIR

 

NYGOP Chair Ed Cox today was unanimously elected to serve a full two-year term as Chair of the New York Republican State Committee at the State Committee’s biennial reorganizational meeting. Cox had been serving as Chair of the State Committee since his unanimous election to replace outgoing Chair Congressman Nick Langworthy on March 13 of this year. Cox previously served as Chair of the Republican State Committee from 2009 to 2019.

 

Following his election, Cox released the following statement:

 

“Our New York Republican Party has never been so united. Unity is our strength, and united we will prevail against the radical progressives who have seized power in New York.

 

“One-party Democrat rule has brought with it rising crime and public disorder, an unvetted migrant crisis spiraling out of control, rising costs of living and doing business, a broken public school system, a bloated state budget and a mass exodus of some of our most productive citizens – over 500,000 have fled New York in the last two years alone.

 

“New Yorkers just want common sense government and safe streets, good jobs, good schools and an affordable cost of living. It’s time for a change and Republicans are that change.”

Department of City Planning Announces Jamaica Neighborhood Plan Open House and Workshop on September 30

 

First public meeting in this community-led process to create housing and jobs will offer the public an opportunity to learn about existing conditions in the neighborhood and weigh in on what they’d like to see in the future 

Event will include results of this summer’s Jamaica Neighborhood Plan survey, which garnered over 1,000 responses 

Department of City Planning (DCP) Director Dan Garodnick today announced the first public meeting for the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan, a community-led initiative to create a long-term vision for this part of Queens. Taking place at York College on Sept. 30 at 11 a.m., this open house and workshop will let New Yorkers learn about the current status of the neighborhood and offer their input on ways to create more housing, more jobs across many industries, improvements to public space, and investments in local infrastructure. RSVP here. 

“As we start this collaborative process to create an even brighter future for Jamaica, we want to hear from our neighbors! From income-restricted homes to good-paying jobs, from improved open space to enhanced resiliency, it’s with the input of everyday New Yorkers that we’ll shape the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan to best meet the needs of this vital community,” said Department of City Planning Director Dan Garodnick. 

“Downtown Jamaica is a central commercial, residential, and transportation hub that is vital to the success of Southeast Queens and our entire city,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The Jamaica Neighborhood Plan presents an opportunity for residents to help shape a long-term strategic vision for the area and yield much-needed investments that will benefit our community. I encourage all residents to engage in this critical process and attend the open house and workshop at York College on September 30. With the partnership of elected officials, city agencies, and the residents of Jamaica, we will achieve the progress and change that our community deserves.” 

“This upcoming open house is the next phase of our holistic, community-led effort to make Jamaica the premiere live, work, and play neighborhood in the city,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “We want to hear from the community about the best way to bring affordable housing, infrastructure investments, good jobs, open space, school seats, and more to Jamaica. The time is now to let your voice be heard in this planning process that will create a brighter future for this entire neighborhood.” 

During this meeting for the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan, the public will be able to learn more about the planning process, to join activities to shape the draft vision and goals for the neighborhood, and to find out how to stay involved as the plan moves forward. DCP will also share the results of this summer’s survey about New Yorkers’ experiences with and priorities for the area. The survey, which closed on Sept. 15, has garnered 1,128 responses. 

The event will start with an open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., where New Yorkers can visit different stations to learn about Jamaica’s existing conditions and more information that will help them contribute to planning conversations. From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., there will be a family activity available for all ages that includes story time with books about neighborhood planning and an art activity to create collages of younger New Yorkers’ hopes for the future of Jamaica. From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the meeting will switch to a workshop, where attendees can discuss with agency staff what they’d like to see in their community. Spanish and Bangla interpreters will be available. 

The Jamaica Neighborhood Plan will focus on a more-than-300-block area that includes Downtown Jamaica, adjacent transportation corridors, and nearby manufacturing districts. The area includes institutions and community assets like York College, Rufus King Park, and the Jamaica Rail Hub, which provides transit access to the rest of New York City and east to Long Island via the subway, Long Island Rail Road, and AirTrain. The study area also covers key pedestrian and commercial corridors, including Jamaica Avenue, Merrick Boulevard, Hillside Avenue, and Liberty Avenue. 

In partnership with Borough President Richards and Councilmember Williams, DCP will follow this month’s meeting with ongoing, extensive community outreach — including multiple workshops and open houses — alongside a steering committee with community, business, and faith leaders who will meet regularly. Additional workshops are expected to be scheduled for this fall. 

Department of City Planning

The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the strategic growth and development of the City through ground-up planning with communities, the development of land use policies and zoning regulations applicable citywide, and its contribution to the preparation of the City’s 10-year Capital Strategy. DCP promotes housing production and affordability, fosters economic development and coordinated investments in infrastructure and services, and supports resilient, sustainable communities across the five boroughs for a more equitable New York City. 

In addition, DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of approximately 450 land use applications for a variety of discretionary approvals. The Department also assists both government agencies and the public by advising on strategic and capital planning and providing policy analysis, technical assistance and data relating to housing, transportation, community facilities, demography, zoning, urban design, waterfront areas and public open space. 

CONSUMER ALERT: As the Pause on Federal Student Loans Ends, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Offers Tips for Borrowers to Avoid Scams

Student Loan Borrowers are Reminded to Only Use Trusted Government Websites and Not Respond to Unsolicited Offers of Student Loan Relief or Assistance

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for “Tuesday’s Tips” – Practical Tips to Educate and Empower New York Consumers on a Variety of Topics 

Secretary Rodriguez: “To protect yourself from falling victim to a scam, I urge all New Yorkers to read our tips, stay up-to-date with trusted information and remain vigilant throughout the entire student loan repayment process.” 

For this week’s “Tuesday’s Tips,” the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is providing tips to help federal student loan borrowers avoid scams. As federal student loan borrowers are set to resume payments this coming October after a three and a half year-long pause, this may cause confusion about the repayment process and make borrowers vulnerable to potential scams. Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here.

“As federal student loan borrowers resume making payments, potential scammers will be looking to take advantage of borrowers who may be confused about the process or looking for relief," said Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “To protect yourself from falling victim to a scam, I urge all New Yorkers to read these tips, stay up-to-date with trusted information and remain vigilant throughout the entire student loan repayment process.”

“The return to repayment will involve additional planning for many New Yorkers who’ve been able to build their financial well-being during the payment pause” said DFS Superintendent Harris. “DFS is committed to ensuring student loan servicers provide accurate and timely information to student loan borrowers, and borrowers are empowered to avoid scams and are in the best position to take advantage of new loan programs.”

What You Need to Know to Avoid Student Loan Forgiveness Scams:

• Don't trust any person or program that promises you special access or guaranteed eligibility. You might be contacted by a scammer saying they will help you get your loan cancelled or reduced for a fee. You will never need to pay for advice or help with your federal student loans or any deferment or income-based plans. All federal student loan borrowers can enroll directly and stay updated at no cost by contacting the U.S. Department of Education directly at StudentAid.gov. If you’re contacted unexpectedly with any of these offers, it's a scam. 

• Be wary of scammers that make false claims or say you have an incomplete application. If you have any questions about your application status, go directly to the U.S. Government federal student loan portal to access your account and confirm any details. To access the portal, go to StudentAid.gov.

• Stay updated with trusted information and sources.The U.S. Department of Education webpage provides borrowers with accurate and the most up-to-date information about the program. They also recommend logging in to your StudentAid.gov account to ensure your contact information is up to date and to sign up for alerts for when new information becomes available.

• Protect yourself from phishing scams. If you didn’t initiate the communication, don’t share your personal information. Keep your personal information, including your Federal Student Aid ID and social security number private. The U.S. Department of Education will never call or text you with a request of confidential information. Make sure you work only with the U.S. Department of Education and never reveal your personal information or account password to anyone. Genuine emails to borrowers will only come from noreply@studentaid.gov; noreply@debtrelief.studentaid.gov and ed.gov@public.govdelivery.com.

• If you encounter a scam, report it.Contact the official Federal Student Aid website to file a complaint, or contact the Federal Trade Commission. The U.S. Department of Education offers additional tips and resources here. You can also contact your loan servicing company or the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 1-800-433-3243. 

• Don’t forget to regularly monitor your credit report and score. As you begin the repayment process, stay one step ahead and make it a routine to check on your credit report and look for inconsistencies. Visit annualreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228 to get your free reports.

• Looking for help navigating your student loans? EDCAP (Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program) is an independent, New York State funded, nonprofit program of the Community Service Society of New York (CSS) that helps New Yorkers navigate the student loan system. They offer free, one-on-one counseling with their student loan experts. To schedule an appointment call (888) 614-5004 or email them at edcap@cssny.org for more information.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides resources and education materials to consumers on product safety, as well as voluntary mediation services between consumers and businesses. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.

For more consumer protection tips, follow the Division on social media at Twitter: @NYSConsumer and Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.

MAYOR ADAMS, SANITATION COMMISSIONER TISCH ANNOUNCE NEXT PHASE OF WAR ON RATS: ALL BUSINESSES MUST PLACE TRASH IN CONTAINERS

 

New Rule, Beginning March 2024, Follows Successful Phase-In of Containerization Requirements for Food-Related Businesses, Chain Stores

 

Full Commercial Containerization Will Get 20 Million Pounds of Trash — Half of City’s Waste — off NYC Streets Every Day

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Commissioner Jessica Tisch today announced the next phase of the Adams administration’s war on rats: a new plan to get more black trash bags off of city sidewalks by requiring all businesses to put trash in containers. Advancing the administration’s efforts to “Get Stuff Clean,” reclaim public space, and improve quality of life for all New Yorkers, DSNY today proposed a new rule under which all commercial trash — approximately 20 million pounds per day — must be in a secure, lidded container beginning March 1, 2024.

 

This rule continues the Adams administration’s work of moving towards full containerization citywide, and follows an announcement earlier this summer where Mayor Adams and Commissioner Tisch announced an expansion of containerization rules to get black trash bags off city streets. The administration’s efforts over the last 20 months are working, with rat sightings down 20 percent this summer compared to last year and down 45 percent in the city’s Rat Mitigation Zones.

 

“We’ve declared that rats are Public Enemy Number One — but we’re not stopping there; we’re also going after the black trash bags that litter our streets, aiding and abetting rodents,” said Mayor Adams. “That’s why, starting next spring, we’re requiring every New York City business to put out their trash in containers. That’s 20 million pounds of black bags and rat buffets off our streets — every single day. Our streets will look cleaner and smell cleaner across all five boroughs, and New Yorkers won’t have to dodge trash mountains or scurrying rats as they’re walking.”

 

“Today’s rule marks a historic change for the cleanliness of our sidewalks and another battle won in the war on rats,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “Every single New York City business will be required to containerize their trash — that’s 20 million pounds of waste a day that will now be neatly secured in bins instead of piled onto the sidewalk in leaky bags.”

 

“The notion that the greatest city in the world could not move its trash into wheelie bins was always patently absurd. But that’s the type of thinking that allowed the rats to thrive and our streets to reek for over 50 years,” said DSNY Commissioner Tisch. “In less than one year since the effort began, the Adams administration will have moved half of all of New York City’s trash — nearly 20 million pounds a day — from black bags into bins. And we’re going hard after the rest. Stay tuned…”

 

“Getting 20 million pounds of trash a day off our streets and into containers is a huge step towards our vision for a public realm New Yorkers deserve,” said Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu. “There’s no reason why New Yorkers should have to dodge leaky, stinky trash mountains on the way to work, and thanks to DSNY’s hard work, we’re putting those days in our rear-view mirror.”

 

“Taking away rats’ access to food is paramount to sustained rat mitigation,” said Director of Citywide Rodent Mitigation Kathleen Corradi. “The leadership from DSNY to ‘Get Stuff Clean’ and the rules to containerize waste are integral to a rat free New York City!”

 

The Adams administration has rapidly implemented a phased approach to containerization, including:

• Since July 30, 2023, all food-related businesses — including restaurants, caterers, grocery stores, delis, and bodegas, among others — have been required to containerize their waste. This rule covers approximately 20 percent of the city’s businesses, a subset that produces an outsized amount of the kind of waste that attracts rats.
• During a one-month warning period, DSNY issued over 22,000 warnings to businesses covered under the rule that were not following the new guidance.
• On September 5, 2023, the rule expanded to cover all chain businesses with five or more locations in the city — regardless of what they sell — bringing the share of businesses covered to 25 percent.
• A pilot of residential containerization and mechanized collection is currently underway at 14 schools and on 10 residential blocks in Hamilton Heights, Manhattan.
• An approximately 100-page report published by DSNY this past spring, “The Future of Trash,” provided the first-ever detailed, block-by-block analysis of what it would take to get black bags of trash off city streets.

When today’s proposed rule takes effect, 100 percent of businesses in the city will be required to containerize their trash — covering about half of all trash in the five boroughs, with the other half being residential.

 

Under today’s proposed rule, businesses will have substantial flexibility on the type and location of containers they utilize, provided they have a lid and secure sides that keep rats out. Containers may be stored either inside or within three feet of the property line. The proposed timeline gives businesses nearly six months’ notice before the new rule takes effect.

Bronx Community Board 9 Elects First Bengali Chairperso

NYC Bronx Community Board 9 has elected Mohammed Mujumder as the new Chairperson of the Board effective 2023. He will be the first Bengali Chairperson in New York City and the board and community look forward to his continued leadership. Mohammed Mujumder previously served as First Vice Chair of Bronx Community Board 9 and under his guidance the board has strengthen ties with the Bengali Community. In his new role Mohammed Mujumder will continue to advocate for all of the residents of Bronx Community Board 9 and serve tirelessly. 

"In my new role I will serve with honor and dignity and to the best of my ability." said Mohammed Mujumder

Community Board 9 covers the neighborhoods of Bronx River, Castle Hill, Clason Point, Harding Park, Parkchester, Park Stratton, Soundview / Bruckner, & Unionport. The CB 9 boundaries include Bronx River Avenue to Commerce Avenue and from East Tremont to the Bronx River.