MAYOR ADAMS TEMPORARILY CO-NAMES NYC STREETS AFTER NEW YORK KNICKS PLAYERS, AS TEAM ADVANCES TO 2025 EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

Streets Across Manhattan Will Honor Each Player on Knicks Active Roster for Remainder of Knicks 2025 NBA Playoff Run 

  

Jalen Brunson Boulevard, Josh Hart Street, and Other Streets Will Be Unveiled Today 

  

WATCH: DOT Officials Install Temporary Street Signs Co-Naming Streets After New York Knicks Players   

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced that — in partnership with Madison Square Garden Sports and the New York Knicks — streets across Manhattan will be temporarily co-named after New York Knicks players as the team advances to the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals and will stay up for the remainder of the Knicks playoff run. Each sign is designed in blue and orange and features the name and jersey number of a current player on the team. The streets where the signs are hung will correspond with each team member’s uniform number.  

  

“The Knicks embody the spirit of New York — resilient, passionate, and unstoppable,” said Mayor Adams. “On the path to a championship, we recognize the hard work and determination that has gotten this team to the Eastern Conference Finals and we’re celebrating this team by temporarily co-naming our city streets so all New Yorkers can celebrate their Knicks pride. Nearly 8.5 million New Yorkers, and millions more, are behind the New York Knicks as they continue this incredible journey.” 

  

“The New York Knicks are part of the fabric of our city, and have the best fans in the NBA,” said DOT Commissioner Rodriguez. “The entire city has your back as the Eastern Conference Finals are underway, and we are proud to rep the blue and orange, including on our street signs. Go Knicks!”  

  

“This has been an incredible time for the Knicks, our fans, and for all of New York City,” said Jamaal Lesane, chief operating officer, MSG Sports. “We thank Mayor Adams and Commissioner Rodriguez for this recognition. As the playoffs continue, the Knicks will continue to look for opportunities to spread excitement and bring people together through their shared passion for the team.” 

One of the street signs DOT is temporarily installing as the  New York Knicks advance to the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals. Source: DOT. 

•    Precious Achiuwa Place – 6th Avenue and West Washington Place 

•    OG Anunoby Alley – 6th Avenue and West 8th Street 

•    Mikal Bridges Block – 7th Avenue and West 25th Street 

•    Jalen Brunson Boulevard – 7th Avenue and West 11th Street 

•    Pacome Dadiet Drive – 6th Avenue and West 4th Street 

•    Josh Hart Street – 6th Avenue and West 3rd Street 

•    Ariel Hukporti Street – 7th Avenue and West 55th Street 

•    Tyler Kolek Lane – 7th Avenue and West 13th Street 

•    Miles McBride Street – 6th Avenue and Minetta Lane 

•    Cam Payne Place – 6th Avenue and Bleecker Street 

•    Mitchell Robinson Road – 7th Avenue and West 23rd Street 

•    Landry Shamet Circle – 7th Avenue and West 44th Street 

•    Karl-Anthony Towns Square – 7th Avenue and West 32nd Street 

•    PJ Tucker Terrace – 7th Avenue and West 17th Street 

•    Delon Wright Circle – 6th Avenue and Houston Street 

 

The New York Knicks will make the franchise’s ninth Eastern Conference Finals appearance beginning tonight at Madison Square Garden against the Indiana Pacers. The series follows the Knicks defeating the 2024 National Basketball Association (NBA) Champion Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals last week and the Detroit Pistons in the first round. The Knicks finished the regular season 51-31, the team’s best record since the 2012-2013 season. The winner of the Eastern Conference Finals will face either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2025 NBA Finals. 

  

Temporary street signs are posted across the city and will remain on display for the duration of the Knicks playoffs run. Permanent name changes for streets must go through a legislative process with the New York City Council.  

  

The DOT Sign Shop is in Maspeth, Queens and manufactures over 70,000 signs each year. A team of 32 Sign Shop employees hand-make street signs, highway signs, directional signs, parking signs, and more. There are approximately 1 million DOT signs in use across the 6,000 miles of streets in New York City. 

Governor Hochul Announces More Than $10.4 Million to Support Animal Shelter Improvements

Funding Supports Construction, Renovation, and Expansion Projects that Enhance Animal Care and Health at New York Animal Shelters

More Than $38 Million Dedicated to State's Companion Animal Capital Fund Since 2017

2025-26 Budget Includes an Additional $10 Million in Funding for Next Round of the Program

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced over $10.4 million has been awarded to 30 animal care organizations across the state through the seventh round of the New York State Companion Animal Capital Fund, the first state program in the nation to fund capital projects for animal shelters. The funding will support construction, renovation, and expansion projects that will enhance animal care and health and help ensure adoptions for New York's dogs and cats. This builds on Governor Hochul’s commitment to securing safe housing and care for sheltered dogs and cats as they await adoption.

“Any pet owner can tell you that companion animals like dogs and cats are more than just furry friends – they’re family,” Governor Hochul said. “Animal shelters and humane societies play an enormous role in keeping companion animals safe and well cared for while they await their new families and forever home. This funding is making a real difference, helping to better equip these vital facilities with the tools they need to improve the quality of care for animals.”

Since the 2017 launch of the Companion Animal Capital Fund program, which is administered by the Department of Agriculture and Markets, the State has dedicated over $38 million to the program. In total, 130 projects have been awarded across New York so far. This round of funding builds on previous rounds of this program that is helping to offset the costs associated with capital projects run by New York State animal shelters, such as renovating dog kennels, improving medical facilities, or building more efficient shelters to reduce overall operational costs. Projects funded this year include updated living spaces for dogs and cats, improved HVAC and heating systems, expansions to facilities to improve medical care, as well as additional infrastructure updates.

Competitive grants were awarded to shelters based on a need assessment, detailed project description, and reasonableness of cost. The following organizations are receiving an award in this round of the program:

• City of Oswego – $500,000.00 to replace the kennels, update the HVAC system, seal floors and non-porous areas, create an exclusive outdoor "relief" area, and install new sinks.
• Columbia Greene Humane Society – $500,000.00 for a new HVAC system and to expand the clinic to include isolation, treatment room, X-ray and lab, exam rooms and euthanasia space.
• Humane Society of Rome – $500,000.00 to install new dog enclosures, two isolation rooms and new cat enclosures.
• Jefferson County – $500,000.00 to renovate kennels, upgrade the HVAC system, repair the drainage system, and install resin flooring, concrete walls and sound proofing.
• Massena Humane Society – $500,000 for enhanced record keeping equipment, upgrades to the kennels, drainage and HVAC system, radiant floor heat, soundproofing and a new intake area.
• Middletown Humane – $500,000 for updates and repairs to interior and exterior, upgrading heating/cooling, updated lighting and electrical systems, replacing roof, insulation and painting, alarm system and perimeter fencing.
• Oswego Co. Humane – $500,000.00 for increased cat housing, epoxy flooring, isolation rooms and maternity ward, increased dog housing, a new HVAC and new water piping.
• Patricia LeDew Foundation – $500,000.00 to install a new X-ray room with new equipment, expand the surgical area, create a new dental site and design an adoption area specific to senior animals.
• Paws Crossed Animal Rescue – $500,000.00 for a new HVAC system, new doors, epoxy flooring and painting in 3 kennels.
• Saratoga County – $500,000 for a new heating and cooling system.
• Town of Bangor – $500,000.00 to improve record keeping equipment, upgrade cat cages, upgrade drainage and HVAC and soundproofing.
• Town of Cheektowaga – $500,000 for upgraded kennels, an upgraded HVAC system, a dedicated isolation area and soundproofing.
• Town of Henrietta – $500,000.00 to construct a new municipal shelter.
• Town of Olean – $500,000.00 for a new facility.
• Ulster Co. SPCA – $500,000.00 to redesign the kennel, replace the floor, repair floors and walls, and renovate the kitchen, grooming room and exam room.

A complete list of the awarded organizations and a brief description of the funded projects is available here.

Governor Hochul’s Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget proposed continued funding for this critical program and the final adopted Budget includes $10 million in funding for the next round.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Animal shelters and humane societies are so much more than a port in the storm – they are a true lifeline to the animals who will one day become beloved members of New York families. From providing essential medical care to daily enrichment activities, the hardworking staff at humane societies, shelters, and SPCAs throughout the state work tirelessly to provide the best care for dogs and cats while they wait to be adopted. Through seven rounds of funding, we have seen the direct impact these projects have had on these essential facilities, and I’m proud to see the good work continue.”

The Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Division of Animal Industry promotes sustainable animal production agriculture and the safety of the animal origin food supply. These goals are accomplished through regulatory and cooperative educational efforts with various agencies, both public and private. The Division has staff in Albany and veterinarians located across the state. In addition to many other responsibilities, the Division regulates dog licensing, sets standards for humane care of seized dogs and the inspection of municipal shelters, administers the contract for the New York State Animal Population Control Program and the Pet Dealer Inspection Program, and provides training and assistance to local enforcement officers in animal welfare cases.

 

Attorney General James and 38 Attorneys General Urge Congress to Preserve Access to Health Care for 9/11 Responders and Survivors

Coalition Calls on Congressional Leadership to Take Immediate Action to Protect Bipartisan World Trade Center Health Program Ahead of Imminent Funding Shortfall

New York Attorney General Letitia James today led a coalition of 38 other attorneys general in urging Congress to take immediate action to address the impending funding crisis threatening the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), a lifeline for more than 135,000 first responders, survivors, and families impacted by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. In a letter to congressional leadership, Attorney General James and the coalition called for urgent legislative action to ensure the long-term financial stability of the WTCHP, which is projected to face a devastating funding shortfall as early as next year.

“For nearly 15 years, the WTC Health Program has provided life-saving care to the men and women who rushed toward danger to protect others in the wake of 9/11,” said Attorney General James. “Now, they face a new crisis – the possibility of being denied the medical care they so desperately need and deserve. We owe it to these heroes to keep our promise to them. Congress must honor their sacrifice and act now to prevent catastrophic cuts to this bipartisan, life-saving program, ensuring that these first responders and survivors continue to receive the care they need.”

Established by Congress under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, WTCHP provides free medical care, monitoring, and treatment to more than 135,000 Americans living with 9/11-related health conditions. Patients served by WTCHP include survivors, first responders, and people who lived or worked near the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan, near the Pentagon, or near the Shanksville, Pennsylvania crash site, as well as those who participated in rescue, recovery, and cleanup efforts. Authorized by Congress through 2090, WTCHP provides care through clinics in the New York metropolitan area and a nationwide provider network that spans all 50 states.

In the letter, Attorney General James and the coalition write that WTCHP has been an essential resource for fifteen years for Americans exposed to toxic dust and debris following the collapse of the Twin Towers. The attorneys general note that patients include firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMTs, construction workers, volunteers, and community members who were present in the aftermath – many of whom are now suffering from chronic respiratory illnesses, cancers, mental health conditions, and other serious illnesses directly linked to their exposure.

The attorneys general argue that despite being reauthorized in 2015 and 2019 with overwhelming bipartisan support, the program now faces a severe funding shortfall that could result in the denial of care to thousands of current and future enrollees. The program is authorized to run until 2090, but the attorneys general contend that the far-off date is essentially meaningless if the program is not funded during that period.

In the letter, Attorney General James and the coalition argue that WTCHP’s funding gap is driven by increasing demand for specialized care, as more survivors and first responders are diagnosed with 9/11-related illnesses each year. They note that approximately 400,000 people were exposed to the toxic air around Ground Zero, and though only a third of that group are currently enrolled in the program, many first responders and survivors are still getting sick at an alarming rate.

The attorneys general contend that increased demand for services and treatment means that current funding levels are simply not enough for this country to keep its commitment to 9/11 heroes. Without additional funding, waitlists could grow, medical providers may be forced to cut back services, and the program could be unable to accept new enrollees – many of whom are only now receiving diagnoses for conditions directly linked to their exposure.

Attorney General James and the coalition are calling on Congress to act swiftly and decisively to ensure WTCHP has the full funding it needs. The attorneys general strongly urge Congress to enact legislation that will both address the WTCHP funding shortfall and provide the financial stability necessary for the program to serve current and future enrollees.

Joining Attorney General James in sending this letter are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, American Samoa, the District of Columbia, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  

Justice Department Seizes Domains Behind Major Information-Stealing Malware Operation

 

Coordinated Microsoft Actions and Court-Authorized Domain Seizures Disrupt LummaC2 Malware Infrastructure Used to Target Millions

The Justice Department announced today the unsealing of two warrants authorizing the seizure of five internet domains used by malicious cyber actors to operate the LummaC2 information-stealing malware service.

“The Department will continue to use its unique tools, authorities, and partnerships to disrupt malicious cyber operations and criminal networks,” said Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Today’s disruption is another instance where our prosecutors, agents, and private sector partners came together to protect us from the persistent cybersecurity threats targeting our country. We are grateful for their work and dedication.”

“Malware like LummaC2 is deployed to steal sensitive information such as user login credentials from millions of victims in order to facilitate a host of crimes, including fraudulent bank transfers and cryptocurrency theft,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s announcement demonstrates that the Justice Department is resolved to use court-ordered disruptions like this one to protect the public from the theft of their personal information and their assets. The Department is also committed to working with and appreciates the efforts of the private sector to safeguard the public from cybercrime.”

“The FBI is committed to disrupting the key services that cyber criminals rely on,” said Assistant Director Bryan Vorndran of FBI’s Cyber Division. “That’s why, with our partners, we took action against the most popular infostealer service available in online criminal markets, which is responsible for millions of attacks against victims. Thanks to partnerships with the private sector, we were able to disrupt the LummaC2 infrastructure and seize user panels. Together, we are making it harder, and more painful, for cyber criminals to operate.”

As alleged in the affidavits filed in support of the government’s seizure warrants, the administrators of LummaC2 used the seized websites to distributeLummaC2, an information-stealing malware, to their affiliates and other cyber criminals. According to court documents, common targets for cybercriminals using malware like LummaC2 include browser data, autofill information, login credentials for accessing email and banking services, as well as cryptocurrency seed phrases, which permit access to virtual currency wallets. As alleged in the affidavits, the FBI has identified at least 1.7 million instances where LummaC2 was used to steal this type of information.

The government’s affidavit further alleges that the seized domains, also referred to as user panels, served as login pages for the LummaC2 malware, allowing credentialed users and administrators to access and deploy LummaC2. On May 19, 2025, the government seized two domains. On May 20, 2025, as detailed in court documents, the LummaC2 administrators informed their users of three new domains that they had set up to host the user panel. The next day, the government then seized those three domains.

The seizure of these domains by the government will prevent the owners and cybercriminals from using the websites to access LummaC2 to compromise computers and steal victim information. Individuals who now visit the websites will see a message indicating that the site has been seized by the Justice Department, including the FBI.

Concurrent with today’s actions and consistent with the Department’s approach to public-private operational coordination, Microsoft announced an independent civil action to take down 2,300 internet domains also claimed to be used by the LummaC2 actors or their proxies.

FBI’s Dallas Field Office is investigating the case.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, the National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section, and the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are handling the case.

The U.S. Department of State's Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program which is administered by the Diplomatic Security Service, offers a reward of up to $10 million for information on foreign government-linked individuals participating in certain malicious cyber activities against U.S. critical infrastructure in violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.

Anyone with information on any other foreign government-linked malicious cyber actors or activity targeting U.S. critical infrastructure should contact Rewards for Justice via the RFJ Tor-based tip line at: he5dybnt7sr6cm32xt77pazmtm65flqy6irivtflruqfc5ep7eiodiad.onion (Tor browser required). Learn more about Rewards for Justice and their reward offers at RewardsforJustice.net.

If you believe you have a compromised computer or device, please visit the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). You may also contact your local FBI field office directly.

International Diamond Dealer Charged With Fraudulent Scheme To Obtain Over $3 Million Of Diamonds

 

Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of a Complaint charging business man and diamond dealer EDWARD CARLOS ST. MARY III with wire fraud in connection with his scheme to fraudulently obtain diamonds belonging to an international exporter and manufacturer of natural diamonds (the “Diamond Company”).  ST. MARY was arrested yesterday morning and was presented yesterday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. 

“As alleged, Edward Carlos St. Mary orchestrated an international scheme to steal over $3 million of uncut diamonds,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “He falsified bank records and repeatedly lied to line his own pockets.  New York’s Diamond District is one of the world’s foremost destinations for the sale of precious gems, and this Office and its law enforcement partners are committed to ensuring both wholesale and retail buyers can engage in the market free from fraud.” 

FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia said: “Edward Carlos St. Mary allegedly unlawfully procured hundreds of carats of diamonds worth millions of dollars with fabricated documents and promises of payment that were never upheld. The defendant allegedly disrupted the operations of an international company, and utilized our city to do so. The FBI remains committed to investigating anyone who orchestrates illicit surreptitious schemes to enrich themselves.”

As alleged in the Complaint:[1]

In or about April 2021, ST. MARY met with the owner of the Diamond Company in India and agreed to purchase uncut diamonds from the Diamond Company.  Between in or about April 2021 and in or about June 2021, ST. MARY and the owner of the Diamond Company exchanged numerous messages regarding the sale of diamonds to ST. MARY.  They eventually agreed that ST. MARY would buy approximately 287 carats of diamonds (the “Diamonds”) from the Diamond Company for approximately $3.275 million.  During that time, ST. MARY sent fraudulent documents and made numerous misrepresentations to the owner of the Diamond Company regarding his communications with his bank (“Bank-1”), the funds in his accounts at Bank-1, and his ability to pay the Diamond Company for uncut diamonds. 

On or about June 11, 2021, the owner of the Diamond Company delivered the Diamonds to a company specializing in secure transportation and the handling of valuable goods (the “Security Company”) to transport the Diamonds to the U.S. and provide them to ST. MARY once he made the necessary payments.  The Diamonds arrived in the U.S. the following week.  After the Diamonds arrived in the U.S., ST. MARY made numerous false statements to the owner of the Diamond Company to explain why he had not yet paid for or picked up the Diamonds. 

On or about August 4, 2021, ST. MARY picked up the Diamonds from the Security Company’s New York City location—without paying for them and without the Diamond Company’s knowledge or authorization.  Thereafter, ST. MARY continued to make false statements to the owner of the Diamond Company to suggest that the Diamonds were still in the care of the Security Company and to provide various explanations for why he had not yet paid the Diamond Company.  By November 2021, ST. MARY began making false statements to suggest that he had, in fact, paid for the Diamonds and sent the owner of the Diamond Company a   fraudulent account statement purporting to show a wire transfer of over $3 million from ST. MARY to the Diamond Company.  No such wire transfer was ever made. 

On or about December 7, 2021, ST. MARY sent a message to the owner of the Diamond Company admitting that he had not paid for the Diamonds and falsely stating, in substance and in part, “this entire time my banker has told me that the funds were in your account. He assured me that you had already been paid.  I will have it done as quick as I possibly can.”  However, there are no records of ST. MARY communicating with anyone at Bank-1 about a payment for the Diamonds. 

To date, ST. MARY has neither paid for nor returned the Diamonds.

ST. MARY, 55, of Houston, Texas, is charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 

The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. 

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI on this case. 

[1] The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.   

State Labor Department Releases Preliminary April 2025 Area Unemployment Rates

 

The New York State Department of Labor released preliminary local area unemployment rates for April 2025. 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 2,800 households in New York State each month. To recap last week’s statewide press release, New York State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 4.2% in April 2025. 

Local Area Unemployment Rates* (%)

April 2024 and April 2025

(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, April 2024 versus April 2025. 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,
April 2025

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.

DEC Announces $22 Million in Climate Smart Communities Grants Now Available for Municipalities

Climate Funding Helps Communities Statewide Take Action to Address Climate Change

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced DEC’s Climate Smart Communities Grant Program is making $22 million available to help municipalities take action to address climate change. Eligible projects include reducing flood risk by relocating or retrofitting critical infrastructure, reducing emissions from food waste, engineering feasibility studies, among many other actions that target decreasing pollution and improving health and community resilience. 

“DEC’s Climate Smart Communities grants enable municipalities to take meaningful actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect clean air, and reduce risks to their communities from flooding and other climate impacts,” Acting Commissioner Lefton said. “Reducing harmful emissions while advancing climate equity in communities statewide is critical to improving health and quality of life for New Yorkers. DEC is proud of its partnerships with local leaders and community members to advance efforts to achieve a cleaner, greener, and more resilient future for New York State.”

Funding for the Climate Smart Communities Grant program is supported by the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act and the State's Environmental Protection Fund, which was increased to a record $425 million in the 2025-26 State Budget. Since the program's inception in 2016, DEC has awarded more than $87 million to municipalities in support of local climate mitigation and adaptation projects. 

If awarded a grant, municipalities are required to provide a local match of 50 percent of the total costs for most projects. Last year’s New York State budget authorized DEC to provide up to 80 percent of the cost of municipal projects that meet criteria for financial hardship and for projects located in disadvantaged communities.

More information about the grant program and the 2025 Request for Applications are available on the DEC website. Applications are due by July 31, 2025. 

A total of $21 million is available for grants of between $50,000 and $2 million for these and other types of implementation projects: 

• Reducing vehicle miles traveled; 
• Reducing food waste in landfills; 
• Reducing hydrofluorocarbon emissions from refrigeration and cooling equipment; 
• Increasing natural resilience through restoration or preservation of natural features; 
• Reducing future flood-risk, including by relocating or retrofitting critical infrastructure; 
• Preparing for extreme heat and extreme weather events; and 
• Engineering feasibility studies for flood risk reduction and refrigerant management.
  

In addition, up to $1 million is available for grants between $10,000 and $200,000 for planning, inventory, and assessment projects that are aligned with certain Climate Smart Communities certification actions in the areas of greenhouse gas mitigation, transportation, climate adaptation, and land use. 

Visit DEC’s website to view the complete Request for Applications (RFA) for the Climate Smart Communities Grant Program. Potential applicants must read the entire RFA for complete details on the program. To apply for this latest round of grants, visit the New York State Consolidated Funding Application here.  

The Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Grant Program is one component of the larger, interagency CSC Program, which is jointly sponsored by DEC, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, New York Power Authority, Department of State, Department of Health, Department of Transportation, Department of Public Service, and Division of Homes and Community Renewal. The interagency program also provides CSC certification and technical assistance.

Established in 2009, the interagency CSC Program provides guidance and technical support to local governments to take locally driven climate action. The first step to becoming a Climate Smart Community is to register by pledging to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change. To date, 440 local governments representing nearly 9.6 million New Yorkers, or approximately 50 percent of the State’s population, have adopted the CSC pledge.

About the Consolidated Funding Application 

The Consolidated Funding Application was created to streamline and expedite the grant application process. The CFA process marks a fundamental shift in the way state resources are allocated, ensuring less bureaucracy and greater efficiency to fulfill local economic development needs. The CFA serves as the single-entry point for access to economic development funding, ensuring applicants no longer have to slowly navigate multiple agencies and sources without any mechanism for coordination. Now, economic development projects use the CFA as a support mechanism to access multiple state funding sources through one application, making the process quicker, easier, and more productive. Learn more about the CFA here. 

New York State's Climate Agenda 

New York State's climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.