Sunday, February 22, 2026

Office of the New York State Comptroller - This Week: New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators Caucus Weekend Recap

 

weekly news header

New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators Caucus Weekend Recap

comptroller standing at podium with play button

The 55th Annual Legislative Conference, sponsored by the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators, was dedicated to empowering and educating diverse communities. Comptroller DiNapoli co-hosted the MWBE Networking Reception with Senator James Sanders and Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, and honored NYS NAACP President L. Joy Williams and Brooklyn D.A. Eric Gonzalez. Comptroller DiNapoli also stopped at the many booths, workshops, and events throughout the weekend and spoke to numerous groups, that included union members, students and seniors.

Watch Recap

State's Tuition Assistance Program Not Keeping Up With Inflation and Tuition Costs

city with buildings

new report from Comptroller DiNapoli finds that New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), the state’s primary need-based grant program for college students, has not kept pace with inflation or rising tuition costs since the 2008-09 academic year. Undergraduate TAP recipients dropped by 77,000 (21%), with steep declines among two-year programs (45%), private-sector schools (40%), and lowest-income households (38%).

“TAP has helped generations of New Yorkers attend college, but it’s falling behind the realities of today’s costs,” DiNapoli said. “Updating award criteria so that TAP continues to be a useful support for families is needed to help New York retain talent and ensure students have the resources they need to succeed.”

Learn More

Stronger Oversight Needed for Social Adult Day Care Programs

elderly people sitting around table with caregiver

An audit of the Department of Health's oversight of Social Adult Day Care programs found questionable Medicaid payments, safety risks and compliance problems, according to Comptroller DiNapoli. On Feb. 9, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the arrest of two Queens men. They were charged with allegedly defrauding Medicare and Medicaid of $120 million by paying illegal kickbacks and bribes and submitting claims for services that were never provided. DiNapoli’s office had referred its audit findings and worked with law enforcement on the investigation.

Learn More

Comptroller DiNapoli Releases Report on FY 2027 Executive Budget

New York State Capital building

Comptroller DiNapoli’s report examining the proposed State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2027 Executive Budget warns that the trajectory of projected state spending is estimated to increase at a rate faster than expected revenues, creating cumulative outyear budget gaps estimated by the Division of Budget to total $27.5 billion through SFY 2030. Actions taken in Washington, including reductions in federal aid, create increased fiscal strains that are likely to affect the state’s economy, finances and safety net.

Learn More

New Banking Development District to Support Community Banking in the Butternut Valley

Comptroller DiNapoli and Acting Superintendent of the Department of Financial Services Kaitlin Asrow announced the approval of the Butternut Valley Banking Development District (BDD) as a participant in the BDD program and deposited $35 million in New York State funds to Sidney Federal Credit Union’s Morris Branch. The BDD program was created to encourage and incentivize qualified banks and credit unions to open or maintain bank branches in underserved areas.

Learn More

Comptroller DiNapoli's Statement on New York City's Fiscal Year 2027 Preliminary Budget

“The $127 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 preliminary budget marks a substantial shift in the city’s approach to budgeting, incorporating chronically underbudgeted expenses and new spending risks. I commend Mayor Mamdani for recognizing the fiscal risks ahead and I urge caution in tracking revenue and making swift adjustments if needed.”

Read Full Statement

M U N I C I P A L  &  S C H O O L   A U D I T S

A L S O   I N   T H E   N E W S 

Note: Some news links may require a paid subscription 

P O S T   O F   T H E   W E E K

emerging manager conference sign

Year In Review Banner







Bronx River Art Center - A Late February Update from BRAC!


Bronx River Art Center

Mid-February Update!


BRAC Innovators

Free Afterschool STEAM Program for Pre-Teens & Teens

Ongoing | Rolling Admission


Learning isn't just about science and math. It's about art, too! With our new afterschool initiative, BRAC Innovators, participants will explore all the ways that science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics all combine and relate to each other to fuel creative new ways of thinking.


BRAC Innovators is broken up into two programs: MSCreate, a middle school program for ages 10-14 (now open to 5th graders too!), and Teen Project Studio, a high school program for ages 14-19. Click the program logos below to learn more about each.



We'll continue to have informational sessions for those curious about the BRAC Innovators program. Keep an eye out for upcoming dates for these events.



Make It Together Friday!

Friday, March 6 from 5 - 8pm

FREE EVENT

Bring the whole family for a fun, hands-on creative evening with Make It Together Friday! Explore BRAC's art programs through fun DIY art stations and coloring activities, explore our afterschool programs for middle and high school students, meet our instructors, see student projects, and get inspired!


As a special family perk, those who enroll in our BRAC Innovators program during the event will receive a special treat!


RSVP for Art Event



Paint, Plant, & Grow Workshop

with Tammy Wofsey

Friday, March 13 from 5 - 8pm

Bring your own plant container to upcycle — like an old milk carton — and decorate it with paint and other materials with guidance from artist Tammy Wofsey! All art materials are included, as well as soil and plants! Just bring your creativity and a recyclable. Light refreshments and snacks will also be available.

Pricing: $12 (Youth), $20 (Adults), $35 (Pairs)

Purchase Tickets for Workshop


BRAC Student Art Showcase

Saturday, March 21 from 1 - 4pm

FREE EVENT

Celebrate the incredible creativity of our Winter 2026 program students as they proudly showcase their artwork throughout the Bronx River Art Center!


Spring Registration will also be officially open by this date. Stay tuned for more information about the showcase and class registration in our March newsletter.

RSVP for Student Art Show


Gallery



2021 - 2025 BRIO Retrospective

On View until March 15th


The Bronx River Art Center and Bronx Council of the Arts are proud to present the 2021–2025 BRIO Retrospective, a Longwood Art Gallery exhibition celebrating a selection of Bronx Recognizes Its Own (BRIO) awardees working across the visual arts.


The exhibition emerges as both a celebration of this important award and a vibrant mosaic of Bronx talent, reflecting the breadth of creative inquiry and lived experience shaping contemporary artistic practice in the borough. The works engage with pressing social, racial, environmental, and identity-based issues through diverse media, including mixed media, etching, painting, photography, installation, and textile.


Featured artists are Juan Butten, Shelley Haven, Esteban Guerra, Jessica Lagunas, E. Lombardo, Tijay Mohammed, Abigail Montes, Amy Pryor, Shellyne Rodriguez, and Misra Walker.


Visit Our Gallery Page


BRAC Opportunities


Call for Artists

Cultural Immigrant Initiative (CII) 2026

Application Deadline: Tuesday, February 24th by Midnight


Bronx River Art Center (BRAC) invites Bronx-based artists to apply for the Cultural Immigrant Initiative, a program supporting projects that celebrate and explore the cultural histories, traditions, and heritages of immigrant communities in New York City.


This initiative seeks to increase access to meaningful, community-based cultural programming that uplifts immigrant experiences and fosters cross-cultural understanding. Selected artists will receive a stipend of $3,000-$5,000 for their project, which will take place in Bronx community centers or public spaces (parks, recreation centers, libraries, etc.) selected and approved in partnership with BRAC.


Click the link below to start filling out your application. Please contact opencall@bronxriverart.org for any questions or concerns.


Apply for CII 2026



Job Opening

Environmental Programs & Initiatives Coordinator


Role Overview:

The Environmental Coordinator will support Bronx River Art Center’s Environmental Enrichment programs by providing hands-on guidance, coordination, and expertise around green and environmental initiatives. This role is collaborative, working closely with BRAC staff, teaching artists, volunteers, and partner organizations to ensure high-quality, interactive, and safe environmental learning experiences for youth and community participants.


Key Responsibilities:

  •   Assist lead program staff in the delivery & ideation of interactive environmental and green programming, including garden stewardship, urban farming, water ecology, and nature-based activities.
  •   Support BRAC volunteers and interns, including coordination, training, and supervision during garden, riverbank, and program activities.
  •   Collaborate with local partners, including Bronx River Alliance, Drew Gardens, and Bronx River Community Garden, to coordinate program logistics and ensure alignment with environmental learning objectives.
  •   Help maintain and organize green spaces and program sites, including gardens, rooftop green spaces, and riverbanks, supporting sustainability, safety, and accessibility.
  •   Assist with project planning and implementation for enrichment initiatives, providing expertise in outdoor and environmental program design.
  •   Provide feedback and observations to staff on program effectiveness, participant engagement, and opportunities for improvement, contributing to evaluation and reporting.
  •   Lead or teach environmental sessions onsite at BRAC in collaboration with the education team. 
  •   Lead program initiatives and content creation and collaboration for our City Day of Water, City Day of Forest, Flotilla Day, and Earth Day community engagement events.

Qualifications & Skills:

  •   Experience in urban agriculture, environmental education, ecology, or conservation programs.
  •   Ability to engage and support youth, volunteers, and staff in outdoor and hands-on learning experiences.
  •    Strong organizational skills for coordinating multiple sites, partners, and volunteers.
  •   Comfortable working outdoors in diverse weather conditions and managing physical aspects of gardens and riverbank sites.
  • Collaborative, flexible, and responsive to the needs of youth, staff, and community partners.

Commitment & Compensation:

  •    Contracted as a 1099 consultant, March through October 2026.
  •   Approximately 6–12 hours per week, with some weeks fluctuating up or down.
  •   Compensation: $25/hour.


Impact:

The Environmental Consultant is a key contributor to BRAC’s mission of providing hands-on environmental learning, STEAM integration, and community events & stewardship opportunities. By supporting program delivery, volunteer engagement, and partner collaboration, this role strengthens the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of BRAC’s green and environmental initiatives.


How to apply:

Please submit, cover letter, resume, 2-3 references and any applicable work samples to jobs@bronxriverart.org. In subject line please include, First & Last Name, Environmental Programs & Initiatives Coordinator


Applications and interviews will be on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We will prioritize applications submitted by February 28th.


Wave Hill Weekly Events (Feb 26 – Mar 5) | Reflect & Reconnect: Special Speakers and Natural Tunes

 

Plants teach us the value of intention in dormancy. Although outdoor flora appears suspended in the wintery chill, they find solace in their hibernation as they conserve energy and prepare themselves for rushes of transformations soon to come. In the rush of life, there’s nothing more important than moments of grounding and thoughtful planning. Visit the gardens and take inspiration from these peaceful plants who find the small joys of winter.  

 

Special Events 

 

Black Flora: Floriculture and the Art of Living 

Registration encouraged.    

In this special talk, author and gardener, Teresa Speight, shares how floriculture can change the direction of our lives. Drawing from her book, Black Flora: Inspiring Profiles of Floriculture’s New Vanguard, Speight highlights contemporary Black florists, floral designers, and flower farmers who felt the unexpected call to work with plants and are now paving the way for new generations. Their stories reveal how flowers can become pathways to self-expression and joy. 

 

 

Nature & Wellness 

 

Garden Highlights Walk 

Free with admission to the grounds     
Registration not required.    

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. 
 

 

Art 

 

Winter Workspace 2026 

Free with admission to the grounds     
Registration not required.    

This year, the Winter Workspace program consists of two back-to-back, seven-week sessions, in which New York area artists research, develop, and make work informed by the site, ecology and history of Wave Hill. Artists are encouraged to engage with the site’s history, architecture, and visitors while expanding their practices using resources from the garden.

 

 

Family 

 

Family Art Project: Sounds of Nature 

Free with admission to the grounds     
Registration not required.    

Let’s make music! A breeze through the trees, the hoot of an owl, rain falling on a pond, the natural world is full of beautiful sounds. We’ll make and decorate our very own instruments that mimic the tunes and tones in nature.        

 

HOURS STARTING MARCH 15: 10AM–4:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday  
Shuttle Service free from Subway and Metro-North, Saturday–Sunday 

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.