Speaker Menin, Council Members, Housing Advocates, and Business Leaders Rally in Support of Insurance Accountability to Lower Costs for New Yorkers

 

Proposed legislation to create a first-in-the-nation Office of Insurance Accountability would increase support for consumers, enhance transparency, and make recommendations to stabilize growing costs 

Today, Speaker Julie Menin, Council Members, housing advocates, and business leaders rallied in support of proposed legislation that would increase insurance accountability and transparency as rising insurance costs continue to drive up rents, consumer prices, and the cost of living across New York City. Introduction 685, sponsored by Speaker Menin, would establish a new, first-in-the-nation Office of Insurance Accountability to equip both consumers and businesses with clear, accessible information to make informed decisions about their insurance coverage.  

Rising insurance costs are increasingly becoming a major barrier to business and housing development across the city. For example, business liability insurance has increased by 10% annually, forcing many nightlife establishments to change how they operate or even shut down. Additionally, rapid increases in insurance costs are adding pressure to landlords to increase rents and putting the financial viability of affordable multifamily rental housing at risk.     

“New Yorkers are overpaying for insurance of all kinds, and those rising costs hurt our wages, wallets, economic development, and a hidden contributor to the affordability crisis,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “This bill gives the City the tools to understand what is driving these out-of-control costs so that we can spend smarter and get better value for taxpayers. Our goal is to make the system more equitable, transparent, and affordable for all New Yorkers.” 

Introduction 685, sponsored by Speaker Menin, which would establish an Office of Insurance Accountability. The office would: 

• Provide information and guidance to consumers on selecting insurance plans  

• Track and publicly report on legal actions involving deceptive or unfair insurance practices  

• Conduct annual studies on the cost of insurance and the factors driving those costs  

• Issue recommendations to help stabilize or lower insurance costs  

• Create a consumer assistance unit, led by an Insurance Accountability Advocate, to help resolve insurance-related issues 

The legislation builds on Speaker Menin’s previous efforts to increase accountability and transparency on growing costs New Yorkers face. In 2023, the Council approved Local Law 78, sponsored by then Council Member Menin, which established the Office of Healthcare Accountability. 

“I am proud to stand with Speaker Menin in strong support of her legislation, Intro 685, to establish an Office of Insurance Accountability,” said Deputy Leader Chris Banks. “For too long, New Yorkers have been forced to navigate skyrocketing insurance costs and opaque industry practices with little transparency and even less recourse, (I am one of those New Yorkers). This bill delivers real oversight by shining a light on deceptive and unfair practices, increasing transparency, and ensuring consumers have clear, reliable guidance when selecting insurance coverage. By closely examining what is driving rising insurance costs and putting forward concrete recommendations to stabilize premiums, this legislation brings long‑overdue accountability to an industry that directly affects the financial security of families, homeowners, and small businesses across our city. Creating a dedicated office to assist consumers and advocate on their behalf is wise policy and essential, especially as New Yorkers continue to face an unprecedented affordability crisis.” 

Attorney General James Secures Over $5 Million from Crypto Platform for Promoting Fraudulent Investment Scheme

 

Uphold Misled Investors by Promoting Cred’s Investment Product CredEarn, Causing Investors to Lose Millions of Dollars When Cred Collapsed

New York Attorney General Letitia James today secured more than $5 million from the cryptocurrency platform Uphold HQ, Inc. (Uphold) for misleading investors and promoting a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme orchestrated by Cred, LLC (Cred) and it's Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Schatt. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that Uphold misleadingly promoted and offered Cred’s investment product, CredEarn, to its customers, in violation of New York law. Uphold advertised CredEarn as a reliable savings product, when in reality, Cred was making risky loans to borrowers in China with no credit histories. When Cred collapsed in 2020, thousands of Uphold’s customers across the world who had invested in CredEarn lost millions of dollars. As a result of today’s settlement, Uphold will pay $5 million to harmed investors – more than five times the amount it earned in fees it collected – and change its policies to better protect users from third-party investment schemes. 

“When crypto companies break the law and mislead investors, the consequences can be devastating to New Yorkers’ livelihoods,” said Attorney General James. “Uphold promoted risky investments and misled its customers to believe they were safe. Investors should be able to trust the industry advice they receive, and my office will always work to ensure bad actors are held accountable for endangering their customers’ financial security.”

Uphold is a cryptocurrency platform that offers users the ability to buy, sell, and trade digital assets. From January 2019 through October 2020, Uphold offered CredEarn on its platform and mobile app. CredEarn promised significant annual interest payments to customers who invested their cryptocurrency in the company. In advertising CredEarn, Uphold misleadingly promoted it as a safe, reliable savings product. In reality, Cred generated interest through risky micro-loans to video game players in China who had low monthly incomes, no credit histories, and no access to credit through traditional Chinese financial institutions. In promoting CredEarn, Uphold also stated that Cred was covered by “comprehensive insurance,” but no insurance that would protect retail investors from investment losses of digital assets existed in the industry. The OAG’s investigation also found that Uphold was illegally promoting CredEarn without registering as either a broker or commodity broker-dealer. 

Starting in March 2020, Cred incurred significant losses due to its risky lending practices and mismanagement, and declared bankruptcy in November 2020, resulting in investor losses of millions of dollars.  

As a result of OAG’s investigation, Uphold will pay $5 million to customers who suffered losses. All payments Uphold receives from Cred’s bankruptcy proceedings, in which it is owed $545,189, will also be paid to customers who were harmed. Investors will receive an email from Uphold informing them that funds will be distributed to their accounts. Additionally, Uphold must maintain and improve its due diligence policies before partnering with or recommending a third-party investment product. As part of the settlement, Uphold will also register as a broker with the OAG.

Governor Hochul Announces Launch of New 10-Year Statewide Effort to Assess Gambling Addiction and Behaviors in New York State

Decade-long Gambling, Health and Recreational Behaviors Study Includes Surveys and Interviews of New Yorkers Across the State

Survey Effort Is One of Governor’s State of the State Initiatives and Will Inform Future Support and Services

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of a new, decade-long survey effort designed to assess gambling behaviors of New Yorkers and evaluate where additional problem gambling-related services and supports may be needed. New Yorkers in all areas of the state will be contacted to promote participation in the surveys, the results of which will be used to inform enhancements and expansions to gambling services across New York. The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) is administering and overseeing the survey effort.

“New York State remains committed to helping those impacted by problem gambling, which can affect anyone, regardless of age or where they live,” Governor Hochul said. “We look forward to gaining valuable insight into the gambling behaviors of New Yorkers as part of this effort, as we continue to work to raise awareness of this issue. This effort will help ensure we’re using real data to guide smart, targeted investments that protect New Yorkers and strengthen access to care.”

Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “As gambling opportunities continue to expand in New York State, we need to be proactive and determine where additional services may be needed to help those affected by gambling addiction. The results of this effort will help to inform future plans and initiatives, ensuring that New Yorkers remain protected from gambling harms, and that those impacted are able to access the services they need.”

This 10-year study will target adults 18 years and older, and data collected will help OASAS understand trends and viewpoints associated with gambling harms, the prevalence of problem gambling and gambling disorder, and community awareness of risks associated with gambling. It will also assist in continued planning and implementation of prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery services within communities throughout New York. Questionnaire-based surveys as well as interviews and focus groups will be conducted through this initiative. More information about the survey effort can be viewed on the OASAS website.

OASAS oversees and provides a wide range of gambling services in New York State. This includes access to both outpatient and inpatient treatment services, support at Recovery Community Outreach Centers, and access to peers with lived experience with gambling. The regional Problem Gambling Resource Centers (PGRCs), which are funded by OASAS and operated by the New York Council on Problem Gambling, can provide regional resources including information, training, and connections to help.

In addition, OASAS offers free financial counseling to those facing financial challenges due to gambling behaviors through a partnership with GamFin. The State has also run several public awareness campaigns that support healthy gambling behaviors and educate New Yorkers on how to reduce risks that can be associated with gambling, including the ongoing “Take a Pause” campaign. This campaign encourages people to evaluate their gambling habits by taking a survey and provides tips and resources on how to maintain healthy gambling behaviors.

OASAS also works closely with the NYS Gaming Commission and the NY Council on Problem Gambling through the Responsible Play Partnership, collaborating on regulatory measures to prevent underage gambling, promote responsible gaming, and how New Yorkers can access support if needed. 

Mayor Mamdani Launches Organize NYC to Mobilize New Yorkers to Testify Ahead of Rent Guidelines Board Hearings

 

Organize NYC brings the people-powered movement that elected the Mayor into City governance  

  

“For us to be complacent in accepting of a process where 0.02% of those impacted are testifying is to me a failure of civic engagement. And what this office and our partners are dedicated towards is ensuring that far more New Yorkers understand not only the responsibility government has but the role they have,” said Mayor Mamdani.   

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Tascha Van Auken, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement, announced the launch of Organize NYC, a long-term initiative to bring mass public participation into the work of governing.  

  

The effort begins with a campaign focused on upcoming Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) hearings. Volunteers will canvass across the city to encourage tenants and landlords to testify ahead of the Board’s June vote, which will determine whether rents increase or remain the same for more than 2 million New Yorkers. The RGB considers public testimony as part of its decision-making process.  

  

Organize NYC will begin canvassing in early May in:  

•   Concourse, the Bronx  

•   Jackson Heights, Queens  

•   Northern Washington Heights, Manhattan  

•   East Village, Manhattan  

•   Flatbush, Brooklyn  

  

New Yorkers can sign up to canvass at: organize.nyc.gov.   

 

Organize NYC will not advocate for any specific outcome in the RGB vote or guide what participants say if they choose to testify. Instead, the campaign focuses on ensuring more New Yorkers can take part in decisions that directly impact their lives.  

  

“This movement was never about a single election or a single administration. It’s about building lasting power for working-class New Yorkers,” said Mayor Mamdani. “This June, the Rent Guidelines Board will make a decision that affects more than 2 million people. But first, they will hear from us. Organize NYC will mobilize New Yorkers to make sure they know they have a voice in that decision – and how to use it – because government only works when it answers to the people it serves.”  

  

“Too often, people don’t know about the opportunities they have to make their voices heard — or they don’t know how to take part. Organize NYC is about changing that by breaking down barriers and cutting through the complexity that has kept New Yorkers at arm’s length from the decisions that shape their lives,” said Tascha Van Auken, Commissioner for the Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement. “The movement that brought us here showed what’s possible when people come together — and that same spirit continues to guide this work today.”  

  

“When New Yorkers organize, services come faster, buildings are safer, housing policy becomes fairer and enforcement is stronger. Whether it’s a meeting in your lobby or testimony at City Hall, Organize NYC will bring everyday New Yorkers into the work of governing and keep this administration connected to what is happening on the ground,’ working people,” said Cea Weaver, Director, Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants.  

  

Last year, about 400 people testified at RGB hearings, even though the RGB’s decisions affect more than 2 million New Yorkers. Organize NYC aims to close that gap by growing awareness and participation citywide.  

  

Upcoming Rent Guidelines Board hearings:  

•   Queens: Thursday, June 4, 5 p.m., Jamaica Performing Arts Center Auditorium; 153-10 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11432  

•   Bronx: Monday, June 8, 5 p.m., Main Theatre of Hostos Community College; 450 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451  

•   Brooklyn: Thursday, June 11, 7 p.m., The Theater at City Tech, NYC College of Technology; 275 Jay Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201  

•   Manhattan: Tuesday, June 16, 5 p.m., Symphony Space; 2537 Broadway & 95th Street, New York, NY 10025  

  

The Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement will also host an NYC 101 training to break down the affordability crisis, explain how city government works and connect New Yorkers with ways to get involved.  

  

Sign up at organize.nyc.gov.   

THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF STATE’S ADDRESS CONFIDENTIALITY PROGRAM HAS SERVED MORE THAN 10,000 PARTICIPANTS SINCE ITS 2012 LAUNCH

 

The Program Continues to Provide Resources for Thousands of Domestic and other Physical Violence Victims in New York

Secretary Mosley: “It’s a somber milestone to recognize that over 10,000 New Yorkers have utilized the Address Confidentiality Program to stay safe, but thanks to this program, New Yorkers experiencing violence can create a new life for themselves and their families.”

The New York State Department of State’s Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) today announced the enrollment of its ten thousandth participant since the founding of the Program. The Address Confidentiality Program acts as a safety tool to support victims and survivors experiencing domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, human trafficking and or kidnapping, and their immediate family members who are in fear for their safety and have moved to an undisclosed location. 

 “Victims and survivors face extensive barriers and the Address Confidentiality Program allows them to safely access the public services we all use daily to participate in our communities,” said New York Secretary of State Walter Mosley. “It’s a somber milestone to recognize that over 10,000 New Yorkers have utilized the Address Confidentiality Program to stay safe, but thanks to this program, New Yorkers experiencing violence can create a new life for themselves.”

The Address Confidentiality Program was designed to help victims and survivors of gender-based violence by providing eligible individuals with a legal substitute address and free confidential mail forwarding service to shield their real address from public records. Eligible applicants include victims and survivors of domestic violence, stalking, sexual offenses, human trafficking, and kidnapping who have relocated out of fear for their safety, as well as reproductive health care services providers, volunteers, and patients. New York is one of over 40 states that has some version of an Address Confidentiality Program.

Office of Victim Services Director Bea Hanson said, “We are grateful to the Department of State for championing this life-saving program. The fact that over 10,00 people have used the Address Confidentiality Program is a testament to its importance in supporting survivors’ safety and healing. We look forward to continuing to promote its use through our network of providers and partners.” 

NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence General Counsel Jara Traina said, “Today, we recognize not just a number- we recognize the survivors who have taken a courageous step to protect themselves and their families as they rebuild their lives. Programs like the Address Confidentiality Program reflect New York’s commitment to supporting survivors through survivor-centered and trauma-informed approaches. OPDV thanks our partner state agencies for their work in making sure the Address Confidentiality Program is accessible and responsive.” 

The Program:

• Provides a legal substitute address for ACP participants to use in place of their residential, work, or school address. All local and New York State government agencies are required to accept this address.
• Receives the participant’s first class, certified, and registered mail, then forwards it to the participant’s actual residential address free of charge.
• Accepts process (legal notices) on behalf of the participants and forwards it to their safe residential mailing address.

The ACP also partners with state and local institutions that provide victim services to the community to educate stakeholders about how the ACP works, and how they can help eligible individuals apply by becoming an Application Assistance Provider. Application Assistance Providers can be any organization that works with eligible individuals, including local domestic and gender-based violence agencies, nonprofits, county agencies, and more.

The Address Confidentiality Program is one tool that victims and survivors can use in their overall safety plan and helps reduce the availability of a survivor’s safe location on public records. Individuals experiencing gender-based violence who are in need of their own safety planning can contact the free and confidential New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline to locate resources and support near them. The Hotline can be reached by calling 1-800-942-6906, texting 844-997-2121 or chatting online at https://opdv.ny.gov/.

Anyone interested in learning more or applying to the Address Confidentiality Program, or any local organizations interested in training and partnering with the ACP can visit the DOS website: https://dos.ny.gov/ACP or contact us by email at acp@dos.ny.gov.

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli: Local Sales Tax Collections Total 6.1 Billion, Up 5.1% in First Quarter

Local government sales tax collections totaled $6.1 billion in the first quarter (January-March) of 2026, an increase of 5.1% ($295 million) compared to the same quarter last year. Nine of the 10 regions in the state, including New York City, had a year-over-year increase in collections, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. First quarter growth statewide was higher than the year-over-year growth for the same quarter in 2024 (1.6%) and 2025 (3.2%) “Local sales tax collections experienced a substantial increase in the first quarter compared to last year, but growth varied significantly by region,” DiNapoli said. “An economic slowdown due to geopolitical conflicts and federal actions could affect future tax collections, and local governments must be cautious in estimating this revenue.” New York City’s sales tax collections totaled over $2.8 billion in the first quarter, an increase of 6.2% ($166 million), year over year. Meanwhile, aggregate first quarter collections for counties and cities outside the city grew by 3.9% ($107 million). Regional increases ranged from 0.5% (Mohawk Valley) to 5.8% (Central New York), with the Finger Lakes being the only region to see a year-over-year decline (-1.2%). Over 80% (47 of 57) of counties outside of New York City experienced a year-over-year increase in first quarter collections, with 39% seeing over 5% growth. Ulster County had the highest quarterly growth at 10.7%, followed by Genesee County at 9.7%, Seneca County at 9.6%, and Saratoga and Cattaraugus counties at 8.4% each. Among the 10 counties that had decreases in first quarter collections, Sullivan saw the steepest decline at -13.7%, followed by Montgomery (-8.1%), Lewis (-6.6%) and Monroe (-5.1%). Ten of 18 of the cities outside of New York City that impose their own sales tax experienced year-over-year growth in the first quarter. Ogdensburg had the largest increase at 27.2%, followed by Olean (11.7%) and Oswego (8.9%). Conversely, the cities of Salamanca, Glens Falls and Mount Vernon saw decreases in collections at -16.1%, -7.2% and -4.6%, respectively. Report First Quarter 2026 Local Sales Taxes Data Regional Table with Detailed Sales Tax Collections by County and City

 

Mayor Mamdani Unveils Design Concepts to Put the ‘Park’ Back in Park Avenue

 

Redesign would transform Park Avenue between East 46th Street and East 57th Street, making it safer, greener and more welcoming  

  

City to host public workshops for New Yorkers to learn more and provide feedback 

Rendering for one of two proposals for the redesign of Park Avenue.

New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn today unveiled design concepts to put the ‘park’ back in Park Avenue, reimagining a key stretch of Midtown Manhattan as a greener, safer and more people-centered corridor.   

  

The proposed redesign would expand the avenue’s median, add pedestrian enhancements, seating and landscaping, and explore potential bike lanes and innovative streetscape amenities. The project area sits directly above the Grand Central Terminal train shed, which is undergoing a major capital rehabilitation by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)’s Metro-North Railroad.   

  

As the MTA replaces and waterproofs the structure below, the City is advancing a parallel effort to transform the avenue above — aligning infrastructure renewal with a broader vision for public space shaped by community input.    

  

“With this new redesign, we are putting the ‘Park’ back into Park Avenue and upgrading Midtown Manhattan by providing residents and visitors alike with more usable public space,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Our city’s public spaces must better serve the public, and my administration has made this a priority through bold infrastructure investments and street redesigns. Working together with our partners across the City and State, we will ensure that New York City’s streets are the envy of the world.”  

  

“The Park Avenue redesign will make Midtown Manhattan safer, greener and more welcoming for pedestrians,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson. “By upgrading the medians and seating, Park Avenue will finally, truly belong to the public. The Mamdani Administration will keep pushing to make our streets safer and more accessible for all New Yorkers."   

   

“Whether you’re walking, biking or just looking for a place to sit and take a break, this project is about making Park Avenue work better for you” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “We’re turning underused space into something welcoming, functional and vibrant for the people who live, work and spend time on this iconic street.”  

    

The proposal covers 11 blocks from 46th Street to 57th Street. It would remove one travel lane in each direction, allowing medians to expand and accommodate seating, plantings and other pedestrian and cycling amenities. New crosswalks would connect the medians along the corridor.   

  

The design aims to balance the needs of pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. Potential bike improvements are being studied in coordination with the City’s broader bike network. A typical median could include planting areas, a north-south bike lane and a pedestrian pathway.  

  

 A rendering for one of the two design concepts.  

The concepts were developed through extensive community engagement, including a public survey, stakeholder interviews, workshops and meetings with community boards and local organizations.    

  

The train shed rehabilitation is part of the MTA’s 2025–2029 capital plan. The agency is coordinating construction with nearby development projects in East Midtown.   

  

Upcoming Outreach  

NYC DOT will host public events to gather feedback:   

 

Wednesday, April 29, 2026  

12-2 p.m.   

•    Lever House (54th Street & Park Avenue)
•    425 Park Avenue (56th Street & Park Avenue)

   

5-7 p.m. (Rain date is Thursday, April 30 from 5-7 p.m.)

•    Lever House (54th Street & Park Avenue)  

•    277 Park Ave (47th Street & Park Avenue)   

   

Saturday, May 2, 2026  

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.  

•   St. Bartholomew’s Church (50th Street & Park Avenue)  

  

Community Board Meetings  

•    Manhattan Community Board 6: May 4, 2026, 7 p.m. (virtual)  

•   Manhattan Community Board 5: May 28, 2026 (details forthcoming)    

  

The planning process is funded through the East Midtown Governing Group, created as part of the 2017 Greater East Midtown rezoning, which requires new commercial developments to contribute to nearby public realm improvements.  

  

Community and business leaders echoed support for expanded public space, citing the benefits of wider medians, improved access and a more people-focused streetscape.