Governor Hochul, Mayor Mamdani, FIFA and NYNJ Host Committee Announce Free Watch Party in Central Park for FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final

Central Park Watch Party Will Be Presented by Global Citizen

Free Event Will Be One of the Largest Watch Parties in the World, Bringing Together 50,000 People on the Great Lawn to Watch the World Cup Final on July 19

Announcement Comes Alongside Opening of “FIFA Arena,” A Temporary Mini-Soccer Pitch in Central Park That Will Be Open to the Public Throughout the Tournament from June 10 – July 18

Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans, Central Park Conservancy President and CEO Betsy Smith and NYNJ Host Committee CEO Alex Lasry today announced a free watch party in Central Park for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final on Sunday, July 19. Tickets for the event — which will be one of the largest free FIFA World Cup 2026 watch parties in the world — will be administered by Global Citizen through a lottery system. Individuals interested in participating must register with the lottery opening up on Thursday, June 11, at 10 a.m. and closing on July 16. Doors will open at 12:00 p.m. ET and the Final match will begin at 3:00 p.m. ET.

“The World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that New Yorkers of all ages deserve to experience,” Governor Hochul said. “Over the next month-and-a-half, New Yorkers will experience the thrill of watching the World Cup in their hometown. If New Yorkers aren’t able to attend the World Cup, we’re bringing it to them, and for the Final game, New Yorkers will get to experience watching at the biggest watch party in the world in one of the greatest parks in the world.”

New York City Mayor Zohran K. Mamdani said, “You shouldn’t have to spend tens of thousands of dollars to be part of the World Cup. Under our administration, you won’t have to. From a free watch party for 50,000 New Yorkers on the Great Lawn to fan festivals in every borough and investments that help small businesses share in the benefits of this tournament, we’re making sure the World Cup belongs to the people who make this city what it is. This is a once-in-a-generation event, and working-class New Yorkers deserve to experience it, celebrate it, and benefit from it.”

FIFA World Cup 2026™ NYNJ Host Committee CEO Alex Lasry said, “The FIFA World Cup Final will be one of the most watched sporting events in the world, and we're thrilled that 50,000 people will be able to experience it together in the heart of New York City, free of charge. This watch party creates an opportunity for residents and visitors to be part of a truly historic moment, regardless of whether they have a ticket to the match itself. Combined with the opening of FIFA Arena, we're creating free, accessible ways for people to come together, celebrate the game, and be part of the excitement of the tournament throughout the summer. We are grateful to Governor Hochul, Mayor Mamdani, Global Citizen, FIFA, and all of our partners for helping make this experience possible.”

Doors for the event will open at 12:00 p.m. ET and the Final match will begin at 3:00 p.m. ET. In addition to tickets available to the general public, 20 percent will be reserved for local nonprofit organizations and NYC Service.

Backed by a $6 million investment from Empire State Development and a $3.5 million allocation from New York City, the watch party will provide 50,000 people with a free place to gather and watch the World Cup Final. iHeartRadio will serve as the official media partner for the event. National syndicated on-air personalities Charlamagne Tha God and Elvis Duran will emcee the watch party. The event will also feature live entertainment and local food vendors.

Governor Hochul, Mayor Mamdani and FIFA President Infantino also joined community partners to cut the ribbon for “FIFA Arena,” a temporary mini-soccer pitch in Central Park. The pitch will remain open throughout the tournament and offer free clinics, tournaments and open-play opportunities for New Yorkers of all ages.

Installed by FIFA and operated by Street Soccer USA, FIFA Arena will be open from June 10 to July 18, providing a free place to play throughout the tournament. Programming will include youth clinics, community tournaments and open-play sessions. See the full schedule of events.

This announcement complements the Governor's efforts to ensure that more New Yorkers can enjoy the World Cup. This month, Governor Hochul announced significant upgrades to the Official NYNJ Stadium Shuttle bus service for fans traveling to and from World Cup matches through reduced fares and 20 percent of bus tickets reserved for New York residents. The Governor also announced two New York State flagship World Cup Watch Experiences, taking place at Stony Brook University on Long Island and at Kensico Dam Plaza in the Mid-Hudson Region. 

In April, Governor Hochul, Mayor Mamdani and the FIFA World Cup 2026™ NYNJ Host Committee announced free fan events in all five boroughs of New York City. The Governor has also announced that 12 community-based projects statewide will receive grant funding as part of the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program, including free public viewings at Silo City in Buffalo.

As part of the FY27 Budget, Governor Hochul launched NY Kicks: A $5 million World Cup Legacy Investment Fund aimed at building soccer infrastructure in disadvantaged communities across each region of the state to strengthen neighborhoods and bring people together through a shared love of the game. The FY27 Budget also includes $1 million in additional funding that will be administered by the State Office of Children and Family Services for a companion grant program for NY Kicks recipients to fund programming, equipment, training, and other operating costs that maximize use of these new facilities including uniforms, shin guards, soccer balls, and coaches.

These family-friendly events are part of New York State’s coordinated effort to maximize the 2026 World Cup's statewide and economic impact, bringing communities together to experience this historic global moment close to home while advancing long-term investments in youth soccer and community infrastructure.

Last month, Governor Hochul announced that event organizers can serve alcohol at off-site activations for the duration of the World Cup by applying for a World Cup One-Day Permit through the New York State Liquor Authority. Bars and restaurants will be able to use the World Cup One-Day Permit process to use contiguous outdoor space to host events during the World Cup as opposed to the current maximum of four days. In addition, the Governor is working with the legislature to authorize temporary expansion of permissible operating hours during the World Cup, allowing bars, restaurants and other eligible on-premises establishments to remain open whenever matches are broadcast live.

These collective efforts also build on the State’s broader strategy to maximize the economic, tourism and community benefits associated with hosting matches during the tournament. For more information, including how to sign up to be notified of future New York State World Cup announcements, visit the I LOVE NY website.

STATE ASSEMBLYWOMAN JENIFER RAJKUMAR PASSES HISTORIC LEGISLATION RECOGNIZING ARFID AS AN EATING DISORDER IN NEW YORK

 

RAJKUMAR’S BILL RECOGNIZES THOUSANDS OF NEW YORKERS LIVING WITH AVOIDANT/RESTRICTIVE FOOD INTAKE DISORDER, OPENS NEW ACCESS TO EDUCATION AND TREATMENT, AND ALIGNS THE LAWBOOKS WITH MODERN MEDICAL SCIENCE

Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar proudly announced the passage of her landmark legislation A9600A establishing once and for all that Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is recognized as an eating disorder in New York State. First classified in 2013, ARFID is characterized by persistent limitations in food intake based on anxiety over adverse consequences from eating; sensory sensitivity; or lack of interest. Unlike anorexia or bulimia, it is not driven by body dysmorphia. It is often associated with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and other conditions. Historically dismissed as “picky eating,” ARFID is estimated to affect as much as 3% of the population, though the actual number may be much higher due to the lack of diagnoses.

Rajkumar’s bill recognizes and addresses the challenges people with ARFID face by adding it to the list of eating disorders officially recognized by the State. A slew of laws will now apply to the disorder, including those relating to insurance coverage, educational campaigns, and State-directed treatment centers.

The Assemblywoman authored and unanimously passed the bill after hearing from constituents whose families were living with the challenges of ARFID every day. The bill’s overwhelming momentum inspired more and more people, including her Albany colleagues and others working in the Capital, to come forward with stories of how ARFID was impacting them.

Assemblywoman Rajkumar said, "When families came to me describing how ARFID was upending their lives, I knew I had to take action. ARFID is a real, serious eating disorder recognized by modern medicine, and I am making sure our laws reflect that reality. By passing my bill, we are affirming that New Yorkers living with ARFID are seen, understood, and supported. This is about replacing misunderstanding with awareness and ensuring that science, compassion, and common sense guide public policy."

Permits Filed for 958 Rogers Place in Longwood, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for an eight-story residential building at 958 Rogers Place in Longwood, The Bronx. Located between East 156th Street and Westchester Avenue, the lot is one block from the Intervale Avenue subway station, served by the 2 and 5 trains. Genc Popaj of GP Restoration NYC Inc. is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 75-foot-tall development will yield 32,993 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 49 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 673 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar and a 30-foot-long rear yard.

Kemba Walcott of PWR Engineering Design DPC is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not yet been filed for the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Mayor Mamdani Announces Additional Knicks Watch Party Location at Bryant Park

 

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced that Bryant Park will serve as an additional Knicks watch party location for Game 3 of the NBA Finals, giving thousands more New Yorkers the opportunity to come together and support the Knicks during their historic Finals run.

The Bryant Park watch party was added by Mayor Mamdani after the U.S. Secret Service and the NYPD determined that a watch party could not be held outside Madison Square Garden due to the heightened security requirements associated with President Trump's attendance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

“These watch parties have become a celebration of New York City itself,” said Mayor Mamdani. “From every borough and every neighborhood, this city has come together to cheer on the Knicks and share in a moment that belongs to all of us. That’s why we’re adding Bryant Park as an additional watch party location, so even more fans can be part of this incredible Knicks Finals run. Whether you join us in Bryant Park, Central Park or at Brooklyn Bowl, we invite New Yorkers to come together and support our team. Let’s go Knicks.”

The Bryant Park watch party is free and open to the public, but registration is required. The event will have a maximum capacity of 5,000 attendees.

In addition to Bryant Park, Knicks watch parties will also be held in Central Park and at Brooklyn Bowl, giving fans across the city multiple opportunities to watch the game together and celebrate this historic moment for New York basketball. 

Bronx River Art Center (BRAC) - You're Invited to a Brunch Fundraiser!

 

Come to the Bronx River Art Center on Sunday, June 14th at 12pm for a brunch gathering celebrating community, creativity, and the future of interdisciplinary arts education in the Bronx. 

Enjoy some light brunch bites, mimosas and more!

All proceeds will support the ongoing work and mission of the Bronx River Arts Center.

Admission to the Brunch Gathering also includes admission to the final show in this year's Bronx River Sounds Festival, a dance performance by Argelia’s Hope Made Bread.

Purchase Brunch Gathering Ticket

DEC ANNOUNCES $18 MILLION FOR CLIMATE SMART COMMUNITIES GRANTS NOW AVAILABLE

 

Funding for Communities Supports Local Climate Action to Reduce Emissions, Improve Air Quality, and Increase Resilience

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced at least $18 million now available under the Climate Smart Communities Grant program to help municipalities take action to address climate change. Eligible projects help reduce flooding and protect critical infrastructure, support decreasing transportation emissions through cycling and walkability projects, reduce emissions from food waste and landfills, and undertake feasibility studies to advance climate projects. The funding is part of the millions of dollars now available through the Consolidated Funding Application recently announced by Governor Kathy Hochul for more than 20 programs to facilitate projects that advance regional strategic plans and State priorities. 

“DEC’s Climate Smart Communities grants, made possible thanks to funding from the Environmental Protection Fund and Environmental Bond Act, support municipal investments and projects to reduce harmful pollution, protect the environment, and improve community resilience,” Commissioner Lefton said. “State and local partnerships are critical to advance New York’s efforts to ensure climate equity, save costs for consumers, and transition to more affordable and efficient clean energy alternatives.” 

Funding for the Climate Smart Communities (CSC) 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. Since the CSC Grant program's inception in 2016, DEC has awarded more than $109 million to municipalities in support of local climate mitigation and adaptation projects. 

Applications for CSC grants are submitted via the Consolidated Funding Application; see DEC’s website for more details. Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026. Applications will not be accepted after that date and time. 

As part of the program, municipalities are required to provide a local match of 50% of the total costs for most projects. For communities that meet the criteria for financial hardship or for projects that are located in disadvantaged communities, the match may be lowered to 20%.  

At least $17 million is available for grants of between $35,000 and $2 million for implementation projects related to the following topics, among others:

• Reducing vehicle miles travelled (VMT)
• Reducing food waste in landfills
• Reducing hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emissions from refrigeration and cooling equipment
• Increasing natural resiliency through restoration or preservation of natural features
• Reducing future flood risks, including by relocating or retrofitting critical infrastructure
• Preparing for extreme heat and extreme weather events
• Renewable energy projects in municipal facilities
• Engineering feasibility studies for flood risk reduction, refrigerant management, and smart growth analysis.  

In addition, up to $1 million is available for grants of 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. 

Updates to CSC Grant Program

DEC recently announced revisions expanding the number of entities eligible to receive grants under Climate Smart Community Projects, including local public authorities, local public benefit corporations, and Indian Nations, consistent with the Environmental Conservation Law. Expanded eligibility will allow for additional entities to apply for funding and help to ensure increased participation among disadvantaged communities. Visit DEC’s website for more information. 

CSC Program

The Climate Smart Communities Grant program is one component of the larger interagency CSC Program established in 2009. To date, more than 470 local governments representing about 18 million New Yorkers have committed to mitigating and adapting to climate change by adopting the CSC pledge. This interagency effort 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. 

Since 2014, DEC has managed the CSC Certification program with the support of these partner agencies. Starting in 2016, the CSC Grant program has funded projects that help municipalities earn points under the CSC Certification program. To date, there are 185 local governments that have gone above and beyond the CSC pledge to achieve certification. DEC also provides free technical assistance to local governments through the regional CSC coordinators. Find out more on the Climate Smart Communities Certification webpage. 

During Earth Week, DEC announced 23 municipalities across the state certified under the Climate Smart Communities Certification program, including New York City and Erie County that were certified and recertified, respectively, as silver, the highest level of the program. Also, in October, DEC announced a total of $5 million for electric vehicle chargers and $585,000 for electric or hybrid vehicles for municipal fleets under the ZEV Grants program. Awards are expected to be announced in late summer. 

2026-2027 Enacted Budget Highlights

Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, the 2026-27 Enacted Budget includes another record $1 billion investment in the Sustainable Future Program, reinforcing New York’s historic commitment to clean energy and greenhouse gas mitigation. The 2026-27 Budget also reaffirms New York’s commitment to environmental leadership by appropriating $425 million to the Environmental Protection Fund, using $25 million from the Sustainable Future Program to provide a record $450 million for important environmental programs. The Budget also amends DEC’s Municipal Zero Emissions Vehicle Program to raise the maximum cap on rebates per-vehicle to $30,000 (up from $7,500), helping spur additional local investments in cleaner transportation. 

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 40 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors. The State is also working to disburse the historic $2 billion Sustainable Future Program, which will deliver targeted funding to lower emissions, reduce household energy costs, and spur green job growth. 

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 Consolidated Funding Application.

Governor Hochul Announces $146 Million in Major Paving and Bridge Projects Beginning This Month on Long Island

Major Work Beginning on Long Island Expressway, Sunrise Highway, Heckscher State Parkway and Three South Shore Bridges

Work Completed Ahead of Schedule on $18.5 Million Project Along a Busy Section of the Northern State Parkway

Major Investment in Building Stronger Highway Infrastructure And Enhancing Safety Across Long Island

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the start of $146 million in bridge and paving projects across Long Island, including major pavement renewal work on the Long Island Expressway, Sunrise Highway, Heckscher State Parkway and three bridge rehabilitation projects that connect Long Islanders with South Shore beaches and shorefront communities in Nassau County. Additionally, the Governor announced that an $18.5 million pavement renewal project on the Northern State Parkway has been completed ahead of schedule, just in time for the summer season.

“Investing in Long Island’s bridges and highways means investing in safety, economic opportunity and improving the stability of vital roadways while building a dependable transportation system that Long Islanders need,” Governor Hochul said.“Through our historic capital plan, we are doing projects of all shapes and sizes across Long Island, rebuilding our transportation network today to meet the needs of tomorrow.”

Long Island Expressway (Interstate 495)

An estimated 175,000 tons of asphalt will be used on a $52.3 million project to renew 193 lane miles of the expressway’s three main travel lanes, the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane, shoulders and entrance/exit ramps within Nassau County. Stretching from one end of the county to the other, this project also includes cleaning and maintaining more than 1,100 storm drains to mitigate roadway drainage and prevent flooding conditions.

Major paving work on this project is expected to be completed this fall.

A separate, $3.6 million project is also starting in Suffolk County focusing on sealing pavement cracks and other minor imperfections. If left untreated, these cracks can expand due to heavy traffic and freeze-thaw cycles, leading to potholes, more extensive damage and potential travel delays. This work spans 293 lane miles between the Nassau-Suffolk County line and Exit 64 at State Route 112 as well as the North and South Service Roads between Commack Road (County Route 4) and Wicks Road, which were resurfaced in 2022, and is expected to be completed in spring 2028.

Additionally, repairs to the expressway’s wooden noise barriers in Suffolk County are continuing. Since work began last fall, more than 360,000 linear feet of wood, or the equivalent of more than 540 football fields, have been replaced and rehabilitation is expected to continue through the end of 2027 in an effort to reduce highway noise in nearby residential neighborhoods.

More than 190,000 vehicles travel the Long Island Expressway each day, approximately 10% of which are commercial trucks, placing significant wear and tear on the roadway. As a vital east-west route for commuters, tourism, freight movement and bus service, maintaining the expressway is essential to Long Island’s mobility and economic strength.

To minimize disruptions to motorists, major construction activities will take place during off-peak and overnight hours and will be coordinated with other paving projects across Long Island this year.

Sunrise Highway (State Route 27)

More than 140 lane miles of Sunrise Highway encompassing all of Nassau County and into western Suffolk County are set to undergo pavement renewal as part of a $59.7 million highway resurfacing project.

From the Queens-Nassau border to North Monroe Avenue, near Babylon Town Hall, in Suffolk County, crews will install an estimated 224,000 tons of new warm-mix asphalt. More than 1,600 storm drains will be cleaned, maintained, and, if needed, upgraded to improve resiliency during severe weather events. Traffic signals will be modernized with new vehicle detection software to improve their operations and mobility. More than 550 sidewalk ramps will be upgraded for accessibility to meet the latest standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Another 20 lane miles along Sunrise Highway’s North and South Service Roads between State Route 109 and Udall Road in Suffolk County will also be resurfaced with 30 sidewalk ramps being upgraded for ADA compliance.

These pavement renewal projects are scheduled for completion this fall.

Sunrise Highway was originally a major water conduit serving New York City, which used water from Long Island ponds. Today it is a major trucking highway for the South Shore, connecting local communities, downtown business districts, national retailers, multi-family housing developments and key commercial destinations. It also runs adjacent to the Long Island Railroad and offers access to JFK Airport, making it an important transportation link for residents and businesses.

Saltwater Bridges

A $16 million project to rehabilitate three key parkway bridges to enhance safety, strengthen infrastructure resiliency and extend the service life of the structures for at least another 20 years is beginning. All three crossings span saltwater channels that connect Long Islanders with South Shore beaches and shorefront communities in Nassau County.

A new concrete riding surface will be installed on the Loop Parkway bridge over Reynolds Channel and the Meadowbrook State Parkway bridges over Fundy Channel and False Channel, all within the Town of Hempstead, to improve rideability.

Crews will also be performing maintenance to the bridge decks, replacing bridge joints to strengthen the overall structural integrity, replacing the bridge railings to enhance motorist safety and installing new navigation lighting to improve visibility for maritime traffic.

Major work is beginning this month and is expected to be fully complete by the end of 2028. Motorists should anticipate periodic daytime and nighttime closures during construction. Significant closures will be coordinated with local officials to minimize community impacts. No daytime lane closures will occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day to help accommodate peak summer travel to Jones Beach State Park and surrounding coastal destinations.

The Meadowbrook State Parkway serves as a critical transportation link for motorists and buses to Jones Beach State Park and the Loop Parkway provides an essential connection between Long Beach barrier island communities and Long Island’s historic parkway system.

Heckscher State Parkway

A $15 million concrete pavement restoration project in the Town of Islip, Suffolk County, is beginning, which will enhance safety, improve travel conditions, and extend the lifespan of this important roadway for the more than 45,000 motorists who use it each day. The project is now beginning along a six-mile corridor between the Sagtikos State Parkway and Sunrise Highway (State Route 27) and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

Workers will replace worn sections of concrete pavement with new, high-strength concrete designed to better withstand heavy daily traffic and seasonal temperature fluctuations. Crews will also clean and seal cracks and pavement joints to prevent water and debris which can cause further deterioration. Reflective pavement markings will be refreshed to improve visibility and enhance safety for motorists.

As part of the work, the pavement will also be restored using diamond grinding, which consists of equipment fitted with closely spaced diamond-tipped blades, that removes a thin layer from the concrete surface. This process smooths uneven pavement, restores ride quality, improves skid resistance and reduces roadway noise.

The project also includes cleaning and repairing drainage structures, as warranted, to ensure proper drainage during storms. This will help to extend the life of the pavement and reduce the need for future repairs.

The Heckscher State Parkway is a continuation of the Southern State Parkway from the Sagtikos State Parkway to Heckscher State Park, a popular Long Island destination offering beaches and water recreation along the Great South Bay, as well as campgrounds, a golf course and year-round outdoor amenities. It also provides connections to local and federal courthouses as well as Fairfield Properties Ballpark, home of the Long Island Ducks.

To minimize impacts to travelers and parkgoers, the majority of the construction will be staged during off-peak and overnight hours, consistent with New York State’s Drivers First Initiative, to reduce commuter disruptions and avoid conflicts with events at the state park.

Northern State Parkway

Major pavement resurfacing work has been completed ahead of schedule along a busy section of the Northern State Parkway in Nassau and Suffolk counties. With completion coming earlier than expected on this $18.5 million project, motorists will now enjoy construction-free driving to their summertime destinations. The project renewed approximately 50 lane miles of pavement in both directions, enhancing safety and travel for the nearly 100,000 motorists who rely on the roadway each day while generating approximately 240 jobs.

When eastbound pavement renewal started earlier this spring, it was originally expected to be completed this summer. But work progressed faster than expected as the workers diligently moved from the Wantagh State Parkway interchange at Exit 33 in the Village of Westbury east towards the New York Avenue overpass near Exit 40 in the Town of Huntington.

New reflective pavement markings were also installed to improve visibility for drivers and more than 50 sidewalk ramps located at parkway entrance and exit ramps were upgraded to meet the latest standards established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enhancing accessibility for pedestrians.

With the completion of the westbound lanes this past fall and now the eastbound lanes, the parkway’s entire riding surface has been resurfaced with previous sections being completed in 2020, 2023, and 2024.

The Northern State Parkway is a busy and scenic roadway on the North Shore of Long Island, stretching from central Suffolk County west to the New York City borough of Queens. The parkway provides access to numerous popular destinations along the way, including state parks, beaches, museums, sports venues and LaGuardia Airport.

Mayor Mamdani Announces “Winners” of New York City’s 2K for 2-K Event

 

Ready, Set, Go; more than 1,000 runners joined Mayor Mamdani to encourage families to apply for 2-K by the June 26 deadline

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York Road Runners (NYRR), the nonprofit that “runs” New York City, hosted the 2K for 2-K event in Fort Tryon Park to celebrate New York City’s first-ever 2-K program and encourage families to apply before the June 26 deadline.

The Mayor and participants aged 2 and older laced up their sneakers to run and walk 2-kilometers (1.2 miles), highlighting the City’s effort to make child care more affordable and accessible for working families. The free family event also featured on-site enrollment specialists, youth dashes and activities celebrating the historic program, which will provide free child care seats for 2,000 two-year olds this fall.

“New York City’s two-year olds are the real winners of today's race, because applications are now open for families to access free, full-day, full-year 2-K,” said Mayor Mamdani. “For too long, working families have had to run circles to navigate impossible costs and endless waitlists just to find child care. We’re changing that. With 2-K, families can rest assured that their kids will get the running start they deserve.”

"Today's 2K for 2-K event combined movement, community, and connection—reminding New Yorkers of all ages that it's never too early to take that first step and experience the transformative power of running," said Rob Simmelkjaer, New York Road Runners CEO. "We're proud to partner with the City of New York throughout the year to create accessible, inclusive opportunities for families to be active, connect, and build lifelong healthy habits together."

Hitting the ground running, Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul announced the historic launch of 2-K just eight days after the Mayor took office. Families can apply for 2-K seats in School Districts 6, 10, 18, 23 and 27 until June 26, 2026, with offers released in August. Applications can be submitted through MySchools, by calling 718-935-2009 or by visiting one of the City’s Family Welcome Centers.

New York Road Runners produces 60 adult and youth races annually, including the TCS New York City Marathon, and provides free year-round youth and community programming through programs like  Rising New York Road Runners. The nonprofit’s running-based youth program serves 200,000 students nationwide, including 100,000 in New York City. Throughout the year, NYRR hosts more than 20 free Rising New York Road Runners youth events, including its marquee event, the TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff.

The 2K for 2-K event builds on the administration’s efforts to address New York City’s child care affordability crisis. In February, Mayor Mamdani launched a 2-K request for information, and in April announced that most 2-K seats would operate on a full-day and full-year schedule. Last month, the Administration also partnered with Bronx-born rapper Cardi B to host a 2-K jingle contest, with the winning entry set to be announced later this month.