Speaker Julie Menin, Housing Chair Pierina Sanchez, and NYC Council Secure Historic Agreement to Expand Housing Voucher Access, Providing Tens of Thousands of New Yorkers Facing Eviction and Homelessness with Stable Homes

 

Transformative agreement with Mamdani Administration provides urgently-needed relief to thousands of households in FY27, ends years of litigation, and contains the cost of expansion

New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, Housing and Buildings Committee Chair Pierina Sanchez, and Council Members announced an historic agreement to expand access to housing vouchers for New Yorkers facing eviction and experiencing homelessness. Following months of negotiation to resolve litigation over the Council’s 2023 CityFHEPS Reform Laws, the Council secured $300 million across the Fiscal Years (FY) 2027 and 2028 budgets to expand rental assistance—and potentially reach 30,000 additional New Yorkers. The agreement marks a significant shift in the City’s approach to addressing homelessness, with an emphasis on keeping New Yorkers housed and decreasing the reliance on expensive shelter costs.

As part of the agreement with the Mamdani Administration, the Council will hold a vote on a Preconsidered Introduction, sponsored by Council Member Pierina Sanchez, that will establish a new rental assistance program that will reach more New Yorkers facing eviction and those in shelter who are not currently eligible for the existing CityFHEPS program. The new voucher program will be administered by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). While preserving the spirit and goals of the 2023 CityFHEPS Reform Laws, the bill creates an avenue to housing stability for New Yorkers who have been ineligible for CityFHEPS, preventing them from becoming homeless by keeping them in their homes, contains the cost of the expansion, and creates a sustainable framework for annual evaluation moving forward with guardrails on the program.

Upon passage of the legislation, the Mamdani Administration will drop its appeal of the lawsuit as part of the deal, ending a legal battle that has delayed support for thousands of families that would have been eligible for housing vouchers.

“Every New Yorker deserves a safe, affordable home, and this agreement will help more families avoid eviction and homelessness,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “Our historic announcement includes the administration dropping their lawsuit against the Council and a new bill which addresses some of the fiscal concerns. Housing vouchers are a smart investment that save taxpayers money by preventing homelessness before it happens. Keeping families in their homes means children can remain in their schools, parents can stay connected to work, and communities remain stable. This agreement delivers a humane and fiscally responsible path forward by expanding access to rental assistance, establishing cost controls, and ending years of litigation. I thank Chair Pierina Sanchez and my Council colleagues for their partnership and tireless advocacy to make this agreement possible.”

“This is a historic win for vulnerable New Yorkers — and a turning point in our City’s approach to homelessness,” said Council Member Pierina Sanchez, Chair of the Committee on Housing and Buildings. “For too long, New York City has paid more for worse outcomes, keeping children and families in shelter when permanent housing is safer, more stable, more humane, and more cost-effective. With a cumulative $300 million committed across the FY27 and FY28 City Budgets, we are expanding access to housing vouchers responsibly, delivering relief to tens of thousands of New Yorkers, and putting the City on a stronger path away from costly shelter reliance and toward permanent homes. I am deeply grateful to Speaker Julie Menin for holding the line, to my colleagues for uplifting this priority, to advocates for never giving up on the New Yorkers they fight for, and to the Mayor for staying at the table and getting this deal to the finish line. This is how we meet the urgency of the crisis while demanding better governance, stronger oversight, and real accountability.”

CityFHEPS, which currently serves roughly 65,000 families, and other housing voucher programs are more cost effective than relying on the shelter system. Housing vouchers costs as little as $54 per day per family, compared to as much as $270 per day for shelter costs. In addition to shelter costs, the City allocates significant funding to support homeless households that is not needed if a family remains in their home, including educational supports specifically for homeless students, busing to a child’s school of origin as required by federal law, and health and mental health supports.

To reduce the upfront cost of the original CityFHEPS Reform Laws, but still expand eligibility to reach more New Yorkers, the legislation limits the pool of eligible households by targeting those most at risk of homelessness and requires the Mayor and the Council to negotiate annually on the scale of the program. The voucher program will also preserve affordable housing by keeping New Yorkers in their rent-stabilized units.

Key components of the agreement:

•   The Mamdani Administration is dropping its appeal of the lawsuit.
•  The Council is enacting legislation to create a new framework for housing vouchers that contains costs and codifies voucher expansion. Eligibility for the voucher program includes:
  •   Increasing income eligibility threshold to New Yorkers living at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI)
  •   Reaching New Yorkers living in non-Department of Homeless Services (DHS) shelters, such as runaway and homeless youth, justice-involved individuals, and New Yorkers displaced by a fire or other City vacate orders
•   The Council and the Administration are funding the housing voucher expansion at $175 million in FY27, with $125 million baselined starting in FY28.

In 2018, then-Mayor Bill de Blasio established CityFHEPS as a consolidation of multiple voucher programs to provide rental assistance to people living in shelters or at risk of homelessness. The Council passed four bills in 2023 that expanded eligibility for the program by raising the income eligibility threshold, eliminating the shelter-stay requirement, and removing certain work and source-of-income requirements. These changes were intended to make the program more proactive by keeping families at risk of eviction in their homes rather than waiting until after they entered a shelter to become eligible for assistance.

The Administration of former Mayor Eric Adams refused to implement the program, despite the laws going into effect in January 2024. In response, the Legal Aid Society, on behalf of impacted New Yorkers, filed a lawsuit, which the Council joined, to uphold a basic standard: when the Council passes a law, the Administration has an obligation to New Yorkers to follow it. An appeals court ruled last year that the Council was within its rights to legislate on the program, and, more generally, had the authority to pass local law relating to social service programs. After the administration of Mayor Zohran Mamdani appealed the First Department ruling that had sided with the City Council, the Council filed its response to that appeal. Today’s agreement effectively ends that lawsuit and keeps intact the Council’s ability to pass critical legislation for New Yorkers in need.

Chinese National Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Role in Drug Trafficking Organization

 

Henglie Zhou (31, China) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jordan E. Pratt to five years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. Zhou pleaded guilty on March 5, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, on October 7, 2024, as part of an ongoing investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, a trooper from the Florida Highway Patrol stopped a transit van for a traffic violation. Zhou was the driver and sole occupant of the van. A canine unit responded to the traffic stop and alerted to the presence of drugs inside the vehicle.

A search of the van revealed 22 cardboard boxes in the cargo area. Each box contained between 20 and 30 vacuum-sealed bags containing marijuana. In total, there was approximately 597 pounds, or 271 kilograms, of marijuana. Zhou later advised that the van was rented. He claimed to not know who had rented the van or for how long it was rented. Zhou denied having knowledge of the marijuana being inside the van or whether the boxes were inside at the time he took possession of the vehicle. 

The investigation revealed that Zhou had rented the van the same day of his arrest. Rental agency records further revealed that Zhou had previously rented cargo vans in Jacksonville on 11 occasions between March and September 2024. Each rental lasted one or two days. 

In related court proceedings, Jack Anntsai Chang, Kenneth Chu, Hang Sin, Yonquan Yu, Wai Lok Hui, Shaoyun Ye, Fan Liu, and Key’on Garmon have each been charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana. 

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Florida Highway Patrol. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Attorney General James Releases Footage from Investigation into Death of Lucien Colon

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James released body-worn camera footage that her office obtained as part of its ongoing investigation into the death of Lucien Colon, who died on April 2, 2026 following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in the Bronx.  

Shortly after 7 a.m. on April 2, NYPD officers went to an apartment in the Bronx to arrest Mr. Colon. Upon entering Mr. Colon’s apartment, officers encountered Mr. Colon, who was in a bedroom, and said he had a gun. The door to the bedroom was open, and Mr. Colon allegedly raised what appeared to be a gun at the officers. One detective discharged his service weapon, striking Mr. Colon. Mr. Colon was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Officers recovered an object that looked like a gun at the scene.

The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) of the Attorney General’s Office released footage from a body-worn camera that captured the incident. The release of this footage follows Attorney General James’ directive that camera footage obtained by her office during an OSI investigation be released to the public to increase transparency and strengthen public trust in these matters.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

The release of this footage is not an expression of any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of any party in a criminal matter or any opinion as to how or whether any individual may be charged with a crime. 

Warning: These videos contain content that viewers may find disturbing. 

Upstate New York Woman Arrested, Charged with Attempting to Provide Material Support to the Palestine Islamic Jihad

 

The Justice Department announced that Catherine Beth Washburn, 37, of Irondequoit, New York, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support and resources, namely currency, to designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) the Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ) also known as Al-Quds Brigades. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 

According to the criminal complaint, Washburn is a leader of the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation (DAMPL), an extremist organization formed in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023. DAMPL rejects the idea of peaceful protests and engages in “direct action” — including acts of sabotage and property destruction — in support of the Palestinian cause and against entities that it associates with Israel. 

“As alleged, Washburn repeatedly voiced support for violence against Israeli civilians and attempted to provide material support to the Palestine Islamic Jihad by sending cryptocurrency to an individual who claimed to participate in its attacks,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Those who aid foreign terrorist groups will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

“As alleged in the complaint, this defendant, fueled by her self-described hate of Israel and Jewish people, went to great lengths to attempt to provide financial support to terrorist organizations that use violence to further their agendas, including the Palestine Islamic Jihad,” said U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo for the Western District of New York. “Despite her alleged attempts, including cryptic communications with a fighter involved in violent attacks in an area thousands of miles away, Catherine Washburn was stopped and so too were her efforts to support violent extremism.”

“This individual, as alleged in the criminal complaint, provided money to a foreign terrorist organization engaged in acts of violence,” said Acting Assistant Director Coult Markovsky of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “The FBI is committed to cutting off funding to terrorist groups and will continue to work side-by-side with our Justice Department partners to make sure anyone who engages in terrorism or provides assistance to such organizations is held fully accountable in our justice system.”

In February and March 2026, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) executed search warrants and recovered electronic messages between Washburn and an individual who identified as a PIJ fighter in Gaza and claimed to have engaged in attacks with PIJ against Israel. In one of the messages, Washburn stated, “[i]f I lived in Gaza, I would fight alongside the resistance.” Washburn praised his bravery and stated, “I wish every day were October 7th.” Washburn further stated in that message that the individual was not the first fighter she had met, that she hated Jews “very much,” and that she wished Israel “would disappear.” In other messages, Washburn and the individual discussed purported PIJ attacks on Israel, weapons, and ammunition. In one message, Washburn stated, “I feel excited every time I see news of the killing of an occupation soldier.” 

Washburn pictured with two hand grenades in front of Hamas flag.

An analysis of financial records determined that Washburn was sending cryptocurrency to this individual, making approximately 80 transfers of cryptocurrency totaling approximately 30,116 USDC, which is the equivalent of $30,116, to an account he used. In a November 2025 message, Washburn stated, “[b]ased on my passed [sic] fundraising and posting Im [sic] gonna get put away for a few life times,” and included what appears to be a laughing emoji. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey for the Western District of New York and Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Allen D. Davis II.

A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

Nos Quedamos Inc. - From Being Informed to Leading Change

CEO MESSAGE

From Being Informed to Leading Change:

The Power of Civic Engagement

At We Stay/Nos Quedamos, we believe that the people closest to the challenges are also closest to the solutions. Residents are the experts of their own lived experiences, and when communities have the opportunity to shape decisions that affect their lives, meaningful and lasting change becomes possible.

Civic engagement is often thought of as voting or attending a meeting, but it is much more than that. It exists along a community ownership spectrum, a journey that moves us from simply being informed about decisions, to being consulted, involved, and ultimately empowered to help shape and own those decisions.

When residents are only informed, they are told what is happening. When they are engaged, they help influence what happens. When communities have ownership, they become partners in creating solutions and driving the future of their neighborhoods.



We have already seen what is possible when residents move along that spectrum and claim their power.

The Melrose Urban Renewal Plan (MURP) stands as one of the strongest examples of community-led action in our neighborhood's history. Faced with disinvestment and uncertainty, residents, organizers, and local leaders came together to envision a different future for Melrose. They did not wait for others to define what the community needed—they stepped forward and led the conversation.

The result was a community-driven plan that helped preserve affordable housing, expand access to green space, support economic development, and create opportunities for generations of residents. The Melrose we know today is, in many ways, a reflection of what can happen when community members move beyond participation and into leadership.

The success of MURP reminds us that civic engagement is not simply about having a seat at the table and it is about building the table itself.

As we look ahead, our responsibility is to continue creating opportunities for residents to organize, participate, and lead. Whether that means joining a resident committee, attending a community meeting, advocating for neighborhood improvements, mentoring young leaders, or supporting local campaigns, every action helps strengthen our collective voice and move us closer to true community ownership.

The future of Melrose should be shaped by the people who live here, raise families here, work here, and invest their time and energy into this community every day. We know what our neighborhood needs because we experience it firsthand. Our voices matter, our experiences matter, and our solutions matter.

The story of the Melrose Urban Renewal Plan shows us what is possible when residents lead. The next chapter of Melrose's future will depend on our willingness to continue organizing, engaging, and claiming ownership of the decisions that impact our lives.

We Are Melrose: Celebrating Community, Organizing for Tomorrow

Get ready for one of our favorite traditions—NQ’s Annual We Are Melrose Event! This year’s theme, Preserving the Melrose Commons, speaks directly to the heart of our community and the work that has shaped it for generations. Together, we will celebrate the powerful legacy of resident-led organizing that transformed Melrose and protected our neighborhood from disinvestment and displacement. At the same time, we will look ahead to the challenges before us. With growing development pressures and the upcoming expiration of the Melrose Urban Renewal Plan, now is the time to come together, organize, and continue the work of preserving the community we fought so hard to build. Join us for an afternoon of celebration, reflection, and action featuring live performances, community resources, music, snacks, and opportunities to connect with neighbors and local leaders. Whether you've been part of this movement for decades or are just beginning to learn about Melrose's history, your voice and participation matter. Come celebrate our past, strengthen our present, and help shape our future.  Save your spot today: We can't wait to see you there! When: July 11th  Time: 2pm - 6pm  Location: Yolanda Garcia Park (Melrose Avenue &, 409 E 159th St, Bronx, NY 10451)  Click here to RSVP A Powerful Day of Youth Leadership: Youth Symposium Recap

On June 5, Nos Quedamos proudly hosted its 3rd Annual Youth-Led Symposium on Environmental & Housing Justice, bringing together youth leaders, community members, educators, advocates, and partners for an inspiring afternoon of learning, dialogue, and action. Centered on the theme "Somos La Voz / We Are the Voice," this year's symposium highlighted the leadership, creativity, and determination of young people working to address the environmental and housing challenges facing the South Bronx. NQ's Youth Team took center stage, presenting original capstone projects, facilitating discussions, and sharing their vision for a more just and equitable future. Attendees participated in interactive workshops, community conversations, and networking opportunities that explored environmental justice, housing equity, and community-led solutions. The event served as a powerful reminder that young people are not simply preparing to become future leaders, but they are leading today. Thank you to everyone who joined us in uplifting youth voices and strengthening our collective commitment to community-driven change. Together, we continue building a healthier, more equitable future for the South Bronx.  Check out our Instagram to see more: @nosquedamos

Governor Hochul Announces MTA to Replace Three East End LIRR Bridges

Project Will Rebuild Vehicular Bridges Over LIRR Tracks That Are More Than 100 Years Old

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has awarded a contract to complete the design and reconstruction of three aging bridges that carry vehicular traffic over Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) tracks on the Long Island East End: Sagg Road Bridge in Sagaponack, Cranberry Hole Road Bridge in Amagansett and River Avenue Bridge in Eastport.

“New York is making historic investments in Long Island’s infrastructure in ways big and small - from opening Grand Central Madison to delivering bridge upgrades that have been urgently needed for decades,” Governor Hochul said. “Credit to the MTA for stepping up and rebuilding these aging timber structures so that East End drivers will have modern, resilient bridges over LIRR tracks that will last for generations to come.”

Each structure, built between 1895 and 1921, serves vehicular traffic over the LIRR’s Montauk Branch. Because of structural deficiencies, two of the bridges – River Avenue and Cranberry Hole Road Bridge – are currently closed. Construction of new, safe and modern bridges is expected to begin in the coming months.

These bridges are primarily of timber construction and have significantly deteriorated over time. Despite maintenance and temporary repairs, their structural condition has been further compromised by large, overweight vehicles traveling across these bridges against posted weight limit restrictions. As such, the Cranberry Hole Road and River Avenue Bridge have been closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic since July 2023 and early 2024 respectively.

The new bridges will be designed to meet current roadway, structural, and railroad clearance requirements. Major work elements include demolition of the existing bridges, construction of new bridge structures and retaining walls, roadway reconstruction at bridge approaches, and drainage improvements.

Design completion is anticipated in January 2027, with demolition work beginning later this year, and the project is scheduled for completion by July 2028. The total project budget is $51 million. 

The Ali Forney Center - Accomplices, Not Allies

SUPPORT OUR WORK

Mayor Mamdani Appoints Bharti Sharma Executive Director of the Center for Innovation through Data Intelligence

 

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced the appointment of Bharti Sharma as Executive Director of the Center for Innovation through Data Intelligence (CIDI).  

 

“Bharti Sharma has dedicated her career to using data as a tool to improve people’s lives,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Whether leading our city’s public health response during the global COVID-19 pandemic or building systems to make government more effective, she has shown how responsible, creative use of data can help solve our city's most pressing issues. Her leadership will help City government deliver better services and real results that New Yorkers deserve.” 

 

“Bharti Sharma brings unmatched experience and expertise that will be invaluable as we coordinate comprehensive, citywide solutions for health and social services,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga. “I am confident that she will be an exceptional leader as we work to provide solutions for all New Yorkers.” 

 

“It is an honor to serve the people of New York City in this role,” said Bharti Sharma, Executive Director, Center for Innovation through Data Intelligence. “CIDI sits at an extraordinary intersection where government, data, and human impact converge and that is precisely where I want to be. I’ve spent my career inside public health systems, seeing firsthand how the right data or the absence of it shapes outcomes for real people. I come ready to listen, to build, and to ensure that the work we do here delivers for every New Yorker.” 

 

Founded in 2011, CIDI conducts interagency research to identify gaps in City services and improve outcomes for New Yorkers. The center works across Health and Human Service (HHS) agencies and other City partners to use data, research and collaboration to inform policy and strengthen service delivery. Sharma most recently served as Senior Director of Data and AI Strategic Enablement and Operations at NYC Health + Hospitals, the nation’s largest municipal health system, which includes more than 70 care locations and 11 acute care hospitals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she designed and led the systemwide COVID-19 Intelligence Hub, providing executive leadership with real-time data on ICU capacity, emergency department throughput, bed availability, surge planning, ventilator supply and other critical operational metrics. She also led the development of the City’s testing and vaccination wait-time dashboards. 

  

Following the pandemic, Sharma founded and scaled the Data Champion Program to more than 300 embedded champions across every hospital, central office and ambulatory site in the system. She also led the Data Academy, which has trained more than 500 staff members. Together, those programs generated an estimated $4.75 million to $5.5 million in annual cost avoidance while establishing NYC H+H’s enterprise data governance framework as a nationally recognized for responsible data use. 

 

Sharma holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery, a Master of Health Administration from Hofstra University and a Master of Science in Information Systems Engineering and Management from Harrisburg University.