NYC Comptroller Mark Levine Proposes Expansion in Private Markets Climate Investments to Advance Systems’ Climate Goals

New private market focus identifies investment opportunities that provide competitive, risk-adjusted returns for pensioners while delivering real-world energy and climate solutions – from new power generation and grid modernization to storage, efficiency, and resilient infrastructure 

During his first Climate Week as New York City Comptroller, Comptroller Mark Levine announced that he is recommending a strategic expansion in private markets climate solutions investments for three of the City’s public pension funds. The Comptroller’s Office’s Bureau of Asset Management expects to present a total of $5 billion in new private market investment opportunities to the boards of the New York City Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS), Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS) and Board of Education Retirement System (BERS) and their respective investment consultants.

The proposal is underscored by the magnitude of the energy transition investment opportunity and the need to accelerate the pace at which the Systems aim to achieve their climate goals.

These private market opportunities will be focused on areas including renewable power generation, grid modernization, energy efficiency and storage, clean transportation, and building decarbonization, as well as technologies that can reduce pollution, strengthen energy and water security, and improve resilience to extreme weather. As rising energy prices, geopolitical uncertainty, and growing energy demand puts renewed pressure on energy costs, the demand for more reliable and resilient energy infrastructure will only increase, presenting attractive investment opportunities for these three Systems.

“Our pension systems have a responsibility to make sound investment decisions that preserve and grow the retirement assets that our pensioners depend on,” said New York City Comptroller Mark Levine. “As the climate crisis places a growing strain on our infrastructure and the broader economy, investing in cleaner, more reliable and resilient energy that can lower costs and reduce emissions at the same time is an essential part of our prudent long-term investment strategy.”

Clean Energy as a Global Investment Trend

The global clean energy transition is creating a large and growing investment market. More than $2.3 trillion was invested globally in the energy transition in 2025, with an additional $320 billion flowing toward renewable energy alone in the first half of this year.

Demand for new power is also accelerating. Growth in artificial intelligence and data centers, manufacturing reshoring, transportation electrification and other industries, is expected to drive a 40% increase in U.S. demand by 2040. Globally, energy security concerns also enhance governments’ interest in moving away from imported fossil fuel and toward renewable energy. Renewable energy and battery storage are increasingly cost-competitive and are expected to account for an estimated 93% of new U.S. power capacity added this year.

That growth comes as households face rising costs and extreme weather puts greater strain on aging infrastructure. Household electricity bills rose an average of 33% nationally between August 2021 and August 2026, while customers in New York City saw bills increase 47.6% between July 2021 and July 2026.

Federally, a lack of leadership has stalled critical progress for the clean energy transition. A recent analysis found that 223 ⁠manufacturing and clean ⁠energy projects, representing $82.9 billion in investment and 111,765 jobs have stalled or ​been cancelled across the U.S. during the current federal administration.

Today’s announcement will support each board in their goals to further deploy renewables, storage, and other energy solutions and help drive down their costs through economies of scale, which strengthens energy security, improves affordability and resiliency, and reduces emissions.

Building on the Pension Systems’ Climate Solutions Investment Strategy

Going forward, investment opportunities will be presented to each pension board for consideration and approval, subject to each of the three Systems’ independent due-diligence and fiduciary review processes.

The past progress on climate solutions investments has mostly come from the appreciation of technology stocks in the passive portfolios. The focus on private markets enhances the real-world impact of the three Systems’ strategy of climate solutions investments, while taking advantage of the macrotrend in the energy transition and renewables’ critical role in the transition. Climate solutions investing is a pillar in each System’s Net Zero Implementation Plans, alongside efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of their portfolios and engage with portfolio companies and asset managers on decarbonization.

The Net Zero implementation plans have a goal of investing $37.8 billion by 2035 and the private market proactive climate investing strategy is a step toward meeting that goal.

Earlier this year, NYCERS, TRS, and BERS committed $116 million in Sandbrook Climate Infrastructure Fund II, marking the first private markets climate-focused investment during Comptroller Levine’s term.

Related Reports

NYCERS FY2025 Annual Climate Report

TRS FY2025 Annual Climate Report

BERS FY2025 Annual Climate Report

Meeting New York City’s Energy Demand Challenge

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS IN PRISON FOR SLASHING AN MTA CONDUCTOR IN THE FACE

 

Defendant Has a History of Transit-Related Offenses

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that a Bronx man was sentenced to six years in prison after being convicted on two counts of second-degree Assault for an attack on an MTA conductor in June of 2025. 

District Attorney Clark said, “This defendant assaulted a dedicated MTA conductor who was simply doing her job. In a shocking and unprovoked attack, he slashed the victim in the face. Violence against MTA employees will not be tolerated. My Office will always work to hold those who harm public servants accountable and ensure justice is served.” 

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Isaiah Thompson, 30, of the Bronx, was sentenced to six years in prison and five years post-release supervision by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Audrey Stone. On July 6, 2026, the defendant was convicted by a jury of two counts of second-degree Assault

According to the facts brought out at trial, at approximately 12:20 p.m. on June 10, 2025, Thompson, while standing on the platform at the Whitlock Avenue subway station on the #6 line, reached into the conductor’s booth and slashed the victim with a sharp object. The injury caused bleeding and required stitches. The victim later told investigators that she was closing the subway doors at the Morrison Avenue-Soundview station, when she saw Thompson running up the stairs. She re-opened the doors to allow him to board and then made the customary announcement asking passengers to stand clear of the closing doors. Thompson appeared to take exception to that request and uttered a profane remark to the conductor. Two stops later, he exited the train and slashed her.

District Attorney Clark also thanked NYPD Detective Kelvin Gomez for his work in the case.

NEW YORK STATE ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF THE FIRST STATE-FUNDED YOUTH SAFE SPACE

 

The first New York State-funded Youth Safe Space opens in Albany Sept. 23, 2026.

New Program at the LaSalle School to Provide Free, Voluntary, Peer-Led Programming for Youth and Young Adults Ages 12 to 24 in Albany

State Also Awards $7.5 Million to Expand Program in Four Additional Counties, Addressing Rising Behavioral Health Challenges Among Young People

The New York State Office of Mental Health announced that the first state-funded Youth Safe Space has opened its doors on the LaSalle School campus in the city of Albany to address the evolving behavioral health needs of teens and young adults. The location is the first to open and is among seven that will provide peer-led, non-clinical services for youth and young adults 12 to 24, including locations in Suffolk, Tompkins, Ontario, and St. Lawrence counties that were recently awarded funding.  

“As New York’s first mom governor, the mental health and wellbeing of our young people is a top priority,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “By funding Youth Safe Spaces in more communities across our state, we are ensuring that young people can make meaningful connections with peers in a supportive environment. Our young people face unique mental health pressures, and these safe spaces will help ensure they have access to the tools and supports they need to thrive.”

“Youth Safe Spaces offer a supportive environment during a pivotal period of a young person’s life that may present mental health challenges,” Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. “The Landing will provide the opportunity for youth to build positive relationships and learn important skills. Supporting places where youth and families can access mental wellness resources and gather with peers reflects Governor Hochul’s ongoing investments in strengthening all aspects of our mental health care system.” 

Youth Safe Spaces provide inclusive, peer-led environments designed to reduce isolation, promote positive relationships, and connect young people to both traditional and non-traditional support. These non-clinical programs complement clinical services and expand access to care by addressing cultural, financial, and systemic barriers.  

State and local officials were on hand at the Conroy Building on the LaSalle School campus today to celebrate the opening of the new program called the Landing, which is expected to serve roughly 500 youth annually. The Landing will collaborate with local schools, social service agencies, healthcare providers, and culturally specific organizations to ensure youth receive comprehensive, inclusive support. 

In addition to LaSalle, OMH-funded Youth Safe Spaces are expected to open this fall in Queens and in the Wayne County village of Newark. OMH provided funding to establish two new programs and support two existing community youth programs in adding core services, including:  

• RiseWell Community Services, Inc.; $500,000 annually over five years to establish a new program at 18 South St., in Wyandanch in Suffolk County. 
• St. John’s Community Services; $500,000 annually over five years to establish a new program in Tompkins County. 
• Partnership for Ontario County; $250,000 annually over five years to enhance the OASAS Youth Recovery Clubhouse, EPIC Zone at 81 North St., in Geneva.
• Police Activities League of Massena, Inc.; $250,000 annually over five years to enhance an existing program located at 30 Bayley Rd, in Massena in St. Lawrence County.    

Youth Safe Spaces are in accessible, community-based settings, including schools, youth centers, and other trusted spaces, where young people can access mental wellness resources, build positive peer relationships, and receive support in safe, comfortable environments. These programs foster leadership, peer connection, and cultural responsiveness while reducing stigma, building resilience, and advancing mental health equity in communities disproportionately impacted by systemic barriers. 

The initiative to establish Youth Safe Spaces grew from feedback Governor Hochul received during her Youth Mental Health Listening Tour and at the Youth Mental Health Summit in June 2023. Members of the Youth Mental Health Advisory Board – a panel of middle and high school students established after the summit to advise on policies and initiatives – also strongly supported expanding Youth Safe Spaces statewide. 

Texas Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking in the District of Columbia

 

Devontee Parker Lured Victim with Promises of Support and Financial Stability

A federal jury in the District of Columbia convicted Devontee Parker, 38, of Dallas, for sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, interstate transportation for purpose of prostitution, and interstate travel in aid of racketeering. 

 “Devontee Parker trafficked vulnerable women by intimidating them with physical violence to make money,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The courage of the victim resulted in compelling testimony that secured this important conviction, which will ensure that Parker will never be able to traffic victims again.”

“I am proud of the deep expertise our prosecutors bring to human trafficking cases,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia. “Their exceptional work is a key reason we hold a 100% conviction rate in these prosecutions. With FBI agents embedded in our office, we have strengthened both our commitment to eradicating human trafficking and the successful results we are seeing in court.”

“This verdict underscores the victims’ remarkable courage and the unwavering commitment of our agents and partners who pursued justice in this case,” said Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the FBI Washington Field Office. “The FBI will continue to lead aggressive investigations that hold traffickers accountable and connect victims with the support they need to rebuild their lives.”

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Parker met the victim in 2021 while she was struggling with housing insecurity, financial instability, and grieving the loss of a beloved family member. Parker made the victim believe he cared about her and enticed her to come live with him in Texas. Once the victim agreed, Parker advertised the victim online, set prices for the commercial sex acts, and drove her to sex buyers in multiple states as well as  the District of Columbia. 

Parker demanded that the victim turn over all her earnings to him and controlled her access to money, food, and other necessities. He also set a daily earning quota for the victim and punished her with violence if she did not make enough money. The victim testified that during one incident, Parker strangled her until she lost consciousness. During another incident, Parker gave her a black eye. 

Parker also routinely looked through the victim’s phone to monitor her communications with others and forbade her from speaking with friends after they witnessed his abuse. Parker also introduced the victim to drugs, including cocaine, and routinely supplied her with illicit substances while instructing her to have sex with men for money. After several unsuccessful attempts to leave Parker, the victim escaped in 2024 when he was arrested on prostitution-related charges by state authorities. Parker was indicted in Texas on charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion related to additional victims in August 2026. 

The jury convicted Parker of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, interstate transportation for purpose of prostitution, and interstate travel in aid of racketeering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 3, 2027. Parker faces a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Trial Attorney Jessica Arco of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachel Bohlen and Karen Shinskie for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case. 

The FBI Washington Field Office and the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department are investigating the case.

Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Launches New Climate Action Webpage

‘Spotlight Map’ Unveiled in Recognition of Climate Week 2026 Highlights Climate Action across State Parks and Historic Sites

Visit Climate Action Webpage

In recognition of Climate Week 2026, the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) launched the Climate Action "Spotlight Map," the centerpiece of OPRHP’s new climate change webpage. The map highlights projects across New York State that are reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping State Parks and Historic Sites prepare for the impacts of a changing climate.  

“New York has been a national leader on climate action. From restoring wetlands and shorelines, to building net-zero facilities and reducing waste and energy use, State Parks is incorporating climate considerations into every aspect of our stewardship, planning, and operation of more than 250 parks, historic sites, trails, golf courses, boat launches, and other recreational and cultural destinations across New York State,” said Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Kathy Moser. “By adapting facilities to climate change and reducing our carbon footprint, State Parks is safeguarding our natural and built resources by baking resilience into everything we do.”     

The Spotlight Map features a selection of projects demonstrating the range of climate action underway in New York State Parks. This includes a large number of projects designed to build climate resilience, ranging from restoring wetlands in Schodack Island State Park to improving infrastructure at Fair Haven State Park and monitoring environmental conditions to protect historical collections.

As the Spotlight Map highlights, OPRHP is also reducing its carbon footprint through investments in composting, recycling, and diverting waste at facilities statewide, as well as electrifying the State Parks’ fleet and installing solar panels at Saratoga Spa, Buffalo Harbor, Olana, Wellesley Island, Sojourner Truth, and Hudson Highlands state parks, among others.  

OPRHP is also hard at work developing its climate expertise, embedding climate considerations in park planning and supporting staff in the development of a host of technical skills related to solar energy siting, infrastructure upgrades, and other green energy projects. In addition, OPRHP is growing the next generation of climate leaders through the SUNY Climate Corps and with the network of education and nature centers that teach visitors about climate change, storm resilience, and environmental stewardship.  

The benefits of OPRHP’s climate action do not stop at State Parks boundaries. OPRHP manages a diverse portfolio of lands, ecosystems, buildings, infrastructure, and recreational facilities across New York State, all exposed to the same challenges faced by communities statewide. As such, the State Parks and Historic Sites system is well positioned to test, demonstrate, and scale climate solutions, ensuring the system is a platform for advancing resilience and sustainability statewide. 

During Climate Week, Governor Hochul Announces Design Award for Major Resilience Project to Protect Metro-North Railroad’s Hudson Line from Effects of Climate Change

Part of $800 Million Project will Protect Metro-North Hudson Line from Extreme Weather Events

Project to Focus on 20-Mile Stretch from Riverdale to Croton-Harmon

During NYC Climate Week, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) awarded a $19.7 million contract for the design phase of a major project to protect vulnerable portions of the Metro-North Railroad’s Hudson Line from the effects of climate change and fortify the line against future stormwater runoff, tidal floods and other risks between Spuyten Duyvil to Hastings-on-Hudson. This milestone is a major step forward in a flagship $800 million resiliency effort to fortify the Hudson Line in the MTA’s 2025-2029 Capital Plan.

“The impacts of climate change and extreme weather put the commutes of millions of riders who rely on the Hudson Line each year at risk,” Governor Hochul said. “That's why we're making historic investments to ensure the long-term resilience of this vital rail corridor, fortifying it for the long term and ensuring that service is more reliable than ever before."

The $270 million project is targeting assets that manage water flow and drainage, stabilize the right of way, and are in poor condition along a segment of the lower Hudson that is highly vulnerable to extreme weather. Work includes the fortification of retaining walls and slopes, expansion of culverts and drainage along slopes and track, shoreline structure rehabilitation, as well as flood protection measures for tracks where possible. This project will also develop a resilient design blueprint to guide future investments along the entirety of the line. This work is a clear example of how the MTA is taking a bold, forward-looking approach to tackle the impacts of climate change, and addresses climate vulnerability findings from the 2024 MTA Climate Resilience Roadmap, as well as state of good repair findings from the 2025-2044 Twenty-Year Needs Assessment.

The design phase of the project will be a joint venture between STV and WSP. Construction is expected to begin in 2029.

Located right on banks of the Hudson River, Metro-North’s Hudson Line is vulnerable to flooding from stormwater run-off during extreme rain and coastal flooding – both of which are heightened by climate change. The segment between Spuyten Duyvil and Hastings-on-Hudson has experienced numerous recent floods and mudslides given its unique location between the Hudson River on the west and several steep slopes on the east, causing service disruptions on a portion of the line used by 25,000 Metro-North riders each weekday, along with Amtrak and freight rail.

The project is part of a broader effort to fortify the Hudson line. After Superstorm Sandy, the MTA completed more than $400 million of work to make the Hudson Line more resilient by improving power, communications, and signals systems along a 30-mile portion of the line from the Bronx to Croton-Harmon. The MTA is also in the midst of implementing a project to stabilize vulnerable, steep slopes and improve stormwater infrastructure on a portion of the Hudson Line between Glenwood and Greystone station, thanks to $20 million in the FY 2025 state budget from Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. This project is currently in design. 

HERNANDEZ SLAMS LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY OVER $21 BILLION FLOWING TO NEW YORK CITY

 

Joseph Hernandez, Republican candidate for New York State Comptroller, today attacked State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli's new report on state aid to New York City. The report documents more than $21 billion flowing from Albany to City Hall this year without asking whether that money is producing results or being lost to waste and fraud.

 

"Governor Hochul writes the checks, Mayor Mamdani spends the money, and Tom DiNapoli, the one official elected to watch both of them, just handed all New Yorkers the receipt," said Hernandez.

 

DiNapoli's own report shows state aid to the city exploding across major programs:

 

• $11 billion in Foundation Aid to NYC schools, nearly double 2008, with no accounting for results.
• $2.4 billion in state child care funding, including $940 million added this year, with no verification of roughly 110,000 vouchers.
• $880 million in school transportation aid, much of it paid to private bus contractors, with no audit.
• $1.8 billion in school building aid, nearly triple 2008, while the city is still trying to get children out of temporary classrooms.
• 3.6 million city residents enrolled in Medicaid, while the report says nothing about fraud or improper payments.

The report's only warning is that federal cuts could force "tough choices."

 

"Here's a tough choice: find out where the money went before asking taxpayers for another dime," said Hernandez. "Hochul's answer is always to spend more. Mamdani's answer is always to ask for more. DiNapoli's answer is always to look the other way. After nearly twenty years, New Yorkers deserve a watchdog, not a lapdog."

 

As Comptroller, Hernandez will create a Fraud Strike Team inside the Comptroller's office, with its first targets being the fastest-growing programs: transportation, child care, and Medicaid. All findings will be made public.

 

"Every dollar will be traced, and whoever signed for it will be named," said Hernandez. "They spend it. I'll audit it."

 

Mayor Mamdani Announces Most Trees Planted in a Decade

NYC Parks planted 18,261 trees in fiscal year 2026, prioritizing neighborhoods most vulnerable to extreme heat 

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura today announced that the City planted 18,261 trees in fiscal year 2026, the most in a single fiscal year since 2016.  

 

The new trees will bring cleaner air, cooler streets, greater flood resiliency and more greenery to neighborhoods across the five boroughs, with the majority planted in communities most vulnerable to extreme heat. This record-setting year reflects an aggressive new approach by NYC Parks to accelerate tree planting and expand the city’s tree canopy, advancing the goals of the Urban Forest Plan to reach 30% canopy coverage by 2040.  

 

To plant more trees, NYC Parks started earlier. The agency partnered with nurseries to build a larger supply of trees before planting season, harvested many trees before spring bud-break and kept newly planted trees watered and mulched throughout the summer. NYC Parks will use the same strategy to get ahead of this fall’s planting season. 

 

“Our administration is building a city where every neighborhood can find cool shade on a hot day, breathe clean air and enjoy the beauty of a healthy tree canopy,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Access to green space and relief from extreme heat should not depend on your ZIP code. Planting more trees, especially in the neighborhoods that need them most, will help make our city cooler, healthier and more beautiful for all New Yorkers.” 

 

“New Yorkers rely on our trees to provide vital shade, and with climate change leading to more frequent, intense heat, the need is more prevalent than ever,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “Our team of expert foresters and arborists is putting NYC Parks at the cutting edge of urban forestry, helping us plant smarter and target the neighborhoods that need shade and relief from extreme heat the most. This record-breaking year shows NYC Parks is facing the challenge of climate resiliency head on, keeping New York livable and prepared across every borough.” 

 

“Every New Yorker, no matter their ZIP code, deserves access to the critical benefits trees provide,” said Chief Climate Officer Louise Yeung. “With the Urban Forest Plan as our roadmap, NYC is planting more trees, especially in the neighborhoods that need more shade and tree canopy the most, for a healthier and more resilient New York.” 

  

The majority of the City’s new trees were planted in neighborhoods vulnerable to extreme heat, including: 

  

The Bronx: Williamsbridge, Woodlawn, Eastchester, Edenwald, Soundview, Morris Park, Concourse Village, Morrisania and Mott Haven 

  

Brooklyn: Seagate, Coney Island, East Flatbush, Bushwick, Crown Heights, Flatlands, Sunset Park, East New York and Brownsville 

  

Manhattan: West Harlem, East Harlem, Lower East Side, Hamilton Heights and Washington Heights 

  

Queens: Hunters Point, Sunnyside, Long Island City, Elmhurst, Laurelton, St. Albans, South Ozone Park, Queens Village and Cambria Heights 

   

New York City is home to more than 7 million trees spanning more than 100 species. New Yorkers can help keep the city’s trees healthy by signing up for stewardship events through NYC Parks, watering neighborhood trees weekly and weeding unwanted plants from tree beds — young trees are extra thirsty!  

 

New Yorkers can also record tree care activities through the NYC Tree Map.