Minnesota Man Charged With Computer Intrusion And Illegally Streaming Content From Four Major Professional Sports Leagues

 

Defendant Also Attempted to Extort Approximately $150,000 From Major League Baseball

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced that JOSHUA STREIT, a/k/a “Josh Brody,” was charged with conducting intrusions into Major League Baseball (“MLB”) computer systems, and illegally streaming copyrighted content from MLB, the National Basketball Association (“NBA”), the National Football League (“NFL”), and the National Hockey League (“NHL”), in connection with a website STREIT operated that offered the illegally streamed content to the public for profit.  In addition, STREIT is charged with extortion for attempting to extort approximately $150,000 from MLB.  STREIT is expected to be presented today before a U.S. magistrate judge in the District of Minnesota. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Joshua Streit is alleged to have illegally streamed sports content online from MLB, the NHL, the NBA, and the NFL for his own personal profit. Furthermore, Streit allegedly hacked MLB’s computer systems and attempted to extort $150,000 from the league. Thanks to this Office’s teamwork with all four major American sports leagues and the FBI, Streit has struck out on his illegal streaming and extortion scheme.”

FBI Assistant Director Michael J. Driscoll said: “We allege Mr. Brody hacked into the systems of several of our country's  biggest professional sports leagues and illegally streamed copyrighted live games. Instead of quitting while he was ahead, he allegedly decided to continue the game by extorting one of the leagues, threatening to expose the very vulnerability he used to hack them. Now instead of scoring a payday, Mr. Brody faces the possibility of a federal prison sentence as a penalty.”

According to the Complaint[1] unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:

Beginning in or about 2017, to in or about August 2021, JOSHUA STREIT a/k/a, “Joshua Brody,” the defendant, operated a website that streamed copyrighted content, primarily livestreamed games from major professional sports leagues, including MLB, the NBA, the NFL, and the NHL, which STREIT had no authorization to stream.  STREIT obtained the copyrighted content by gaining unauthorized access to the websites for those sports leagues via misappropriated login credentials from legitimate users of those websites.  One of the victim sports leagues sustained losses of approximately $3 million due to STREIT’s conduct.

In addition, at the same time STREIT was illicitly streaming copyrighted content from MLB, STREIT was engaged in an attempt to extort approximately $150,000 from MLB via a threat from STREIT to publicize alleged vulnerabilities in MLB’s internet infrastructure.  STREIT initiated the extortion scheme at the same time that he was exploiting MLB’s computer systems to gain unauthorized access to copyright content that he streamed for profit.

STREIT, 30 of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, is charged with: (1) one count of knowingly accessing a protected computer in furtherance of a criminal act and for purposes of commercial advantage and private financial gain, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; (2) one count of knowingly accessing a protected computer in furtherance of fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; (3) one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; (4) one count of illicit digital transmission, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and (5) one count of sending interstate threats with the intent to extort, which carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the FBI.  He also thanked MLB, the NBA, the NFL, and the NHL for their ongoing support and assistance with the case.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint, and the description of the Complaint set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

MAYOR DE BLASIO AND DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AND WORKER PROTECTION ANNOUNCE SETTLEMENT TO REQUIRE SOUTHWEST AIRLINES TO REHIRE AND PAY EMPLOYEE WHO WAS ILLEGALLY FIRED FOR USING SICK LEAVE

 

 Mayor Bill de Blasio and Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Peter A. Hatch today announced a settlement agreement with Southwest Airlines to resolve violations of the NYC Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law. The settlement requires Southwest to rehire a member of the ground crew who was unlawfully fired for using sick leave and pay him $15,903.60 in backpay and restitution. The City also put Southwest on notice to bring their sick leave policy into compliance with the City’s Law or risk further investigation.  

“In New York City, paid safe and sick leave isn’t just nice to have – it’s the law,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Sick leave is vital to keeping its workers—and customers—healthy and safe. I thank the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection for getting this employee back to work and for protecting the rights of employees across our city. Southwest Airlines: you’re on notice.” 

 

“Our goal in this case was to compel Southwest to reinstate this worker with backpay. But, in addition, we put Southwest on notice that they must correct their sick leave policy or we will investigate their overall compliance with the City’s Law,” said DCWP Commissioner Peter A. Hatch. “It’s bad enough to deny a worker their right to sick leave but to fire them for using it— during a global pandemic—is unacceptable. We urge any other Southwest ground crew worker who has been denied their leave to file a complaint with us—even if they wish to do so anonymously.” 

 

In May, DCWP received a complaint from a ramp agent at LaGuardia Airport who had been fired by Southwest for accruing too many disciplinary points after using sick leave. Under the NYC Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law, workers are entitled to use their accrued leave and it is illegal to retaliate against a worker for using that leave. DCWP fast tracked the retaliation case  to resolve it as quickly as possible for the worker. Under the settlement, Southwest is required to—and has already— reinstated the worker and must pay him $15,903.60 in restitution, including lost wages and benefits. The worker, who has worked for Southwest since 2015, is a member of the Transport Workers Union (TWU). 

 

Under the NYC Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law, employers with five or more employees and employers of domestic workers in New York City must provide paid safe and sick leave to employees. Employers with fewer than five employees and a net income of $ 1 million or more, and employers with between five and 99 employees must provide 40 hours of paid leave. Employers with 100 or more employees must provide up to 56 hours of paid leave. Employers with fewer than five employees and a net income of less than $1 million must provide unpaid safe and sick leave. Safe and sick leave is accrued at a rate of one hour of leave for every 30 hours worked, and begins on the employee’s first day of employment. Employers of five or more employees who do not front-load safe and sick leave on the first day of a new calendar year must allow employees to carry over up to 40 or 56 hours of unused safe and sick leave from one calendar year to the new calendar year, depending on the size of the employer. 

 

If the need to use leave is foreseeable, employers can require up to seven days advance notice to use accrued leave. If the need is unforeseeable, employers may require notice as soon as practicable. Employers can require documentation for more than three consecutive workdays of leave, but it is illegal to require that documentation specify the reason for using it. Employers may not engage in or threaten retaliation against employees, which includes firing and any act that punishes an employee for or is likely to deter an employee from exercising their rights under the Law.  

 

Since the Law went into effect, DCWP has received more than 2,504 complaints about Paid Safe and Sick Leave, closed more than 2,198 investigations, and obtained resolutions requiring more than $13.9 million in combined fines and restitution for more than 37,557 workers. 

 

DCWP’s case was handled by Senior Enforcement Counsel Emily Hoffman under the supervision of Litigation Director Claudia Henriquez of DCWP’s Office of Labor Policy & Standards, which is led by Deputy Commissioner Benjamin Holt. 

 

Employers and employees can visit nyc.gov/workers or call 311 (212-NEW-YORK outside NYC) for more information about the NYC Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law, including the required new Notice of Employee of Rights, which is available in 26 languages, one-page overviews for employers and employees, and the complaint form. 

 

Attorney General James and State Police Superintendent Bruen Announce Conviction and Sentencing of Music Manager for Theft from NY Rock Band

 

Manager and Promotor of Orange County Rock Band “The Racer” Sentenced to One Year in Jail After Previously Being Convicted of Felony Grand Larceny and Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument

 New York Attorney General Letitia James and State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen today announced the conviction and sentencing of Richard J. Clair, Jr., 52, a resident of Ohio, for stealing $50,000 from the Orange County, New York band “The Racer.” Clair, who previously served as the band’s manager and promoter, lied to the musical trio by claiming that he needed the money to promote an album and upcoming concert tour. Instead, Clair used the band’s funds to subsidize his own personal expenses, which included groceries, fast food purchases, and over $8,500 in cash withdrawals. When confronted by the group, Clair forged documents detailing a contract to make it appear as though he had obtained a record deal for the band. Last October, Clair pled guilty to Grand Larceny in the Third Degree and Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree in Orange County State Supreme Court before the Honorable William L. DeProspo. Today, Clair was sentenced to one year in jail. 

“Richard Clair’s theft and dishonest money management left the band ‘The Racer’ with nothing but broken dreams and an empty bank account,” said Attorney General James. “Instead of delivering on a promised record deal, Clair worked hard for the money he stole — lying, forging, and committing crimes that left the musical trio penniless. Today’s sentencing not only ensures Clair will be put behind bars, but that he no longer has the ability to leave another band behind in the dust.”

“I commend the Office of the Attorney General, our State Police Financial Crimes Unit, and all of our law enforcement partners for their hard work in exposing this fraud,” said New York State Police Superintendent Bruen. “This individual concocted a devious scheme to defraud these trusting band members out of thousands of dollars. The conviction of this individual sends a strong message that those who scam innocent victims will be held accountable for their crimes and brought to justice.” 

Today’s conviction and sentencing are the result of a joint investigation by the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau and the New York State Police (NYSP) Financial Crimes Unit. According to the OAG, in July 2015, members of The Racer were introduced to Clair, the owner of a music promotion and marketing firm called “The Essential Group.” Clair offered to help promote the band as a manager and agent. Only five months later, in December 2015, Clair stole $50,000 from the group by falsely telling band members that he was positioning them to sign a record label and he needed the money to pay for marketing expenses. Clair assured members of the trio that the money would be deposited into a dedicated client account, and that they would control how it was spent.   

However, contrary to Clair’s representations, a NYSP forensic audit established that Clair, instead, deposited the band’s money into a personal bank account and then spent it entirely on personal expenditures over the next several months — including over $13,000 at grocery stores, over $8,500 in cash withdrawals, and thousands of dollars on fast food, coffee, and other retailers. By August 2016, the band’s money had been completely exhausted, and Clair’s personal bank account was overdrawn. 

When Clair failed to produce the record deal he had said was imminent, the band grew

suspicious and began demanding its money back. Clair responded in 2016 by deceitfully telling the band that he had entered into a deal on their behalf with a record label based in Oregon. Clair never produced a signed agreement, and, ultimately, the band demanded that he terminate any agreement he had in place and return the money. Clair then mailed the band a fake dissolution agreement, purporting to be signed by the Oregon record label.   

The OAG wishes to thank the NYSP Financial Crimes Unit and the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office for their valuable assistance in this investigation. 

The OAG investigation was conducted by Detective Investigator Dennis Churns, under the supervision of Supervising Investigator Mark Spencer and Deputy Chief Investigator Antoine Karam. The Investigations Bureau is led by Chief Oliver Pu-Folkes.   

New York City Man Charged In Connection With Three-Day Crime Spree, Including Subway Shooting And Bank Robberies

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Dermot Shea, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced that DAMON BAILEY was arrested yesterday at Union Square subway station, one day after allegedly shooting a fellow train rider during rush hour at that station.  Today BAILEY was charged in a criminal Complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm in connection with the subway shooting and an attempted deli robbery, with robbing two banks in Manhattan at gunpoint on October 25, 2021 and October 26, 2021, and with brandishing a firearm in connection with those bank robberies.  BAILEY was presented today in Manhattan federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Barbara Moses. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, during a brazen multiday armed robbery spree, Damon Bailey shot a fellow passenger on a crowded subway.  We commend the extraordinary work of our law enforcement partners who swiftly connected the many dots and safely apprehended the suspect.”

FBI Assistant Director Michael J. Driscoll said: “As we allege today, Mr. Bailey engaged in a gun and violent crime spree spanning several days.  In so doing, he terrorized several of our neighbors and deprived them of their right to feel safe as they live their lives.  The swift action taken today by the FBI/NYPD Joint Violent Crimes Task Force should serve as a reminder to all that we will not tolerate this type of behavior in our city.”

NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said: “As alleged, this individual, a day after committing a shooting in a subway, walked away from a Manhattan bank with a satchel of cash and three firearms – but thanks to NYPD officers, this crime spree came to an abrupt end. The NYPD, along with our federal partners at the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, will continue to work to ensure that this person is brought to justice for the series of violent crimes he is charged with.”

As alleged in the Complaint filed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:

Over the course of three days, BAILEY committed two gunpoint robberies in Manhattan and attempted to commit two others.  On October 24, 2021, BAILEY flashed a firearm in his waistband and demanded money from a customer in a deli near Grand Central Station.  On October 25, BAILEY robbed a bank at gunpoint in lower Manhattan and, approximately ten minutes later, attempted to rob a victim on the subway and then shot the victim as the train pulled into Union Square station at rush hour.  On October 26, BAILEY robbed a second bank at gunpoint, in Chelsea.  In each of the robberies, BAILEY carried a light gray backpack and wore sneakers with a distinctive green toe box and white trim.

After the second robbery, BAILEY again got on the subway, but this time he was apprehended and arrested when he arrived at Union Square station.  Based on the proximity of the second bank to the NQR subway line, NYPD officers proceeded to a southbound platform at Union Square subway station and held an incoming train to conduct a search of the train cars for a person matching the description of the robber.  An officer found BAILEY in one of the train cars, wearing a light gray backpack and sneakers with a green toe box and white trim.  Upon his arrest, three firearms—two semiautomatic pistols and one revolver—were found inside his backpack.

BAILEY, 38, is charged with two counts of bank robbery, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of being a felon in possession of firearms, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; and two counts of knowingly using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, which firearm was brandished, which carries a mandatory minimum term of seven years in prison consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, up to life in prison. 

The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding, coordinated investigative work of the FBI and NYPD.  

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Governor Hochul Announces Administration Nominations

 

Kevin Law Will Be Nominated as a Director of the Urban Development Corporation and will be designated Chair of the UDC

Hope Knight Will Be Nominated as Commissioner of The Department of Economic Development and President and CEO of Empire State Development

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced nominations for roles at the Urban Development Corporation, Empire State Development, and the Department of Economic Development. Kevin Law will be nominated as a Director of the Urban Development Corporation and will be designated Chair of the UDC and Hope Knight will be nominated as Commissioner of the Department of Economic Development and President and CEO of Empire State Development.

"After the devastating impact the pandemic had on New York's economy, we need the best of the best at the helm to lead our recovery," Governor Hochul said. "With their extensive experience and diverse backgrounds, Hope Knight and Kevin Law are ready to lead New York's economic development in communities and cities across the state and bring our economy back stronger than ever before."

Kevin Law will be nominated as Director of the Urban Development Corporation and will be designated Chair of the UDC. He is a Partner and Executive Vice President at TritecReal Estate Development Company where he is part of the leadership team and Chairs the firms Affordable Housing Team. Mr. Law has been the co-chair of the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council for the past ten years. His efforts are focused on revitalizing Long Island downtowns and increasing the amount of workforce housing in the region. Previously, Law was President and CEO of the Long Island Association (LIA) where he was a key strategist and advocate on all matters impacting Long Island and its business community. He helped secure more than $5 billion in infrastructure investments for the Long Island region. Prior to his tenure at the LIA, Law was President and CEO of the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), the second-largest public utility in the country. Law launched the largest energy efficiency program for any public utility in the country, procured the largest solar energy project in New York State, created an offshore wind collaborative with Con Edison and the New York Power Authority and introduced "smart meters" to the region. Law previously served as Chief Deputy County Executive for Suffolk County and was the Managing Partner of the Long Island office of Nixon Peabody LLP, an international law firm. Law serves as Chairman of the Stony Brook University Council and serves on the board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). He is also the Chairman of the Long Island Housing Partnership and Chairman of Accelerate Long Island. Law hold an AA degree from Suffolk County Community College, a B.A. from SUNY, Stony Brook University, an M.S. from the Graduate School of Urban Affairs and Planning at CUNY, Hunter College and a J.D. from St. John's University School of Law. Mr. Law will assume the role of Chair upon confirmation by the Senate.

Hope Knight will be nominated as Commissioner of the Department of Economic Development and President and CEO of Empire State Development (ESD). Ms. Knight has served as President & CEO of Greater Jamaica Development Corporation (GJDC) since 2015. In that capacity she has advanced the economic growth, community-building, and sustainable real estate development that has immeasurably revitalized and strengthened the Southeast Queens region. Ms. Knight also serves on the New York City Planning Commission, as a Commissioner. Prior to leading GJDC, she was Chief Operating Officer of the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone overseeing over $150 million in investments, leveraging over $1 billion in private capital, and working on projects such as the East River Plaza, Potamkin East Harlem and the Victoria Theater & Hotel. She also served as Vice President at Morgan Stanley in the Institutional Equities Division, U.S. and as Vice President of Strategic Planning and E-Commerce, Morgan Stanley, Japan. Earlier in her career, Ms. Knight worked at Accenture and in New York City government. Ms. Knight serves on a number of boards, these organizations include: Regional Plan Association (Vice Chair), TruFund Financial (Vice Chair), Grameen America, Morgan Stanley Community Development Advisory Board, East Harlem Tutorial Program and Jack and Jill of America Foundation (Treasurer). She is also the Immediate Past Chair of the Board of Trustees of Marymount Manhattan College and was a member of ABNY's 2020 Census Organizing and Action Committee. Ms. Knight holds a BA from Marymount Manhattan College and an MBA from the Graduate School of Business of the University of Chicago. Ms. Knight will serve as Acting Commissioner, President and CEO until confirmation by the Senate.

NEW YORK CITY ANNOUNCES NEW DOMESTIC AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE WORKPLACE POLICY

 

City strengthens support system for City workers experiencing domestic and gender-based violence

 Mayor Bill de Blasio today signed Executive Order 85 to enhance trauma-informed support for City employees experiencing domestic and gender-based violence (DV/GBV) as part of the City’s commitment to a healthy and safe workplace that prioritizes employee wellbeing and access to mental health support.

“Everyone deserves to be safe and supported, both at work and in their personal lives,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We’re ensuring members of our workforce know they always have a place to turn, people to confide in, and the resources they need to feel protected and empowered. Domestic and gender-based violence has no place in our workplaces, our homes, or our city.”

“Given New York City’s leadership in offering support for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, it is with great pride that we announce even more support for our own workforce,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray. “The new workplace policy includes all forms of violence – from intimate partner violence to elder abuse and more. Domestic violence is a devastating and widespread problem, and no one working for New York City has to feel alone, unseen, or without resources.”

 

The Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV) will develop the “Domestic and Gender-Based Violence Workplace Policy” and related trainings, with the support of Workplaces Respond to Domestic and Sexual Violence, a national resource center operated by Futures Without Violence. The Workplace Policy will be adopted by all agencies and will standardize survivor-centered and trauma-informed responses for employees experiencing domestic and gender-based violence in the workplace or in their personal lives. The policy provides employees with a point of contact at every agency who can provide confidential support and direct connection to ENDGBV and the City’s resources for survivors. 

New York City is the first municipality in New York State to adopt a Workplace Policy that includes all forms of domestic and gender-based violence. Domestic and gender-based violence includes intimate partner violence, family violence, elder abuse, sexual violence (which can include sexual harassment), stalking, and human trafficking. ENDGBV’s resources for help include the NYC Family Justice Centers, the NYC Hope (nyc.gov/NYCHOPE) online resource directory and New York City’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-621-4673.) The NYC Family Justice Centers are co‐located multidisciplinary service centers providing assistance with immediate safety planning, shelter assistance and vital social services, civil legal, and criminal justice assistance for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence and their children—all under one roof. In addition, the New York City Human Rights Law offers broad protections against sexual harassment in employment. Resources on rights, obligations, and how to report can be found here: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/cchr/media/sexual-harassment-campaign.page. 

“The city must be a model for employers all over the state and nation, in supporting survivors of domestic and gender-based violence in its workforce,” said New York City Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Melanie Hartzog. “We are committed to connecting our own staff with critical resources like immediate safety planning, shelter assistance and vital social services, civil legal, and criminal justice assistance.” 

 

 “The health and wellbeing of the City’s workforce is a top priority,” said the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence Commissioner Cecile Noel. “Domestic and gender-based violence survivors often suffer silently and fear seeking out crucial help and safety. Enhancing trauma-informed support for City employees experiencing domestic and gender-based violence lets our employees know they are never alone, and help is always here for them through access to a wide range of City resources.” 

“We are proud to be a city leading the way and strengthening our support for staff who are survivors of domestic or gender-based violence,” said Department of Citywide Administrative Services Commissioner Lisette Camilo. “These issues affect every one of us, and ensuring that City employees can get connected with the support, resources, and information they need to stay safe is vital to a safer city for all New Yorkers.”

“All New Yorkers, regardless of gender identity, gender expression, or background have the right to live free from violence in their homes, schools, workplaces, and communities,” said Executive Director of the New York City Commission on Gender Equity Jacqueline M. Ebanks. “I applaud the leadership of Commissioner Noel and ENDGBV for this new initiative, which strengthens the City’s mission to be a model employer, ensuring the safety and well-being of its 325,000-person workforce.”

“In New York City, we protect and support survivors of domestic and gender-based violence,” said Chair and Commissioner of the NYC Commission on Human Rights Annabel Palma. “The New York City Human Rights Law protects New Yorkers against discrimination at work and at home when they experience such violence. This executive order illustrates the city’s commitment to survivors by ensuring trauma-informed resources are available to the city’s workforce and offering clear pathways for reporting. No one should fear getting help when they need it, and this policy provides more support for survivors.”

 

“"Holistic, accessible, and equitable policies are a key part of an effective workplace prevention and response program,” said Sarah Gonzalez Bocinski, Program Director of Economic Justice and Workforce Initiatives at Futures Without Violence. “We spend most of our waking hours at work, especially now for those who must work from home because of the pandemic. New York City should be commended for taking action to ensure that its workplaces center safety and support through this comprehensive gender-based violence policy. We hope that others follow its lead.”

 

NEW YORK CITY TO CLOSE DIGITAL DIVIDE FOR 1.6 MILLION RESIDENTS, ADVANCE RACIAL EQUITY

Mayor de Blasio announces landmark advancements in digital equity across New York City, building critical broadband infrastructure for up to 1.6 million New Yorkers, while partnering on immediate-term affordable internet connectivity for more than 250,000 residents  

 Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced the largest step of any city in American history toward providing affordable broadband for all. Through its Internet Master Plan, New York City will be the first city in the nation to reverse the digital redlining that has left communities of color disconnected, ensure that M/WBEs share in the economic growth of the broadband industry, and incentivize at scale high-quality affordable internet service options for New Yorkers.  

“Broadband isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We are closing the digital divide and bringing our city into the 21^st century by reaching communities most in need.”

 

Today, the City is announcing that it will reach up to 1.6 million New Yorkers in the next 36 months by using $157 million to build publicly owned, open-access broadband infrastructure. The City is also designating a wide range of companies -- large and small, including multiple M/WBEs -- to provide fast, reliable, and affordable connectivity options to an additional 70,000 NYCHA residents and 150,000 residents in the surrounding communities by early 2022.

  

Already, the City is in the process of bringing free or low-cost internet connectivity options for up to 40,000 residents in 18 New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments by the end of the year. This historic initiative brings newly affordable connectivity to a majority of NYCHA residents, with options to further scale affordable broadband to all neighborhoods citywide.  

  

“The City is taking unprecedented action to make sure that the digital divide soon becomes a thing of the past,” said Deputy Mayor for Administration and Chief of Staff Emma Wolfe. “We’re not just connecting New Yorkers to the internet. With the City’s investment in both connectivity and new infrastructure, we’re ensuring that affordable, reliable, high-speed internet service will be possible well into the future.”   

  

“The Internet Master Plan proves that government can leverage its vast resources to bring affordable, essential Broadband services and infrastructure to those who need it most” said J. Phillip Thompson, Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives. “The Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity was proud to support this strategic investment that will greatly benefit our target communities most impacted by decades of disinvestment.”

 

“No matter your zip code, every New Yorker deserves an equal opportunity to participate in building our shared future,” said New York City Chief Technology Officer John Paul Farmer. “The New York City Internet Master Plan has enabled the Big Apple’s unprecedented progress in promoting digital equity and making that idealistic vision a practical reality. New York City’s bold new approach delivers cross-sector partnerships, incorporates cutting-edge technologies, upgrades performance, and ensures affordability for residents and businesses. That is how we are transforming the broadband marketplace.”

 

"This program is a model for ensuring that every American has access to reliable high-speed internet. New York is proof positive that this kind of equitable infrastructure development is a critical component of what it means to Build Back Better," said Dr. Alondra Nelson, Deputy Director for Science and Society, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. "That’s why the Biden-Harris Administration so values the vision and partnership of Mayor Bill de Blasio and New York City."

 

"Many communities hardest hit by COVID have experienced longstanding health and socioeconomic inequities, including a lack of access to affordable and reliable broadband internet," said Sideya Sherman, Executive Director of the Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity. "This disparity is the result of digital redlining. With today's announcement, the City is driving equity and righting this historic wrong."

 

“In today’s landscape, providing equitable access to internet service is essential for improving the quality of life and pathways to opportunity for our residents,” said NYCHA Chair & CEO Greg Russ. “Over the past year, we have made tremendous strides in expanding affordable broadband options for public housing communities, and we are excited to work with the City as well as our public and private partners in bringing a robust digital infrastructure to even more NYCHA campuses in the years to come.”

 

“We are thrilled these latest milestones implementing the Internet Master Plan continue to increase digital access for communities that need it the most," said NYCEDC President and CEO Rachel Loeb. "Now more than 250,000 New Yorkers, including NYCHA residents, will have access to new, affordable, high-speed internet options and we are excited to continue to work with our City Partners on advancing the City's Internet Master Plan."

 

"Providing equitable access to broadband is critical to the City's economic growth and recovery," said Jonnel Doris, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services.  "Now more than ever, small business owners and job seekers in underserved communities are relying on the internet to effectively participate in our economy.  SBS was proud to be an integral part of this initiative, which levels the playing field for customers, opens the door to smaller providers, and diversifies the City's digital service pool.  This is a win for everyone."

 

 “Broadband connectivity is increasingly important for the activities that help people lead productive and healthy lives,” said Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Jamie Torres-Springer. “By investing in broadband infrastructure the City is investing in the future, including the ability to deliver government services efficiently. DDC is prepared to support this important work however possible.”"

 

“This past year has revealed that while greenspaces and parks are essential, so too is reliable access to affordable internet,” said New York City Parks Commissioner Gabrielle Fialkoff. “With this latest announcement, we are proud to be part of this administration’s Internet Master Plan and will continue to do our part to expand broadband infrastructure into our city’s parks and greenspaces where possible.” 

 

"The last 20 months have made clear what we’ve long known - fast, reliable, and affordable broadband is not a luxury, it's an essential utility for learning, working, public health, and to ensure all people can thrive," said Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation. “From pioneering publicly owned open-access broadband infrastructure to increasing competition between ISPs, these pathbreaking steps by New York City to close the digital divide marks a milestone in advancing the promise of equity in broadband access.” 

 

“The pandemic has permanently altered the role of broadband, and access to it, as essential infrastructure for individuals, communities, governments and small businesses to function in today’s digital world,” said Michael Froman, Vice Chairman and President of Strategic Growth for Mastercard. “Yet millions of households across the country do not have access and many small businesses lack the digital skills or education to leverage online services. Mastercard is committed to working with local governments, telcos and small business owners to ensure we obtain ubiquitous access to broadband and foster digital skills development as a critical step toward achieving a more equitable and inclusive society where opportunity exists for all.” 

 

“20 years ago, then-Councilman Bill de Blasio recognized how important broadband access is for all New Yorkers to learn, work, and participate in the 21st century economy” said Andrew Rasiej, Co-founder of Civic Hall. “With today’s announcement Mayor Bill de Blasio is making his vision of a more fair and equitable online future for all a public priority and reality.” 

Earth Day Initiative - What you need to understand about climate action

 

COP26 IS HERE.  WHAT CAN YOU DO? We recently hosted a discussion with representatives from March for Science and Fridays for Future and former New York Times chief environment and climate correspondent Andrew Revkin to explain what COP26 is, the state of the Paris Agreement, and what you can do.  You can watch that full COP26 explainer here.  The gist is that increasingly alarming reports are issued every week about the dire nature of the climate crisis and the lack of appropriate and robust responses from business and government.  Even the commitments made in the past (like finance for climate action) are not being met and vague goals (like carbon neutral pledges) set us up for failure in the future.  We need to see climate action before it's too late.  And the most impactful thing you can do is use your voice.   Take one minute to tell your own leaders that we need bold climate action before COP26 next week.  Click here.