On September 14, 2023, the City Council voted to approve a bill that addresses a national spike in drownings. The bill, effective as of last month, requires all public pools and beaches to submit a lifeguard training and emergency report. Bill 1017-A, sponsored by Council Member Shekar Krishnan, will require the Parks Department to submit an annual report to the Mayor and City Council, detailing lifeguard staffing levels and training for the city’s pools and … <Read More>
City Council
Council Passes Bill to Provide Small Businesses with More Financial Information
On September 14, 2023, the City Council passed Int. No. 969-A, which requires the Department of Small Business Services to provide information on local community development financial institutions on the city’s one-stop shop business services portal. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, community development financial institutions are financial lenders that help, “promote access to capital and local economic growth in…low-income communities… through monetary awards and the allocation of tax credits.”
Council Introduces Bill to Improve Access to Supplies During Emergencies
On September 14, 2023, Int.1167, co-sponsored by Council Members Eric Dinowitz and Kevin C. Riley, was introduced at the City Council. The bill aims to address the lack of supplies that are available at Bronx emergency service centers.
Council Bill Proposes Increased Safety and Responsiveness Requirements for Tree Risk Management
On September 14, 2023, New York City Council Member James Gennaro introduced Int. 1169 to set stricter safety standards, timelines, and procedures under the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Tree Risk Management Program. The bill amends Local Law 20 – passed by the City Council on January 9, 2022 – that governs tree inspection and health assessments by the Department of Parks and Recreation. Pursuant to Local Law 20, a member of the general public … <Read More>
Council Approves Bill to Increase Available Information for Food Programs
On September 14, 2023 the City Council approved Int. 1080-A. The bill, sponsored by City Council Member Linda Lee, focuses on the distribution and publication of information about emergency food programs, food benefit programs, and senior centers available through the ACCESS HRA website.
City Council Votes to Approve Additions to DOT Master Street Plan
On October 19, 2023, the City Council voted to approve Int. 1164A-2023. The bill was sponsored by Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers. This bill seeks to make additions to the Department of Transportation’s Master Street Plan by, in the words of Council Member Brooks-Powers, adding equity through “an investment roadmap to the streets plan law.”