Week of February 9, 2026

After a committee hearing and amendment this week, the City Council approved a bill requiring the city to create a searchable online database of all city contracts above a certain threshold. The database must show contract details at each stage—from planning through completion—including contractor names, scope of work, spending, and subcontractors, with limited exemptions for public safety or confidential information.

The Housing and Buildings Committee held a hearing this week on a bill that would create a new category of affordable shared housing units in apartment buildings starting January 1, 2027. The bill allows property owners to convert existing buildings or build new ones with smaller 'shared housing rooming units'—rooms designed for 1–2 people with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities—subject to new building code standards and restrictions on short-term rentals.

The Housing and Buildings Committee held a hearing this week on a bill that would allow homeowners to legally rent out basement apartments in one- and two-family homes, but the committee laid the bill over for further consideration. The proposal would permit cellar occupancy for accessory dwelling units that meet building code standards and receive a certificate of occupancy.

The Housing and Buildings Committee held a hearing this week on a bill that would require the city to set up free in-person help centers in every community district where New Yorkers can get assistance applying for affordable housing. The program would operate at libraries, senior centers, recreation centers, and community centers, staffed by city employees or volunteers to help people navigate applications, upload documents, and appeal denials.

The Council approved the power-washing pilot program this week after the Sanitation Committee amended and voted it forward on Feb. 10. The law requires the Department of Sanitation to launch a 6-month pilot program using power-washing machines to clean sidewalks in commercial corridors—at least one location per borough, targeting high-traffic areas near transit. The city must report back by December 2027 on whether to expand it citywide.

The City Council approved a bill this week that requires the Department of Health to create clear, step-by-step guidance for child care operators applying for permits. The guidance must include a visual flowchart showing what licenses and approvals are needed and in what order, posted on the city website in multiple languages. This addresses a long-standing complaint that the permitting process is confusing and unclear.

The City Council approved Int 0005-2026 this week, advancing a bill that increases criminal penalties for lying on city contracts and requires more detailed subcontractor disclosure. The measure stiffens fines from $100–$1,000 to $1,000–$25,000 for false statements by bidders and creates new penalties for fraudulent subcontractor information. It also requires contractors to report subcontractor owners' addresses, alternate business names, and whether the subcontractor is minority- or women-owned.

The City Council approved a resolution on February 11 that finalizes which nonprofit organizations will receive discretionary funding under the city's expense budgets for fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026. The resolution confirms new designations and changes to existing designations of organizations receiving council member discretionary funds.

The City Council approved Steven Banks as Corporation Counsel this week. The Corporation Counsel is the city's top lawyer, responsible for legal matters and representing the city in court.

The Transportation Committee held a hearing this week on a bill that would tighten rules for newsrack owners citywide. The bill requires owners to provide email addresses on racks, submit annual updates to the city electronically, and fix damaged racks within 7 days or face removal and fines—shortening the current repair timeline and making enforcement more strict.

The Housing and Buildings Committee held a hearing this week on a bill requiring construction permit holders to repair or replace city-owned trees damaged by their sidewalk sheds or scaffolding within six months. Currently, contractors must protect trees during construction but face no consequence if trees are damaged—this bill would make repairs mandatory.

The Transportation Committee held a hearing this week on a bill to create a task force studying how to make NYC streets safer as e-bike use rises. The task force would examine street design, infrastructure, and collisions involving e-bikes and recommend new policies and laws to protect pedestrians, cyclists, and e-bike riders.

The Housing and Buildings Committee held a hearing this week on a bill that would require the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) to provide expanded tenant relocation services when the city issues vacate orders for unsafe or uninhabitable buildings. The bill would mandate that HPD staff visit vacated buildings, inform displaced tenants of their relocation assistance eligibility in their preferred language, and help tenants recover personal belongings.

The Transportation Committee held a hearing this week on a bill requiring the city to clearly post and publish bus lane restriction schedules. The proposal would mandate that the Department of Transportation install visible signs on every block with bus lane restrictions and maintain an online, searchable database showing which days and hours restrictions apply on each street.

A committee hearing was held this week on a bill that would require the city to list vacant affordable housing units on its housing portal and notify qualified applicants who match their preferences. The bill ensures that only applicants who apply after a unit is listed can be considered for it, closing a gap in how the city currently handles re-renting affordable apartments.

This resolution urges the city to create guaranteed income pilot programs for low-income households, homeless shelter residents, and foster youth in the 2025-2026 budget. The proposal aims to provide direct cash assistance to vulnerable New Yorkers to help meet basic needs.

The City Council unanimously approved a resolution this week calling on Congress to reject federal changes to national park sites, particularly the removal of transgender history from Stonewall National Monument and the Pride flag. The resolution responds to Trump administration executive orders that have altered displays, removed LGBTQ+ references, taken down the Pride flag, and changed free admission days at national parks—eliminating Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth while adding Flag Day.

The City Council held a hearing this week on a resolution commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence on July 4, 2026. The resolution honors the Declaration of Independence and celebrates NYC's role in the founding, noting that the city will host parades, festivals, fireworks, museum exhibitions, and naval displays.

The Committee on Cultural Affairs held a hearing this week on a resolution to designate July 2 as 'Freedom Day' in NYC. The non-binding resolution honors the date when the Second Continental Congress voted to declare independence from Britain in 1776, two days before the Declaration of Independence was finalized on July 4.

The City Council held a hearing this week on a resolution to designate March 22 as A Tribe Called Quest Day in New York City. The non-binding resolution honors the legendary Queens hip-hop group for blending hip-hop and jazz and creating influential music that shaped generations of artists and audiences.

A committee held a hearing this week on a resolution to declare April 6 as Tartan Day in New York City annually. The non-binding resolution honors Scottish American contributions to the U.S. and celebrates the NYC Tartan Day Parade, which draws thousands of bagpipers and participants each year.

This resolution calls on New York State to change state law so that legally authorized workers—not just U.S. citizens—can become NYPD officers and firefighters. The city is facing severe staffing shortages (39% higher police attrition, 52% higher fire attrition than pre-pandemic), and expanding the candidate pool could help fill critical public safety gaps while increasing workforce diversity.

This resolution proposes to designate November 28 annually as Albanian Independence Day in New York City, honoring Albania's declaration of independence on that date in 1912. The designation recognizes the over 100,000 Albanian-Americans living in NYC and celebrates their contributions to the city's culture and economy.

This resolution would declare October 3 as Korean Cultural Awareness Day in New York City each year to honor Gaecheonjeol, the Korean national foundation day. The city would recognize the approximately 90,000 Korean and Korean American residents and their cultural heritage.

This resolution calls on New York State lawmakers to pass a bill that would require pharmacies to offer COVID-19 and other vaccine appointments without requiring a prescription. The proposal aims to address gaps in vaccine access that emerged when some major pharmacy chains restricted vaccines to customers with prescriptions.

This resolution urges New York State to pass legislation that would allow city agencies to buy food from vendors whose bids are up to 10% higher than the cheapest option, if those vendors meet quality and sustainability standards. Currently, city procurement rules often force agencies to choose the lowest bidder regardless of food quality, affecting shelter residents and others receiving city-funded meals.

This resolution urges the city to create a new civil service job title for graduates of the Office of Technology and Innovation's fellowship programs, designed to remove college degree requirements that currently block non-traditional tech workers—like bootcamp graduates—from permanent city tech jobs.

This resolution calls on the federal government to pass the Afghan Adjustment Act, which would create a pathway to permanent legal status for Afghans evacuated after the U.S. withdrawal. The measure aims to help evacuees currently in legal limbo transition to permanent residency without returning to Afghanistan.

This resolution urges the federal government to grant Temporary Protected Status and Special Student Relief to people from Pakistan now living in the U.S. who were affected by catastrophic flooding. It has no binding legal force—the City Council cannot grant immigration status, which is a federal authority.

This resolution calls on the state to require comprehensive sexuality education in all NYC public schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, covering physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of sexuality using national education standards. It is a non-binding proposal urging state action, not a change to city law.

This resolution proposes to officially designate July 18 through August 17 as South Asian Heritage Month in New York City. The measure aims to celebrate and honor South Asian cultures, histories, and contributions to the city.

This resolution calls on New York State to allow taxpayers to voluntarily donate to an abortion access fund when filing state income taxes. It's a non-binding proposal urging state lawmakers to create a new charitable giving option on tax forms.

This resolution celebrates NJ/NY Gotham FC's 2023 National Women's Soccer League Championship victory. It is a commemorative measure with no legal or budgetary impact.

This resolution calls on New York State to pass legislation allowing cities with 1+ million residents (including NYC) to legalize certain accessory dwelling units (ADUs)—smaller rental units in or attached to homes. The measure aims to increase affordable housing supply by making it easier for homeowners to add legal rental units to their properties.

This resolution calls on the New York State Legislature to pass a bill requiring all medical students in New York State to complete anti-bias training. The bill aims to reduce discrimination in healthcare and improve care quality for marginalized patients.

This resolution urges New York State lawmakers to require state-chartered banks and credit unions to accept the IDNYC card as a primary form of identification. Supporters argue the move would help over 300,000 unbanked NYC households—particularly immigrants, homeless people, and low-income residents—open bank accounts and avoid predatory financial services.

This resolution urges New York State's Department of Motor Vehicles to give IDNYC (NYC's municipal ID card) higher point value when applying for a state driver's license. Currently, IDNYC counts as just 1 point toward the 6 points required by the DMV; raising its value would make it easier for undocumented immigrants, homeless individuals, and other vulnerable New Yorkers to obtain driver's licenses.

This resolution urges New York State to pass a bill that would require NYC public schools to get parents' written permission before sharing student personal information with outside contractors. Currently, the DOE shares student data (names, addresses, grades) with vendors unless parents actively opt out—this proposal would flip that to require opt-in consent instead.

This resolution would designate July 6 annually as His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet Day in New York City to honor his advocacy for peace, compassion, and nonviolence. The designation recognizes his spiritual leadership, Nobel Peace Prize, and multiple visits to NYC, and complements the city's 2025 decision to suspend parking rules for Losar, the Tibetan New Year.

This resolution proposes to urge the state to exclude Social Security and supplemental security income from income calculations for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) program. Currently, these benefits count as income, which can disqualify or reduce benefits for low-income seniors. The change would help more seniors qualify for rent protections.

This resolution proposes requiring utility companies operating in NYC to file annual reports documenting all service outages. The measure aims to increase transparency and accountability for power, water, and gas disruptions that affect city residents.

This resolution calls on the state legislature to create a framework allowing private property owners to jointly improve and maintain shared infrastructure like parking lots, loading zones, and utility corridors. The proposal aims to streamline approval processes so multiple owners can coordinate upgrades without lengthy bureaucratic delays.

This resolution calls on the state to pass legislation that would subsidize closing costs for low-income renters buying their first home. If enacted at the state level, it could reduce a major financial barrier preventing renters from building wealth through homeownership.

This resolution proposes creating a task force to study how blockchain technology could be used for state record keeping, information storage, and service delivery. It's a non-binding proposal to examine potential applications rather than implement any immediate changes.

This resolution proposes to establish and fund a universal basic income pilot program in New York City. If enacted, the program would provide regular cash payments to selected residents to test whether guaranteed income reduces poverty and improves economic stability.

This resolution urges the state legislature to pass a bill requiring hair relaxer products sold in New York to display warning labels when they contain certain dangerous chemicals. The proposal aims to protect consumers—particularly Black women who use these products at higher rates—from potential health risks associated with chemical exposure.

This resolution supports a state-level proposal to create a grant program for senior dental services. The bill itself is non-binding—it urges the state to act—but dental care is a major cost burden for many older New Yorkers, particularly low-income seniors who often skip needed treatment.

This is a non-binding resolution calling on Congress to pass the federal George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which would impose stricter standards on police use of force, qualified immunity, and transparency nationwide. The resolution expresses the City Council's support for federal police reform but has no legal force in New York City.

This resolution calls on the state legislature to pass a bill requiring police officers to carry personal liability insurance. The measure aims to create financial accountability for individual officers and potentially reduce the burden of excessive force settlements on city taxpayers.

This resolution urges New York State to pass legislation requiring businesses and state agencies to disclose their historical ties to slavery and prohibit the state from doing business with companies that fail to comply. The bill aims to increase transparency and accountability regarding corporate complicity in slavery.

This resolution calls on the New York State Legislature to pass a bill (A.2344) that would create a new crime for negligently using real property in ways that endanger public safety. The proposal aims to hold property owners accountable when their negligence—such as failing to maintain buildings or secure hazardous conditions—causes harm to the public.

This resolution backs a state Assembly bill that would let specialized high schools in New York City set their own admission standards instead of relying solely on the standardized entrance exam. It's a non-binding call to support state legislation that could reshape how students gain access to elite public schools like Stuyvesant and Bronx Science.

This resolution calls on New York State to pass legislation (S.4247/A.9615) that would provide housing and support services to SUNY and CUNY students experiencing homelessness. The measure aims to help thousands of low-income college students in the city access stable housing while pursuing their degrees.

This resolution urges New York State to pass legislation that would eliminate the school tax reduction credit for higher-income earners and create a progressive child tax credit instead. The measure proposes shifting tax benefits toward lower- and middle-income families with children, though it requires state legislative action rather than city action.

This resolution proposes to declare January 12 annually as Sheila Jackson Lee Appreciation Day in New York City. The measure is a ceremonial recognition with no binding legal effect.

This resolution urges New York State to pass the Bucks for Boilers Act, which would provide financial assistance to help building owners replace old, polluting heating systems with cleaner alternatives. The proposal aims to reduce emissions from residential and commercial buildings while making upgrades more affordable for property owners.

This resolution proposes to officially designate March 17 each year as Dr. Hazel Dukes Day in New York City to honor the civil rights leader's legacy and contributions to the city.

This resolution calls on the state to pass legislation (A.1300/S.127) that would provide free or subsidized legal services to small property owners facing housing-related disputes or legal issues. The measure aims to help small landlords navigate complex housing law without bearing full legal costs.

This resolution proposes creating guaranteed income pilot programs targeted at low-income individuals, young adults, and foster youth in NYC. The programs would be means-tested, meaning eligibility would depend on income level. While the resolution urges the city to establish these programs, it does not commit funding or create binding legal requirements.

This resolution expresses the City Council's support for a federal bill (S.441/HR 1041) that would create tax-advantaged savings accounts for children from low- and moderate-income families. The accounts would help families build savings for education, job training, or other expenses. The Council is urging Congress to pass this federal legislation.

This resolution proposes to officially designate August as Black Business Month in New York City to celebrate and raise awareness of Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. It is a ceremonial declaration with no binding legal requirements or funding.

This resolution calls on the state to require that when public agencies reject bids from minority and women-owned businesses, they must provide written explanations for the rejection. The goal is to increase transparency and help these businesses understand how to compete more effectively for city contracts.

This resolution condemns two fatal shootings by federal immigration agents during 'Operation Metro Surge' in Minnesota—Renée Nicole Good and Alex Jeffrey Pretti, both U.S. citizens. The resolution disputes federal claims of self-defense, citing video evidence, and calls attention to what sponsors describe as a pattern of violence and misconduct by federal immigration authorities.

This resolution urges the New York State Legislature to pass bills that would allow dentists to administer flu, COVID-19, HPV, and emergency-related vaccines. The proposal aims to expand vaccine access by adding dental offices as vaccination sites, particularly important as flu deaths and COVID cases remain a public health concern in NYC.

This resolution urges New York State to expand 'encore entrepreneurship' programs that help people 50 and older start small businesses. The city is asking state agencies to provide more support and resources for older entrepreneurs.

This resolution calls on New York State to create an Office of Older Adult Workforce Development within the State Office for the Aging. The office would support older workers seeking employment or career transitions. This is a non-binding proposal asking the state to take action.

This resolution calls on the state legislature to repeal laws that mandate counties maintain jails. It's a non-binding statement supporting jail closure efforts, but carries no legal force on its own—the city would need state lawmakers to act.

This resolution calls on the State Legislature to pass two bills that would protect New York property owners from deed theft—a crime where fraudsters illegally transfer ownership of real estate. The measures would establish stronger protections for victims, including restitution rights and clearer legal remedies.

This resolution would declare March as Blood Clot Awareness Month in New York City to raise public awareness about blood clots, their risks, and prevention. It is a non-binding declaration with no direct legal or budgetary impact.

This proposed resolution would designate August 2 as James Baldwin Day annually in New York City to honor the celebrated author and civil rights activist. The measure is non-binding and commemorative in nature.