New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said Monday that commuters have saved more than $100 million since the Metropolitan Transportation Authority expanded its CityTicket program in 2022 to cover all off-peak and later peak trains. The program, which has sold 37.2 million discounted tickets, has boosted ridership on the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North to record levels while lifting customer satisfaction and on-time performance across both railroads.
Money in Your Pockets: Governor Hochul Announces MTA Customer Savings Surpasses $100 Million With Commuter Railroad Cityticket Expansion
MTA Sold 37.2 Million CityTickets Since March 2022 Following Expansion to All Off-Peak Trains and Further Expansion to Peak Trains in Late Summer 2023. CityTicket Provides NYC Residents Greater Access to Affordable Commuter Rail Travel Between the Outerboroughs and Manhattan. Milestone Reached as Railroads Experience Record Year of Ridership and Performance.
Governor Hochul today announced that Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) customers have saved more than $100 million since March 2022 by using CityTicket to travel within New York City on the Long Island Rail Road or Metro-North Railroad. The savings are measured against the cost of regular one-way peak and off-peak tickets. This milestone comes after Governor Hochul and the MTA expanded the CityTicket program from a weekend-only option to being available on all peak and off-peak trains in recent years.
“The results are in and it is clear: expanding CityTicket has been a huge affordability win for New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “For years, residents of the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens had high-quality rail service right at their doorsteps, but the fare was just too high. Not anymore. By making LIRR and Metro-North service more affordable for city riders, we have welcomed millions of new customers, getting New Yorkers out of their cars and onto fast, reliable rail service in and out of Manhattan.”
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Liebersaid, “Thirty million customers can’t be wrong – the City Ticket is a smash success, saving New York City residents $100 million, plus a faster commute. It’s another proof point that low cost, reliable transit is one of our most important solutions to the affordability crisis, especially for folks outside Manhattan.”
The savings analysis is based on ticket sales from March 2022 through August 2025. Tickets are $5 off peak hours and $7 during peak hours anywhere within New York City on either LIRR or Metro-North, significantly less than the cost of point-to-point tickets prior to the start of the program. For the Long Island Rail Road, 30.4 million CityTickets were sold, totaling a cost savings of $83.2 million. For Metro-North Railroad, 6.8 million CityTickets were sold, totaling a cost savings of $17.6 million – achieving a combined $100.8 million in savings for customers.
Between March 2022 and August 2023, the MTA collectively sold 7.5 million CityTickets. When the program was expanded to include peak trains in August of 2023, 29.7 million CityTickets were sold between September 2022 and August 2025.
At a time of surging railroad ridership across the MTA network, CityTicket expansion has seen ridership grow at city stations faster than systemwide baselines. From 2021 to 2025, monthly average ridership across the LIRR has grown 179%, while ridership grew by 183% at Rosedale, 215% at Queens Village, and 224% at Jamaica. Over 766,000 monthly riders now travel to and from Jamaica Station on the LIRR, which includes connection to the JFK AirTrain and the 168 St Bus Terminal, with connections to 10 New York City Transit and five NICE bus routes.
Bronx riders are also benefitting from more affordable Metro-North service. While overall monthly average railroad ridership grew 126% from 2021 to 2025, ridership was up 163% at Tremont and 152% at Spuyten Duyvil.
Today’s announcement comes as the railroads continue to deliver strong performance and reliability, while breaking post pandemic ridership records. The ridership highs across both railroads reflect the increasing customer satisfaction rates and record-breaking on-time performance statistics.
For this year so far, 96.4% of LIRR trains reached their destination on time, the best rate in its history, even surpassing pandemic years. Customer satisfaction with the LIRR reached 81% in the spring of 2025, up five percentage points from the fall of 2024, when it reached 76%, which was itself a six-point increase from spring 2024’s rate of 70%.
On Metro-North, 98.0% of trains have reached their destination on time this year. Metro-North continues to be the MTA’s highest-rated service with 89% of customers reporting being very satisfied or satisfied with Metro-North overall, an increase from 85% in Fall 2024. Satisfaction increased across all lines, up four points to 90% on the Hudson Line, four points to 89% on the Harlem Line, and five points to 89% on the New Haven Line.b
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, speaking Sunday at Hope City Church, blended personal testimony with a defense of his record. He recounted his upbringing, his reliance on faith, and his recent struggles while outlining achievements such as expanded broadband for public-housing residents, reduced childcare costs, new foster care supports, and record declines in crime. Adams also highlighted job growth and minority business investment, framing the city’s progress as part of a broader message of resilience and divine guidance.
Mayor Adams Delivers Remarks at Hope City Church’s Sunday Service
Mayor Eric Adams: Please be seated. You don’t stand for me, I stand for you. You know, I started to tear up when I heard that story because I’m going through some stuff, folks. I’m going through some stuff. And, but God. But God. But God.
And I remember that day, as I was sitting there, I remember that day speaking to those young people. Always showed up. Always showed up. That has been my life, showing up for us. Because growing up in South Jamaica, Queens, mommy raising the six of us, no one showed up but God. But God.
And, pastor, you know, first of all, thank you for your friendship, your prayers. And we were coming in, I was in his office, and he was telling me that during COVID, I was supposed to come to service, and I got COVID, and Pastor Monrose said, no, “If Eric comes to church with COVID, they’re going to beat him up and write all sorts of things about him.”
And pastor said, you know, I started to read it and hear, and he said, Pastor Monrose was just right. No matter what Eric does, they are going to attack him. And you have to ask yourself why, you have to say to yourselves, why we don’t read about anything Eric has done in this city. Because, in your mind, I don’t blame you when you believe that this has been an administration of nothing but corruption.
I don’t blame you if you believe that I’m a puppet for Donald Trump. I don’t blame you if you believe that we have done nothing for people of color. I don’t blame you for believing that, because the people who are supposed to tell you the story of what we have done, have done just the opposite. So let me just take a moment to just give you a brief glimpse at what we have done in this city.
Who lives in NYCHA? Black and brown people. Do you know we have free high-speed broadband for NYCHA residents? $159-$160 a month now going back into their pockets. Do you know we have, for the first time, NYCHA land trusts because the federal government moved away from NYCHA. And we included NYCHA in our housing plan like no other administration has done before in the history.
And I have walked the halls of NYCHA to deal with real issues that’s in NYCHA. And when we did our summer youth jobs, we zeroed in on NYCHA residents and young people in particular. And do you know that crime in NYCHA has finally gone down in NYCHA residences under this administration.
Who is in foster care? Who is in foster care? Six to 700 age out every year and they slip through the cracks. Victims of crimes, homelessness, mental health issues. You know what we’ve done? Six to 700 that age out every year. Do you know we’re paying their college tuition and they’re no longer aging out at 18? They’re getting life coaches until they’re 21 years old and we’re giving them a stipend to move on.
Who needs childcare? Black and brown. Do you know we dropped the cost of childcare from $220 a month to less than $20 a month? Who needs after school programs? Who’s in the Department of Education? Black and brown students. Do you know we have universal after school programs? And we have expanded pre-K and 3K so that children with special needs, autism, now will have seats. They have been ignored for years, but we’re bringing them in.
When I became mayor, Black unemployment and brown unemployment was four times the rates of whites. We dropped unemployment by 20 percent in both areas. Black M/WBEs were not receiving any of the city procurement contracts. We put $19 billion into M/WBEs. Nowhere in the country is doing it.
And you know better than I, pastor, who’s the victims of shootings? Black and brown. We took 23,000 illegal guns off our streets. We have witnessed the lowest number of shootings and homicides in recorded history of this city. Who’s on our subway system going back and forth to work every day? Even swiping the metro card and jumping over the turnstile. Black and brown. Crime in our subway system is the lowest in recorded history, when you take out the two years from COVID.
More jobs in New York than in the history of this city. More small businesses are operating in the history of this city. Our young people— I have been on Rikers Island folks, more than any mayor in the history of this city. When I got re-baptized, I could have gone to any church in the city. You know where I went to get re-baptized? I went back on Rikers Island and got re-baptized with the inmates. With the inmates.
And so, when you talk about Donald Trump, do you know I took the president to court more than any mayor in this country? More than any mayor in the country. And the White House sued me several times. Think about it. They said, well, he had your charges dropped. Please go read my indictment. Please read it. When you read the indictment, you will say to yourself, what is this?
I was facing 33 years in prison. For calling the Fire Department, as the borough president, telling them, go do a building inspection. And if you can’t do it, let me know and I’ll manage their expectations. When you read through the indictment and you align it with the fact that I told the federal government, you can’t continue to send 237,000 people into our city at a price tag of $7 billion, I was not a good Democrat. But you know what I was? I was a good mayor for the people of this city.
I couldn’t stop the buses from coming in. That was against federal law. I couldn’t allow people to work who came into the city. That was against federal law. City law required me to house, feed, clean and clothe. Everything possible, I had to do according to city law.
And when I went to Washington, I said that $7 billion is coming out of my housing dollars. It’s coming out of the money that should be going to my children. It’s coming out of the money that’s going to my seniors. It’s coming out of the money that should be going to ensure that I can decrease unemployment. They turned a deaf ear. They said, Eric, it’s like a goldstone. You’re feeling pain now, but it was the past.
This is what I was fighting against. And so, I want you to know, God is in charge. God is in charge. And I want to end with this. Back when I was a little boy, mommy was struggling to hold on to our house. And every once in a while, she would hit the number. And I would say, mommy, you know, you’re a Christian. You’re not supposed to be playing numbers. And mommy would say, “Baby, God uses who he uses.” God uses who he uses.
And so, I don’t know about you. If you knew, you wouldn’t do anything wrong. And if someone comes along and says, on the campaign trail, that’s wrong what they’re doing to that mayor. And made the determination to have their Justice Department look over the case and see what they were saying among each other about me in that Justice Department. And they come along and say, you are not going to face 33 years in prison. And people come up to me on the street and say, well, you should not have allowed that to happen. I tell them, God uses who he uses. That’s what God uses.
And so, all I know is that Hope City is the city that I’m the mayor of. And there’s hope in this city. Because your pastor is the pastor of Hope City. And you know what? I’m going to ask every pastor I meet from now on. Do you have Cash App? And I’m not even going to tell them why. I’m just going to say, do you have Cash App? And I’m going to drop the mic. Thank you, church.
On September 6, 2025, in Albany, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a sweeping package of labor protection bills to safeguard workers across New York State. The legislation strengthens collective bargaining rights, expands apprenticeship programs for renewable energy projects, and creates pathways to good-paying union jobs, while also addressing federal gaps left by the weakened National Labor Relations Board. Signed ahead of New York City’s annual Labor Day Parade, the measures reinforce New York’s commitment to workers, unions, and the clean energy transition, ensuring stronger job security, fair treatment, and safer workplaces for thousands of New Yorkers.
Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Strengthen and Expand Worker and Labor Protections
Bill Package Includes Measure To Ensure Protections for New York Workers in Midst of Federal Uncertainty
Bills Would Lead to Creation of New Union Jobs
Governor Hochul Signs Bills To Protect Workers Ahead of New York City’s Labor Day Parade
Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation to strengthen and expand labor protections statewide. The package of bills will help create good paying union jobs and strengthen protections for workers across the state. In the absence of a functional National Labor Relations Board under the Trump Administration, the package of bills also includes legislation that seeks to preserve worker rights here in New York. The Governor highlighted the bill signings ahead of New York City’s famous Labor Day Parade.
“Our union laborers are the lifeblood of New York, working tirelessly to continue to build and uplift this great state,” Governor Hochul said. “While the Trump Administration has failed to prioritize a strong National Labor Relations Board and is dismantling unions left and right, here in New York we are taking strong action to protect worker rights and sending a clear message that we will always have the backs of New York’s workers.”
The package of bills includes:
Legislation S.8034A/A8590A which authorizes the New York State Public Employment Relations Board to assert jurisdiction over disputes between employers and recognized employee organizations if the National Labor Relations Board is unable to successfully assert jurisdiction.
Legislation S.5254/A.6612 which protects public unions from a wage reduction due to their involvement in the investigation of a violation of a workplace violence protection program.
Legislation S.12/A.779 which amends the Civil Service Law to strengthen protections for public unions during times of suspensions and workforce layoffs.
Legislation S.2457B/A3999B which establishes the Mechanical Insulation Energy Savings Program to provide grants for qualified mechanical insulation expenditures to school districts.
Legislation A.2730A requires contractors and subcontractors performing construction work for covered renewable energy systems to have apprenticeship agreements. This legislation also requires thermal energy networks to require contractors and subcontractors to have pre-apprenticeship direct entry providers registered with the New York State Department of Labor.
Public Employee Relations Board Chair Timothy Connick said, “As the current administration continues to sideline longstanding labor institutions like the National Labor Relations Board, it is more important than ever that New York State step up to defend the rights of workers and create fair venues to resolve labor disputes. PERB stands ready to fill the void left by Trump’s NLRB and protect the rights of workers and organized labor across the state.”
State Senator Robert Jacksonsaid, “Today marks a victory for the backbone of our public workforce. With the signing of my bill, S12, New York sends a clear message: collective bargaining agreements are not fair-weather promises — they are binding commitments that must endure through every challenge. This law ensures that layoffs or suspensions cannot be used to discard the rights won at the bargaining table. I thank Governor Hochul for signing this bill into law and standing with us. I am also proud to co-sponsor the companion measures signed today — together, these laws strengthen the voice of labor and uphold the dignity of every worker across our state.”
State Senator Jessica Ramossaid, “I’m so grateful to Governor Hochul for signing my bills to protect federal workers when federal safeguards fall short and to expand union apprenticeships that build the greener future we urgently need. That’s how we honor workers in New York.”
State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton said, “Thank you to Governor Hochul for signing my bill that requires contractors and subcontractors performing construction work for renewable energy systems to use apprenticeship agreements. Apprenticeship requirements will ensure workers are adequately trained in a skilled, safe, timely and efficient way. These programs provide New Yorkers with opportunities to gain access to career-track jobs, supporting families and local economies.”
State Senator Chris Ryansaid, “Today’s actions by Governor Hochul represent another strong step forward in protecting working people across New York State. From ensuring fair treatment of public sector workers during investigations or layoffs, to strengthening apprenticeship and training opportunities, this package of legislation makes clear that New York will always stand with workers. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for including my legislation, S5254, as part of this package. As a lifelong labor leader and advocate, I’m proud to advance measures that safeguard collective bargaining rights, strengthen workplace protections, and create pathways to good-paying careers for our families and communities.”
Assemblymember Harry Bronsonsaid, “As Chair of the Assembly Labor Committee, I am committed to always fighting for the protections which New York workers have earned and deserve — good wages, the right to safe workplaces, the right to organize and select who will represent them, and the right to take action when their worker rights are threatened. With the signing of these bills, the leadership and partnership of Governor Hochul, and the support of organized labor, we are demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the hardworking families of New York and achieving meaningful protections against the Trump administration’s attack on workers. In addition, by enacting the Mechanical Insulation Energy Savings Program bill, we will increase the energy efficiency of public buildings and create workforce development opportunities through apprenticeships.”
Assemblymember Didi Barrettsaid, “By establishing apprenticeship programs across all renewable energy projects, we are ensuring New York State has the skilled workforce for our clean energy transition, while laying the groundwork for good-paying, union careers in this growing energy sector for working women and men. This is a win for our state, our planet, our working families, and our economy! I thank Governor Hochul for signing this important bill into law.”
Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato said, “New York has always stood up for our workforce. Through this legislation, and the tremendous work of Governor Hochul, New York continues to strengthen protections for unions and their employees during layoffs. We will always be a proud pro-union and pro-worker State.”
New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento said, “By signing these bills into law, Governor Hochul has once again demonstrated her commitment to addressing the real needs and concerns of working people. Partnering with the Governor, I know we will continue to lead when it comes to achieving meaningful progress toward improving the lives of hardworking New Yorkers. I also want to thank Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Speaker Heastie for their vital roles in passing these critical pieces of legislation.”
New York State Building Trades President Gary LaBarbera said, “We thank Governor Hochul for standing with the Labor movement today and signing this very important legislation. The Building Trades are proud to advocate for policies that will benefit the entire construction workforce and ensure more projects are creating pathways for individuals to earn a middle-class family sustaining job and career in a union trade. Both the Renewable Energy Apprenticeship and Mechanical Insulation Incentives legislation have been priorities for our members this year as they will produce more job opportunities throughout the industry, while providing a positive impact to New York’s economy that will help the State in lowering its carbon footprint. We applaud the Governor, Legislative leadership and the bill sponsors for their commitment and support for our unions and these respective policies.”
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) President Mary E. Sullivan said, “We are grateful to Governor Hochul for continuing her commitment to working people by signing these bills into law. Public employees deserve to know their negotiated rights will be respected and that they can speak up to make their workplaces safer without fear of losing pay. These new protections mean stronger job security, safer workplaces and a stronger future for the people who keep New York and our communities running every day.”
New York State Public Employees Federation President Wayne Spence said, “The 54,000 members of the New York State Public Employees Federation appreciate Governor Hochul’s continued leadership and support to adjust and correct issues with the state’s Workplace Violence Law. This law ensures that both workers and employers are able to engage in the process of making all public workplaces safer. We look forward to continuing this work in the coming year as we work collectively to enhance the safety and security of all public employees.”
LiUNA Vice President and New England Regional Manager Donato A. Bianco, Jr. said, “The bright future of New York State will be powered by renewable energy, and the men and women of LIUNA stand ready to continue building this critical infrastructure that will benefit generations of New Yorkers. We applaud Governor Kathy Hochul for recognizing the resounding impact the unionized workforce has on building clean energy projects from the ground up, and the importance of the career opportunities apprenticeship provides. This legislation ensures the highest quality workforce will get the job done safely, efficiently and expeditiously, and paves pathways for New Yorkers to make their mark on the energy landscape while earning a solid, family-sustaining wage. At a time when Washington’s targeted assault on working families and the construction industry shows no sign of letting up, we express deep gratitude to bill sponsors Assembly Member Didi Barrett and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton for showing New York will fight for both.”
NY/NE Conference of Mechanical Insulators President Thomas LeCount and Financial Secretary John Jovic said, “We thank Governor Hochul for her leadership in signing legislation to implement the Mechanical Insulation Energy Savings Program. This new program will make public buildings more energy efficient across the State, while creating access to top tier apprenticeship programs and good paying jobs. We truly appreciate the commitment to Labor and hardworking New Yorkers that the Governor, Legislative Leadership and our sponsors have demonstrated in creating this program.”
Mayor Eric Adams, Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, and Delaware State University President Dr. Tony Allen cut the ribbon on New York City’s first Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Early College Prep High School as students returned for the 2025–2026 school year. Located in Queens, the new school offers a tuition-free early college program where students can earn up to 64 college credits toward an associate degree while celebrating HBCU traditions. The opening comes as part of the Adams administration’s launch of seven new schools across the city, alongside expanded literacy and math initiatives, stricter classroom technology policies, new after-school programs, and major investments in student success across all five boroughs.
Mayor Adams, Chancellor Aviles-Ramos Cut Ribbon at City’s First HBCU Early College Prep High School, Welcome Students Back at First Day of 2025–2026 School Year
Adams Administration Opens Seven New Schools for 2025-2026 School Year. New Technology Policies, Investments in Student Success Build on Administration’s Commitment to Student Achievement Across All Five Boroughs.
– New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, and Delaware State University (DSU) President Dr. Tony Allen today celebrated the return to school of approximately 1 million public-school students and staff and cut the ribbon at the Historically Black Colleges Universities (HBCU) Early College Prep High School in Queens. The HBCU Early College Prep High School — the first-of-its-kind for New York City Public Schools — will bring an innovative, tuition-free, early college high school experience to students, where they can earn up to 64 college credits for an associate degree in Liberal Arts from DSU, an HBCU. The event welcomed the first cohort of students with performances and words of encouragement while marking the beginning of a transformative school year, which will include the expansion of signature initiatives in NYC Reads and NYC Solves, the internet-enabled device policy designed to limit distractions in the classrooms, and significant investments in hiring more teachers, among other major announcements.
“We are ringing in the school year with more investments to prepare our students for bold futures. Today, we are opening seven new public schools across the five boroughs, including the first ever HBCU Early College Prep High School, expanding programs for students with autism, rolling out our first batch of 5,000 new after-school seats, and so much more as we invest in our students and families,” said Mayor Adams. “We are thrilled to start the school year with these new investments, offering schools that honor our students’ rich backgrounds and histories and meet local needs, provide rigorous instruction, and prepare all of our students for the future. Our administration is laser focused on making New York the best place to raise a family, and that starts with providing our kids with a quality education.”
“The first day of school is my favorite day of the year. As I watched my own daughter prepare for her first day of middle school, I was reminded of the tremendous trust families across the city place in us with their most precious gifts: their children. That is why we are committed to delivering on our promise to provide a world-class education that prepares every single student for success,” said Public Schools Chancellor Aviles-Ramos. “This year, we’ve opened seven brand-new, innovative schools, launched a device policy that will create more focused learning environments, and expanded our incredibly successful NYC Reads and NYC Solves programs to 186 additional schools across our system. I am beyond proud to lead New York City Public Schools in this groundbreaking work, and I can’t wait to see our students thrive throughout this new school year.”
HBCU Early College Prep High School today opened its doors for over 100 ninth-grade scholars as part of its historic first day. Led by founding principal and HBCU alumnus Dr. Asya Johnson, HBCU Early College Prep provides students with the world-class education of a New York City Public School while preparing them for life beyond high school and success in college. The school’s structure is rooted in the rich legacy of HBCUs and offers students a comprehensive experience that includes college courses, Greek life, Founder’s Day activities, Mr. and Miss Freshman competitions, Homecoming celebrations, and more.
As the school year begins, New York City Public Schools opened the doors to seven new schools in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and on Staten Island, bringing world class education, accelerated programming, and career readiness to over 500 students. With more than 1,600 schools serving diverse communities across the five boroughs, New York City Public Schools remains dedicated to reflecting these communities while upholding excellence and preparing students for success in college, career, and life, including by opening of two new FutureReadyNYC schools, bringing a reimagined high school experience to students so they can plan for a bright future with good careers.
Today also kicked off the New York City Public Schools’ new cell phone and electronic device policy, in line with the New York state mandate passed this year by the state Legislature. While more than half of the city’s public schools already had a cell phone restriction policy in place, under the revised policy, starting this school year, personal internet-enabled devices — such as smartphones, tablets, and smart watches — cannot be used during the school day by students. This work comes on the heels of multi-year consultations with school communities and alongside the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to develop well-rounded policies that meet the needs of students enrolled in New York City Public Schools.
Additionally, 186 schools across 14 districts will implement Mayor Adams’ signature curricula, NYC Reads and NYC Solves, for the first time this year, which will bring high-quality, evidence-based foundational reading and math curricula to middle school students across the five boroughs. These comprehensive programs also provide targeted resources, professional development, and curriculum enhancements for educators. The Adams administration and New York City Public Schools recently celebrated the release of new state test data revealing a substantial increase in reading and math scores for public school children in the city, between grades 3 through 8 in the 2024-2025 school year.
“As an advocate for educational equity and opportunity, I am proud to celebrate the opening of New York City’s first HBCU Early College Prep High School in partnership with Delaware State University,” said New York City Councilmember Kevin C. Riley. “This model not only prepares students for academic success but also honors the cultural pride and excellence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. By offering tuition-free college credits, we are breaking barriers and creating opportunities for our Black and Brown youth, an investment in the next generation of leaders who will shape our city and beyond.”
September 4, 2025 HBCU Early Prep 88-15 182 Street Jamaica, NY 11423 City Hall Manhattan, New York
Mayor Eric Adams and CUNY Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez are pumping $12.3 million into a new life sciences center at Hostos Community College — turning part of the old Bronx General Post Office into a high-tech training ground for future nurses, therapists, and health pros. The $70 million makeover will bring sleek labs, classrooms, and student hangouts to the South Bronx, serving up to 5,000 students a year. City Hall says the project will boost enrollment, create faculty jobs, and give locals a pipeline to high-paying healthcare gigs. Construction kicks off in 2026, with doors set to open in 2028.
Mayor Adams, Cuny Chancellor Matos Rodríguez Celebrate Funding for New Life Science Facility at Hostos Community College (Video)
What you should know
New State-of-the-Art Life Sciences Facility Will Offer Hands-on Training in High-Demand Health Care Programs, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Home Health Care, and More
Facility Expected to Drive Enrollment Growth, Create Demand for Additional Faculty Jobs, Increase Research Capacity, Help Students Enter High-Paying Careers in Health and Science
Builds on Investments Made in Mayor Adams’ “Best Budget Ever” to Protect $1.4 Billion in Critical Programs Previously Facing Spending Cliffs; Maintain Funding to CUNY, Cultural Institutions, Libraries, and More
– New York City Mayor Eric Adams and The City University of New York (CUNY) Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez today announced $12.3 million in funding to lease a new space that will serve as a life sciences facility for Hostos Community College in the Bronx. With $12.3 million in baselined funding from the city, developer BPO Owner LLC will embark on an approximately $70-million renovation of a portion of the historic Bronx General Post Office to develop a state-of-the-art facility for health care programs. The city’s investment was made in conjunction with the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Adopted Budget, which builds on Mayor Adams’ FY 2026 Executive Budget, often called the “Best Budget Ever.”
“If it’s good enough for Cornell, it should be good enough for CUNY. There’s no reason our CUNY schools shouldn’t have the same level of resources and access to hands-on learning as their peers across the nation, and our administration is proud to help make that happen,” said Mayor Adams. “Today, we are helping CUNY develop further into a world-class institution with the announcement of a brand new life sciences facility at Hostos Community College in the Bronx, which will feature modern instructional labs, classrooms, and student spaces, and serve up to 5,000 students per year. Building on our ‘Best Budget Ever,’ we are investing over $12 million more annually in Hostos to support the college’s growth, expand high-demand programs, and replace outdated labs — all which will drive enrollment, create demand for additional faculty, and give our students the skills they need to enter high-demand careers.”
“My story began at CUNY — more specifically, at Hostos Community College. CUNY opened the doors to opportunities and gave me the foundation to pursue my dreams in this city,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana J. Almanzar. “Now, in my role as deputy mayor and as the city’s liaison to CUNY, it is deeply meaningful to be part of this moment. Supporting my alma mater and contributing to its growth means helping thousands of New Yorkers have access to the same opportunities I once had. This new life sciences facility at Hostos is both an investment in the infrastructure of this institution and a commitment to our students — to their future, and to the next generation of health care leaders who will serve our fellow New Yorkers.”
“The transformation of the historic Bronx Central Post Office into a state-of-the art science facility for Hostos Community College is the realization of a decade-long ambition shared by the Bronx and Hostos communities,” said CUNY Chancellor Matos Rodríguez. “With more space, we will double the number of students eligible for meaningful careers as medical professionals, creating more avenues to New York’s thriving health care industry and improving access to health services for communities throughout the Bronx. I want to thank Mayor Adams and the City Council for giving this storied building a new lease on life while honoring its identity as a public good.”
“Today is a great day for Hostos and for our students,” said Hostos Community College President Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis. “We have been planning for years to build a new Allied Health Building to meet the increasing needs of our community, as more and more students are enrolling in pursuit of careers in health care and various STEM fields. We are so excited to start renovating the building, developing new programs and creating new opportunities for our students to progress socioeconomically. Mil gracias to Mayor Adams, CUNY, and BPO Owner for making this possible.”
“I have been working with Hostos for nearly a decade, and I am truly proud to have played a role in making this program and building a reality for Hostos and CUNY,” said Jorge Madruga, partner, BPO Owner LLC. “Bringing a revered Bronx institution like Hostos Community College into the Bronx General Post Office reflects our long-term vision to revitalize this historic landmark for the benefit of the community. We are honored to house their new life sciences facility here, which will open doors for more students to pursue critical education opportunities and higher paying jobs. I want to thank Mayor Adams and CUNY for their support in shaping the future of this important project, and everyone involved in making it a reality.”
The new facility — located at 558 Grand Concourse in the South Bronx — is the historic and landmarked former Bronx General Post Office building. Approximately 10,000 square feet will continue operating as a post office, with the remaining approximately 190,000 square feet to be used by Hostos Community College. The new ‘Allied Health and Natural Sciences Life Sciences Center’ will feature modern instructional labs, lab support areas, faculty offices, general classrooms, student spaces, and campus services. It consolidates the allied health and natural sciences departments, improving proximity between faculty and classrooms and fostering greater interaction between students and faculty. With increased capacity, Hostos Community College can introduce additional high-demand health care programs, such as surgical nursing, surgical technology, occupational therapy, and home health care.
Currently, over 2,400 students are enrolled in allied health programs, including dental hygiene, nursing, and radiologic technology; and nearly all Hostos Community College students, regardless of their major, are required to complete at least one natural science course as part of the pathways general education requirements. As a result, the new facility is expected to serve up to 5,000 students per semester. Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2026, with the program slated for opening in the fall of 2028.
The Adams administration is delivering on realizing plans for Hostos Community College that are over a decade in the making. The inspiration for the facility stems from the 2012 Master Plan Amendment, which identified a significant space shortage at Hostos Community College. The approved plan called for a new allied health and natural sciences building to support the college’s growth and expand high-demand programs. Outdated labs and instructional spaces have limited students’ academic growth and hindered the preparation for success in an increasingly competitive job market.
Today’s announcement builds on the significant investments Mayor Adams has made in CUNY and the advancement of career-oriented learning. In 2024, Mayor Adams and CUNY Chancellor Matos Rodríguez announced a nearly $12 million expansion towards the CUNY Inclusive Economy Initiative, which leverages CUNY campus resources to create college-to-career pipelines for CUNY students and now exceeds $14 million. In 2023, Mayor Adams announced “Pathways to an Inclusive Economy: An Action Plan for Young Adult Career Success,” a $600-million, forward-thinking roadmap to build inclusive pathways for the city’s young people to discover their passion, receive hands-on career experience, and ultimately enter the workforce.
In June 2023, together with CUNY and New York City Public Schools, Mayor Adams announced a partnership with Google as the first tech-anchor employer partner for the FutureReadyNYC initiative that provides meaningful career-connected learning opportunities, including career discovery programming, paid work-based learning experiences, and mentorship from tech professionals. Google is also serving as an inaugural partner for the CUNY Tech Equity Initiative, which expands tech-focused career awareness from the first day on campus, advances curriculum innovation, increases the number of paid internships, and grows employer engagement with campuses. And, established as part of Mayor Adams’ expanded Summer Youth Employment Program, CUNY Career Launch is a paid summer internship program designed to provide students with no prior paid internship experience an opportunity to strengthen their professional skills in key industries, such as health, technology, social services, and education.
Under Mayor Adams’ leadership, the city also expanded College Choice, which provides college students in foster care with greater support systems, including financial support so they can attend the college of their dreams without having to worry about a hefty price tag. Through the program, foster care students can attend any college of their choice, including CUNY universities.
“Repurposing a part of the historic Bronx General Post Office into a center for learning and exploration shows how we’re reimagining space to empower our Bronx scholars,”said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “In these new labs and classrooms, students will gain the hands-on training they need to enter careers in health and science that are not only high-demand, but life-sustaining for their families. This means more nurses, radiology technicians, dental hygienists, and soon, new programs in surgical nursing, occupational therapy, surgical technology, and home health care. I want to thank Mayor Eric Adams, CUNY Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez, Hostos President Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis, and BPO Owner team for their investment in our scholars and our borough.”
State Senator said: “The newly announced life science facility is an exciting achievement for Hostos Community College and a welcome addition to the South Bronx,” said New York State SenatorJosé M. Serrano. “With state-of-the-art instructional labs, classrooms, and faculty offices all under one roof, this expansion will foster greater learning and collaboration between students and faculty. Expanding high-demand healthcare programs will help to prepare students for successful careers that meet the growing healthcare needs of our community.”
“With this new state-of-the-art life science facility at Hostos — which will expand Hostos enrollment, create jobs, and grow research capacity — Hostos is preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals at a time when our hospitals and healthcare workers are most in need —right here in the Bronx,” said New York City Councilmember Eric Dinowitz. “As the City Council’s Chair of Higher Education, I will continue to fight for sustained funding for CUNY and Hostos to ensure our city’s higher education institutions can continue opening doors for students and families across our community and build facilities like this one.”
“When we advocate for ‘Rebuilding the Bronx,’ it is exactly moments like the opening of the Hostos Life Sciences Facility at Hostos Community College that we envisioned – It was my pleasure to celebrate this $12.3 million investment towards Bronx education and workforce development alongside Mayor Adams and CUNY Chancellor Matos Rodriguez,” said New York City Councilmember Rafael Salamanca, Jr. “With the increase in research capacity that this facility will offer, we are setting students up for success and perfectly aligning our borough to be at the forefront of healthcare innovation. I am immensely grateful to our city’s leaders for their continued belief, and investment, in this great borough that I’ve been blessed to call my home for my entire life.”
Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch appeared live on PIX11’s Morning News at 7 AM September 3, 2025, to review the latest NYPD crime stats. Overall crime in New York City fell nearly 7% year-over-year, with transit crime down more than 22%. Officials noted shootings are still at record lows citywide, though recent Bronx incidents have fueled concern. Adams pointed to gangs and repeat offenders as key challenges, while Tisch highlighted historic gang takedowns, more guns seized, and thousands of new recruits, including school safety officers. Both stressed that New York remains the safest big city in America, with expanded police presence and safety plans in place as schools reopen.
Transcript: Mayor Adams Appears Live on PIX11’s “PIX11 Morning News at 7 AM”
September 3, 2025
Hazel Sanchez: The numbers are in, and they show crime is down across New York City. The NYPD releasing its August data, which shows that major crimes are down nearly 7 percent from this time last year.
Dan Mannarino: Transit crime also dropped more than 22 percent year to year. Same for robberies, same for assaults and grand larceny. And while the numbers really tell one story, we’re seeing another, especially in the Bronx, where shootings are actually on the rise. Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, they are joining us now from City Hall this morning with a more detailed look at these numbers. So good to see both of you. Good morning.
Mayor Eric Adams: Good to speak with you, Dan, as well.
Mannarino: Let me begin with this, Mr. Mayor. Help us make sense of the numbers, right? How the data can show that shootings are at historic lows across the city, but it also shows there’s a 4 percent increase in the number of shooting incidents compared to last year. So how do you kind of explain that one?
Mayor Adams: And you’re talking about in the month of August, as you stated, overall crime is down, as well as shootings [being] down for the year. Look, we have some high profile cases. And when you peel them back, you will see that we’re dealing with two elements that we have communicated throughout the entire year, particularly throughout the time I’ve been in office, recidivism and gangs.
So when you start dismantling gang databases, when you start allowing a revolving door criminal justice system, this is the result. So we’ve been doing our job in the criminal justice system, but clearly those two components are hurting our public safety movement.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch: And I would just add that shooting incidents and shooting victims for the first eight months of the year, citywide, are at record lows right now. We’ve continued that each month. In the month of August, shooting incidents citywide were up ever so slightly.
But importantly, in the borough of the Bronx, where we’ve had a number of high profile shootings, shooting incidents for the month of August are actually down 20 percent. So this August was actually safer than last August, even in the borough of the Bronx.
Sanchez: But what happened in the Bronx just the last couple of days and then after Monday’s parade, how does the data actually account for that too?
Police Commissioner Tisch: Well, the numbers are what they are. Yes, we have had a number of high profile incidents in the Bronx, particularly over the past several weeks. But one thing that you should know is that we have deployed over a thousand additional officers to walk foot posts in the Bronx, on the streets and at the times where we know that the shootings occur. And my expectation is that those officers are going to quell some of the violence that we’ve seen over the past two weeks.
Mannarino: What are you attributing the rise or the numbers that we’re seeing in the Bronx? Are you attributing it to gang violence? What are you attributing it to?
Police Commissioner Tisch: A lot of it, Dan, is gang violence. And the mayor has been very clear with us. He wants us to go after gangs and guns. And we have done that in a big and frankly historic way this summer and this year. We have more gang takedowns this year than we have ever had in NYPD history.
More guns off the street over the past three and a half years under the mayor than ever in history. So those two ingredients, going after gangs, going after guns, in addition to having lots of cops out in foot posts, [and] precision policing in the right places, has led to the historic crime declines that we are discussing today.
Sanchez: Yeah, I mean, Mayor Adams, we’ve been here before where perception, reality, they’re two different things. But how successful do you really feel, though, that the summer violence reduction plan was?
Mayor Adams: Well, as the commissioner stated, the numbers don’t lie and you use the numbers to indicate are you moving in the right direction. Look over this weekend, the number of shootings we had. And then look at cities across America, Chicago, over 50 people shot, over 50 people shot. And so when you look at what we’re doing here, we remain the safest big city in America.
And we know these high profile shootings, Franklin Avenue, you saw fourteen people shot. You saw four people shot in the Bronx. We know this plays on the psyche of New Yorkers, but when you look at what this Police Department is doing under this commissioner, you are seeing record lows in crime.
Now we need the other parts of the criminal justice system to do their job, and that includes looking at what we did with Raise the Age, looking at what we did with bail reform and these other aspects that’s causing this revolving door. The shooters have records of shootings and records of carrying guns. This is terrible.
Mannarino: You mentioned Chicago and the president has now set his sights on Chicago and sending in the National Guard. Commissioner Tisch, I know you met recently with the Attorney General Pam Bondi and expressed to her that you don’t need the National Guard. Was she on board? Have you been assured that New York City will not get things like we’ve seen in LA and now soon to be Chicago?
Police Commissioner Tisch: So we had a very polite discussion. And as usual for me, I was very direct in saying to the attorney general that in New York City, we got this and we don’t want or need extra help. Because in fact, in my opinion, the extra bodies here are not helpful. Those people are not trained to be on the streets in New York City to deal with street crime.
So I explained that in my opinion, it would be more of a hindrance than a help. And New York City police officers are the best trained in the world and they’re the best cops in the world. Let them do their thing.
Mannarino: And the response?
Police Commissioner Tisch: We had a nice discussion. Obviously, she wasn’t in a place to make any guarantees, but I think my message was delivered loud and clear.
Sanchez: Commissioner, as we head back to school, the NYPD has hired nearly 3,000 new recruits this year. Does that number also include school safety officers?
Police Commissioner Tisch: Yes, we’ve done a huge push around hiring school safety officers and we will continue to do that. For as long as I’ve been in the Police Department, there’s always been drama around the number of school safety officers we have. And so we’ve put in place a hiring plan, hopefully to end that drama.
But importantly, starting tomorrow, the NYPD school safety plan goes into effect. And we have lots of officers, over 500 officers that are going to work corridors that kids travel to and from school at the times they’re traveling to and from school just to make sure that their pre-school and post-school commutes are nice and safe. We’ve got to keep our kids safe.
Mannarino: Absolutely. That is a priority. While we have you, I want to shift gears here and talk about you for a moment. There was a lot of news about you being in Florida yesterday, your trip to Florida. Can you talk about why you went to Florida and if you met with anybody from the Trump administration while you were there?
Mayor Adams: The goal of the trip was to get away for a day to deal with some personal issues in Florida. And at the same time, you know, I had a birthday celebrating [my] 65th–
Mannarino: Happy Birthday.
Mayor Adams: And I had some former colleagues that I was able to see. What I did on my time and how I paid for it was my dime and you know my rule. My time, my dime, my time.
Mannarino: So did you meet with anybody from the Trump administration?
Mayor Adams: I met with several political figures in Florida while I was there from various parts, including the mayor from Miami administration.
Sanchez: Okay. Well, mayor, I know how much you love polls. We’ve talked about this before, but the latest ones have you in third place. Do you think that’s going to change now that independent candidate Jim Walden dropped out?
Mayor Adams: Well, we’re going to continue to move forward and just stay focused. I keep bringing it back and sharing with everyone where the Democratic primary winner was at this distance in the race. The goal is not to be distracted. Dan, you heard me say this over and over again, stay focused, no distractions and grind.
Mannarino: Never heard that. Mr. Mayor, let me ask you, because you know what the rumors are going to say. You went to Florida. You’re now talking about meeting with political figures that you are looking for some, for an out of the race and that you’re looking for a potential future job. So are you planning to stay in this till November? Can you quell that rumor that you were absolutely saying in this or are you looking for another job?
Mayor Adams: Well, I said it over and over again, it didn’t quell it. So what is the purpose of continuing saying the same thing that is not going to quell? Listen, I’m a retired captain in the Police Department, former state senator, former borough president. I’ve never had a problem finding jobs as I transition. And that’s not what I’m looking for right now. I’m looking to continue to serve the people of the City of New York.
Mannarino: Just to be very clear, just to be very clear, because I know you’re staying in the race till November–
Mayor Adams: Dan, I said that over and over again. It didn’t satisfy you last month. It didn’t satisfy you the previous month. It’s not going to satisfy you this month–
Mannarino: Well Mr. Mayor, you know, just to be fair, I did ask you a number of times if you were running as a Democrat and you always said, “Yes, I am.” And then you went independent.
Mayor Adams: No, Dan. I’m still a Democrat, Dan. You know, let’s be clear. I’m still a Democrat. I am still a Democrat. And so, again, no matter how many times I answer the questions, you’re going to have to do your job of asking. And I’m going to do my job of answering.
Mannarino: It’s my birthday gift to you to keep asking the questions.
Sanchez: And you see a path to victory, Mr. Mayor?
Mayor Adams: I answered that three months ago. I answered it again last month and I’ll answer it again this month. Yes.
Mannarino: All right. Mayor Adams, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Commissioner, by the way, I heard you say earlier that you were direct. You never. Good to see both of you. Thank you so much.
Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch joined 1010WINS’ Morning Drive on September 3, stressing that New York City remains the safest big city in America despite summer shootings in the Bronx. NYPD reports show August saw record lows for shootings, burglaries, and shoplifting, with major crime down 7% this year. Tisch pointed to precision policing and unprecedented gang takedowns, while Adams pressed for tougher courts and federal action to stem the flow of illegal guns. Both officials emphasized that crime numbers tell a different story than headlines, underscoring public safety progress under the current administration.
Transcript: Mayor Adams Calls In for Live Interview on 1010WINS’ “Morning Drive”
Susan Richard: Shooting, subway crime, and shoplifting are now at record lows in New York City. That is the word from the NYPD, which says new crime stats show the safest August ever in the boroughs. And while the numbers may say one thing, multiple shootings have been making headlines in the Bronx this summer. And so the NYPD has added a thousand more cops to the beat in that borough. Well, joining us live to talk more about this this morning, both Mayor Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Thank you for being here.
Mayor Eric Adams: Thank you. Great to be on with you
Richard: All right. Do we have a situation yet once again where perception and reality are not on the same page?
Mayor Adams: Yes. And we were clear that some of these high profile shootings were multiple victims. It just creates a feeling of [being] unsafe. And we have been focusing on that. But the numbers don’t lie. The city continues to be the safest big city in America. And under the police commissioner and her team, we’ll continue to drive down crime in the city.
Police Commissioner Tisch: And I’ll just add. Let me tell you what some of the results were overall in August. Major crime was down 7 percent for the first eight months of the year. We have the lowest number of shooting incidents, the lowest number of shooting victims citywide in recorded history. Retail theft is down 22 percent. Burglaries in the month of August, we have never had a lower August for burglaries. We are seeing very good things in terms of the overall crime numbers in the city, despite a number of troubling incidents that we’re addressing.
Richard: We know, commissioner, that you spoke directly with Attorney General Pam Bondi, but President Trump is still dangling the idea of sending in the National Guard to help with policing here in the city. You have both said emphatically that we don’t need that. Is there any area in which it might actually help?
Mayor Adams: Yeah, where we could use the federal authorities’ help is stopping the flow of guns in our city. We meet every morning with our local, state, and federal law enforcement officials. But where the help is needed, is not on the ground. It’s stopping the flow of guns on the ground. As we saw, we saw a person come across the country with an AR-15 and shoot four innocent New Yorkers.
This is where the help is needed. But when it comes down to it, with the rubber meets the road, our numbers are clear and we know these high-profile shooters give the indicator that we’re not moving in the right direction, when in fact, the numbers are showing we are.
Richard: Well, let’s talk about what’s behind the specific gun violence in the Bronx. Are we talking [about] armed robberies? You’ve mentioned gang violence, that mass shooting in that park, the basketball tournament. What is the plan for tackling whatever the root cause is? And is there one root cause or multiple?
Police Commissioner Tisch: So, much of the violence that we’ve seen over the past few weeks in the Bronx is gang-related. We know who the gang members are, thanks to our criminal group database, and we know where they operate. And so you can be sure that we have deployed a thousand cops in the borough of the Bronx [and] on the streets in the times we know the crime has occurred.
We are focused on precision policing, the right blocks, the right time, and we know who the people are that are in these gangs, and we are going after the gangs. This year, we have done more gang takedowns in New York City than we ever have in the past.
Richard: But here’s the thing, a thousand more cops on the street, they’re not going to be there forever. So once the cat’s away, is the mouse going to start playing again?
Police Commissioner Tisch: Well, let’s just put this in perspective, okay? This August, when we did have a number of high-profile shootings in the Bronx that were terrible, still, our shooting incidents in the borough of the Bronx are down 20 percent. So yes, we have seen a problem or problematic incidents over the past two weeks, but I don’t want your listeners to feel like everything is completely out of control. The shootings, in particular in the borough of the Bronx, are trending downwards year to year.
Mayor Adams: But we can stop the cats from playing if the courts and the criminal justice system do their job. The recidivism of those who are shooters, who have shot before, and who have carried guns before, are almost always apparent and present in these shootings. We have to stop the revolving door of our criminal justice system.
Richard: And I understand what the numbers are saying. I would imagine, and this question really is for both of you, certainly, mayor, you know, you’re the one who’s talking directly to family members. We had that, you know, that teenager who took a bullet lodged behind her eye. I mean, you know, it’s hard for them to hear numbers, you know, these family members of innocent victims.
Mayor Adams: And it is. And when I partner with individuals like Jackie Rowe-Adams, who lost several children to gun violence, and other mothers who are dealing with this issue, Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E. and others, it hurts. And I feel this personally, not only professionally, because I’m in the hospitals with these families. I’m speaking with them and communicating with them.
And I ask them, let’s turn our pain into purpose. We must have a criminal justice system that includes the courts, includes our lawmakers, and includes law enforcement to stop this flow of guns and to stop this violence that we’re seeing. NYPD, they’re doing their job under this commissioner. And we need the other components of the law enforcement community to do the same.
Richard: All right. I have one quick question, a final one for the commissioner. We’re in the middle of a mayoral race. Would you want to stay on as commissioner, regardless of who wins that race?
Police Commissioner Tisch: So I have been very clear that it is not the place of the police commissioner to get involved directly in political elections. But what I will say is that Mayor Adams and I are completely aligned on public safety policy [and] on sanitation policy. And it has truly been an extraordinary privilege to work under him as police commissioner of the City of New York.
Richard: All right. Mayor Adams, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, thank you so much for your time this morning.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced $7.5 million in funding to open four new Youth Safe Spaces across New York State, including in Albany, Queens, Wayne County, and Cicero. The programs will serve young people ages 12 to 24, offering free, peer-led support in safe, community-based settings. Designed to tackle rising mental health challenges, these spaces will provide resources, reduce isolation, and build positive connections while complementing traditional clinical services. Funded through the FY 2026 State Budget, the initiative continues Hochul’s push to expand mental health access and support youth well-being statewide.
Governor Hochul Announces $7.5 Million Awarded to Establish Youth Safe Spaces
Safe Spaces Provide Free, Voluntary, Peer-Led Programing for Youth and Young Adults Between the Ages of 12 and 24. Funding to Establish Four Locations Statewide to Address Rising Behavioral Health Challenges Among Teen and Young Adult Populations.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $7.5 million in awards to four nonprofit community-based organizations to launch Youth Safe Spaces and address the evolving behavioral health needs of teens and young adults. Administered by the state Office of Mental Health, these peer-led, non-clinical programs will serve youth ages 12 to 24 in welcoming, community-based settings, offering safe spaces, resources, and connections to help them navigate mental health challenges.
“Young New Yorkers today are facing significant mental health pressures that can push them to the edge of crisis,” Governor Hochul said. “By establishing Youth Safe Spaces throughout our state, we can help our children connect with one another and be supported in an environment that promotes positive mental well-being.”
Safe Spaces provide inclusive, peer-led environments designed to reduce isolation, promote positive relationships, and connect young people to both traditional and non-traditional supports. These non-clinical programs complement clinical services and expand access to care by addressing cultural, financial, and systemic barriers.
The awards include:
LaSalle School Inc.; $500,000 annually over five years to establish a program in the Conroy Building in Albany
AIDS Center of Queens County; $500,000 annually over five years to establish a program at 62-07 Woodside Ave. in Queens
Delphi Drug and Alcohol Council of Wayne County; $250,000 annually over five yearsto operate the Alex Eligh Community Center in Newark
Friends of the CanTeen; $250,000 annually over five years to operate the CanTeen of Central New York in Cicero
Youth Safe Spaces are located in accessible, community-based settings, including schools, youth centers, and other trusted spaces, where young people can access mental wellness resources, foster positive relationships with their peers, and receive support in a safe, comfortable environment. These programs foster leadership, peer connection, and cultural responsiveness while reducing stigma, building resilience, and advancing mental health equity in communities most impacted by systemic barriers.
OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Our youth can benefit greatly from having a place where they can build positive relationships with their peers and learn how to be resilient when they encounter mental health challenges. Youth Safe Spaces offer this supportive environment, which can help young New Yorkers find their voice and become leaders in their community. By seeding this program throughout our state, Governor Hochul is again demonstrating her full commitment to helping young people address the many complex and evolving challenges to their mental health that they face today.”
Funded through the FY 2026 State Budget, the initiative to develop Youth Safe Spaces was originally driven by feedback Governor Hochul received during her Youth Mental Health Listening Tour, which culminated in the state’s inaugural Youth Mental Health Summit in June 2023. These findings were further shaped through engagement with the 30-member Youth Mental Health Advisory Board, OMH-led community feedback sessions, and Youth Recovery Clubhouses supported by the state Office of Addiction Supports and Services.
OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “Adolescence is a time of significant change, which can put young people at an increased risk of mental health and substance use disorders. Governor Hochul has taken significant steps to address these issues and increase services across the state, and this initiative will provide further support for young people in need.”
Governor Hochul’s nation-leading commitment to protect youth mental health and promote student success in the digital age has resulted in major investments into youth services and supports. Her $1 billion mental health initiative and the FY 2025 Budget significantly expanded access to mental health care and is providing resources for young people and their families.
As part of the FY 2026 State Budget, she secured a landmark agreement to create a statewide standard for distraction-free schools and eliminate smartphone use in the classroom. Starting this fall, all K-12 schools must have a ‘bell-to-bell’ cellphone policy prohibiting the use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds.
Governor Hochul’s focus on youth mental health also led to the creation of 10 new Youth Assertive Community Treatment teams to support young people with serious emotional disturbances who are either at risk of entering, or are returning home from high intensity services, such as inpatient settings or residential services. The new Youth ACT teams will join 20 others, which are now operating in 27 counties, providing youth and family therapy, medication management, family and peer support, and skill-building.
In addition, Governor Hochul signed into law the Safe for Kids Act last year, requiring social media companies to restrict addictive feeds on their platforms for users under 18. She also signed the New York Child Data Protection Act, prohibiting online sites and connected devices from collecting, using, sharing, or selling personal data of anyone under the age of 18, unless they receive informed consent or unless doing so is strictly necessary for the purpose of the website.
Governor Hochul also expanded school-based mental health clinics, which help students get a licensed mental health care provider in a familiar stigma-free setting on their school campus. Since funding this expansion last year, the state has added 71 new clinic satellites — including 40 in high-needs districts —to the more than 1,100 that now exist statewide.
Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris said, “Children and young adults should be able to receive care and have safe community spaces, and I am proud to have helped secure funding for such a location in Western Queens. These resources will transform the care provided within our community, and ensure our neighbors receive quality care close to home.”
State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “Now more than ever, our youth need access to safe environments where they can receive much-needed mental health resources. I want to thank Governor Hochul for tackling our mental health epidemic head on and delivering for youth across our state.”
State Senator Christopher Ryansaid, “Supporting the mental health of our young people must be a top priority, and I am proud that Friends of the CanTeen is receiving this critical investment. For years, the CanTeen has been a trusted space where teens can gather, find support, and know they are not alone. With this funding, they will be able to expand that mission through the Youth Safe Spaces program, giving our kids the resources, connections, and encouragement they need to thrive. I am grateful to Governor Hochul and the Office of Mental Health for recognizing the importance of this work and for investing in the future of our community.”
Assemblymember Al Stirpe said, “The Youth Safe Spaces program is not only a necessity to protect young people’s mental health, but a perfect fit to the CanTeen’s core mission. Since its inception, the CanTeen has always provided young adults in our community with a safe space, helping them feel seen, supported, and accepted among their peers. These resources will allow the facility to expand the services they currently offer by increasing programming during school breaks, growing their staff, and expanding the program to past participants. Over the next five years, I am excited to see the CanTeen grow alongside the young adult community that it serves.”
Assemblymember Jo Anne Simonsaid, “Creating safe spaces for young adults is vital to reducing isolation and stigma, and ensuring that every child has the support they need to thrive. By fostering peer connection in community-based settings, Youth Safe Spaces will help children navigate challenges and strengthen their mental health. I commend Governor Hochul for her commitment to protecting the mental health of young people and investing in their futures.”
Assemblymember Steven Raga said, “Meeting our kids’ needs doesn’t just mean making sure they have food and a roof over their heads; it also means making sure they’re getting mental health support. Stigma around mental health persists in so many cultures, so it’s important we meet our youth where they’re at. That’s why I am elated to see statewide initiatives such as the Youth safe spaces so we can better support our children. I am grateful for Governor Hochul, Speaker Heastie and Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins for their leadership in securing initiatives that protect and put our children first. I’m excited for my constituents to be able to access mental health resources, support and programming so they can live happier and healthier lives.”
Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero said, “I am grateful to Governor Hochul’s investment in the holistic wellbeing of young people in our community. With LaSalle School here in Albany receiving funding to launch a new Youth Safe Space, our youth will have access to safe, inclusive, and supportive environments where they can connect with peers and get the resources they need. Addressing youth mental health requires a commitment to breaking down barriers, reducing stigma, and meeting young people where they are, and this initiative does exactly that. I look forward to seeing how this program strengthens our community and supports the next generation.”
With the first day of school here, Governor Kathy Hochul is reminding parents to check the new Distraction-Free Schools policy at ny.gov/phonefree. Starting with the 2025-26 school year, all public schools, charter schools, and BOCES across New York must enforce smartphone restrictions from bell to bell. The law prohibits unsanctioned device use during the school day, with $13.5 million set aside to help schools with storage solutions. The Governor says the move will cut distractions, protect mental health, and boost learning, while still allowing parents to reach their kids when needed.
Before the First Day of School, Governor Hochul Reminds Parents to Review the Distraction-Free Policy for Their Child’s School District
With the first day of school coming up this week, Governor Hochul is once again reminding New York parents to visit ny.gov/phonefree to review the distraction-free learning policy for their child’s school district or charter school. As part of New York State law, K-12 public schools, charter schools and BOCES are now implementing bell-to-bell restrictions on smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices. The ny.gov/phonefree webpage enables parents and students to look up the distraction-free policies published by approximately 1,080 public school districts, charter schools and BOCES.
“Our kids succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling — and that’s why New York schools are ready for bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions,” Governor Hochul said. “I encourage parents to review the distraction-free policy for their child’s school district to help prepare for this important transition, which I know will deliver incredible results for students, teachers and families.”
The Distraction-Free Schools law signed by Governor Hochul requires bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions in K-12 school districts statewide, starting with the 2025-26 school year.
Governor Hochul’s policy creates a statewide standard for distraction-free schools in New York including:
Prohibiting unsanctioned use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds in K-12 schools for the entire school day (from “bell to bell”), including classroom time and other settings like lunch and study hall periods
Allowing schools to develop their own plans for storing smartphones during the day — giving administrators and teachers the flexibility to do what works best for their buildings and students
Securing $13.5 million in funding to be made available for schools that need assistance in purchasing storage solutions to help them go distraction-free
Requiring schools to give parents a way to contact their kids during the day when necessary
Requiring teachers, parents and students to be consulted in developing the local policy
Preventing inequitable discipline
Governor Hochul’s policy allows authorized access to simple cellphones without internet capability, as well as internet-enabled devices officially provided by their school for classroom instruction, such as laptops or tablets used as part of lesson plans.
Additionally, the Governor’s policy includes several exemptions to smartphone restrictions, including for students who require access to an internet-enabled device to manage a medical condition, where required by a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), for academic purposes or for other legitimate purposes, such as translation, family caregiving and emergencies.
Governor Hochul pursued this initiative after engaging in a statewide listening tour with teachers, parents and students. Her report, “More Learning, Less Scrolling: Creating Distraction-Free Schools” underscores the following:
Smartphones distract students and inhibit learning and creativity
Phone-free environments do not compromise student safety
Phone-free environments support the mental health of students and teachers
Open communication and direct guidance for all stakeholders is key for successful implementation
Schools must address any parent concerns about staying in contact with their children during the day
An effective distraction-free policy must focus on the entire school day, rather than solely on time in the classroom
Schools can strengthen their distraction-free environment by connecting more students with in-person engagement like clubs, sports, arts and other programming
Why critics say Albany’s green agenda weakens the state’s economy, raises costs for families, and plays into the hands of America’s rivals.
New York’s leaders are pushing ahead with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) and a Draft State Energy Plan that promises a “green future.” The plan says the state will run on 70% renewables by 2030 and reach a 100% zero-emission grid by 2040.
Sounds great on paper. But here’s the problem: while New York sacrifices its own economy, the rest of the world isn’t following.
The Big Contradiction
Asia and Africa are building more coal plants and burning more oil and gas than ever.
China and India keep increasing fossil fuel use to power their industries.
Russia and Iran depend on selling oil and gas — and they make more money when U.S. states restrict their own energy.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration in Washington (2025) is going the opposite way: drill more, export more, and make energy cheap and abundant again.
So while the world’s biggest polluters keep burning, New York is waging a “climate war” against itself.
Who Wins from New York’s Plan?
Russia, Iran, and OPEC: higher global prices = more profit for them.
China and India: cheaper energy at home means stronger manufacturing.
Climate NGOs and bureaucrats: more money and power through subsidies and carbon credits.
Big corporations and investors: subsidies, government contracts, and green energy mandates fill their pockets.
Who Loses?
New York families: higher bills for heating, cooling, and electricity.
Local businesses: higher energy costs make them less competitive.
Workers in oil, gas, and heating industries: jobs vanish.
Taxpayers: footing the bill for subsidies and infrastructure.
The electric grid: risk of blackouts if reliable fuels disappear too fast.
The Bottom Line
New York’s Draft Energy Plan is sold as a fight against climate change. But critics say it looks more like a self-inflicted wound:
It won’t change global emissions.
It makes life more expensive for ordinary New Yorkers.
It helps America’s rivals — Russia, Iran, and China — by weakening U.S. energy.
Instead of being a “green victory,” it may end up as a war on New York’s own economy and standard of living.
Winners vs. Losers of New York’s Draft Energy Plan
Winners
Why They Win
Russia, Iran, OPEC
Less U.S. competition means higher global oil & gas prices = more profit.
China & India
Keep using cheap coal, oil, and gas → cheaper factories and stronger economies.
Climate NGOs & Bureaucrats
More subsidies, more carbon credit markets, more control.
Big Corporations & Wall Street
Win government contracts, profit from “green” mandates and subsidies.
Losers
Why They Lose
New York Families
Higher heating, cooling, and electricity bills.
Local Businesses
Pay more for energy → less competitive with other states.
Workers in Oil & Gas
Jobs in natural gas, heating oil, and related industries disappear.
Taxpayers
Billions in subsidies come out of their pockets.
The Electric Grid
More blackouts and instability as reliable fuels get phased out too quickly.
