WSJ-Style Summary: New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Pfizer’s Andrew Baum and The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Debi Brooks to co-chair a newly reconstituted Emerging Technology Advisory Board, focusing on biotechnology. The panel of industry, academic, and philanthropic leaders will guide state efforts to expand its biotech sector, part of a broader push to position New York as a hub for life sciences and advanced manufacturing. The move follows significant public and private investments, including $354 million in state funding and major projects in Buffalo and Long Island aimed at accelerating research, commercialization, and workforce development in the life sciences.
Governor Hochul Announces New Members of New York’s Emerging Technology Advisory Board Focused on Biotechnology
Pfizer Executive and The Michael J. Fox Foundation CEO Will Lead Independent Group of Advisors To Inform and Accelerate New York’s Continued Growth as a Biotechnology Hub. Members Include Leaders from Business, Philanthropy and Research Institutions. Builds on Governor Hochul’s Commitment To Making New York a National Leader in Life Sciences, Innovation and Advanced Manufacturing.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced new members of the Emerging Technology Advisory Board focused on biotechnology, an independent group of industry leaders tasked with helping chart the course to further expand a thriving biotech ecosystem in New York State. The advisory board, co-chaired by Pfizer Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer Andrew Baum and The Michael J. Fox Foundation CEO and Co-Founder Debi Brooks, will help further the Governor’s commitment to making New York a national leader in life sciences, innovation and advanced manufacturing. The Board reflects New York’s vast leadership and experience, including established company leaders, research pioneers, non-profit leaders and industry practitioners who are actively shaping the future of biotech and the commercial life sciences in the state.
“New York State is a national leader in biotechnology with innovative research being conducted from Long Island to Buffalo,” Governor Hochul said. “Bringing together these industry leaders from all corners of the state will help expand our biotechnology ecosystem, ensuring New York is at the forefront of life sciences and medical innovation.”
Pfizer Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer Andrew Baum said, “New York is uniquely positioned to lead the next wave of biotech innovation. With world-class institutions, entrepreneurial energy, and a commitment to catalytic investment, we’re building a world-class ecosystem where breakthrough therapies are developed right here in the Empire State. Through strategic partnerships, we are confident New York can thrive and expand upon the strong foundation that exists today as the nation’s emerging global leader in life sciences innovation.”
The Michael J. Fox Foundation Co-Founder and CEO Debi Brooks said, “I’m honored to be appointed to co-chair New York’s Emerging Technology Advisory Board. Together, this Board has the chance to advance public–private partnerships across New York’s biotech sector and deliver breakthroughs that patients and families urgently deserve. At The Michael J. Fox Foundation, we’ve witnessed how strategic collaboration, emerging science and cutting-edge tools can help speed progress. I thank Governor Hochul for convening this group and prioritizing investment in life sciences. I look forward to joining my fellow members of the Board in shaping the future of biotechnology in New York State.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “New York State has become a powerhouse for innovation by bringing together world-class researchers, industry leaders, and forward-looking institutions. The creation of this Emerging Technology Advisory Board will further strengthen our life sciences ecosystem by ensuring that breakthrough ideas in biotechnology can be nurtured, commercialized, and scaled right here in New York. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we are not only accelerating scientific discovery but also creating the jobs and opportunities that will define the future of our economy.”
The Emerging Technology Advisory Board on Biotechnology includes the following members:
Andrew Baum, Pfizer
Debi Brooks, The Michael J. Fox Foundation
Jennifer Hawks Bland, NewYorkBIO
Renier Brentjens, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
John Connolly, PhD, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy
Mike Foley, PhD, Excelsior Sciences
Joseph LaRosa, Regeneron
Sean O’Sullivan, SOSV
William Slattery, Deerfield Management
Bruce Stillman, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Kevin Tracey, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research
Win Thurlow, LifeSciencesNY
Stacie Grossman Bloom, New York University
Ronald Crystal, Weill Cornell Medicine
Sam Sia, PhD, Harlem Biospace
Geoffrey Smith, Digitalis Ventures
Shadi Shahedipour-Sandvik, State University of New York
The Governor’s Emerging Technology Advisory Board (ETAB) is an independent group of leaders tasked with helping grow New York’s innovation economy, which evolves to focus on different topics. This is the second phase of the ETAB, which will develop recommendations that support New York State’s strategy in the emerging biotechnology landscape, including accelerating commercialization of advanced technologies and new therapeutics, unlocking private capital through public-private partnerships, supporting the development of AI in this sector, and strengthening workforce development. Last year’s inaugural group focused on Artificial Intelligence, and released their report and recommendations in December 2024. Those recommendations helped inform the Governor’s since-announced programs to fund New York AI startups, train and place underrepresented students into AI jobs, upskill the State workforce, help small businesses adopt AI, and track potential AI displacement.
State Senator Kristen Gonzalez said, “New York has the talent, infrastructure, and public mission to lead in the development of breakthrough biotechnologies, and I thank the Governor for her leadership and focus on growing this sector. As we expand innovation in biotech and AI, it’s critical we center equity, transparency, and the public good. I look forward to working with this advisory board to ensure these breakthroughs serve all New Yorkers.”
Assemblymember Steve Otis said, “At a pivotal time when science, public health, and technical research dollars are being cut at the federal level, New York State is focused on enhancing collaboration and synergy in the biotech industry. New discoveries will save lives and enhance public health, but they will not occur automatically. The new Emerging Technology Advisory Board for Biotechnology will keep New York in the forefront of this work. Our corporations, research institutions, and universities provide the economic momentum for New York’s leadership on biotech research. This announcement is another example of Governor Hochul’s commitment to the next generation of scientific discovery.”
Making New York a Biotech and Life Sciences Hub
Governor Hochul is ensuring the next medical breakthroughs happen in New York State. With her investments, the Governor is not only supporting the advancement of medical science; she is also creating a powerhouse that will drive our economy, generate thousands of high-skilled jobs, and bring hope to millions facing life-threatening diseases. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, the State has invested more than $354 million in New York’s life sciences ecosystem.
In 2024, Governor Hochul announced the opening of the Roswell Park GMP Engineering and Cell Manufacturing Facility, New York’s first cell and gene therapy hub, located at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo. The $98 million facility will create new jobs, help to support the research and development of life-saving cell and gene therapies at Roswell, significantly grow its well-established research capabilities, and establish Roswell as one of the premier cell therapy discovery and development institutions in the nation. Additionally, the Governor announced New York Biogenesis Park, a $430 million Cell and Gene Therapy Innovation Hub in Nassau County, Long Island. With a historic $150 million state investment — the largest nationwide for a cell and gene therapy hub — New York Biogenesis Park will accelerate the delivery of new therapies from lab to patient in New York’s diverse communities.
Governor Hochul’s commitment to advancing New York’s leadership in emerging technology builds on her broader agenda to expand cutting-edge technology development in the Empire State.
The Governor’s innovation agenda has catalyzed major public and private investments, transforming New York’s economy and creating good-paying jobs of the future. GlobalFoundries recently announced an $11.6 billion investment to expand its chip manufacturing campus in New York’s Capital Region, creating 1,500 direct jobs and thousands of indirect jobs. In 2022, Micron announced a 20-year, $100 billion investment to create a megafab campus in Central New York, creating 50,000 new direct and indirect jobs and unlocking hundreds of millions of dollars in community benefits.
Gov. Kathy Hochul is stepping on the gas to help older New Yorkers get around — announcing an expansion of the state’s partnership with GoGoGrandparent, a ride service giving seniors no-cost trips to doctor visits, grocery runs, and family outings. Since kicking off in 2022, the program has already delivered 24,000 rides, and with 32 counties now on board, thousands more seniors will stay connected, independent, and out of isolation. Officials say it’s all part of Hochul’s push to make New York more livable and affordable for the state’s fastest-growing population.
Governor Hochul Announces Expansion of Successful GoGoGrandparent Transportation Partnership for Older Adults
NY State-GoGo Partnership Adds 24,000 Rides for Older Adults. Builds on Transportation Models for Older Adults with Local Offices for the Aging. Expands Commitment to State’s Master Plan for Aging .
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the expansion of New York’s innovative transportation partnership with the ride-and-delivery service GoGoGrandparent, further bridging a gap in the delivery of no-cost rides for older adults across the state. The program is administered by the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) and local offices for the aging.
“Our unique and innovative transportation models will build on our commitment to ensuring that every New Yorker — regardless of age or mobility — can live with independence, dignity, and connection,” Governor Hochul said. “By expanding our partnership with GoGoGrandparent, we are delivering real solutions that break down barriers, reduce isolation, and empower older adults to stay active in their communities.”
Through programs administered by NYSOFA, local Area Agencies on Aging (also known as Offices for the Aging) provide about 1.7 million rides annually to older adults in the community, but a great need still exists. The GoGo partnership adds another option to enhance services. Since its inception in 2022, the GoGo partnership has provided older adults with 24,000 additional rides through local offices, helping to bridge a high-priority need at a time when lack of transportation affects older adults and their families in many ways — by jeopardizing independence, worsening social isolation, and impacting health and mental health.
New York State Office for the Aging Acting Director Greg Olsen said, “Increasing older adults’ access to transportation across the state is a great achievement and pivotal in helping to keep people in a community of their choice. This unique partnership with GoGoGrandparent has supported counties in their efforts to bridge local needs for transportation. I applaud Governor Hochul for her leadership in embracing creative solutions that are making a difference for families across New York State. This initiative is one of many efforts being championed by Governor Hochul to address public safety, affordability, and livability for individuals of all ages.”
GoGoGrandparent is the first on-demand ride, delivery and care service designed to help aging adults continue to live independently. Through GoGo’s partnership with NYSOFA, 32 county-based offices for the aging across the state are now providing this service at no cost for older adults. The program is one of over 20 public-private partnerships administered by NYSOFA using technology to expand service access, keep older adults engaged, overcome social isolation, support family caregivers, and more.
The New York State program — the first of its kind in the country — began in three counties and has since expanded, providing older adults in New York State with rides to grocery stores, medical appointments, dialysis, VA appointments, church, family visits and more. The median trip is 2.76 miles, indicating that most trips are local.
The rides are organized and overseen by participating offices for the aging within county governments who are structuring program delivery and eligibility based on identified needs. The service is typically available to residents ages 60 and older who register with their local office for the aging. The cost of the program is supported through the enacted New York State budget, ensuring that services remain free of charge for older adults, based on the availability of limited funding.
Several factors are driving the need for on-demand transportation services, including:
Older adults are one of the fastest-growing groups in the U.S. By 2030, all Baby Boomers will be 65+.
Older Americans are healthier overall — as of 2022, the average 65-year-old was expected to live another 18.9 years.
Families are having fewer children, and those children are living farther away from their parents, affecting the availability of unpaid family caregivers to help with day-to-day needs like transportation.
GoGo works with local transportation providers to provide services and, importantly, screens drivers ahead of time to make sure their vehicles are accessible, and drivers are willing to assist riders as needed (for instance, with walkers or wheelchairs). Drivers can opt out of participating, though seven out of ten opt in.
State Senator Cordell Cleare said, “As Chair of the Senate Aging Committee one of my chief priorities has been ensuring that every single Older New Yorker has the support they need to live their very best life. I am proud to support the expansion of this innovative transportation program which will ensure that our Seniors, especially in rural counties, can go to essential medical appointments and receive related services with confidence. I am elated to see we are putting our resources back into the State’s fastest growing population — our beloved Older New Yorkers.”
Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright said “Access to safe, reliable, and affordable transportation is a lifeline for older New Yorkers. This expanded partnership with GoGoGrandparent delivers a vital service—at no cost to older adults—allowing them to remain active in their communities and connected to essential services. I applaud Governor Hochul and NYSOFA for prioritizing equity and affordability as we work to support our rapidly growing aging population across New York State.”
GoGoGrandparent Co-founder and CEO Justin Boogaard said, “GoGoGrandparent was created to help aging adults continue to live independently — and safe, reliable transportation is a big part of that. We have heard from hundreds of our New York State riders that without GoGo, they would be housebound. We are honored to have the privilege of working with New York State on this important and impactful program.”
Association on Aging in New York Executive Director Becky Preve said, “Transportation is paramount for older adults, allowing access to medical appointments and social engagement across New York State. This partnership provides targeted and informed transportation options to older individuals, increasing independence and the ability to age in place. The Association on Aging in New York applauds this continued partnership with GoGoGrandparent and New York State.”
AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel said, “AARP New York commends the New York State Office for the Aging and its local partners for expanding this innovative, no-cost transportation program for older adults. Transportation delivers more than a ride — it brings access, independence, and connection. By expanding mobility options, the state is breaking down barriers that often leave older adults isolated and unsupported. Whether it’s getting to a medical appointment or reconnecting with loved ones, these services empower older New Yorkers to age in place and stay engaged in their communities.”
New York State Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario, Esq. said, “Recognizing the challenges that counties face in meeting older adults’ transportation needs, New York’s partnership with GoGoGrandparent presents county executives and local offices for the aging with yet another option to build on existing capacity and services. I applaud Governor Hochul and efforts by the New York State Office for the Aging in designing this program, which gives counties another tool to be strategic and creative in structuring transportation services to meet specific needs.”
Chemung County Department of Aging and Long Term Care Director Beth Stranges said, “Transportation can pose a significant barrier to independence for older adults in our community. GoGoGrandparent is helping to address this issue by providing safe and reliable rides without requiring a smartphone, app, or payment. We are proud to support this NYSOFA initiative, which is already making a meaningful difference in the lives of residents in Chemung County by connecting them to medical appointments, grocery stores, social events, family and so much more. Many older adults are on fixed incomes and reside in rural areas of our county. This initiative offers a much-needed service without the added burden of additional transportation costs to those who need it most. We are thankful to be a part of this impactful initiative.”
Participating Counties The following counties are currently participating in the program and are at varying stages of implementation: Albany, Allegany, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Clinton, Columbia, Cortland, Dutchess, Herkimer, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Nassau, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orange, Oswego, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Schuyler, Steuben, Suffolk, Tompkins, Ulster, Washington, Westchester, Yates
Mayor Eric Adams is doubling down on jobs for New Yorkers, naming Doug Lipari as the new head of the Office of Talent and Workforce Development to drive a fairer, stronger city economy. Lipari, a city government vet with over a decade of know-how, previously kickstarted the Office of Community Hiring, which has funneled over $3.3 billion in city contracts since 2024 to create jobs and apprenticeships for low-income folks and NYCHA residents. Adams also rolled out a slick new digital tool to crack down on wage and labor violations in construction, ditching clunky paper records for good. With National Workforce Development Month on the horizon in September 2025, these bold moves aim to put every New Yorker on the path to a solid paycheck and a thriving career.
Mayor Adams Appoints Doug Lipari as Executive Director of Office of Talent and Workforce Development, Celebrates Historic Investments in Workers
What you should know
Lipari Brings Over a Decade of Government Experience to New Role, Previously Served as Inaugural Executive Director of Office of Community Hiring
Since Launching Community Hiring in 2024, Over $3.3 Billion in City Contracts Subject to Community Hiring Requirements, Unlocking Job and Apprenticeship Opportunities for Low-Income New Yorkers and NYCHA Residents
Adams Administration Will Also Launch New Digital Labor Compliance Tool to Bolster Enforcement of Wage and Labor Requirements on Building Service and Construction Projects
NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today appointed Doug Lipari as the executive director of the Office of Talent and Workforce Development (NYC Talent) and celebrated historic efforts by the Adams administration to create a more equitable New York City workforce. Lipari previously served as the acting executive director of NYC Talent as well as the executive director of the Office of Community Hiring (OCH) within NYC Talent. As executive director of NYC Talent, Lipari will help lead the city’s extensive workforce development system to prepare New Yorkers for and connect them to good-paying careers. Mayor Adams launched the Office of Community Hiring to work with contractors to identify promising local talent and create job and apprenticeship opportunities for low-income New Yorkers. Since launching in 2024, over $3.3 billion in city contracts have been subject to community hiring requirements, including construction and building services contracts that require a significant portion of labor hours be performed by people who live in New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) housing or in a ZIP code where at least 15 percent of the population lives below the federal poverty threshold. Finally, Mayor Adams announced a new digital tool that will track building and construction contracts with prevailing wage requirements, transitioning away from the city’s outdated paper-based process and allowing the city to better enforce wage and labor requirements. Mayor Adams’ appointment of Executive Director Lipari and his additional updates on workforce development efforts come in anticipation of National Workforce Development Month, a nationwide celebration held annually in September to highlight the importance of workforce development to both local cities’ and the nation’s economy.
“Making New York City the best place to raise a family means making sure that every New Yorker can find a good-paying job. From city agencies to private employers to job seekers, we’re helping align our city’s workforce development system, unlocking opportunity, and creating an economy where everyone can thrive,” said Mayor Adams. “There is no one better to continue leading these critical efforts than Doug Lipari. Doug has the experience, dedication, and skill to keep breaking down silos across our workforce development system and lead ambitious initiatives that help New Yorkers find a job. From making sure that low-income New Yorkers and NYCHA residents are able to find a good job through our Office of Community Hiring to helping lead project labor agreements that make sure New Yorkers are paid a fair wage, Doug has been on the frontlines of the fight for a more equitable economy for a decade, and I know he is the right person to help lead at this moment.”
“Making New York City the best place to live, work, and raise a family has always been the priority and North Star of the Adams administration,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Adolfo Carrión, Jr. “Doug Lipari’s dedication to that mission and successful track record overseeing the Office of Community Hiring make him the perfect leader to continue the great work at the Office of Talent and Workforce Development. I am excited to continue working with Doug in this new capacity and am confident that his leadership will continue to move this important work forward.”
“I am honored to lead the Office of Talent and Workforce Development on behalf of the City of New York and am grateful to Mayor Adams for his trust and ongoing commitment to the career success of all New Yorkers,” said NYC Talent Executive Director Lipari. “I’m excited to continue working alongside the dedicated NYC Talent team to deliver meaningful improvements across the workforce system, through close partnerships with industry, government, labor, nonprofits, education, and philanthropy, so that our local economy thrives.”
Mayor Adams originally created the Office of Community Hiring in 2023 to use the city’s purchasing power to bolster economic opportunity and connect city vendors with a pipeline of talent. Through community hiring, the city sets workforce goals for vendors to provide employment and apprenticeship opportunities for low-income individuals and those living in low-income communities. Since launching the office, 66 projects worth over $3.3 billion have been released with community hiring goals, helping connect low-income New Yorkers and NYCHA residents to a broad range of careers from construction to building services to social services and more.
Additionally, to help make sure that workers on city construction and building services projects are paid what they deserve, Mayor Adams announced a new digital tool that will allow the city to more effectively monitor labor and wage requirements, including New Yorkers contracted through community hiring. Starting next year, city agencies administering contracts with prevailing wage requirements will receive and analyze payroll records on a new digital platform, transitioning away from a paper-based process and bolstering the city’s efforts to track and enforce compliance. The digital tool will increase publicly available wage data through a public dashboard and enable the city to track community hiring goals on construction and building service projects.
NYC Talent works to align the city’s extensive network of agencies, employers, and educational institutions around shared priorities and better connect New Yorkers to good-paying careers. NYC Talent’s work includes:
· Implementing community hiring, which incorporates goals into city contracts to ensure that job and apprenticeship opportunities are made available to low-income New Yorkers, NYCHA residents, and those living in low-income ZIP codes. Once fully implemented, Community Hiring will be the nation’s largest program of its kind.
“The appointment of Douglas Lipari as executive director signals a continued commitment to advancing the mission of the Office of Talent and Workforce Development,” said Kathryn Wylde, president and CEO, Partnership for New York City. “We value our strong partnership with the city and are proud to collaborate in building a workforce system that is responsive to industry needs and expands opportunity for New Yorkers.”
“Doug Lipari is a proven leader who is deeply dedicated to connecting hardworking New Yorkers with good-paying, union careers, making him an incredible choice for executive director of the Office of Talent and Workforce Development,” said Gary LaBarbera, president, Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. “As the Mayor’s Office unveils more plans to ensure that blue-collar workers, like our tradesmen and tradeswomen, are given fair and dignified opportunities to pursue the middle class, Doug will offer the leadership and counsel necessary to implement these tools effectively. The Building Trades congratulates him on this new role and looks forward to continuing our collaboration moving forward.”
“We’re proud to know and work with Doug and see this well-deserved recognition of his leadership,” said Grace C. Bonilla, president & CEO, United Way of New York City. “At a time when our city needs it most, Doug’s stewardship of the NYC Office of Talent and Workforce Development has been instrumental in helping New Yorkers achieve shared prosperity, a goal we share at United Way of New York City, as we unite the power of community with citywide possibility.”
“On behalf of the entire NYC Workforce Development Council, we enthusiastically support the appointment of Douglas Lipari to lead the Office of Talent and Workforce Development,” said Michelle Adams, senior managing director of external relations and business development, Tishman Speyer. “Doug’s energetic leadership and proven track record within city government, particularly with the successful launch of Community Hiring, have already created significant opportunities for New Yorkers. The Council is eager to partner with Doug to continue strengthening our city’s talent pipelines and building a more dynamic economy.”
“I’m thrilled to congratulate Douglas Lipari on his well-deserved appointment as executive director of the Office of Talent and Workforce Development. Doug’s deep commitment to collaboration, innovation, and the use of effective, evidence-based practices makes him the right leader at the right time,” said Adria Powell, co-chair, New York City Workforce Development Board; president & CEO, Cooperative Home Care Associates. “I’ve had the privilege of working with him through the New York City Workforce Development Board, and I know firsthand how dedicated he is to building a more agile and equitable workforce system. I look forward to continuing our partnership as we strengthen government coordination, improve service delivery, and sustain the public-private partnerships essential to driving inclusive economic growth for all New Yorkers.”
“JobsFirstNYC congratulates Doug Lipari on his appointment as executive director of the Office of Talent and Workforce Development,” said Marjorie D. Parker, president and CEO, JobsFirstNYC. “Doug’s leadership will be critical to ensuring that all New Yorkers — especially young adults — have access to career pathways and economic opportunity. We look forward to building on our strong partnership to further strengthen the city’s workforce ecosystem, which supports residents, employers, and the economy.”
“Douglas Lipari is a steady hand in New York City’s workforce development efforts, and his leadership has already helped deliver real progress through community hiring and the expansion of equitable pathways into quality jobs,” said Gregory J. Morris, CEO, New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC). “His appointment as executive director of the Office of Talent and Workforce Development comes at a pivotal moment for our city. On behalf of our 220+ members who serve more than half a million New Yorkers each year, NYCETC looks forward to partnering with Doug and his team to ensure that our workforce ecosystem continues to grow stronger, more impactful, and more inclusive. Together, we can advance an agenda that delivers lasting opportunity, economic mobility, and prosperity for every New Yorker.”
“The Adams administration has made a very wise choice in appointing Doug Lipari as executive director at NYC Talent,” said David Fischer, interim executive director, New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals (NYATEP). “Doug is a thoughtful, conscientious, and highly effective public servant who brings a deep understanding of workforce development and its vital importance to the City’s economy. NYATEP celebrates Doug’s appointment and looks forward to continuing our work with him and his team.”
“Doug Lipari is the right leader for NYC Talent at the right moment. He has already shown what effective coordination can deliver for both job seekers and employers, and as executive director, he will scale those successes with collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based solutions,” said Tom Grech, president and CEO, Queens Chamber of Commerce. “Doug’s focus on measurable results and strong public-private partnerships will strengthen New York City’s workforce system, advancing equity, supporting employers, and keeping our city competitive in a rapidly changing economy.”
“The Jobs Council is proud to partner with the city and welcome Doug Lipari as the new executive director of the Office of Talent and Workforce Development,” said Kiersten Barnet, executive director, New York Jobs CEO Council. “Doug’s commitment to public-private partnerships and industry engagement will strengthen our shared efforts to connect New Yorkers to meaningful career opportunities. We look forward to continued collaboration with the NYC Talent team under Doug’s leadership.”
“I am very happy to congratulate Douglas Lipari on his appointment as the new executive director of NYC Talent. Here at the NYU School of Professional Studies, one of our missions is to prepare our students to be leaders in their industries. With Doug’s appointment today, we have gained an invaluable partnership toward that endeavor,” said Angie Kamath, Harvey J. Stedman dean, NYU School of Professional Studies. “As the rise of artificial intelligence creates a moment of change across a multitude of workforces, I am excited to partner with Doug, who I have known to be a skillful leader and responsible steward of workforce development.”
“We at WPTI warmly congratulate Doug on this appointment. His vision and commitment to collaboration and innovation come at a pivotal moment for New York’s workforce,” said Sherazade Langlade, CEO, Workforce Professionals Training Institute (WPTI). “We are excited to partner in building a stronger, more coordinated system that delivers equity, opportunity, and shared prosperity for all New Yorkers.”
“The BTEA is pleased to see the appointment of Douglas Lipari as executive director of NYC Talent. Mr. Lipari has played a key role in ensuring that New Yorkers from diverse communities benefit from access to skilled, unionized jobs,” said Elizabeth Crowley, president and CEO, Building Trades Employers’ Association (BTEA). “Our contractors, who build and continue to rebuild New York City, applaud his promotion and look forward to collaborating further to create meaningful opportunities that connect vulnerable New Yorkers with strong, sustainable career pathways in the building trades.”
“NYC Talent plays a critical role for the city, helping to ensure that public-private partnerships work efficiently and effectively for both New Yorkers and employers,” said Saskia Traill, president and CEO, ExpandED Schools. “We are thrilled that Doug Lipari, a seasoned city leader, has been appointed executive director, and we look forward to working with him in this important role.”
“As a member of the New York City Workforce Development Board, I know how essential strong leadership is to building a responsive and inclusive workforce system,” said Linda Baran, president and CEO, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. “Doug’s appointment as executive director of NYC Talent is an important step in advancing collaboration and creating pathways that connect New Yorkers with opportunity.”
“Mayor Adams has made an excellent choice in appointing Doug Lipari. He is the right leader to ensure New York City’s workforce development strategy meets the needs of our modern economy,” said Jessica Walker, president and CEO, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. “His commitment to innovation and collaboration is clear, and the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with him to connect New Yorkers to meaningful careers and power our city’s economic engine.”
“Subcontractors Trade Association congratulates Doug Lipari on his appointment as executive director of the Office of Talent and Workforce Development. Doug has been a true partner to the construction industry: accessible, collaborative, and deeply committed to ensuring that workforce programs meet the needs of all stakeholders,” said Felice Farber, executive director, Subcontractors Trade Association. “His leadership in launching community hiring has shown how government and industry can work together to create opportunity, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with him to strengthen both New York’s workforce and its construction sector.”
About Doug Lipari
Before being appointed executive director of NYC Talent, Lipari was the inaugural executive director of the Office of Community Hiring team within NYC Talent, where he led the successful launch of Community Hiring. Lipari will continue to lead that work along with NYC Talent’s broader portfolio of strategic initiatives related to apprenticeships, industry partnerships, and addressing barriers to employment. Lipari also plays an instrumental role in negotiating the city’s Project Labor Agreements, which cover several billion dollars of city capital construction projects.
Before joining NYC Talent in 2023, Lipari was the deputy general counsel of the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services. Lipari has over a decade of city government experience and a clear understanding of the city’s role in driving economic mobility for New Yorkers. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Duquesne University and a Juris Doctor from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.
Lipari will report to Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Adolfo Carrión, Jr..
Governor Kathy Hochul is pushing hard to give Penn Station the glow-up New Yorkers deserve. After scoring federal cash in April 2025 through talks with President Trump, she’s freed up over $1 billion for other key projects. With Transportation Secretary Duffy now hunting for bold design proposals, the city’s gritty transit hub is on track to become a dazzling gateway worthy of the Big Apple.
Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul
“One of the first things I raised with President Trump in January was the need to give New York City the beautiful Penn Station it deserves. Those conversations successfully secured federal funding in April to advance redevelopment, allowing us to reallocate over $1 billion for other critical projects. With Secretary Duffy now advancing this project and requesting design proposals, New Yorkers are one step closer to a station worthy of this great city.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams unveiled a major expansion of a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training program targeting justice-involved individuals, aiming to train 300 participants in 2026—a 15-fold increase from the 2025 pilot. In partnership with Emerge Career, the initiative has already shown strong results, with all 2025 graduates landing trucking jobs offering salaries of $78,000 to $124,800. Addressing a 60% unemployment rate among formerly incarcerated individuals and a national shortage of over 60,000 truck drivers, the program provides tuition-free training and job placement, boosting economic stability and curbing recidivism. The move underscores Adams’ focus on workforce development as a public safety strategy.
Mayor Adams Announces Major Expansion of Big-Rig Training Program for Justice-Involved New Yorkers
Innovative Partnership Between MOCJ and Emerge Careers Produced Job Offers in High-Demand Trucking Industry for Every Graduate of Inaugural 2025 Program
Starting Salaries Range From $78,000 to $124,000 for Population That Typically Faces 60 Percent Unemployment Post-Incarceration
Newly Announced Expansion Will Increase Participation 15-Fold from Inaugural Class, Putting 300 More New Yorkers on Pathways to New Careers and Financial Stability
NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ) Director Deanna Logan today announced a massive expansion of its successful Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training program for justice-involved individuals. The multi-million-dollar investment with reentry workforce development partner Emerge Career will ensure hundreds of New Yorkers will benefit from the life-changing training, personalized coaching, and job placement offered through the program next year — a dramatic increase from 2025’s initial pilot program.
The innovative program addresses two critical needs: financial stability for individuals with a history of criminal justice involvement and filling workforce gaps in an industry facing significant labor shortages. The average unemployment rate for Americans getting out of incarceration is 60 percent — 12 times the overall national average. However, every single graduate of the 2025 program secured a full-time CDL job offer, with starting salaries ranging from $78,000.00 to $124,800, demonstrating both the program’s life-changing impact and its cost-effectiveness for the city’s workforce pipeline.
“One mistake should not destroy a person’s life because a bend in the road should not be the end of a road,” said Mayor Adams. “Today, we are driving second chances in New York City by expanding our Commercial Driver’s License training program. This innovative program provides formerly justice-involved New Yorkers with the skills they need to earn a CDL and connects them with meaningful employment opportunities in an industry facing significant labor shortages. By providing upstream solutions to downstream problems, we are shifting up a gear to prevent recidivism, keep our city safe, and put justice-involved New Yorkers on a path to build their American Dream in the greatest city in the world.”
“Research has taught us that one of the easiest ways to improve community safety is to help New Yorkers find financial stability,” said MOCJ Director Logan. “The data is also showing us that our investments in Emerge Career are paying immense dividends, in real second chances and wealth creation for some of our city’s most disadvantaged communities.”
“This partnership with the City of New York shows what’s possible when government embraces bold, human-centered technology to truly uplift its people,” said Zo Orchingwa, co-founder and co-CEO, Emerge Career. “We’re deeply grateful for the city’s trust in our vision and its commitment to those too often left behind. While this expansion marks a significant milestone, it’s only the start — our goal is to create lasting high-wage careers for every disadvantaged New Yorker and to transform reentry workforce development — establishing New York City as a leader in innovative, data-backed reentry workforce solutions.”
“What sets Emerge apart is our deep collaboration with the broader community,” said Gabriel Saruhashi, co-founder and co-CEO, Emerge Career. “Our all-in-one workforce development platform gives case workers, emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, and supervision agencies real-time visibility into participants’ journeys — which is how our participants succeed at rates 50 percent higher than national averages and earn nearly twice as much as the typical graduate. This expansion will bring in $24 million in new wealth for their communities and the city.”
According to the American Trucking Association, the U.S. is facing a shortage of more than 60,000 drivers. CDL training provides a fast, accessible path to high-wage, stable employment in a critical industry that urgently needs talent — making it especially well-suited for ideal justice-impacted individuals who are often excluded from licensed professions.
After providing tuition-free training to 20 participants in 2025, MOCJ will expand the program to 300 participants in 2026, with additional expansions planned in the future. The announcement builds on the Adams administration’s broader commitment to investing in upstream solutions to public safety and economic mobility.
MOCJ — and its Community Innovations team — relies on data to guide its outreach efforts. Research consistently shows that poverty and limited access to vocational training and education are major contributors to incarceration and recidivism. According to a 2018 Brookings study, more than 80 percent of incarcerated men were jobless and had no income in the year prior to their incarceration. After release, only 20 percent reported earning at least $15,000 in their first year back in the community. By contrast, newly employed graduates of the city’s CDL program have secured positions with starting salaries ranging from $78,000 to $124,800.
Today’s announcement continues to build off Mayor Adams’ different investments in diversion programs and upstream solutions, including through recent investments in the city’s Fiscal Year 2026 Adopted Budget, which continues Mayor Adams’ ‘Best Budget Ever.’ Investments include:
Funding to invest in alternatives to incarceration services, including case management, substance abuse programming, group counseling, housing placement assistance, health care, and other services for adults charged with a crime ($7.6 million).
Covering the indirect rate for non-profits that provide re-entry services, indigent defense, supervised release, and other criminal justice programming that was previously funded with stimulus dollars ($6.5 million).
Helping to stabilize recently decarcerated individuals with re-entry services, including job readiness training; mental, physical, and behavioral health care; counseling; housing assistance; and mentoring ($4.7 million).
Supporting “Project Restore,” a community-based gang violence intervention program that addresses barriers to personal growth, including economic insecurity, disconnection from education and employment, a lack of role models, and unhealed trauma ($2 million).
Funding to create the South Bronx Community Justice Center, which will provide programming for gun violence prevention initiatives, crisis intervention, and high school equivalency education ($2 million).
“Having a job is the pillar of living a productive life – and an essential component of rehabilitation and re-entry into society after a prison term,” said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. “The expansion of this training program will afford this foundational opportunity to many more people returning from incarceration. This is exactly the type of intervention that helps reduce crime by offering people a better path, so I commend Mayor Adams and the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice for this promising initiative.”
“Providing justice-involved individuals stable, good-paying jobs can help them get back on their feet and on the pathway to success, and I thank the mayor and his administration for their commitment to expanding this important initiative,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Jr. “This program can be life changing for New Yorkers who are re-entering into their communities.”
“Securing a job is key to avoiding recidivism,” said QueensDistrict Attorney Melinda Katz. “The city’s commercial driver’s license training program has proven to be a success in providing employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals. I thank Mayor Adams for expanding this valuable program that will provide gainful employment opportunities for those reentering the workforce.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, appearing on News12’s “Ask the Mayor” on August 27, 2025, addressed a recent spike in gun violence and outlined initiatives on school safety and affordable housing. Following mass shootings in Midtown and Crown Heights, and multiple incidents in the Bronx, Adams detailed a mobilization plan targeting gang activity and repeat offenders, with increased police focus on hotspots and community crisis teams to prevent retaliatory shootings. He highlighted a new job training program for justice-involved individuals, offering commercial driver’s licenses to deter crime through employment. On school safety, with classes nearing, Adams defended a cell phone ban to reduce violence and distractions, and noted enhanced security measures, including cameras and mobile metal detectors. Responding to a Bronx resident’s call for NYPD cameras, he pledged to review the request. Adams also emphasized housing efforts, citing rezoning initiatives and projects like Willets Point to address a 1.4% vacancy rate driving up costs. On autonomous vehicle testing, he stressed preserving taxi jobs while exploring accessibility benefits. Defending his veto of a City Council decision to block a Bronx casino proposal, Adams argued for including the borough in development discussions.
Mayor Adams Participates in Live Interview on NEWS12 and Takes Questions From New Yorkers
Amanda Bossard: Hello, everyone, and thanks for being with us here on News12, where local matters. I’m Amanda Bossard, and this is Ask the Mayor. It is a pleasure to be back here with you for the next half hour, as we give you the opportunity to ask New York City Mayor Eric Adams your questions right here on the air.
So the number to dial is 718-861-6800, and it will be at the bottom of your screen throughout the program for reference. With that, we’d like to welcome back once again tonight to our studios, New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Always a pleasure to have you with us.
Mayor Eric Adams: Great to be here. Enjoy this time of day, [on] this day of the month, to come around and talk.
Bossard: A great opportunity to answer those questions directly from New Yorkers. I’ll kick off the conversation, though, unfortunately, on a somber note this evening, and talk about this recent spree of violence, specifically gun violence, that we’ve seen in just the short time since we last spoke with you.
We’ve seen a mass shooting in Midtown claim the life of a Bronx officer, another mass shooting where fourteen people were shot inside of a Crown Heights lounge, and then this past weekend in the Bronx specifically, back to back to back shootings, a multiple shooting unfolding in the Bronx as recently as today.
I know in response to this recent violence, you have said that in the Bronx specifically to address gangs and younger shooters that we’re seeing, you’ve issued a full mobilization plan directive to the chief here in the borough. What do you expect to be part of that plan, and how soon do you expect to see it being implemented to immediately address this violence we’re seeing?
Mayor Adams: It is extremely unfortunate. When you see the good work we have done on removing the illegal guns off our streets, and what the police commissioner has done in identifying hotspots, and when you look at these large number of shootings out of one incident, fourteen people in Brooklyn in a night club, four in the Bronx over the weekend, it just really hurts all of the efforts that were put in place.
And there’s a common denominator we’re seeing over and over again. Young shooters, gang involvement, repeated offenders. That repeated offenders that we talked about on some of our laws, that’s just, you know, we are seeing repeated offenders.
So what we’re going to do– the commissioner is going to make sure that we have the attention in the Bronx, looking after the hotspots, knowing some of the known gang members, using our crisis management team members, because they are the best at dealing with retaliatory shootings.
We know how well they do. And so the team must zero in, identify what is causing this uptick in gun violence that we’re seeing. And we have to respond. And the commissioner has done a good job in doing so for the last seven months with the lowest number of shooters and shooting victims. And we have to make sure we continue the implementation of the plan and continue to drive down gun violence.
Bossard: You spoke specifically about how young people are getting caught up in the gun violence, and we’re seeing that number sadly rise, despite other statistics on the decline. We have school a little bit more than a week away at this point.
What efforts are in place right now to ensure that this street violence doesn’t seep into our classrooms, especially as families now navigate this new normal with the cell phone ban? I’m sure parents are concerned about not having such easy access to their kids while they’re in class.
Mayor Adams: And I’m glad you asked that because, believe it or not, cell phones contribute to violence. And that is why the goal was to remove cell phones from schools. This is going to be the first year that it’s going to be actually done. The governor, kudos to her, for partnering with the lawmakers in Albany to state that we have to take the cell phones out of the school. They’re distractions, they’re used for bullying, they’re used to start fights with children.
And really, it’s just not the place for our children. Many have tried. We wanted to take our time and make sure we got it right. And that’s exactly why it took this long. Because we have to get it right. We don’t want to start and then turn back.
But to those parents that are concerned about notifications when something happened, like what happened today, where a mad gunman went in and shot innocent babies, they want to be notified. And so we have to be using state-of-the-art technology, communication methods, so when something does happen, we can immediately let families know what we’re dealing with and if a child is in harm’s way.
Bossard: You mentioned this active shooting situation that we saw unfold earlier today at a Minneapolis Catholic school where two children, sadly, were lost in that situation. Of course, people fear the worst could happen here at home.
In terms of specific security safeguards, should we expect to see more metal detectors? Any other extra efforts in light of the violence that we’re seeing with schools so closely approaching?
Mayor Adams: Good question. First of all, many of our schools, we probably did all by now, but many of our schools, when you come to the school, [there’s] no more just [opening] doors. There is a camera with a bell. The school safety agent must buzz you in. So that’s an important mechanism that we put in. That was the first time this has ever been done.
If we didn’t do all the schools, I know we’re in the process of doing so to make sure that anyone cannot just wander into the school building. We do roving metal detectors and checks using metal detectors based on the circumstances. Some of them are surprise metal detectors that come into the school. They are able to move around.
We have been looking at more technology because it’s getting better and better and better. That is our goal to use technology to make sure we keep our city safe. And we’re going to continue to focus on that.
We have a great team of school safety agents. There’s going to be some movement with the school safety division that the commissioner is going to be announcing, but it’s all about making sure we create a safe environment on our school campuses.
Bossard: And then when we expand this conversation surrounding safety at the national level, we’ve heard from President Donald Trump as of late saying that he’s considering sending the National Guard to New York City. You’ve said that’s not needed.
Other members of your administration have echoed that sentiment with the violence we’ve seen as of late. Why say we don’t need the National Guard right now? Why not welcome that help?
Mayor Adams: Because you don’t– Because the National Guard would send the wrong message, number one, a visible uniform presence in New York City, it could impact business. It could impact the entire perception of our city. The numbers are in the right direction with the decrease in crime, our seven major crime categories, what we’re doing. [What] the Police Department is doing already and taking guns off our street. And just think about it.
Our subway system with 4.6 million riders is only five average felonies a day with 4.6 million people. So it’s the safest that it has been in decades when you take [out the] two years of COVID. So we know how to do it here in the city. And if we need to help other cities, if the president or White House determines they would like to see some of the things we’re doing, we’re more than willing to do so.
But we also coordinate with our federal, state, and city partners every day at 10 a.m. in the morning. We meet in something called HIDTA. We go after trigger pullers. We go after shooters. We go after those who are known to carry guns. So we are coordinating already.
The real need of the federal government, we have to stop the flow of guns in our cities. When you have a person that has an AR-15, drives across the country and shoots four innocent people and himself, that is what our focus point must be. We have to stop this fixation with guns like what we saw happen in another state.
Bossard: Yeah, and a lot of pressure being applied to those federal lawmakers to act on that now more than ever. I do want to get to our first caller of the evening. We have Noel who’s called in from Soundview. Thanks so much for the call, Noel. And what’s your question for the mayor this evening?
Question: Yes, good evening, Mayor Adams.
Mayor Adams: Good evening.
Question: My question for today is about the crime that’s going on in our borough, the Bronx. You know, it’s kind of concerning, you know, and it’s just, I was wondering to see what– how can we fix that? How can we address that much better?
It’s kind of scary to even go outside to go to the store when someone’s getting robbed. You can’t wear any jewelry, you can’t wear– you have to be actually keeping your head on a swivel. And it’s scary.
Mayor Adams: Well said, Noel. And we don’t want you living that way in our city where you are afraid just to enjoy the beauty of the city. I hear over and over again from people, they hear about these terrible incidents, but they say, “Eric, I feel safer walking the streets, I feel safer going out in my parks at night.”
What we’re seeing in the city, we have really dealt with the issue of crime in the city. And when you do– there’s always this bar graph [that shows] how crimes are in big cities. We’re the safest big city in America. Safest in America. The largest in America. Very complex.
But we have a Police Department that is second to none. And they’re doing a good job. And Noel, we must make sure that, I like to say, that we have to be reactive to go after those crimes, but we have to be proactive. And what does proactive action mean?
What we did today, we just announced justice-involved people are now able to get free training for their CDL and tractor trailer driving. It is a job that pays between $74,000 to $124,000 a year. No high school diploma needed. We’re going to be training three hundred more. That is how you prevent crime, by having people have the employment they deserve.
Bossard: Yeah, and this opportunity that’s being created to hopefully stop that cycle of violence, like you mentioned, repeat offenders being one of the big issues right now and trying to stem that. Well, the conversation is just getting started here on Ask the Mayor tonight. 718-861-6800 is the number to dial if you have a question. Call in right now. We’ll be right back right after this.
[Commercial Break.]
Bossard: Welcome back to another edition of Ask the Mayor here on News12 with New York City Mayor Eric Adams. As we continue the conversation with our callers right now, we have Sidney who’s on the line. He’s called in from [inaudible] tonight. Sidney, thank you for calling and what’s your question for the mayor?
Question: Good evening, Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Adams: Good evening.
Question: Mr. Mayor, we had a shooting this morning on College Avenue. We had three people shot around 8:30 this morning, College Avenue, 170. And I have asked in the past, [where] I live– I’m a resident here, if we could get a NYPD camera. I asked the previous borough president and I asked Ms. Gibson and nothing, nothing has happened yet.
I’ve spoken to detectives on the 44 precinct. They agree with me and they told me they even have mentioned it, but it’s up to the politicians to allocate the money. And I understand that. And I also understand that Ms. Gibson gave $1.2 or $1.1 million for cameras, for sanitation and police. And I’m hoping maybe you could pick up the phone tomorrow and let her know, please give College Avenue that well-needed NYPD camera at the intersection of College Avenue.
Mayor Adams: Is College Avenue and what, what is the cross street?
Question: It’s between College Avenue, it’s right on College Avenue, East 170 Street, the intersection.
Mayor Adams: Okay. Okay. Let me look into it. Let’s find out from Chief Gurley, who’s here in the Bronx and let us find out exactly how we can move it forward if [there’s] a need for it. Okay.
Bossard: Mr. Mayor, I’ll ask, what is the determining factor for where those resources are placed?
Mayor Adams: Because you’re talking about making sure that you deploy it correctly. If there are issues of violence there, if there are issues such as a shooting like this, if there’s a known gang activity. And so you want to make sure it’s where it is needed, like that is how you deploy the resources correctly. And so they’ll do an analysis to determine where you want to deploy these cameras.
Bossard: So Sidney, thank you for the followup. It’s now on the mayor’s radar for sure. Let’s get to another caller that we have on the line. I believe Anika has dialed in from Co-op City. Thanks so much for the call tonight, Anika. And what’s your question for the mayor when you’re ready?
Question: Yes, my question is, when the years to come, would it be a change with affordable housing and supportive housing?
Mayor Adams: Tell me more about that, Anika. I want to understand your question.
Question: [Inaudible.]
Bossard: I think she’s breaking up a little bit, unfortunately.
Mayor Adams: Okay. You broke up, Anika, but I think I got the gist of it. When you talk– when we talk about housing in the city, we have rent stabilized. We have our affordable housing, a stock of– when people want to build higher, we are able to do zoning changes and we’re able to leverage the number of units that are going to be affordable. It could be anywhere from 20 percent, 30 percent, in some cases, 50 percent.
And like our Willets Point project, it is 100 percent affordable, 2,400 units. Here’s what we were having our problem. We were seeing that it’s an inventory issue. When you have only 1.4 percent vacancy, you could build units, but the demand is so high.
So like in the Bronx, for example, you could have a 500 unit building. But if you have 14,000 people trying to get those 500 units because we haven’t built enough, that’s the problem. That’s why we continue to put shovels in the ground. We have preserved, created, and zoned for over 426,000 units of housing in the next decade throughout [the] City of Yes.
We did five neighborhood rezoning with 50,000 units of housing. We just did a major rezoning in Manhattan where you get 10,000 units of housing. We just did Fordham South where we’re going to do several hundred units of housing, just creating new communities.
And so we have to build more. And that’s what this administration, what we have done so that we can make sure that we have the inventory. Because the inventory is low, then the price goes up.
Bossard: The supply and demand equation, right?
Mayor Adams: There you are. So now for the first time through our City of Yes, we’re going to be developing all over the city. Not over developing communities, but just enough to say that we can all share the responsibility of housing.
Bossard: Housing, a perennial topic that comes up, especially the need for more affordable housing from our viewers. So good to see work continues on that front. When we talk about keeping up with the times, one of the most recent announcements coming from you is these new driverless cars that we’re going to see piloted in some parts of the city, specifically downtown Brooklyn and parts of Manhattan.
I think the big question coming from a lot of people [is], how do you regulate autonomous vehicles? And of course, keep things safe for those who are inside of the vehicle and everyone outside in a city as busy as New York.
Mayor Adams: People automatically jump to the conclusion that, okay, we’re going to have these for taxis. That is not true. We want our men and women who are taxi drivers to continue to be taxi drivers. It’s good employment, the hardworking men and women, and we believe that is a good middle class income.
We’re testing out the technology and that technology can be used in many ways. And we’re testing the technology, driverless vehicles, they are here. We need to make sure that we’re not displacing employees, but at the same time, we should use the technology to be a benefit.
Let’s say a person who, for whatever reason, is visually impaired and they want to just be able to have control of their lives and not be restricted. So this technology can be used appropriately and we’re looking forward [to it] on our city streets. These are some of the most complicated streets to drive on.
Bossard: If you can navigate New York City, you’re pretty safe to make it anywhere else in this country, at least by my opinion here. In terms of safety, we are confident that the technology is going to keep that in mind as well.
Mayor Adams: A lot of tests. When I was in– I believe, when I was in the borough president’s office, it was the first time I found out about Waymo. So it’s safe technology.
Bossard: All right. Great to hear and very reassuring for a lot of people watching. More conversation right on the other side of this quick break. Stay with us here on News12.
[Commercial Break.]
Bossard: Thanks for staying with us here on News12 for this edition of Ask the Mayor with New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Last time you were with us, Mr. Mayor, we were talking about the Bally’s Casino proposal in the Bronx specifically, and since then, you have issued a veto to the City Council’s decision to pretty much halt that proposal from being able to move forward.
Your veto would allow it to continue to be considered by the state. What was your motivation behind that decision, considering that people in the area say, we don’t want this here, and what is your response to the council saying, well, we plan to override that.
Mayor Adams: And they have a right to. They have a right to override the veto. What I was saying is that I’m not for or against any of the projects, and we don’t make the ultimate decision anyway, but why do we deny the Bronx all the time? Why is the Bronx the place where we say always no? I said this is a City of Yes, and the Bronx is part of that City of Yes, and many Bronx electeds supported having an opportunity to discuss and put Bally’s as one of the places that is being considered, and they should have the right to do so.
If you don’t give them the right to do so, then they’re not even in play, and so I think Bronx residents should be part of the conversation, should be part of if the determination is made, they should be part of that conversation, and it’s just wrong to use the council as saying we’re going to prevent the Bronx from having an opportunity to be part of the conversation. Doesn’t mean that they’re going to win it, it just means why are we denying the Bronx once again? I just don’t believe that.
Bossard: Understood. We are inching closer to September, which means November is going to be here sooner than we realize. We just got some new poll numbers that put the Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani in a comfortable lead. I think he has more than 40 percent of support based on those polls.
I know the idea of other contenders dropping out, banding together, supporting one candidate in opposition to perhaps Mamdani has been floated around. Is that something that you would at all consider as we get closer to November?
Mayor Adams: The ballot is the ballot. That’s what many people don’t understand. The ballot is going to be Eric Adams, Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, Curtis Sliwa, and the last person, I don’t even remember who he is. That is the ballot.
And so we must go after those 2.5 million voters that have yet to vote, a million Independents, hundreds of thousands of Republicans that are going to make a decision, and the process is going to move forward.
And I think voters must decide, you know, if we would have listened previously when Mamdani was 1 percent in the poll, we would have had a different primary winner if he would have dropped out.
Bossard: And a long way to go between now and November. Mr. Mayor, thank you as always for the time and for the conversation, and thank you all for watching. We’ll see you next time here on News12.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, in an interview on Bloomberg’s Businessweek Daily, dismissed federal threats to deploy the National Guard, arguing crime is down and the city is already collaborating closely with federal partners. He highlighted more than 23,000 illegal guns removed and falling shootings and homicides, while casting blame on former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s bail and cannabis policies for public safety setbacks. Adams rejected progressive rival Zohran Mamdani’s proposals to defund the police and shutter Rikers, defended limited bail reform, and sought to reassure parents that ICE will not appear in schools. Campaign controversies, he said, won’t overshadow his record on jobs, tourism, and his “City of Yes” housing initiative, which he calls the most ambitious rezoning effort in city history. Adams pledged to stay in the race despite weak polling, saying only election-day votes will matter.
Transcript: Mayor Adams Appears Live on Bloomberg’s “Businessweek Daily”
Myles Miller: And we’re sitting down with the mayor here in Gracie Mansion. And the first thing we want to talk about with the mayor is the National Guard. You know, Donald Trump said just yesterday, if these mayors can’t control their streets, we will. And he listed New York among the cities under review for National Guard deployment. Do you believe this is a real threat to New York?
Mayor Eric Adams: Well, the partnership between the federal government and the city and state governments is extremely important. And I think there’s a role we need. My role is to make sure New Yorkers are safe and the numbers are showing we’re doing that. And the partnership of making sure guns don’t come into our city. And that’s what we want to continue to do with the federal government. We already collaborate with the federal government every morning, 10 a.m. [inaudible] city, state and federal authorities to go after shooters and those who bring guns into our cities.
Miller: When he talks about the National Guard potentially coming here to New York and in the event that that happens, is there anything you can do to counteract that? I mean, you know, what would it look like if National Guard members you saw in D.C., 2,000 of them on the streets of Washington, if they were here, you know, on 90th Street?
Mayor Adams: Well, the goal is the relationship between the federal government and D.C. is different than the relationship between New York City and the federal government. And again, our communications with the federal government is we got this. We removed over 23,000 illegal guns off our streets. We see it. We’re witnessing record levels of decreasing crimes, homicides and shootings in the first six months and shooting victims in the first seven months.
And so we are very clear, always have been. I have never moved away from the public safety as the prerequisite to our prosperity. And we’re going to continue to do an amazing job. And if the federal government wants to communicate with us and ask us to go to other municipalities and help them see what we’re doing, we’re willing to do that because the safe America is a safe New York City and we want to help any way we can.
Miller: You know, I want to ask you about [the] November election as it relates to that. You know, one of your opponents, Andrew Cuomo, has said, if Mamdani gets in office, then Trump takes control of New York City. Then Trump does put the National Guard here. Do you think that could happen?
Mayor Adams: Andrew would say anything to anyone to get elected. He created this. He passed the cannabis laws. I had to close down 1,500 cannabis shops because of the failed law he passed. He did the bail reform. That’s the revolving door criminal justice system that we’re looking at. He closed psychiatric beds. So every time you see someone push someone on the subway track because of severe mental health illness or stab three innocent New Yorkers, you have to ask yourself, why do we close those beds?
Raise the Age. We’re seeing young people are victims of crimes more and more and they’re shooters as well. These are all of his bills. I had to fix his mess. And so Mamdani’s call to defund police, his calls to legalize prostitution, his calls to cause the empty Rikers Island, they’re two of the same people. New York has come too far to go backwards with either one of them.
Miller: When I heard the president talk yesterday about cashless bail, you know, I immediately thought of you because you have been one of the people who has talked about bail reform. Your police commissioner talked about bail reform on Friday with the friendly fire incident involving the officer. The president signing an executive order directing DOJ to look at these jurisdictions that have done cashless bail. What’s your take on that?
Mayor Adams: Well, I have been clear and I don’t believe if someone steals an apple that we should hold them in jail because they can’t afford to get out. But if you are possessing an illegal weapon, you commit one of the seven major crime categories in our city. [And] you are repeatedly an offender. We need to look at the criminal justice system that allows you to continue to go back and you repeat the crime.
We saw what happened with the Customs Border Patrol agent. These are repeated offenders. We just had a shooting over the weekend. The individuals involved had several gun arrests. That just can’t continue to happen. And so using bail appropriately, I think it would help us deal with the public safety issue we’re facing in the city.
Miller: The president said, you know, crime has continued to rise when they have cashless bail. Is that something that’s happened here in the city?
Mayor Adams: When you remove bail on those who commit serious crimes, it will impact your public safety. We are witnessing that over and over again.
Miller: The school system comes back next week. Should parents fear for ICE to be in their schools? You know, in Washington, that was a big fear as they went back to school yesterday when ICE saying that they may come to some students’ schools. We saw a student in Queens, six years old, deported by ICE with her mother.
Mayor Adams: With her family. And so we want to be clear. ICE has not been in our schools. ICE only way they could come into the schools with clear judicial warrants or if they are looking at a condition where someone is fleeing, running into the school, a dangerous person. But that’s the role of our police officers to do so. We have been extremely consistent around this.
Children should go to school. They’re not going to be fearful of having ICE come into their schools. Their directives indicate that as well. People should go to the hospital if they need medical care. They should call the police if they need police assistance. And I know personally what happens when you fail to do that.
My rookie year as a police officer, I had a Chinese immigrant that was afraid to call the police when he was being robbed. I took action while I was off duty, but he was extremely fearful. People can’t live in the shadows. That creates disorder. And we don’t want that.
Miller: Let’s go back to your career in the transit police. It’s where you met Ingrid Lewis-Martin’s husband, obviously someone you’ve known a long time. I just– you know, we heard from you on Friday. But when you hear some of the allegations in the indictment and, you know, indictments just show a piece of what is being alleged, what did you make of some of the allegations that you heard?
Mayor Adams: Well, first of all, let’s think about this for a moment. Like I said, Ingrid’s like a sister to me, and I’m pretty sure you have close relationships in your life. And the worst thing you want to do is not allow people their due process. And when you’re dealing with criminal cases, every word you say could harm that person who’s dealing with that case.
And I’m not going to do anything to harm someone that’s like a sister to me. I’m very clear. She’s in my prayers. She has an attorney. And anything that’s dealing with that case should be brought to her attorney. I would not do anything that’s going to be harmful to someone that’s like a sister to me.
Miller: How would you say your week was last week? Because you had the situation with Ingrid, Jesse Hamilton as well. And then you also had the situation with Winnie Greco. What are your thoughts on what happened with Winnie Greco? And then also, you know, I saw by Friday, it was a week.
Mayor Adams: Yeah. No, not to me. I had 237,000 migrants and asylum seekers. I inherited COVID. I inherited a city that was [inaudible] with jobs. I had thousands of illegal guns on our streets, ghost cars on our streets. Cannabis shops are open. People rode off New Yorkers. Not only was I dealing with those who were committing crimes, I had to deal with rats everywhere. Everywhere that we dealt with, we got up every day and we did the job. More jobs in our city–
Miller: But the red envelope in a potato chip bag. I mean, when you heard about this, what did you think of it?
Mayor Adams: First, I want to go back more jobs in our city’s history. Twelve months of tourism, twelve months of Broadway, the best in the city’s history. Unemployment drop, crime drop, illegal vehicles off our street, all of those things. I’m not going to be judged by a red envelope in a [potato chip] bag. I’m going to be judged by how I improve the lives of New Yorkers. It was a stupid thing to do. I don’t understand the conversation you had with the reporter.
I don’t have the history of it. It’s not something that we would do in our campaign. I made that clear. I don’t know what that was about. And now she’s no longer volunteering or she was never an employee of the campaign and she [is] no longer in City Hall. So only the reporter and Winnie can explain to us exactly what that was about. I don’t know what it was about and it’s not acceptable behavior on my part.
Miller: Let’s talk [about the] campaign, because we’ve talked about the campaign plenty of times. Private meetings, public meetings, you know, where have you. You’re polling in the single digits behind Mamdani. You know, I’ve heard you talk about, you know, the state of the race when you were running last time, but that was sort of during the primary. Now we’re in the general election. Tell me, so what’s your strategies to win in November and how you how you think you could pull through?
Mayor Adams: Well, a couple of things, as I said over and over again, when you look at this distance from the primary to the election, the same time period, Mamdani was at one percent. No one called for him to step out of the race. And if we did, we would have been premature because he won the primary. And we need to be clear that that seems to be a fact that everyone is missing. [We’re] also missing the fact that I was in third place in 2021 behind Andrew Yang, who was beating me by double digits.
Some polls have me in double digits. Some polls have me in single digits. Polls had Andrew Cuomo up by 10 percent before the election. He lost by 12 percent. He was up 36 percent. So when you start to talk about the polls, the only poll that matters [is] on election day, who’s going to have the most votes?
I must do what I’m good at doing, campaigning, getting my information out to the public so they can see the success of where we were and where we are. This city has turned around. I mean, if we want to be honest about it or not, and I have to explain that to the voters.
Miller: So the message is Eric Adams is staying in no matter what?
Mayor Adams: Yes.
Miller: You’re not signing any pledge?
Mayor Adams: Yes. I’m staying in no matter what. Who created the pledge? Andrew. One candidate that was at 1 percent in the poll, all of a sudden said, whoever’s up by a certain number in September should win. That’s all Andrew’s creation. Trust me when I tell you, he creates these scenarios so that people can believe he’s doing the right thing. He lost the race, $35 million, up by double digits, didn’t get out in campaign, and he lost the race. People heard his message already.
Miller: Let’s get to some Bloomberg topics here. One of your biggest accomplishments that you’ve stated has been City of Yes. Just tell me what it took to get that through, housing [is] a big issue for voters and for people who own homes here, who want to own homes here. You have a lack of places to put homes, but the City of Yes changed that. Just explain how that’s worked out.
Mayor Adams: In so many ways, many people talk about affordability, but never use their offices to actually produce affordability. Like I said, five people running for office, three people don’t have a record. One person is running from his record. I have a record. City of Yes is going to produce housing throughout the city, because housing New Yorkers is not just Manhattan or Brooklyn or areas that were gentrified. It’s the entire city. Never before have we witnessed this most comprehensive of housing and rezoning policy in the history of our city.
We have built, renovated, and planned rezoning for 426,000 units of housing in the next decade. I mean, this is unbelievable when you think about it. We did it in three and a half years. That number is larger than twelve years of Bloomberg, eight years of de Blasio combined in three and a half years. We are the most housing forward administration in the history of this city.
And we got projects off the ground that many have tried, like Willets Point, 2,400 units of affordable housing. Flushing Airport, hundreds of units of affordable housing, union built. And so City of Yes is part of the overall package that we’re doing. Five rezonings in each borough, 50,000 units of housing that’s coming out of that. So we know New Yorkers must be housed. But you’ve got to match housing with using the resources of [the] city to make the city affordable. Decreasing the cost of child care, universal child care, no income tax for low income New Yorkers, none at all. What we have done–
Miller: Well, that sounds like no income tax for low income New Yorkers sounds a lot like a Mamdani proposal. And you know that that requires going to Albany to get that done. People may say, you’ve been in office for nearly four years. How come you haven’t been able to get that done? Just make the case for how you could get that done with four more years.
Mayor Adams: Well, no, we already got it done. There is no income tax for low income New Yorkers. And then what you do is each year you go to Albany, they call it the Tin Cup Day for a reason. You go up there to beg for your proposal. But look at each year. Each year we got exactly the things we asked for.
Mayoral control, we got the no income tax, we got housing reform, renovating our office spaces into permanent housing, low income housing. We got the public safety initiative. We got the involuntary removal. So you’re seeing each year we brought back what we needed from the city. So in three years and eight months, we’ve done a great job of partnering with our Albany lawmakers.
Miller: And that’s Mayor Eric Adams talking directly to Bloomberg Terminal customers and listeners all around the world.
New York City retailers are breathing easier as shoplifting plummets by over 12% in 2025, with a 5% drop statewide, thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul’s aggressive anti-theft measures. Fueled by a $40 million investment in specialized Retail Theft Teams, tougher penalties for serial thieves, and new laws cracking down on the sale of stolen goods, the state is reclaiming its streets for shoppers and businesses alike. The 2025 budget also ups the ante with felony charges for attacking retail workers and a $5 million tax credit to help small stores beef up security, signaling a brighter, safer future for New York’s economy.
Following Crack Down on Organized Retail Theft, Governor Hochul Announces Reduction in Retail Theft in New York City
Following Post-Pandemic Spike, Retail Theft Has Declined More Than 12% Year Over Year in New York City, Down 5% Outside New York City. Governor Committed Over $40 Million for Dedicated Retail Theft Teams; Deployed Additional 100 State Police Personnel to Combat Retail Theft. Bolstered Criminal Penalties, Amended Larceny Charges To Hold Serial Perpetrators Accountable, and Made it Illegal to Foster the Sale of Stolen Goods.
Governor’s Record Investments in Public Safety Have Resulted in Reductions in Shootings, Murders, Robberies in New York City and Across the State
Governor Kathy Hochul today was in Harlem to speak with local business leaders to highlight the state’s progress in combatting organized retail theft in New York City and across the state.
Following a spike in organized retail theft in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Hochul announced new measures to crack down on these crimes that included over $40 million to support targeted law enforcement initiatives, stronger laws to hold perpetrators accountable, and new protections for frontline retail workers. Today, New Yorkers are seeing results from this comprehensive approach with retail theft declining more than 12 percent year over year — a decrease of nearly 5,000 instances — in New York City and 5 percent across the rest of the state.
“Retail theft and quality-of-life crimes impact more than just the businesses who experience them — they impact entire neighborhoods. That is why I dedicated tremendous resources last year to fight the scourge of organized retail crime,” Governor Hochul said. “While today’s numbers represent significant progress in the fight against retail theft, we will not back down. I remain committed to supporting our businesses and their workers to restore a sense of security and peace of mind for shoppers and store owners alike.”
Crime data shows a significant spike in retail theft crimes immediately following the pandemic in 2022 as business operations began returning to normal. To combat this spike, as part of the FY2025 State Budget, Governor Hochul signed into law initiatives to deter crime and protect businesses. These included:
Bolstering criminal penalties for anyone who assaults a retail worker by elevating it from a misdemeanor to felony. Any person who causes physical injury to a retail worker performing their job will be subject to this new felony.
Allowing prosecutors to combine the value of stolen goods when they file larceny charges and allowing retail goods from different stores to be aggregated for the purposes of reaching a higher larceny threshold when stolen under the same criminal scheme.
Making it illegal to foster the sale of stolen goods to go after third-party sellers. A person will be found guilty if they use any website or physical location to sell stolen goods.
$40.2 million for dedicated Retail Theft Teams within State Police, District Attorneys’ offices and local law enforcement, including 100 New York State Police personnel dedicated to fighting organized retail theft.
$5 million allocated to help alleviate the burden on small businesses for additional security measures. Funding provides a $3,000 tax credit for any small businesses who spend the threshold amount of money on retail theft prevention measures.
Following Governor Hochul’s recent investments, New York State is now on track to see retail theft crimes drop to pre-peak levels. Additionally, New York City has seen a more than four percent reduction in index crime and an 11 percent drop in felony robberies. Shootings in New York City are down nearly 20 percent while murders are down 21 percent.
“While today’s numbers represent significant progress in the fight against retail theft, we will not back down. I remain committed to supporting our businesses and their workers to restore a sense of security and peace of mind for shoppers and store owners alike.”
Governor Kathy Hochul
Manhattan Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jessica Walker said, “In recent months, many storefront businesses have told us they feel the difference and that New York has turned a corner on bringing down crime and addressing retail theft. There is more work to do but we are thankful that Governor Hochul’s legislative policies on retail theft and discovery reform appear to be working as we had hoped.”
Retail Council of New York State President and CEO Melissa O’Connor said, “Today’s announcement regarding the decline in retail theft throughout New York is a result of strong and consistent collaboration among retailers, law enforcement, prosecutors, community groups and Governor Hochul. Organized retail crime and habitual retail theft is more than just a financial loss for retailers investing in the state, it is a community safety issue that needs to be managed accordingly. I want to thank the governor for listening to the industry’s concerns several months ago, and importantly, for taking effective action. We will continue to partner with all stakeholders to ensure a safe and enjoyable shopping experience in New York State.”
State Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda said, “I congratulate Governor Hochul on her successful measures to combat organized retail theft. The $40 million investment to combat organized retail theft is yielding real results — with a more than 12 percent drop in retail theft in New York City and 5 percent statewide. By strengthening protections for retail workers, holding perpetrators accountable, and providing $5 million in tax credits to help small businesses improve security, the Governor is protecting both workers and consumers while restoring confidence in our local economy. These efforts show that strategic investments in safety can make our communities stronger while also protecting consumers.”
Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz said, “Whether an individual is a business owner, retail worker or customer, everyone deserves to have safe retail experiences in New York. Businesses are the backbone of New York and need the proper resources and attention to continue thriving. Investments in additional law enforcement, tax credits for small businesses and changes in criminal penalties, have shown to be an effective way of reducing retail theft throughout the State while increasing protections for retail workers. By cracking down on this issue, Governor Hochul is putting the safety of New Yorkers as a top priority, ensuring success for us all.”
A positive trend in retail crime reduction follows a successful operation to uncover a sprawling, multi-year, international operation that saw upwards of $2 million in retail goods stolen by organized crews. The case, announced in late 2024 by Governor Hochul and Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, and investigated by the Retail Theft Teams within the State Police, included the first-ever charges under New York’s strengthened retail theft laws.
In addition to cracking down on organized retail theft, Governor Hochul continues to invest in broader public safety initiatives to keep New Yorkers safe, committing nearly $3 billion to public safety efforts to date.
On Aug. 25, 2025, in Albany, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Western New York school leaders said K-12 schools will limit smartphones all day, from first bell to last. The statewide rule bans unsanctioned use in class, lunch and study hall, while letting each school choose a simple way to store phones and giving parents a clear way to reach their kids. Families can check their district’s plan at ny.gov/phonefree, which already lists policies for about 99% of schools. The state set aside $13.5 million to help buy storage and built in common-sense exceptions: basic phones, school-issued devices for lessons, and access for medical needs, IEPs, translation, caregiving or emergencies. Niagara Falls and Lackawanna are already doing it—the goal is less scrolling, more learning, and better mental health.
Governor Hochul and Western New York School Leaders Highlight Plans to Implement Bell-to-Bell Smartphone Restrictions This Fall
Follows State Law for Smartphone Restrictions in K-12 Schools Statewide. Students, Parents and Teachers Can Find Their School District’s Distraction-Free Policy atny.gov/phonefree
Website Includes Policies Published by 99 Percent of Schools Covered by Statewide Requirement.
Governor Kathy Hochul today held a roundtable with Western New York school leaders, parents and students to highlight their plans for implementing bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions when school resumes this fall. The roundtable included representatives of the Niagara Falls and Lackawanna School Districts — both of whom have distraction-free policies in place. Today’s event follows previous roundtables held by the Governor this summer in New York City, the Capital Region, Central New York, the Hudson Valley and the Finger Lakes.
“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 this fall,” Governor Hochul said. “My team will continue working with school districts across the state as they implement distraction-free learning and deliver the best results for students, parents and teachers.”
Governor Hochul also encouraged students, parents, and teachers to use ny.gov/phonefree as a resource to review their schools’ distraction-free learning plan and prepare for the upcoming school year. The website includes detailed plans for 1,070 public school districts, charter schools and BOCES across New York State that have published their distraction-free policy — representing around 99 percent of the public school districts, charter schools and BOCES covered by the statewide requirement.
Niagara Falls City Schools Superintendent Mark Laurrie said, “It was an honor to have the governor in Niagara Falls to kick off such a critical policy for the mental health of our students. Her leadership on this topic is paving the way for a great start to the school year.”
Lackawanna City School District Superintendent Nadia Nashir said, “‘Bell-to-bell’ gives students a healthy disconnection from social media and teaches them that there is a time and a place for everything. “When you are in school, the focus must be on teaching and learning, and families can trust that once students and staff are safe, our immediate priority is to communicate quickly, transparently, and in a language they understand. Parents and students also know how to reach one another at any time — through email, a call to the main office, the Remind App, or by visiting the school.”
State Senator April N.M. Baskin said, “The bell-to-bell law is a significant benefit to both students and teachers. With devices out of sight, students maximize learning and critical thinking, have more active discussions and better engagement with classmates and teachers. Even a few hours away from social media reduces the potential for cyber bullying and negative online messages. Teachers now have a consistent daily plan, resulting in fewer classroom disruptions and enhanced communication with their students.”
“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 this fall.”
Governor Kathy Hochul
Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “Classrooms should be spaces where students are fully engaged in learning, and that’s become increasingly difficult in an era in which students are distracted by the constant pull of their phones. The new smartphone restrictions will help ensure that teachers can teach and students can focus. By creating consistent, distraction-free environments across our schools, we are setting our youth up for academic success, supporting educators in their work, and addressing the mental health challenges that can come with excessive smartphone use. I am proud to stand with Governor Hochul in supporting a commonsense measure that will benefit students and families in every classroom across New York State.”
Assemblymember Bill Conrad said, “I’ve long stood in support of a transition to bell-to-bell, distraction-free learning. As a former teacher and the father of four young children, I know how detrimental excessive cellphone use can be; our young people are bombarded by notifications, exposed to online bullying, and left with difficulties socializing and sleeping. I was pleased to participate in the Governor’s earlier listening tour as we began crafting a school-day phone ban, and I certainly appreciate that this is a big change for everyone, not just the students. I am thankful for the collaboration of my fellow educators, and I am hopeful that with the right support from the state, this will prove itself a most significant policy, not just for its positive impacts on kids’ academic performance but on their overall wellness, too.”
The Distraction-Free Schools law signed by Governor Hochul requires bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions in K-12 school districts statewide, starting this fall for 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.
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
ALBANY, N.Y. — Aug. 25, 2025: Gov. Kathy Hochul’s four-year memo highlights middle-class tax cuts at 70-year lows, a minimum wage tied to inflation, a tripled Child Tax Credit, an insulin copay ban, and a $25B plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes. Public safety steps include $2.6B for law enforcement, tighter gun laws, a 53% drop in shootings since the pandemic peak, and transit crime below pre-COVID levels. Schools see record aid, universal free meals, a distraction-free learning policy, and free community-college pathways for adults. The economy added 812,000 private-sector jobs since August 2021, powered by Micron’s $100B chip campus, the Empire AI initiative, and a $1B Chobani expansion. Rights protections cover reproductive health and the Equal Rights Amendment. Infrastructure advances include Grand Central Madison, the Interborough Express, Second Avenue Subway progress, and the nation’s first congestion pricing. Energy moves hit New York’s 6-GW solar goal early, launched a utility-scale wind farm, and directed a new advanced nuclear plant.
Memo: Four Years of Governor Hochul, Four Years of Delivering for New Yorkers
Putting Money Back in Families Pockets by Cutting Middle Class Taxes, Tripling Child Tax Credit and Increasing Minimum Wage. Keeping New Yorkers Safe Through Landmark Legislation and Investments in Law Enforcement and Public Safety. Fighting for New York’s Families With Record Investments in Education, Universal Free School Meals and Distraction-Free Learning. Generating New Economic Opportunities for New Yorkers With More Than 812,000 Jobs Created Since August 2021. Protecting New Yorkers’ Fundamental Rights Through Nation-Leading Legislation. Transforming the State’s Infrastructure To Modernize Transportation Landscapes, Limit Congestion and Make Public Transit More Accessible. Securing New York’s Energy Future by Making the State a National Leader in Solar Power; Advancing Nuclear Power Plant To Power One Million Homes and Businesses.
On August 24, 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul took her oath of office as the 57th Governor of New York. In Governor Hochul’s inaugural address, she laid out a clear vision: make New York more affordable, safer, and fairer for every family. The Governor pledged to take on the State’s toughest challenges head-on and invest in what makes New York, New York.
Four years later, Governor Hochul has delivered on that promise, putting money back in New Yorkers’ pockets, keeping communities safe, defending fundamental rights from Washington’s attacks, and fighting for hardworking families. And she’s just getting started.
Banned insulin copays — the first state in the nation to do so
Implemented a historic $25 billion, five-year housing plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, with more than half created in just two years
Signed legislation to fight maternal mortality and expand Medicaid coverage for pregnancy-related appointments
Ensured New York Providers can deliver reproductive health care to patients in states where abortion services are outlawed or restricted
Transforming New York’s Infrastructure
Advanced transformational transit projects like the Interborough Express and the Second Avenue Subway, moving them from talk to reality after decades of inaction
Opened Grand Central Madison, providing a one-seat ride from Long Island to Manhattan’s east side
Implemented the nation’s first congestion pricing program, reducing traffic and raising revenue for critical investments in the transit system
Pushed forward the I-81 viaduct project in Syracuse, reshaping the region’s transportation network
