With the first day of school here, Governor Kathy Hochul is reminding parents to check the new Distraction-Free Schools policy at ny.gov/phonefree. Starting with the 2025-26 school year, all public schools, charter schools, and BOCES across New York must enforce smartphone restrictions from bell to bell. The law prohibits unsanctioned device use during the school day, with $13.5 million set aside to help schools with storage solutions. The Governor says the move will cut distractions, protect mental health, and boost learning, while still allowing parents to reach their kids when needed.
Before the First Day of School, Governor Hochul Reminds Parents to Review the Distraction-Free Policy for Their Child’s School District
With the first day of school coming up this week, Governor Hochul is once again reminding New York parents to visit ny.gov/phonefree to review the distraction-free learning policy for their child’s school district or charter school. As part of New York State law, K-12 public schools, charter schools and BOCES are now implementing bell-to-bell restrictions on smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices. The ny.gov/phonefree webpage enables parents and students to look up the distraction-free policies published by approximately 1,080 public school districts, charter schools and BOCES.
“Our kids succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling — and that’s why New York schools are ready for bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions,” Governor Hochul said. “I encourage parents to review the distraction-free policy for their child’s school district to help prepare for this important transition, which I know will deliver incredible results for students, teachers and families.”
The Distraction-Free Schools law signed by Governor Hochul requires bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions in K-12 school districts statewide, starting with the 2025-26 school year.
Governor Hochul’s policy creates a statewide standard for distraction-free schools in New York including:
Prohibiting unsanctioned use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds in K-12 schools for the entire school day (from “bell to bell”), including classroom time and other settings like lunch and study hall periods
Allowing schools to develop their own plans for storing smartphones during the day — giving administrators and teachers the flexibility to do what works best for their buildings and students
Securing $13.5 million in funding to be made available for schools that need assistance in purchasing storage solutions to help them go distraction-free
Requiring schools to give parents a way to contact their kids during the day when necessary
Requiring teachers, parents and students to be consulted in developing the local policy
Preventing inequitable discipline
Governor Hochul’s policy allows authorized access to simple cellphones without internet capability, as well as internet-enabled devices officially provided by their school for classroom instruction, such as laptops or tablets used as part of lesson plans.
Additionally, the Governor’s policy includes several exemptions to smartphone restrictions, including for students who require access to an internet-enabled device to manage a medical condition, where required by a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), for academic purposes or for other legitimate purposes, such as translation, family caregiving and emergencies.
Governor Hochul pursued this initiative after engaging in a statewide listening tour with teachers, parents and students. Her report, “More Learning, Less Scrolling: Creating Distraction-Free Schools” underscores the following:
Smartphones distract students and inhibit learning and creativity
Phone-free environments do not compromise student safety
Phone-free environments support the mental health of students and teachers
Open communication and direct guidance for all stakeholders is key for successful implementation
Schools must address any parent concerns about staying in contact with their children during the day
An effective distraction-free policy must focus on the entire school day, rather than solely on time in the classroom
Schools can strengthen their distraction-free environment by connecting more students with in-person engagement like clubs, sports, arts and other programming
Why critics say Albany’s green agenda weakens the state’s economy, raises costs for families, and plays into the hands of America’s rivals.
New York’s leaders are pushing ahead with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) and a Draft State Energy Plan that promises a “green future.” The plan says the state will run on 70% renewables by 2030 and reach a 100% zero-emission grid by 2040.
Sounds great on paper. But here’s the problem: while New York sacrifices its own economy, the rest of the world isn’t following.
The Big Contradiction
Asia and Africa are building more coal plants and burning more oil and gas than ever.
China and India keep increasing fossil fuel use to power their industries.
Russia and Iran depend on selling oil and gas — and they make more money when U.S. states restrict their own energy.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration in Washington (2025) is going the opposite way: drill more, export more, and make energy cheap and abundant again.
So while the world’s biggest polluters keep burning, New York is waging a “climate war” against itself.
Who Wins from New York’s Plan?
Russia, Iran, and OPEC: higher global prices = more profit for them.
China and India: cheaper energy at home means stronger manufacturing.
Climate NGOs and bureaucrats: more money and power through subsidies and carbon credits.
Big corporations and investors: subsidies, government contracts, and green energy mandates fill their pockets.
Who Loses?
New York families: higher bills for heating, cooling, and electricity.
Local businesses: higher energy costs make them less competitive.
Workers in oil, gas, and heating industries: jobs vanish.
Taxpayers: footing the bill for subsidies and infrastructure.
The electric grid: risk of blackouts if reliable fuels disappear too fast.
The Bottom Line
New York’s Draft Energy Plan is sold as a fight against climate change. But critics say it looks more like a self-inflicted wound:
It won’t change global emissions.
It makes life more expensive for ordinary New Yorkers.
It helps America’s rivals — Russia, Iran, and China — by weakening U.S. energy.
Instead of being a “green victory,” it may end up as a war on New York’s own economy and standard of living.
Winners vs. Losers of New York’s Draft Energy Plan
Winners
Why They Win
Russia, Iran, OPEC
Less U.S. competition means higher global oil & gas prices = more profit.
China & India
Keep using cheap coal, oil, and gas → cheaper factories and stronger economies.
Climate NGOs & Bureaucrats
More subsidies, more carbon credit markets, more control.
Big Corporations & Wall Street
Win government contracts, profit from “green” mandates and subsidies.
Losers
Why They Lose
New York Families
Higher heating, cooling, and electricity bills.
Local Businesses
Pay more for energy → less competitive with other states.
Workers in Oil & Gas
Jobs in natural gas, heating oil, and related industries disappear.
Taxpayers
Billions in subsidies come out of their pockets.
The Electric Grid
More blackouts and instability as reliable fuels get phased out too quickly.
On September 1, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul delivered powerful remarks at the West Indian Day Carnival Association Breakfast. emphasizing unity, cultural pride, and resilience in the face of federal policy challenges. She pledged to support Caribbean communities through stronger trade relationships, economic investment, and improved healthcare access, while celebrating the vibrant customs, cuisine, and traditions of the Caribbean. Hochul energized the crowd with a message of both celebration and determination, vowing to continue fighting for families and strengthening ties between New York and the Caribbean islands.
Governor Hochul Delivers Remarks at West Indian Day Carnival Association Breakfast
Governor Hochul: “I know in light of what has been happening under the new administration in Washington, there’s a lot of fear and anxiety. I’m here to tell you that today we’ll celebrate, tomorrow we’ll get back up and fight like hell and say you’re not going to separate our families, our children.”
Hochul: “We’re going to continue to embrace the incredible culture and the customs and the cuisine of the Caribbean, and I’m going to continue focusing on creating trade relationships, sending more teams from Empire State Development to the islands to help give them catalysts of dollars and resources to be successful.”
Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul delivered remarks at the West Indian Day Carnival Association Breakfast prior to marching in the West Indian Day Parade.
A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:
Good morning everyone. Why did he say brief remarks? I’m the Governor. Give me a couple seconds more than that. I am so proud to be the Governor of a state with the largest Caribbean population outside that beautiful part of our world. Are we fired up today or what? Oh, I can’t hear you. Am I in the right place here? Are we ready to celebrate, dancing down the streets of Brooklyn? I know I’m ready. I got my party dress on. I’m ready. I’m ready.
Let me tell you this, my friends — we are so focused on lifting the people of our communities up, and I know in light of what has been happening under the new administration in Washington, there’s a lot of fear and anxiety. I’m here to tell you that today we’ll celebrate, tomorrow we’ll get back up and fight like hell and say you’re not going to separate our families, our children. We’re going to continue to embrace the incredible culture and the customs and the cuisine of the Caribbean, and I’m going to continue focusing on creating trade relationships, sending more teams from Empire State Development to the islands to help give them catalysts of dollars and resources to be successful.
We have to focus on people in these communities, making sure we have money to help with more money back into your pockets and high quality healthcare as we reimagine SUNY Downstate. You fired up for that as well? A billion dollars to give people the healthcare they deserve.
So I’ll see you out there. Same time next year and the year after and the year after. But thank you for making me so proud to be your Governor.
On September 1, 2025, Governors Kathy Hochul, Maura Healey, Ned Lamont, Dan McKee, and Phil Murphy issued a joint Labor Day statement championing the offshore wind industry as a cornerstone of American economic and energy progress. Highlighting the contributions of over 5,000 workers, many unionized, the governors emphasized the industry’s role in creating jobs, revitalizing ports, and strengthening U.S. energy independence through billions in private investment. They urged the Trump Administration to uphold existing offshore wind permits to avoid jeopardizing jobs and economic stability, warning that project cancellations could deter investors and increase costs for taxpayers. Committed to a reliable and diverse energy grid, the governors advocate for offshore wind alongside nuclear, natural gas, and hydropower to ensure affordability and resilience, fostering economic growth and energy security for the future.
Joint Labor Day Statement on Offshore Wind From Governor Kathy Hochul, Governor Maura Healey, Governor Ned Lamont, Governor Dan McKee, and Governor Phil Murphy
“On Labor Day, we honor the strength, skill, and determination of America’s workers. From construction sites and factories to ports and power plants, working people are the backbone of our economy and the foundation of our shared prosperity.
“Nowhere is that clearer than in the offshore wind industry, where labor is on the front lines. Today, more than 5,000 workers—many of them proud union members—are directly engaged with building this new American industry, with many thousands more manufacturing products across 40 States that will help lead to a new era of U.S. energy independence. These projects represent years of planning, billions of dollars in private investment, and the promise of tens of thousands of additional jobs. They are revitalizing our ports, strengthening our supply chains, and ensuring that America—not our competitors—leads in clean energy manufacturing and innovation.
“We are looking for the Trump Administration to uphold all offshore wind permits already granted and allow these projects to be constructed. Efforts to walk back these commitments jeopardize hardworking families, wasting years of progress and ceding leadership to foreign competitors. Workers, businesses, and communities need certainty, not reversals that would cost tens of thousands of American jobs and critical investment. Sudden reversals would also impact countless other workers and taxpayers on scores of non-energy public projects. The U.S. markets operate on certainty. Canceling projects that have already been fully permitted–including some near completion—sends the worrisome message to investors that the work can be stopped on a whim, which could lead them to decide to either not finance different projects or impose higher interest rates that would ultimately place a bigger burden on taxpayers.
“At the same time, we remain committed to ensuring that the electric grid is reliable, resilient and affordable. Offshore wind and other renewables are central to that effort, but it must be complemented by a diverse mix of resources—including nuclear power, natural gas, hydropower, and other technologies—that together keep our system strong and our energy sources secure. Doing so will also help us attract major economic development projects that will offer economic security for American workers and transform communities as we move to a 21st century economy. As Governors, we are committed to delivering on this energy system for our states and working with the Trump Administration to advance projects that meet these objectives.
“On this Labor Day, we reaffirm our unwavering support for working people and the unions that represent them. We stand with America’s workers and strongly urge the Trump Administration to keep these projects on track—for our jobs, our families, our competitiveness, our energy security, and our future.”
Seventeen landmarks across New York — from One World Trade Center and Niagara Falls to Grand Central Terminal and the Mario Cuomo Bridge — will glow red, white, and blue on Sept. 1 in honor of Labor Day. Gov. Kathy Hochul said the tribute recognizes the grit and grind of union workers who “keep our state moving forward,” vowing continued support for safer conditions and stronger benefits.
Governor Hochul Directs New York State Landmarks To Be Illuminated Red, White, and Blue in Honor of Labor Day
17 Landmarks Across the State To Be Lit on Evening of September 1
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 17 landmarks across New York State will be illuminated red, white, and blue in honor of Labor Day.
“The hardworking men and women of labor are the backbone of New York – and today we honor their daily contributions that keep our state moving forward,” Governor Hochul said. “As Governor, I remain committed to supporting union workers and ensuring all New Yorkers are laboring under the safest conditions with the benefits they need and deserve.”
The landmarks to be lit in recognition of Labor Day include:
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.”
