New York City Mayor Eric Adams lauded votes by the Council’s Land Use and Zoning committees to advance his Jamaica Neighborhood Plan, sending the Queens rezoning to the full Council later this month. Framed as a bid to jump-start housing and jobs in a key transit hub, the proposal would map the city’s largest Mandatory Inclusionary Housing zone across 230 blocks and is projected to unlock thousands of units, including permanently affordable homes. The plan also commits hundreds of millions of dollars to sewer upgrades aimed at reducing flooding. Adams cast the move as part of his broader pro-housing agenda to clear outdated rules and speed construction, while thanking Speaker Adrienne Adams, Land Use Chair Rafael Salamanca Jr., Zoning Subcommittee Chair Kevin Riley, and Councilmembers James Gennaro and Nantasha Williams for their support.
Mayor Adams’ Statement After City Council Committee Votes to Advance Jamaica Neighborhood Plan
– New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the following statement after the New York City Council Land Use and Zoning Committees voted in favor of the Adams administration’s Jamaica Neighborhood Planopens in a new tab, moving it on to a vote by the full Council:
“With its rich history and diversity, Jamaica represents so much of what makes New York City the greatest city in the world. As a bustling commercial and transit center in Queens, it’s exactly where we should be building new homes and creating high-paying jobs. But unfortunately, Jamaica’s zoning has curtailed new housing opportunities and limited new businesses, making it harder for working-class families to stay in their community. It’s past time we changed that.
“With today’s vote, we’re one step closer to bringing forth an even more thriving and vibrant Jamaica where New Yorkers of all income levels can thrive. Spread out over 230 blocks, this plan will be the largest Mandatory Inclusionary Housing zone ever mapped in New York City, unlocking thousands of new homes, permanently affordable homes, and jobs. Furthermore, this plan reflects our commitment to a more resilient future, investing hundreds of millions of dollars in upgraded sanitary sewer infrastructure to reduce flooding and help this community weather future storms.
“When it comes to housing, our administration is doing more than talking about it. We’re taking action every single day, cleaning up outdated zoning rules to get shovels in the ground and folks into new homes. Whether it’s crafting neighborhood plans like this one, passing the most pro-housing zoning reform in city history, or shattering affordable housing records year after year after year, we are proud to be the most pro-housing administration in city history.
Thank you to Council Speaker Adams, Land Use Committee Chair Salamanca, Jr., Zoning Subcommittee Chair Riley, Councilmember Gennaro, and Councilmember Williams for their support for this important proposal and for working with our administration to build the homes that New Yorkers need. We look forward to a full vote later this month and bringing this ambitious plan to fruition.”
U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan for the Eastern District of Virginia said a federal grand jury has indicted New York Attorney General Letitia James on bank fraud (18 U.S.C. §1344) and false-statement (18 U.S.C. §1014) charges, calling the alleged conduct a serious breach of public trust. If convicted, Ms. James faces up to 30 years in prison per count, fines of up to $1 million per count, and forfeiture; actual sentences typically fall below statutory maximums and will be set by a federal judge under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
New York State Attorney General Letitia James Indicted
Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging New York State Attorney General Letitia James with Bank Fraud under 18 U.S.C. Section 1344 and False Statements to a Financial Institution under 18 U.S.C. Section 1014.
“No one is above the law. The charges as alleged in this case represent intentional, criminal acts and tremendous breaches of the public’s trust,” said U.S. Attorney Halligan. “The facts and the law in this case are clear, and we will continue following them to ensure that justice is served.”
If convicted, Letitia James faces penalties including up to 30 years in prison per count, up to a $1 million fine on each count, and forfeiture. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
October 9, 2025Share
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Virginia
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul launched Secure Choice, a state-run program that lets private-sector employees without workplace plans save automatically through payroll into portable Roth IRAs. The initiative—free and simple for employers—follows a pilot and now applies to businesses with 10 or more employees that don’t offer a qualified plan, targeting the more than half of working New Yorkers lacking retirement coverage. Ms. Hochul cast the rollout as part of her Affordability Agenda, saying automatic enrollment will boost long-term savings and help workers retire with greater security; legislative and city leaders praised the move as a practical fix for small-business employees and the self-employed.
Governor Hochul Announces Launch of New York State Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the New York State Secure Choice Savings Program, a new state-sponsored retirement savings program for private-sector employees who do not have access to a workplace retirement plan. Over 50 percent of working New Yorkers do not have access to a retirement plan through their employer — now for the first time in State history, those New Yorkers will have an easy way to save for their future. Governor Hochul continues to deliver on her Affordability Agenda, providing both direct financial assistance for today, and now with Secure Choice helping New Yorkers plan for tomorrow.
“With the launch of the New York State Secure Choice Savings Program, we are expanding access to retirement savings and empowering New Yorkers to invest in their future,” Governor Hochul said. “The program provides another tool for employees to build long-term financial security and plan for a dignified retirement.”
New York Secure Choice is free and easy for employers, and allows employees to save automatically through payroll deductions into portable Roth Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) they own and keep.
Following a successful pilot program, New York employers with ten or more employees that do not already offer a qualified retirement plan will now be able to provide their employees the opportunity to save for retirement at work.
New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller said, “New York Secure Choice provides a simple way for workers in New York State to save for retirement with every paycheck. By making saving automatic, the program helps more New Yorkers take control of their financial future.”
State Senator Jessica Ramos said, “The launch of the NYS Secure Choice Savings Program marks a major step forward in our commitment to financial security for all New Yorkers. For too long, many workers, especially in small businesses, have lacked access to building a stable retirement. This program changes that, and I thank Governor Hochul for making this part of her agenda.”
Assemblymember Al Stirpe said, “I am eager to see the New York Secure Choice Savings Program finally launch from idea to implementation. By making it easy for employees and self-employed individuals to save for retirement and employers to facilitate the process, New York Secure Choice provides an opportunity for previously uncovered workers to participate in long-term savings for the future. With more than half of New Yorkers left without an employer-sponsored retirement plan and hundreds of thousands of workers across the state, this program fills a critical gap with accessible financial assistance. Economic security and the ability to finish a hard-earned career with dignity are not privileges, but rights that each working person deserves.”
Assemblymember Rebecca A. Seawright said, “As Chair of the Assembly Committee on Aging, I commend Governor Hochul for launching the Secure Choice Savings Program, which offers working New Yorkers a simple and reliable way to plan for their financial future. Too many older adults face economic insecurity in retirement because they lacked access to savings options during their working years. This program will empower employees to build stability and independence, ensuring that every New Yorker has the opportunity to age with dignity and peace of mind.”
Council Member Yusuf Salaam said, “I want to thank Governor Hochul for her continued leadership in advancing the Affordability Agenda and for launching the New York State Secure Choice Savings Program. This initiative is a game-changer for the more than half of working New Yorkers who’ve had no access to retirement plans. By giving workers a simple, automatic way to save for the future, the Governor is helping ensure that more New Yorkers, including those right here in our community, can look forward to a more secure and dignified retirement.”
Council Member Keith Powers said, “It is crucial for all workers to plan for retirement. The time to prepare for the future is now, but employees who do not have the option to save for retirement lose out on the ability to let their savings grow and ensure long-term security. New York Secure Choice opens that opportunity to all, allowing New Yorkers to have power over their future.” New York Secure Choice will notify employers required to facilitate the program and provide them with registration details. If you are an eligible employer, you can also enroll today by visiting www.NewYorkSecureChoice.com.
— New York City joined 73 other local governments in an Oct. 7, 2025 amicus brief backing Oregon in Oregon v. Trump, asking the Ninth Circuit to uphold a district court order blocking the Trump administration’s September deployment of National Guard troops to Portland. The coalition argues Washington overstepped its authority under 10 U.S.C. §12406, saying there was no invasion or rebellion to justify dispatching roughly 200 troops over local objections. City officials warn such deployments disrupt policing, chill commerce and shift costs to taxpayers—citing prior bills of $134 million in Los Angeles and an estimated $10 million in Oregon. The group frames Guard use as a last resort, not a tool for routine civil unrest, while the federal government seeks an immediate stay of the district court’s Oct. 4 temporary restraining order.
City of New York Takes New Action Opposing Federal Government’s Military Deployment in American Cities
– The City of New York — as part of a coalition of 74 localities from around the nation — has filed a new amicus brief supporting Oregon’s ongoing case against the federal government’s unlawful deployment of the National Guard in Portland. In the brief, the coalition urges the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to affirm a district court ruling in Oregon v. Trump, which enjoined the federal government from deploying federal troops in Portland. The coalition warns against the Trump administration’s plans to deploy the National Guard at “anytime, anywhere, for any reason — based on nothing more than sporadic incidents of conflict or being a disfavored jurisdiction.” The coalition highlights the harms to local sovereignty, to local peace and tranquility, and to local economies from the federal government’s deployment of the National Guard to American cities on pretextual and political grounds.
“New York City is proud to — once again — partner with a multitude of localities to assert local control over our own domain: public safety,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Our administration has been unrelenting in driving down crime, rooting out violent criminals, and protecting New Yorkers, and we have had record drops in crime thanks to our commitment to public safety and the precision policing of the NYPD. Collaboration with state and federal law enforcement has always been a key part of our public safety strategy, but we do not need a deployment of the National Guard to our city. Instead, we plan to continue to work with the federal government on areas where collaboration is warranted, such as stopping the flow of illegal guns to our city from the Iron Belt. We remain committed to keeping New Yorkers safe while upholding our constitutional rights.”
“As highlighted in this brief, the president is continuing to treat American cities as military ‘training grounds’ based on pretext and misinformation that is contrary to the facts on the ground,” said New York City Corporation Counsel Muriel Goode-Trufant. “Federalizing and domestically deploying the National Guard can sow chaos in local communities and should be a last resort, not a primary tactic, reserved for exceedingly rare circumstances. The district court ruling enjoining the federal government should be upheld.”
In September 2025, the Trump administration deployed members of the National Guard to Portland, citing protests of immigration enforcement operations. On October 4, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon ruled that the deployment likely violated federal law because plaintiffs submitted evidence that the cited protests were not significantly violent or disruptive in the days or weeks leading up to the president’s directive. The federal government filed an application in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit seeking an immediate stay of the district court’s temporary restraining order.
In the amicus brief, the coalition argues that the federal government has overreached its authority and that the lower court’s injunction should remain in place, based on longstanding federal laws prohibiting the National Guard from engaging in domestic law enforcement. The brief asserts that the federal government has provided no factual basis or legal justification for deploying 200 federal troops in Portland over the objection of local officials. The coalition states that there was no invasion or rebellion directed toward the federal government that would have allowed it to lawfully deploy the National Guard under 10 U.S.C. 12406, and that this pretext dramatically increases the risk of irreparable injury by inflaming community tensions and interfering with local law enforcement personnel which is better trained to manage situations such as protests and crowd control.
Further, the brief cites the chilling effect that National Guard deployments have on the local economy and taxpayers — as more customers stay inside and local businesses lose customers. Also, taxpayers are stuck paying the bill for these deployments: $134 million for Los Angeles alone and, potentially, at least $10 million for Oregon.
Joining the City of New York and Portland, Oregon are the cities of Tucson, Arizona; Alameda, Anaheim, Berkeley, Culver, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento, San Diego, San José, San Leandro, Santa Ana, Santa Monica, San Francisco, and West Hollywood, California; Denver and Ridgway, Colorado; New Haven, Connecticut; Tallahassee, Florida; Bloomington, Chicago, and Evanston, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; Baltimore, Maryland; Boston, Cambridge, and Lawrence, Massachusetts; Ann Arbor, Bellevue, and Exeter, Michigan; Hopkins, Minneapolis, and St. Paul, Minnesota; Hoboken and Newark, New Jersey, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Hudson, Rochester, and Brighton, New York; Cleveland, Ohio; Pittsburgh and Norristown, Pennsylvania; Providence, Rhode Island; Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Austin, El Paso, Iowa Colony, and San Marcos, Texas; Burlington, Vermont; Alexandria and Norfolk, Virginia; Tacoma, Washington; Madison and Exeter, Wisconsin; as well as the counties of Pima, Arizona; Alameda, Los Angeles, Monterey, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Sonoma, California; Denver and Ouray, Colorado; Montgomery, Maryland; Ingham and Bellevue, Michigan; Columbia, Cortland, and Monroe, New York; Multnomah, Oregon; Allegheny, Bucks, Clarion, Dauphin, and Montgomery, Pennsylvania; Davidson and Shelby, Tennessee; Harris and Travis, Texas; Kings and Pierce, Washington; Dan and Exeter, Wisconsin.
President Donald J. Trump has approved the appeal to advance Alaska’s 211-mile Ambler Road, reversing a Biden-era rejection and reopening access to the Ambler Mining District’s copper, cobalt, zinc, and other critical minerals. The White House decision—cited under ANILCA Section 1106—aims to strengthen U.S. mineral security, reduce dependence on China, and boost jobs, investment, and supply chains across Alaska. Backed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy, Sens. Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, Rep. Nick Begich, and industry leaders from Trilogy Metals, South32, and the Alaska Miners Association, the project is framed as a path to regional prosperity, lower costs of living, and national defense readiness. Supporters emphasize close consultation with Alaska Native and community leaders and environmental safeguards as agencies move to re-issue permits so construction and responsible development can proceed.
President Trump Revives Ambler Road Project to Unlock Alaska’s Critical Minerals, Boost Economy
Yesterday, President Donald J. Trump approved the appeal for Alaska’s Ambler Road Project, a pivotal 211-mile industrial road connecting the Dalton Highway to northwest Alaska’s vast deposits of critical minerals. The decision reverses a Biden-era rejection, advancing American energy dominance and reducing reliance on foreign adversaries by securing resources essential for national security, economic growth, defense, and technology.
The move was quickly hailed by Alaskan leaders and mining organizations as a massive win for job growth, regional prosperity, and strengthened domestic supply chains:
Gov. Mike Dunleavy: “This decision will unleash development opportunities, create new jobs for Alaskans and secure access to strategic minerals. Thank you @POTUS”
Sen. Dan Sullivan: “I want to thank President Trump and his team, especially Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum, for granting this appeal under Section 1106 of ANILCA, rolling back the Biden administration’s egregious and lawless denial of a right-of-way for the Ambler Access Project. This appeal is great news for Alaska, for jobs for our workers, for American national security, for reducing our country’s critical mineral dependence on China, and for the incredible Alaskans of the region. I just spoke by phone with the President about this important announcement, and he reiterated his strong commitment to advancing the Ambler Access Project, and so many other important projects for our state, including the King Cove Road and the Alaska LNG Project. I’ve always said the Ambler Access Project has to be done right, with close consultation with Alaska Native and community leaders and with respect for our environment and subsistence way of life. We were able to make great progress on these fronts under the first Trump administration, but the Biden administration came in and killed this project and the thousands of good-paying jobs, economic opportunity, and improved cost of living across the region that would come with it, subverting the clear intent of ANILCA. I’m glad to see another critically important project for our state’s economy and working families being put back on track.”
Sen. Lisa Murkowski: “I thank President Trump for issuing this determination and getting the Ambler project back on track after it was derailed by politics at the end of the Biden administration. Congress enshrined this project’s approval into federal law in 1980 as part of a ‘grand bargain’ to conserve more than 100 million acres of land in Alaska, and it has more national significance now than ever. The President’s re-approval will unlock a world-class mining district, deliver quality-of-life benefits for communities in the region, and help grow Alaska’s economy. It will also improve our national security by strengthening our mineral security and enabling us to produce more of our most important resources here at home. I look forward to federal agencies promptly re-issuing permits and authorizations so that the Ambler access project can finally proceed, and to working with the local people and Alaska Native Corporations to ensure a successful project.”
Rep. Nick Begich: “The Ambler Mining District is a strategic asset for Alaska and an important pathway to critical mineral development in the United States,” said Congressman Begich. “By advancing this access, we are creating new opportunities for Alaskans while strengthening America’s supply chain and reducing dependence on foreign adversaries for our critical mineral needs. I applaud the President’s decision to support this appeal, and I look forward to working with the Administration, state leaders, and Alaska Native communities to ensure this project moves forward in a way that benefits all Alaskans.”
Alaska Miners Association Executive Director Deantha Skibinski: “We want to thank President Trump for overturning the harmful 2024 decision on the Ambler Road Project and prioritizing access to Alaska’s critical minerals. The Biden administration’s nearly unprecedented ‘no action’ alternative on the Ambler Road project and flat refusal to grant access that was promised in the Alaska National Interest Land Claims Act (ANILCA) was unconscionable. With stable policies in place, Alaska now stands ready to supply the nation with the minerals critical to our national security and our economy.”
Ambler Metals Managing Director Kaleb Froehlich: “We thank President Trump, his administration and members of Congress for recognizing the importance of the Ambler Road to Alaska and to the nation. This road will help secure the critical minerals our country needs for economic competitiveness and national defense, while also delivering meaningful benefits here at home. For rural Alaskans, this road represents opportunity, good-paying jobs, essential revenues for remote communities, and a chance to build a more resilient local economy. It’s a pathway to both national strength and regional prosperity.”
American Pacific Mining Corp. CEO Warwick Smith: “We extend our sincere congratulations to Trilogy Metals and to Alaskans that have worked for years to see responsible development advance. Under President Trump, there is real momentum for resource development in Alaska. We are optimistic about the path ahead for Palmer and all projects contributing to America’s critical minerals supply.”
South32 CEO Graham Kerr: “We see great value in the U.S. Government’s intention to develop the Ambler Mining District. It is our aim to unlock the potential we see in this region, and secure critical mineral supply chains for the United States and create enduring economic activity and shared value for Alaska, particularly for communities in the surrounding region.”
Trilogy Metals President and CEO Tony Giardini: “This landmark decision is a turning point for Trilogy and for the future of domestic critical mineral development in the United States. The Ambler Road is not just a pathway to economic growth in Alaska – it’s a strategic asset for the United States. With the backing of the President and federal agencies, we are confident this project will move forward in a way that respects both the land and the people who call it home.”
Valhalla Metals Chairman Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse: “We are excited that the Trump Administration has reversed the misguided Biden Administration’s ‘No Action Alternative’ finding for the Ambler Access Road Supplemental EIS. The Biden Administration decision was contrary to the clear directives set out in ANILCA. Using Section 1106 to right a wrong decision is exactly what Congress intended when ANILCA was passed into law 45 years ago. Thank you President Trump! We can now restart our exploration efforts to expand the known resources at the Sun deposit.”
The White House
October 7, 2025 #AmblerRoad #AlaskaMining #CriticalMinerals #AmericanEnergy #AlaskaJobs #SupplyChainSecurity
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered state buildings to fly flags at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, Oct. 7, and directed landmarks—including One World Trade Center, the Mario M. Cuomo and Kosciuszko bridges, Empire State Plaza, Niagara Falls, Grand Central Terminal’s Pershing Square Viaduct, and Moynihan Train Hall—to be illuminated yellow in solidarity with Israel and the 48 remaining hostages. The move marks two years since the Hamas assault; Hochul said New York, home to the largest Jewish population outside Israel, mourns the victims and prays for the hostages’ safe return and a lasting peace. Citing a recent antisemitic attack in Manchester, England, she also ordered heightened State Police patrols at religious sites and increased engagement by the Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit and special-operations teams.
New York. Governor Hochul Directs Flags to Half-staff and Landmarks to Be Lit Yellow in Remembrance on the Anniversary of the October 7 Attack on Israel
Governor Kathy Hochul today directed flags on State buildings to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, October 7 in remembrance of the victims of the Hamas attack on Israel two years ago. Additionally, the Governor directed landmarks to be illuminated in yellow in solidarity with Israel and the 48 remaining hostages who have not been returned home.
“Two years after the horrific attack on the people of Israel, we stand with Jewish people in New York and around the world today and every day, and remember the victims of that tragic day and those still held hostage today,” Governor Hochul said. “As the home of the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, we mourn this tragedy and continue to pray for the safe return of the remaining hostages, an end to the war, and a lasting peace.”
Landmarks to be illuminated include:
1WTC
Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
Kosciuszko Bridge
The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
State Education Building
Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
Empire State Plaza
State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
Niagara Falls
The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct
Albany International Airport Gateway
MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
Moynihan Train Hall
Earlier this week, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar was marred by a horrific act of antisemitic violence in Manchester, England. Out of an abundance of caution, Governor Hochul directed New York State Police to increase patrols at religious sites and initiate outreach to Jewish communities statewide. Heightened uniformed patrols remain in place this week, and the state Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit (CTIU) and special operations teams will be fully engaged.
ALBANY, N.Y.—New York declared October “College Application Month,” waiving application fees at SUNY (up to five applications per student, Oct. 20–Nov. 3), CUNY (NYC high-schoolers Oct. 27–Nov. 21; students outside NYC Nov. 10–21) and dozens of private colleges—nearly 130 campuses statewide. With typical fees of $50–$90 per application, the move aims to cut costs for families and widen access to higher education. The state’s Higher Education Services Corporation is hosting 40+ events to help students complete the 2026–27 FAFSA, New York’s Tuition Assistance Program and the NYS STEM Incentive Program, with participating schools listed on the state’s waiver page.
Governor Hochul Announces Free College Application Submissions for Third Consecutive Year as College Application Month Returns
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that students across the state can apply to nearly 130 colleges and universities for free this October. The announcement comes as the Governor has proclaimed October as New York State College Application Month (CAM), which includes waived application fees at The State University of New York (SUNY), The City University of New York (CUNY), and dozens of private colleges and universities. With application fees typically ranging from $50 to $90 each, these waivers will save students and families significant money and help ensure that every New York State student has the opportunity to take the critical step of applying to college.
“Every New Yorker deserves the chance to pursue a college education without financial barriers standing in the way,” Governor Hochul said. “By waiving application fees at SUNY, CUNY and nearly 50 private colleges across the state, we’re saving families money and ensuring that more students can access the opportunities and futures they deserve. College Application Month is about breaking down barriers and helping every student take that critical first step toward college success. I want to thank our schools for their dedication and partnership in making this important initiative a reality.”
Application Waiver Periods
SUNY: Waiving up to five application fees per student from October 20 through November 3.
CUNY: Waiving application fees from October 27 to November 21 for New York City High School students, and from November 10 to November 21 for students outside of New York City.
Private Colleges and Universities: Participating at various times throughout the month.
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation President Dr. Guillermo Linares said, “Governor Hochul’s leadership in prioritizing education is making a profound difference for students and families across New York. By waiving college application fees, we’re not only making higher education more accessible and affordable but also sending a clear message that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. I commend our participating schools for stepping up and playing a vital role in this initiative, ensuring that students have the guidance and resources they need to confidently take this important step toward achieving their higher education goals.”
State University of New York Chancellor John B. King, Jr. said, “There is a place at SUNY for every New Yorker, and SUNY is proud to promote College Application Month with Governor Hochul. We invite prospective students to apply for free from October 20 to November 3 to discover SUNY’s excellence and affordability.”
City University of New York Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said, “Waiving application fees is a simple but powerful way to encourage all students to apply to college, especially those who face logistical or financial challenges. College Application Month reinforces our shared commitment to making the admissions process more equitable, and CUNY is proud to stand with Governor Hochul and our state partners in making higher education, and the promise of a brighter future more attainable for thousands of New Yorkers.”
State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky said, “As a former educator, I know how important it is to remove barriers that stand between students and their dreams of higher education. Waiving college application fees gives every person the chance to take that first step toward a brighter future. I thank Governor Hochul, SUNY, CUNY, these private colleges, and HESC for working together to make higher education more affordable and accessible for all New Yorkers.”
New York City Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos said, “Governor Hochul’s initiative to waive college application fees sends a powerful message to all students in New York City Public Schools: we are making higher education accessible. By removing this financial barrier, we ensure greater equity across the board and empower students from all backgrounds to pursue their academic and career goals. This initiative is critical for providing our students with a clear pathway to college and a bold future.”
Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities President Lola W. Brabham said, “College Application Month sends a clear message: college is within reach. By eliminating application fees and providing guidance, we expand access and momentum for students — and our private, not-for-profit campuses stand ready to welcome them.”
New York State Association of Private Colleges President Donna Stelling-Gurnett said, “New York’s College Application Month is part of the national American College Application Campaign (ACAC), which has helped over 5 million students submit over 10 million applications since 2005. CAM in New York is coordinated by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) in collaboration with the State Education Department, SUNY, CUNY, the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU), the Association of Proprietary Colleges (APC), and the NYC Department of Education.”
Additional information about New York State College Application Month can be found at hesc.ny.gov/cam.
Mayor Eric Adams said Oct. 6 the city will sell $460 million of taxable, fixed-rate general-obligation social bonds in October, its fourth such sale since 2022, to help finance nearly 2,200 affordable apartments. Proceeds will reimburse projects under HPD’s ELLA, SARA and Supportive Housing Loan programs; more than 80% of units will serve households at or below 60% of area median income ($97,200 for a family of four), including 790 units for formerly homeless New Yorkers. The latest deal brings Adams-era social-bond issuance to $2.38 billion supporting over 14,300 units, part of a pipeline of roughly 426,800 homes backed by a 10-year, $25.8 billion capital plan. Moody’s, S&P, Fitch and Kroll reaffirmed the city’s AA-category ratings and stable outlook—building on Fitch’s 2023 upgrade—citing steady fiscal management and resilient revenues.
Mayor Adams Announces New York City’s Fourth Sale of Social Bonds to Support More Affordable Housing as Leading Independent and Internationally-Recognized Rating Agencies Again Affirm City’s Strong Financial Standing and Stability
– New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced that New York City will sell $460 million of taxable, fixed-rate General Obligation Social Bonds in October 2025, helping to support the creation of thousands of units of affordable housing. Additionally, Mayor Adams announced that — for the 18th consecutive time in this administration — the independent, internationally-recognized credit rating agencies Moody’s Ratings, S&P Global Ratings, Fitch Ratings, and Kroll Bond Rating Agency have all affirmed the city’s strong bond ratings and stable outlook. Selling bonds to investors generates resources that the city uses to build and maintain its world-class infrastructure, and, in this case, will be used to support the construction and development of nearly 2,200 units of affordable housing in New York City. Social Bonds exclusively supporting affordable housing in New York City have only been issued during the Adams administration, and this is the city’s fourth issuance of Social Bonds since 2022.
“When it’s come to tackling our generational housing crisis, our administration has gotten creative as we’ve used every tool possible to tackle our generational housing crisis,” said Mayor Adams. “From our historic ‘City of Yes’ plan to our neighborhood rezonings, we have never been afraid to take the bold and necessary steps to build more housing for working-class New Yorkers. Issuing Social Bonds exclusively for housing is yet another example of how we are thinking outside the box to finance and spur more affordable housing. With this latest sale of $460 million of General Obligation Social Bonds, we will support the construction of nearly 2,200 additional units of affordable housing. And because of our work and more, the leading credit rating agencies have, once again, affirmed our administration’s strong fiscal management. Our administration has consistently stepped up to the plate, skillfully managing crises after crises while making our economy stronger and boosting investor confidence. And while we have made great strides, we will never stop fighting to make our city more affordable, more livable, and the best place to raise a family.”
Financing Affordable Housing Through Sale of Social Bonds
Social Bonds allow the city to take advantage of demand for investment opportunities while addressing core policy objectives, including investing in programs and initiatives that can make the city more affordable for working-class New Yorkers. The city’s first three sales of Social Bonds — all of which took place under the Adams administration — totaled $1.92 billion and helped finance over 12,100 units of affordable housing across the city. Following the upcoming transaction, the city will have sold $2.38 billion of Social Bonds since 2022 to help finance over 14,300 units of affordable housing.
Net proceeds from the upcoming sale of Social Bonds will be used to reimburse prior spending by the city under the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s Extremely Low- and Low-Income Affordability (ELLA) Program, Senior Affordable Rental Apartments (SARA) program, and Supportive Housing Loan Program (SHLP). The projects being financed are expected to provide an estimated 1,152 units under the ELLA program, 190 units under the SARA program, and 856 units under the SHLP program. Over 80 percent of the units will be for households earning 60 percent of area median income (equal to $97,200 for a family of four) or below. Additionally, 790 of the total units — more than one-third — will provide housing for individuals and families formerly experiencing homelessness.
Leading Credit Rating Agencies Again Show Confidence
Earlier this month, based on the strength of the city’s fiscal management, revenue performance, budget reserves, and post-pandemic recovery, Moody’s, S&P, Fitch, and Kroll all assigned double-A category ratings and stable outlooks to the city’s upcoming sales of approximately $1.5 billion tax-exempt and $1.75 billion taxable General Obligation Bonds, which includes the $460 million of Social Bonds. The four credit rating agencies have repeatedly upgraded or affirmed the city’s strong General Obligation Bond ratings and outlooks over the course of the Adams administration. Notably, in February 2023, Fitch Ratings upgraded the city’s credit rating from AA- to AA. On each occasion, the four agencies cited the city’s ongoing strong fiscal management in support of their decisions.
Maintaining a strong bond rating is an indication of the city’s financial strength and encourages continued investment in the city’s bonds, which help support funding to build and maintain housing, schools, streets, parks, and other critical infrastructure that spans the five boroughs.
In maintaining its Aa2 rating, Moody’s Ratings cited “New York City’s post-pandemic economic recovery, including a record-high employment-to-population ratio, positive trends in assessed property values despite commercial real estate challenges, and steady but slow tax revenue growth. The expanding economy is driven by the city’s competitive advantages: a young, highly skilled labor pool that over time has helped make New York City households wealthier; strong higher education and medical centers that also contribute higher paying jobs; and strong domestic and international transportation links that support New York City’s position as a global economic, financial and cultural hub.”
S&P Global Ratings stated that the AA rating “reflects our view of New York City’s governance strengths and the dynamism and resilience of its economy, which we believe support stable credit quality over the outlook horizon. At the onset of fiscal 2026, we believe that the fiscal trajectory remains stable, and budgetary reserves — while not projected to increase over the near-term — provide the city with financial flexibility to navigate near-term risks…The stable outlook further reflects our view of the city’s continuing ability to navigate potentially disruptive economic uncertainties and sustain financial stability in the near term, particularly amid a shifting federal and state funding landscape.”
Fitch Ratings noted that “New York City’s ‘AA’ Long-Term Issuer Default Rating and GO bond rating reflect the city’s exceptionally strong budget monitoring and controls, supporting Fitch’s ‘aa’ financial resilience assessment…The city experienced record revenue performance and strong economic recovery coming out of the pandemic, as well as improvement in reserve levels, which will help management navigate slowing revenue growth and future economic downturns.”
In its assignment of the city’s AA+ rating, KBRA wrote that “the city’s role as an international business and cultural center, and its position as the hub of the country’s largest metropolitan economy, highlight the diversity of the resource base supporting the G.O. Bonds. Institutionalized, long-range financial management and capital planning practices support financial stability.”
The credit rating and stable outlook affirmations follow the passage of the city’s $115.9 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Adopted Budget, which builds on Mayor Adams’ FY 2026 Executive Budget — often called the “Best Budget Ever.” The “Best Budget Ever” prioritizes investments that will make New York City a safer, more affordable city that is the best place to raise a family. Additionally, this fiscal year, for the first-time ever, New York City abolished or cut personal income taxes for eligible low-income New Yorkers. Recently, in his FY 2026 September Capital Commitment Plan, Mayor Adams announced the largest capital commitment plan in city history, which includes the acceleration of $1.5 billion in the New York City Housing Preservation and Development capital budget and $300 million in the New York City Housing Authority capital budget for FY 2026 to expedite construction and rehabilitation of nearly 6,500 homes, yet another example of how the administration is delivering affordable housing faster and more creatively.
Thanks to careful fiscal management and policies that have fostered robust economic growth, the Adams administration overcame unprecedented challenges in this budget cycle to manage the budget responsibly, support essential services, and make upstream investments that will benefit New Yorkers for generations to come.
NEW YORK—Oct. 5, 2025—Mayor Eric Adams signed Emergency Executive Order 867, extending a key provision of Order 865 for five days to address persistent crises in the city’s Department of Correction, including at Rikers Island. The move prioritizes compliance with the federal Nunez use-of-force case and the 2022 Nunez Action Plan, citing ongoing attrition-driven staffing shortages that threaten sanitation, showers, meals, visitation, religious services, commissary, and recreation. The jail system’s state of emergency, first declared in 2021, remains in effect; the extension is effective immediately and may be modified or terminated earlier.
Emergency Executive Order 867
WHEREAS, on September 2, 2021, the federal monitor in the Nunez use-of-force class action stated that steps must be taken immediately to address the conditions in the New York City jails; and
WHEREAS, on June 14, 2022, the federal court in Nunez approved the Nunez Action Plan, which “represents a way to move forward with concrete measures now to address the ongoing crisis at Rikers Island”; and
WHEREAS, although there has been improvement in excessive staff absenteeism, extraordinarily high rates of attrition due to staff retirements and other departures continue to seriously affect the Department of Correction’s (DOC’s) staffing levels and create a serious risk to DOC’s ability to carry out the safety and security measures required for the maintenance of sanitary conditions; and access to basic services, including showers, meals, visitation, religious services, commissary, and recreation; and
WHEREAS, this Order is given to prioritize compliance with the Nunez Action Plan and to address the effects of DOC’s staffing levels, the conditions at DOC facilities, and health operations; and
WHEREAS, additional reasons for requiring the measures continued in this Order are set forth in Emergency Executive Order No. 140 of 2022, Emergency Executive Order No. 579 of 2024, and Emergency Executive Order 623 of 2024; and
WHEREAS, the state of emergency existing within DOC facilities, first declared in Emergency Executive Order No. 241, dated September 15, 2021, and extended by subsequent orders, remains in effect;
NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the powers vested in me by the laws of the State of New York and the City of New York, including but not limited to the New York Executive Law, the New York City Charter and the Administrative Code of the City of New York, and the common law authority to protect the public in the event of an emergency:
Section 1. I hereby direct that section 1 of Emergency Executive Order No. 865, dated September 30, 2025, is extended for five (5) days.
§ 2. This Emergency Executive Order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect for five (5) days unless it is terminated or modified at an earlier date.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Oct. 5 issued Executive Order 868, extending Section 1 of Executive Order 866 for five days as the city manages an influx of asylum seekers arriving from the southern border. The order, effective immediately, keeps in place emergency measures first declared Oct. 7, 2022, to expand shelter capacity and services across the DHS system while maintaining support for existing clients. Citing authority under New York Executive Law, the City Charter and Administrative Code, the mayor said the extension may be modified or terminated sooner.
Emergency Executive Order 868
WHEREAS, over the past several months, thousands of asylum seekers have been arriving in New York City, from the Southern border, without having any immediate plans for shelter; and
WHEREAS, the City now faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis that requires it to take extraordinary measures to meet the immediate needs of the asylum seekers while continuing to serve the tens of thousands of people who are currently using the DHS Shelter System; and
WHEREAS, additional reasons for requiring the measures continued in this Order are set forth in Emergency Executive Order No. 224, dated October 7, 2022; and
WHEREAS, the state of emergency based on the arrival of thousands of individuals and families seeking asylum, first declared in Emergency Executive Order No. 224, dated October 7, 2022, and extended by subsequent orders, remains in effect;
NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the powers vested in me by the laws of the State of New York and the City of New York, including but not limited to the New York Executive Law, the New York City Charter and the Administrative Code of the City of New York, and the common law authority to protect the public in the event of an emergency:
Section 1. I hereby order that section 1 of Emergency Executive Order No. 866, dated September 30, 2025, is extended for five (5) days.
§ 2. This Emergency Executive Order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect for five (5) days unless it is terminated or modified at an earlier date.
