President Donald J. Trump has scored another remarkable foreign policy triumph: the bold capture and extradition of Nicolas Maduro, the indicted narcoterrorist and socialist dictator who plunged Venezuela into chaos, starved its people, and menaced American security, now detained on U.S. soil to face long-overdue justice.
Democrats spent years howling that Maduro was a ruthless tyrant who had to be delegitimized, pressured, and removed. But the instant President Trump succeeds where they failed, they erupt in furious hypocrisy — prioritizing their unhinged hatred of President Trump over American interests and national security.
Here are just a few of the many hypocritical Democrats then vs. now:
Sen. Chuck Schumer
THEN: “And the President brags about his Venezuela policy. Give us a break. He hasn’t brought an end to the Maduro regime. The Maduro regime is more powerful today and more entrenched today than it was when the President began.” (2/5/20)
NOW: “This is reckless. And the American people are just, this morning, in fear of what’s going to happen here.” (1/4/26)
Sen. Dick Durbin
THEN: “The people of Venezuela deserve better than this. We can’t allow this President’s short attention span to stop us from delivering on our promise to help the Venezuelan people rebuild their country… Though President Trump may seem ready to throw in the towel, I stand committed to aiding the people of Venezuela.” (6/20/19)
NOW: “I disagree with President Trump’s use of U.S. military forces without Congressional approval & worry deeply about this Admin’s follow through on foreign policy interventions.” (1/3/26)
Sen. Chris Van Hollen
THEN: “[T]he United States is now going to use its levers and influence to push for a negotiation to have a transition to the truly elected leader… Obviously, we know Maduro and his cronies do not want to go quietly into the night, but the United States needs to work with its partners and allies in the region to ratchet up the pressure…” (8/2/24)
NOW: “It is an illegal act of war to replace Maduro.” (1/3/26)
Sen. Chris Murphy
THEN: “If Trump cared about consistency, he would make the realist case for intervention in Venezuela (getting rid of Maduro is good for the United States) rather than trying to pretend his Administration all of the sudden cares about toppling anti-democratic regimes.” (1/23/19)
NOW: “The invasion of Venezuela has nothing to do with American security. Venezuela is not a security threat to the U.S.” (1/4/26)
Sen. Tim Kaine
THEN: “This is a deeply concerning development for Venezuelans and for the entire region, since instability abroad impacts us here at home, too.” (9/2/24)
NOW: “President Trump’s unauthorized military attack on Venezuela to arrest Maduro… is a sickening return to a day when the United States asserted the right to dominate the internal political affairs of all nations in the Western Hemisphere.” (1/3/26)
Sen. Amy Klobuchar
THEN: “I have of course supported bringing in the new president and delegitimizing the Maduro government. You always leave things on the table.” (5/2/19)
NOW: “I have strongly opposed sending American forces into harm’s way in Venezuela without authorization from Congress. We should not put Americans at risk in this way without careful deliberation among the people’s elected representatives. Wars for regime change can lead to unintended consequences.”(1/3/26)
Sen. Elizabeth Warren
THEN: “Maduro is a dictator and a crook who has wrecked his country’s economy, dismantled its democratic institutions, and profited while his people suffer. The United States should lead the international community in addressing Venezuela’s humanitarian crisis and supporting regional efforts to negotiate a political transition.” (7/30/2019)
NOW: “What does it mean that the U.S. will ‘run’ Venezuela, and what will Trump do next around the world? The American people voted for lower costs, not for Trump’s dangerous military adventurism overseas that won’t make the American people safer.” (1/3/26)
Rep. Jamie Raskin
THEN: “The democratic world must stand up for the rule of law in Venezuela and oppose Maduro’s assault on the electoral process and free speech. The right-wing attack on democratic institutions anywhere is a threat to freedom everywhere.” (8/2/24)
NOW: “Trump is not only violating our Constitution, but he is shredding the rules-based international order created after World War II, whose essential building block is the political sovereignty and territorial integrity of each nation.” (1/4/26)
Rep. Darren Soto
THEN: “Honored to speak with @cdvorlando yesterday about Venezuelan TPS, raising the reward for Maduro’s capture to $100M, and bringing democracy back to Venezuela. #VenezuelaLibre” (10/6/24)
NOW: “Trump’s trading one dictator for another just to get oil? This will do NOTHING to help my constituents’ family members who just lost their TPS and still can’t return home.” (1/5/26)
DVANCING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE EDUCATION FOR AMERICAN YOUTH
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Background. Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the modern world, driving innovation across industries, enhancing productivity, and reshaping the way we live and work. To ensure the United States remains a global leader in this technological revolution, we must provide our Nation’s youth with opportunities to cultivate the skills and understanding necessary to use and create the next generation of AI technology. By fostering AI competency, we will equip our students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to adapt to and thrive in an increasingly digital society. Early learning and exposure to AI concepts not only demystifies this powerful technology but also sparks curiosity and creativity, preparing students to become active and responsible participants in the workforce of the future and nurturing the next generation of American AI innovators to propel our Nation to new heights of scientific and economic achievement. To achieve this vision, we must also invest in our educators and equip them with the tools and knowledge to not only train students about AI, but also to utilize AI in their classrooms to improve educational outcomes. Professional development programs focused on AI education will empower educators to confidently guide students through this complex and evolving field. Educators, industry leaders, and employers who rely on an AI-skilled workforce should partner to create educational programs that equip students with essential AI skills and competencies across all learning pathways. While AI education in kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) is critical, our Nation must also make resources available for lifelong learners to develop new skills for a changing workforce. By establishing a strong framework that integrates early student exposure with comprehensive teacher training and other resources for workforce development, we can ensure that every American has the opportunity to learn about AI from the earliest stages of their educational journey through postsecondary education, fostering a culture of innovation and critical thinking that will solidify our Nation’s leadership in the AI-driven future.
Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of the United States to promote AI literacy and proficiency among Americans by promoting the appropriate integration of AI into education, providing comprehensive AI training for educators, and fostering early exposure to AI concepts and technology to develop an AI-ready workforce and the next generation of American AI innovators.
Sec. 3. Definition. For the purposes of this order, “artificial intelligence” or “AI” has the meaning set forth in 15 U.S.C. 9401(3).
Sec. 4. Establishing an Artificial Intelligence Education Task Force. (a) There is hereby established the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education (Task Force). (b) The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall be the Chair of the Task Force. (c) The Task Force membership shall consist of the following members: (i) the Secretary of Agriculture; (ii) the Secretary of Labor; (iii) the Secretary of Energy; (iv) the Secretary of Education; (v) the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF); (vi) the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy; (vii) the Special Advisor for AI & Crypto; (viii) the Assistant to the President for Policy; and (ix) the heads of other such executive departments and agencies (agencies) and offices that the Chair may designate or invite to participate. (d) The Task Force shall be responsible for implementing the policy stated in section 2 of this order and coordinating Federal efforts related to AI education, including the actions outlined in this order.
Sec. 5. Establishing the Presidential Artificial Intelligence Challenge. (a) Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Task Force shall establish plans for a Presidential Artificial Intelligence Challenge (Challenge), and the agencies represented on the Task Force shall, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, implement the plans by holding the Challenge no later than 12 months from the submission of the plan. The Challenge shall encourage and highlight student and educator achievements in AI, promote wide geographic adoption of technological advancement, and foster collaboration between government, academia, philanthropy, and industry to address national challenges with AI solutions. (b) The Challenge shall feature multiple age categories, distinct geographic regions for competition, and a variety of topical themes of competition to reflect the breadth of AI applications, encouraging interdisciplinary exploration. (c) The Task Force and, as appropriate, agencies represented on the Task Force shall collaborate with relevant agencies and private sector entities to provide technical expertise, resources, and promotional support for implementing the Challenge, including through existing funding vehicles.
Sec. 6. Improving Education Through Artificial Intelligence. (a) To provide resources for K-12 AI education, agencies represented on the Task Force shall seek to establish public-private partnerships with leading AI industry organizations, academic institutions, nonprofit entities, and other organizations with expertise in AI and computer science education to collaboratively develop online resources focused on teaching K-12 students foundational AI literacy and critical thinking skills. The Task Force shall promptly announce such public-private partnerships on a rolling basis as they are formed. (i) The Task Force shall seek to utilize industry commitments and identify any Federal funding mechanisms, including discretionary grants, that can be used to provide resources for K-12 AI education. To the extent practicable and as consistent with applicable law, agencies shall prioritize funding for such purposes when it would further the aims of the program for which funding is available. (ii) The Task Force shall work to ensure the resources funded as described in subsection (i) of this section are ready for use in K-12 instruction within 180 days following the Task Force’s formal announcement of the first slate of public-private partnerships. (b) Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Task Force shall identify existing Federal AI resources on which agencies may rely, such as the NSF- and Department of Agriculture-sponsored National AI Research Institutes, to support partnerships with State and local educational agencies to improve AI education. (c) Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Education shall issue guidance regarding the use of formula and discretionary grant funds to improve education outcomes using AI, including but not limited to AI-based high-quality instructional resources; high-impact tutoring; and college and career pathway exploration, advising, and navigation. (d) Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Education shall identify and implement ways to utilize existing research programs to assist State and local efforts to use AI for improved student achievement, attainment, and mobility.
Sec. 7. Enhancing Training for Educators on Artificial Intelligence. (a) Within 120 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Education shall take steps to prioritize the use of AI in discretionary grant programs for teacher training authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (Public Law 89-10), as amended, and Title II of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (Public Law 89-329), as amended, including for: (i) reducing time-intensive administrative tasks; (ii) improving teacher training and evaluation; (iii) providing professional development for all educators, so they can integrate the fundamentals of AI into all subject areas; and (iv) providing professional development in foundational computer science and AI, preparing educators to effectively teach AI in stand-alone computer science and other relevant courses. (b) Within 120 days of the date of this order, the Director of the NSF shall take steps to prioritize research on the use of AI in education. The Director of the NSF shall also utilize existing programs to create teacher training opportunities that help educators effectively integrate AI-based tools and modalities in classrooms. (c) Within 120 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Agriculture shall take steps to prioritize research, extension, and education on the use of AI in formal and non-formal education through 4-H and the Cooperative Extension System. The Secretary of Agriculture shall also utilize existing programs to create teacher and educator training opportunities that help effectively integrate AI-based tools and modalities into classrooms and curriculum.
Sec. 8. Promoting Registered Apprenticeships. (a) Within 120 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Labor shall seek to increase participation in AI-related Registered Apprenticeships, including by: (i) Prioritizing the development and growth of Registered Apprenticeships in AI-related occupations. The Secretary of Labor shall establish specific goals for growing Registered Apprenticeships in AI-related occupations across industries; and (ii) Using apprenticeship intermediary contracts and allocating existing discretionary funds, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, to engage industry organizations and employers and facilitate the development of Registered Apprenticeship programs in AI-related occupations. In doing so, the Secretary of Labor shall support the creation of industry-developed program standards to be registered on a nationwide basis, enabling individual employers to adopt the standards without requiring individual registry. (b) Within 120 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Labor shall encourage States and grantees to use funding provided under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) (Public Law 113-128), as amended, to develop AI skills and support work-based learning opportunities within occupations utilizing AI by: (i) issuing guidance to State and local workforce development boards encouraging the use of WIOA youth formula funds to help youth develop AI skills; (ii) clarifying that States can use Governor set-asides to integrate AI learning opportunities into youth programs across the State; and (iii) consistent with applicable law, establishing AI skills training and work-based learning as a grant priority in all Employment and Training Administration youth-focused discretionary grant programs. (c) Within 120 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Labor, through the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training, and in collaboration with the Director of the NSF, shall engage with relevant State and local workforce development boards, industry organizations, education and training providers, and employers to identify and promote high-quality AI skills education coursework and certifications across the country. Through such engagement, the Secretary of Labor shall: (i) identify applicable funding opportunities to expand access to high-quality AI coursework and certifications; (ii) set performance targets for youth participation through any grants awarded for this purpose; and (iii) utilize industry and philanthropic partnerships to the extent practicable. (d) Within 120 days of the date of this order, and in consultation with the Secretary of Education and the Director of the NSF, the Secretary of Labor shall support the creation of opportunities for high school students to take AI courses and certification programs by giving priority consideration in awarding grants as appropriate and consistent with applicable law to providers that commit to use funds to develop or expand AI courses and certification programs. The Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Education shall encourage recipients to build partnerships with States and local school districts to encourage those entities to consider offering high school students dual enrollment opportunities to take courses to earn postsecondary credentials and industry-recognized AI credentials concurrent with high school education. (e) Within 120 days of the date of this order, all agencies that provide educational grants shall, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, consider AI as a priority area within existing Federal fellowship and scholarship for service programs.
Sec. 9. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
The U.S. Department of Justice has sued Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul in federal court, arguing that a pair of Illinois immigration-related laws unlawfully interfere with federal authority and operations—an example of the administration’s broader pushback against state measures it views as obstructing federal immigration enforcement. The challenged package includes the “Illinois Bivens Act,” which creates a state-law cause of action tied to alleged constitutional violations committed during “civil immigration enforcement,” and the “Court Access, Safety, and Participation Act,” which bars civil immigration arrests at (and, as described in reporting and advocacy materials, within a buffer zone around) Illinois courthouses; supporters frame the laws as due-process and courthouse-access protections, while DOJ frames them as unconstitutional constraints and liability exposure designed to chill federal enforcement.
Justice Department Sues J.B. Pritzker, Kwame Raoul Over the Illinois Bivens Act
Today, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul, challenging their unconstitutional attempt to regulate federal law enforcement officers through the so-called “Illinois Bivens Act” and “Court Access, Safety, and Participation Act.”
Not only are the laws illegal attempts to regulate and discriminate against the federal government through novel causes of action, but, as alleged in the complaint, the laws threaten the safety of federal officers who have faced an unprecedented wave of harassment, doxxing, and even violence. Threatening officers with ruinous liability and even punitive damages for executing federal law and for simply protecting their identities and their families also chills the enforcement of federal law and compromises sensitive law enforcement operations. The danger is acute.
“The Department of Justice will steadfastly protect law enforcement from unconstitutional state laws like Illinois’ that threaten massive punitive liability and compromise the safety of our officers,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.
“Unfortunately, Illinois politicians prefer to attack law enforcement with lawsuits and punitive damages rather than support ICE’s Criminal Alien Program, which prioritizes the safe removal of dangerous criminal aliens like murderers, child rapists, and other serious offenders,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft for the Southern District of Illinois. “Courthouse arrests are only necessary in the first place because Illinois refuses to honor federal detainers at the jails and prisons, instead preferring to release criminals back into our communities.”
On her first day in office, Attorney General Bondi instructed the Department’s Civil Division to identify state and local laws, policies, and practices that facilitate violations of federal laws or impede lawful federal operations. Today’s lawsuit is the latest in a series of lawsuits brought by the Civil Division targeting illegal policies designed to thwart federal law enforcement across the country, including in New York, New Jersey, and Los Angeles, California.
December 22, 2025 Office of Public Affairs U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington DC 20530 Press Release Number: 25-1235
On Thursday, December 18, 2025, the President signed into law:
S. 1071, the “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026,” which authorizes fiscal year 2026 appropriations principally for Department of War programs and military construction, Department of Energy national security programs, Intelligence programs, and Department of State programs; supports a military basic pay increase and other authorities relating to the United States Armed Forces; and provides authorities related to and makes other modifications to national security, foreign affairs, homeland, commerce, judiciary, and other related programs.
I extend my warmest greetings to the Jewish community in the United States and all around the world as they begin their celebration of Hanukkah—the Festival of Lights and a joyous season of reflection and hope.
More than 2,000 years ago, the Jewish people rose up against the forces of tyranny and restored their freedom to worship and live according to their faith, fighting for the inalienable rights endowed by our Creator. Following their tremendous victory, they sought to rededicate their Holy Temple. As tradition tells us, although they only had enough oil to light the lamp in the Temple for one night, in a glorious sign of the Almighty’s divine providence, it remained aflame for 8 days. In remembrance of this great miracle, over the next 8 days, families and loved ones will gather to light the menorah, which serves as an enduring symbol of light’s victory over darkness and the eternal triumph of good over evil. Hanukkah is a thanksgiving for these miracles.
To this day, the menorah stands as an enduring symbol of liberty, of the idea that each citizen, in the words that George Washington wrote to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, “shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid.”
This holiday season, my Administration continues to stand firmly with the Jewish people and defend the right of every believer to worship freely and without fear of persecution. The flames of Hanukkah stand as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the Jewish people and of the spirit that continues to guide our Nation toward a brighter future.
Just as the grace of the Almighty brought the Maccabees to victory, it has sustained the miracle of America—a shining light to the entire world—for nearly 250 years. As we continue to usher in the Golden Age, may the blessings of this season bring renewed peace, joy, and warmth to all those who celebrate. Happy Hanukkah!
New York State is putting more than $300 million into hospital upgrades aimed at making care safer and more connected, Governor Kathy Hochul announced. The funding will support 22 projects statewide to improve health information technology, expand electronic medical records, strengthen cybersecurity to protect patient data, and grow telehealth services. State officials say the goal is to help hospitals—especially financially strained providers—modernize critical systems, reduce cyber risk, and make it easier for New Yorkers to access care remotely. The awards are part of New York’s broader push to improve hospital infrastructure and resilience across the state.
Governor Hochul Announces More Than $300 Million to Advance Health Information Technology and Cybersecurity in Hospitals Across New York State
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $300 million in new state funding to support health care transformation projects across New York. The awards, made through the Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program IV and V, will support 22 projects aimed at improving health information technology by expanding patient electronic medical records, strengthening cybersecurity and patient information security, and expanding telehealth services.
“By modernizing our hospitals’ IT infrastructure and protecting patients’ information, we’re strengthening the foundation of health care in New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “These investments will help ensure that hospitals have the tools they need to safeguard patient data, expand telehealth services and deliver a healthier future for all New Yorkers.”
New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “With these investments, we are focused on developing safe, reliable and connected patient-centered care. By expanding data capabilities and improving cybersecurity defenses, we’re enhancing clinical decision making across the state’s health care network.”
This funding prioritizes projects that:
Support financially distressed providers;
Modernize critical health information technology infrastructure;
Strengthen cybersecurity and patient information security; and
Expand telehealth services.
Awardees include hospitals in every region of the State.
This investment builds on Governor Hochul’s continued efforts to strengthen New York’s health care delivery system. The Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program has awarded more than $1.75 billion to providers working to improve access, equity, and quality of care across New York. These awards are part of a broader, long-term commitment that has directed more than $4.7 billion in health care capital funding statewide since 2016.
Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State enacted nation-leading cybersecurity regulations for hospitals, establishing a robust blueprint to protect critical systems and enhance the resilience of the state’s health care network against cyber threats.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Queens County District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the successful disruption of a Queens-based organized retail theft ring responsible for stealing over $2.2 million in merchandise from 128 Home Depot locations across nine states. A 780-count indictment charges 13 individuals with first-degree grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, and conspiracy, leveraging new provisions in the FY 2025 Enacted Budget—secured by Governor Hochul—that permit aggregation of stolen goods values across incidents and enhance penalties for fencing operations. The case, developed through a joint investigation by the Queens DA’s Office and the New York State Police Organized Retail Theft Task Force (funded with more than $40 million in state resources), marks a significant enforcement milestone: 11 defendants have been arraigned, with maximum penalties of up to 25 years for theft crew members and 15 years for fences. The operation’s takedown contributes to broader statewide results, including 1,261 arrests, recovery of $2.6 million in stolen goods, and a 14% year-over-year decline in retail theft in New York City as of December 2025.
Governor Hochul and Queens District Attorney Katz Announce Indictment Charges in $2.2 Million Organized Retail Theft Bust
Governor Kathy Hochul and Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz today announced that 13 individuals have been charged in a 780-count indictment for operating a stolen goods and resale ring that targeted Home Depot locations in New York and eight other states. The individuals are facing grand larceny, conspiracy, and criminal possession of stolen property charges, including those included in the FY25 Enacted Budget that strengthened larceny laws by combining the value of merchandise stolen in separate incidents. In addition to these new crimes targeting organized retail theft, the FY25 Enacted Budget included a new crime specific to assault on retail workers, and more than $40 million for law enforcement secured by Governor Hochul. That funding created a dedicated Organized Retail Theft Task Force within the New York State Police, the work of which was integral to this case, and augmented efforts by district attorneys and local police departments to investigate and prosecute these cases.
“Since taking office, my highest priority has been driving down crime and keeping New Yorkers safe,” Governor Hochul said. “Following a post-pandemic spike in retail theft, I committed new funds to establish a dedicated organized retail theft task force and secured stronger laws to hold people who commit these crimes accountable. With better support for District Attorneys, local police departments and the State Police, we’re stopping organized retail theft rings in their tracks and ensuring a safer retail environment for business owners, staff and shoppers throughout New York.”
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, “Thirteen defendants, over $2.2 million in merchandise, 319 incidents of theft, nine states and 128 separate Home Depot stores are the facts alleged, resulting in a 780-count indictment. The defendants took breaks for lunch and dinner, sometimes hitting the same Home Depot up to four times in one day. The stolen items were then resold to consumers, through a Brooklyn storefront or on Facebook Marketplace. Working with our partners at the New York State Police, we brought this brazen operation to a halt. I thank Governor Hochul for signing laws that provide prosecutors’ offices with tools to more efficiently investigate, and more effectively charge, organized retail theft and fencing operations.”
The District Attorney’s Office investigation began in June 2024, when members of the District Attorney’s Detective Bureau observed stolen air conditioners from Home Depot while conducting surveillance in a separate matter. The District Attorney’s Crime Strategies and Intelligence Bureau built the case in-house and worked closely with the New York State Police’s Organized Retail Theft Task Force, part of the agency’s Special Investigations Unit.
“Since taking office, my highest priority has been driving down crime and keeping New Yorkers safe”
Governor Kathy Hochul
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “This case sends a strong message to would-be criminals – if you engage in retail theft, we will find you and hold you accountable to the full extent of the law. Retail theft has real victims – threatening the safety of shoppers and retail workers, creating enormous losses for businesses, and rising prices for the rest of us. I want to commend the outstanding work of our investigators and our partners at the Queens County District Attorney’s Office, and I want to thank Governor Hochul for the support she has provided to help us fight back against organized retail theft.”
Eleven individuals were arraigned yesterday on a 780-count indictment including charges of first-degree grand larceny, first-degree criminal possession of stolen property, fourth-degree conspiracy, and other crimes. One defendant remains at large and another will be arraigned at a later date. If convicted, members of the alleged theft crew face up to 25 years in prison, and the alleged black market retailers, known as fences, up to 15 years in prison.
According to the indictment and investigation, members of the theft and fencing ring are accused of stealing home construction tools, building supplies, power tools, smoke alarms, air conditioners, paper towels and other goods totaling more than $2.2 million during a 13-month period from August 2024 to September 2025. The items — stolen during 319 different incidents — were then sold to black market resellers, known as fences, who allegedly ordered the specific items to be stolen and then resold those goods to consumers.
The theft crew met almost daily to determine the locations of Home Depots they would target based on a review of merchandise in each store. Among the most common items stolen were insulation kits, buckets of reflective roof coating, power tools, air conditioners and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The amount of merchandise stolen in a single day ranged from about $1,800 to nearly $35,000.
Not including arrests and stolen goods recovered from this operation, the State Police and local law enforcement partners have recovered more than $2.6 million in stolen goods, made 1,261 arrests and filed 2,219 charges across 1,057 retail theft enforcement operations. As of December 2025, retail theft is down 14 percent year over year in New York City. Across the rest of the state, larceny is down 14 percent in the first seven months of 2025 vs. 2024.
Following a post-pandemic spike in reported retail theft in New York City and a statewide surge in reported larcenies, Governor Hochul also advanced new initiatives to strengthen laws, hold perpetrators accountable, protect retail workers and support small businesses, including:
Elevating the assault of a retail worker from a misdemeanor to a felony, ensuring any person who causes physical injury to a retail worker performing their job is subject to enhanced criminal penalties
Allowing prosecutors to combine the value of stolen goods when filing larceny charges, and allowing retail goods from different stores to be aggregated for the purposes of reaching a higher larceny threshold when stolen under the same criminal scheme
Making it illegal to foster the sale of stolen goods to go after third-party sellers
Securing $5 million to fund tax credits to help small businesses invest in and alleviate the financial burden for added security measures
State Senator Leroy Comrie said, “Organized retail theft is not a victimless crime, it hurts workers, drives up costs for families and threatens the stability of small businesses in our communities. I commend District Attorney Katz, the New York State Police and all law enforcement partners whose dedicated work brought this operation down. Their collaboration shows what is possible when we give agencies the tools they need to investigate and prosecute these complex cases. We must continue working together to protect retail workers, strengthen enforcement and ensure that every neighborhood in Queens remains a safe and reliable place to shop and do business.”
State Senator John Liu said, “This brazen retail theft ring and the rise in shoplifting following the pandemic show exactly why we strengthened retail theft laws in the state budget. Retail theft has preyed on our local businesses for far too long, with thieves targeting everything from paper towels to air conditioners. Thank you to DA Katz, Governor Hochul, and our local law enforcement for showing that the days of taking what you want and simply walking through the front door without fear of consequences are over, and that New York is committed to protecting our local businesses and restoring safety in our communities.”
Assemblymember Clyde Vanel said, “New York is sending a powerful message that coordinated retail theft rings will find no safe harbor here. This indictment makes clear that the new tools secured in the FY25 Budget, thanks to the leadership of Governor Hochul and the Legislature, are delivering real results. Dedicated and results-driven district attorneys like Melinda Katz are now better equipped than ever to take down organized crime and protect our communities and businesses.”
Assemblymember Steven Raga said, “The scale of this organized retail theft shows exactly why the Legislature strengthened our laws to combat organized criminal activity. These crimes impact the safety of workers, increase costs for consumers, and harm the economic health of communities across Queens. As a former retail worker myself, I understand how these incidents create real risks for people on the frontlines and destabilize the neighborhoods they serve. I commend Governor Hochul, District Attorney Katz, and the Task Force for taking decisive action that brings accountability and restores trust. This is the type of collaborative enforcement our state needs to keep people safe.”
Assemblymember Sam Berger said, “Queens is fortunate to have DA Melinda Katz taking on retail theft and bringing organized criminal rings to justice. I’m grateful to the brave men and women in state and local law enforcement who work every day to keep our communities safe. I was proud to stand with Governor Hochul and my colleagues in the Legislature to give prosecutors the tools they need to hold repeat offenders accountable.”
Retail Council of New York State President and CEO Melissa O’Connor said, “Governor Hochul and District Attorney Katz have made it abundantly clear that organized retail crime and habitual retail theft will not be tolerated in New York. This criminal activity goes well beyond the obvious financial loss for retailers – it is a serious issue that compromises the safety of store employees and customers. I want to thank Governor Hochul, District Attorney Katz and the New York State Police for holding these crime syndicates accountable to the full extent of the law. We will continue to work with the executive, lawmakers, prosecutors, and law enforcement agencies to further our shared goal of safer communities.”
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation allowing local governments to offer property-tax exemptions of up to 65% for eligible senior homeowners, raising the previous cap from 50% for the first time in decades. Under the measure, known as S5175A/A3698A, municipalities can set income limits and other criteria to determine who qualifies, with state officials estimating potential savings of about $300 a year for the average senior on a fixed income. The change is aimed at helping roughly 1.8 million older New Yorkers remain in their homes amid rising housing costs and inflation, and comes as part of a broader affordability push that includes middle-class tax cuts, expanded child tax credits, inflation rebate checks and free school meals for all K–12 students.
Governor Hochul Authorizes Real Property Tax Exemptions for New York Seniors
Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation that enhanced real property tax exemptions for New York seniors. Legislation S5175A/A3698A allows localities to provide a real property tax exemption for senior citizens who meet the income eligibility limits, among other criteria, up to 65 percent percent of the assessed valuation of their properties. This legislation builds on the Governor’s affordability agenda, which included tax cuts for middle-class New Yorkers.
“No New York senior should lose their home because they can no longer afford their property taxes,” Governor Hochul said. “By signing this legislation, we are working to make New York more affordable for our seniors on fixed incomes and empowering them to age in place, at home, in the communities they know and love.”
The bill will give localities the option to offer real property tax exemptions of up to 65 percent to seniors living below the maximum income eligibility level set by the locality. Prior to, the maximum percentage of exemption local governments have been able to offer senior citizens was set at 50 percent and has not been raised in decades. Increasing the exemption from 50 percent to 65 percent could translate into savings of up to $300 annually for the average senior.
New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) Acting Director Greg Olsen said, “Governor Hochul is coming through yet again on making New York more affordable for individuals and their families. Property taxes, especially for those on fixed incomes, can often be difficult to afford. With more than 1.8 million older adults who own their own homes, this important law will continue to help older adults remain in the homes and communities of their choice and keeping their vast contributions within New York State.”
State Senator Leroy Comrie said, “Seniors have faced rising housing costs and inflation— oftentimes living on fixed income. Signing S5175A into law is an important step toward restoring real affordability for older adults across New York. This law allows localities to offer up to a 65 percent discount to eligible seniors so long-time homeowners can remain in their communities with dignity and security. I thank Governor Hochul, my colleagues and especially Assemblymember David Weprin for partnering to deliver meaningful support for the New Yorkers who helped build this state.”
Assemblymember David Weprin said, “I’m grateful for Governor Kathy Hochul’s commitment to improving affordability for all New Yorkers, including our senior citizen homeowners. By advancing this bill into law, we will provide relief from the burden of increasing real property taxes and ensure stability for elderly homeowners on low fixed incomes. I look forward to continued partnership with Governor Hochul and my fellow elected leaders to advance this critical affordability agenda.”
This legislation builds on Governor Hochul’s affordability agenda, which includes:
Middle-Class Tax Cut: Approximately 8.3 million New Yorkers will benefit from decreased tax rates, bringing middle-class taxes to their lowest levels in 70 years.
Child Tax Credit Expansion: The Child Tax Credit is increasing to up to $1,000 per child under the age of four and up to $500 for school-aged children, starting in 2026.
Inflation Refund Checks: Eligible New Yorkers have received up to $200 per person or $400 per family, reaching 8.2 million people.
Free School Meals: All K-12 students now have access to free breakfast and lunch, saving families up to $1,600 per child annually.
New York’s subway system logged fresh post-pandemic ridership highs, carrying 4.61 million riders on Dec. 3 and 4.63 million on Dec. 4, surpassing an October record and coming in roughly 6% above year-earlier levels, Gov. Kathy Hochul said. November on-time performance reached 84.4%, the strongest for that month since the pandemic, extending a run of improved reliability tied to service increases, new equipment and upgraded signals. At the same time, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is accelerating the shift to its OMNY tap-and-ride payment system, with 94% of subway and bus trips now paid contactlessly and MetroCard sales scheduled to end Dec. 31, 2025, ahead of full phaseout in 2026. The MTA, which has rolled out OMNY card giveaways, 2,700 retail locations and 980 station vending machines, projects at least $20 million in annual savings from retiring MetroCard and moving to a single, fully contactless fare system.
Governor Hochul Announces Record Subway Ridership of 4.6 Million Riders and Best November for Subway Performance
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York City Subway surpassed 4.6 million riders, setting a post-pandemic ridership record, while also achieving an on-time performance record for November of 84.4 percent — the best November since the pandemic. On Wednesday, December 3, 4.61 million customers rode the subway, and on Thursday, December 4, 4.63 million customers rode the subway. Both days eclipsed the previous record set on October 29, 2025 of 4.6 million subway customers and were up 6 percent from the same dates in 2024. These milestones come as 94 percent of subway and bus trips are now paid with the MTA’s new contactless tap and ride system.
“The subway is the lifeblood of New York City, and thanks to our investments in safety and reliability, ridership continues to come roaring back,” Governor Hochul said. “We know our work is far from finished, and that’s why we’re investing in new subway cars, upgraded signals and tools like cameras and law enforcement to keep riders safe. The subway is already the best way to get around, and thanks to these investments, we are making it better than ever.”
The November OTP record extends the trend of historically strong subway performance in 2025. Subway on-time performance reached 85 percent in September — the best September in modern history — maintaining August’s 85.1 percent, which was the best August in a decade, and building on May’s record-setting 85.2 percent, the highest non-pandemic OTP on record. These gains coincide with service increases on the A and L lines, reducing wait times for more than 100,000 weekday riders. Beginning Monday, December 8, rush hour service will also increase on the M line.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “No secret: transit is the best way to get around New York. When our subways are safe, frequent and reliable, people will use them more and more. That’s what’s happened and the records are going to keep coming.”
NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow said, “Hitting 4.6 million subway riders as we achieve another on-time performance milestone shows once again that when you deliver safe and reliable service riders will take it. We’re determined to carry this momentum into 2026, as we continue to tout all the opportunities available to riders to seamlessly switch to tap and ride.”
MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara said, “New Yorkers have embraced tap and ride and we’re proud to see that as more and more people return to the city, they are choosing mass transit. As the end of MetroCard sales nears, we are focusing on reaching the remaining 6 percent to make the switch and unlock the benefits and convenience of tap and ride technology.”
In an effort to facilitate the transition to Tap and Ride, the MTA recently launched an OMNY Card Giveaway on November 18, where the first 400 customers at every Customer Service Center could transfer their MetroCard balance to fee-waived OMNY cards. These fee-waived OMNY cards are currently available at the following nine Customer Service Centers while supplies last:
125 St 4 5 6
161 St-Yankee Stadium B D 4
168 St-Broadway A C 1
E. 177 St-Parkchester 6
Fordham Rd B D
Myrtle Av J M Z
St. George, Staten Island Railway (SIR)
Stillwell Av-Coney Island D F N Q
Sutphin Blvd F
By the end of the year, fourteen new Customer Service Centers will open at locations across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. The first 400 customers to visit those new Customer Service Centers and transfer their MetroCard balances to OMNY will also be able to receive the promotional fee-waived OMNY cards.
As announced in March, the last day to purchase or reload a MetroCard will be December 31, 2025, with the acceptance of MetroCards ending in mid-2026. While the Tap and Ride payment system doesn’t require an OMNY card and allows riders to pay fares directly with digital wallets and contactless bank cards, customers will find it twice as easy to purchase or reload an OMNY card with a robust OMNY retail network currently at 2,700 locations — more than double the MetroCard partnering locations.
The MTA has also installed 980 OMNY card vending machines across all 472 subway stations. And, most recently, shared a list of 102 opportunities for members of the public who live in bus-reliant areas to transfer MetroCard balances to the OMNY cards for those who opt to use the physical card.
By eliminating the sale of MetroCard and fully transitioning to one fare collection method, the MTA expects to save at least $20 million annually in costs related to MetroCard production and distribution; vending machine repairs; and cash collection and handling. Moving to a contactless payment also unlocks potential for new customer-friendly promotions and fare discounts.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is marking the first anniversary of his “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” zoning overhaul by touting a 22.8% rise in permitted housing units in 2025 compared with the year before the policy was approved, as well as a growing pipeline of affordable units and office-to-residential conversions. The package, billed as the most pro-housing legislation in city history, relaxes parking mandates, legalizes accessory dwelling units, creates new high-density districts and offers an affordability bonus that has attracted more than 100 projects expected to yield some 5,400 homes, including roughly 900 income-restricted units. New R11 and R12 zones in Midtown South and other locations could add nearly 11,000 homes, while conversions of underused office buildings are projected to produce more than 12,000 apartments, 3,000 of them permanently affordable. Combined with five neighborhood rezonings slated to deliver about 50,000 homes and what City Hall describes as record production of nearly 86,000 affordable units since Adams took office, the administration is seeking to cement its legacy as aggressively pro-development amid a long-running housing shortage.
“One year ago today, our city said ‘yes’ to more housing and a more affordable future for working-class New Yorkers. We turned the page on decades of half-measures and proved that government can still meet the challenges of our time with energy, ambition, and resolve,” said Mayor Adams. “One year later, we are already seeing the results, with thousands of new affordable homes in the pipeline across our city. Whether it’s passing the first citywide rezoning in six decades, investing historic amounts of money into new homes, or creating record amounts of affordable housing, we are proud to be the most pro-housing administration in city history.
“With the adoption of City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, we have begun to turn the tide on the housing crisis in New York City. The full impact of these changes will take time to be felt, but twelve months in, we’re already seeing success delivering a little more housing in every neighborhood,” said DCP Director Garodnick. “New York City’s housing crisis has been growing for so long that it is easy to take it for granted. But with City of Yes and other policy changes, we are changing course and creating a more affordable city for generations to come.”
The initiative — which was approved by the New York City Council on December 5, 2024 — aims to deliver “a little more housing in every neighborhood” through carefully-crafted zoning changes, including creating a new affordable housing bonus; legalizing accessory dwelling units (ADU) for homeowners; re-legalizing three-, four-, or five-story apartment buildings near transit and along commercial corridors; reducing costly parking mandates for new construction; and allowing underused office buildings to become housing; among other reforms.
Already, many of these new tools are being used to create new housing across the city:
Universal Affordability Preference: Over 100 housing developments across the five boroughs have already applied to use the Universal Affordability Preference, which allows buildings in medium- and high-density parts of the city to add at least 20 percent more housing if the additional homes are permanently affordable. These projects are expected to deliver 5,400 new homes, of which approximately 900 would be affordable to households at an average 60 percent Area Median Income.
High-density zoning districts: New, higher-density R11 and R12 zoning districts created through City of Yes have been mapped in Mayor Adams’ Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan that the City Council approved in August, where they will deliver 9,500 new homes, including 2,800 permanently income-restricted affordable homes. These new zoning districts are also being proposed at the site of the future 125th Street Second Avenue Subway station and at 395 Flatbush Avenue Extension in Downtown Brooklyn, which are currently in public review, where they could deliver another 1,800 new homes.
Reduced parking mandates: Rolled-back requirements for off-street parking are also helping to deliver more housing near transit. For example:
At 2060 Walton Avenue in the Bronx, an underused lot close to the 4, B, and D trains is being transformed into 94 new homes — without the 25 parking spots that had previously been required, a change that meaningfully lowers building costs.
At 21 Freeman Street in Brooklyn, a vacant lot close to the G train is set to become over 500 new homes without the 140 parking spaces that would have been required prior to City of Yes.
Meanwhile, as envisioned, new housing in less transit-accessible areas continues to include parking.
Office-to-residential conversions: Together with the 467-M tax incentive — which the Adams administration successfully advocated for in Albany — City of Yes has supported a boom of office-to-residential conversion projects. There are more than 12,000 homes in the pipeline from office conversions, including more than 3,000 permanently affordable units.
Landmark Transferable Development Rights: In the last year, five landmarked buildings have begun seeking approval to transfer their development rights to nearby housing projects through a process that was streamlined and expanded by City of Yes. These transfers will enable over 400,000 square feet of new development, while bringing in additional revenue to support maintenance of landmarked buildings. Those five applications in less than one year compare to a total of 15 applications over more than 50 years before City of Yes.
Accessory Dwelling Units: So far this year, the New York City Department of Buildings has received 98 filings from homeowners in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island, seeking to construct ADUs on their properties. Half of these filings have come in just the past two months, since the city finalized rules for safe, code-compliant ADUs and launched the “ADU for You” homeowner assistance program. ADUs like backyard cottages, garage conversions, and basement apartments are a proven tool to support homeowners and expand housing choice in lower-density areas without a changing neighborhood’s look-and-feel.
As these City of Yes tools are deployed, new data shows that New York City permitted 22.8 percent more new homes in 2025 than the same time period in 2024 (through October 23), when the Adams administration was already shattering several housing records for the second year in a row. This permitting increase includes a boom in homes from alterations — more than double the number of permitted units from 2024, many of which are from office conversions — and an increase in units from new construction over the previous year.
The Adams administration has continued working to deliver the full benefits of City of Yes, including successfully defending the policy in court, where a judge recently dismissed a challenge. HPD also recently released the Shared Housing Roadmap, which — building on the City of Yes zoning reforms and in concert with new legislation — clears the way for reintroducing shared homes as a safe, affordable housing option for single New Yorkers.
Since entering office, Mayor Adams has made historic investments to create more affordable housing and ensure more New Yorkers have a place to call home. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, the Adams administration created the most affordable rental units in city history and celebrated back-to-back-to-back record-breaking years for producing permanently-affordable homes for formerly-homeless New Yorkers, placing homeless New Yorkers into housing, and connecting New Yorkers to housing through the city’s housing lottery. HPD has now produced nearly 86,000 affordable homes since the start of the Adams administration, with the last three fiscal years representing the most new affordable homes ever created in a three fiscal-year stretch (FY 2023 to FY 2025).
Building on the success of City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, Mayor Adams unveiled his “City of Yes for Families” strategy in his State of the City address earlier this year to build more homes and create more family-friendly neighborhoods across New York City. Under City of Yes for Families, the Adams administration is advancing more housing on city-owned sites, creating new tools to support homeownership, and building more housing alongside schools, playgrounds, grocery stores, accessible transit stations, and libraries.
Further, the Adams administration is actively working to strengthen tenant protections and support homeowners. The “Partners in Preservation” program was expanded citywide in 2024 through a $24-million investment in local organizations to support tenant organizing and combat harassment in rent-regulated housing. The Homeowner Help Desk, a trusted one-stop shop for low-income homeowners to receive financial and legal counseling from local organizations, was also expanded citywide in 2024 with a $13 million funding commitment.
“A mayoral administration rarely advances a policy that can fundamentally change the future health of a city for generations to come. The City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, coupled with the City Council led “City For All” initiative, is such a policy,” said Marc Greenberg, executive director, Interfaith Assembly on Homelessness and Housing. “With City of Yes, the Adams administration has changed the momentum of a city that has been losing ground on affordable housing for decades and has begun again to lift Lady Liberty’s Lamp beside New York City’s golden door.”
“One year after the passage of City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, the results speak for themselves. Across all five boroughs, thousands of new homes are being constructed thanks to modernized zoning that promotes transit-oriented development, the elimination of outdated parking mandates, new tools like the Universal Affordability Preference, expanded opportunities for office-to-residential conversions, and more,” said Carlo A. Scissura, Esq., president and CEO, New York Building Congress. “Among the most significant wins are more than 12,000 homes, including 3,000 permanently affordable units, already in the pipeline from office-to-residential conversions, breathing new life into underused buildings and neighborhoods. This is the smart, forward-thinking development New York has needed for decades, and it’s exactly why the Building Congress worked so closely with the Adams administration to get it across the finish line.”
“City of Yes is already proving to be a major step toward achievement of our housing goals,” said Kathryn Wylde, president and CEO, Partnership for New York City. “This carefully crafted initiative is encouraging development that is consistent with neighborhood standards by lowering costs and accelerating or eliminating the need for multiple public approvals.”
“As we mark one year since the launch of the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, we’re already seeing real progress on housing growth in New York City,” said Rachel Fee, executive director, New York Housing Conference. “Housing continues to be one of New Yorkers’ most urgent needs, and City of Yes shows what a common-sense approach can deliver. By modernizing outdated rules and unlocking new housing in every community, City of Yes is giving New Yorkers the tools to spur affordable housing production. This initiative is clearing the path for meaningful housing victories, including the passage of ballot Proposals 2 – 5, and laying the groundwork for even more progress in the year ahead. We commend the administration for advancing these critical reforms to reduce delays and promote a fairer, more equitable distribution of housing across the city.”
“One year after the passage of City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, we’re seeing what happens when New York City chooses vision over fear,” said Emma Pfohman, CEO, Association for a Better New York (ABNY). “ABNY applauds the herculean work of the Adams administration, in partnership with Governor Hochul and the City Council, to pass the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity and approve the creation of thousands of units through the successful rezonings championed by the Department of City Planning over the last year. Together, these efforts ensure New York remains a city where every resident has the chance to live, thrive, and build their future.”
“In just its first year, City of Yes has opened the door to more homes in every borough,” said Andrew Fine, chief of staff and policy director, Open New York. “In the Bronx, longtime proposals are finally moving forward with deeper levels of affordability. Homeowners from Staten Island to Queens are excited to add ADUs, and in Brooklyn, new apartment buildings near the subway are being built without costly parking requirements. In Manhattan, the Midtown South rezoning was the first to use new higher-density districts, creating room for more homes through office conversions and new construction. All of this shows what is possible when City leaders work together to break down barriers to housing. And since then, the need for homes and the public’s support for building them have only grown. With November’s historic pro-housing ballot proposals behind us, we are ready to keep working toward a more affordable future for New York.”
“A year on from the most expansive citywide zoning changes for housing that New York City has seen, it’s a great moment to reflect on this achievement, and redouble our commitment to its implementation,” said Howard Slatkin, executive director, Citizens Housing and Planning Council. “City of Yes has opened the door for a generation of new housing achievements, which with sustained effort can stand as a legacy to what we can do when we agree that no challenge is too large for New Yorkers to tackle.”
“One year ago marked a turning point in the fight against New York City’s housing crisis with the enactment of the City of Yes zoning text amendments,” said Baaba Halm, senior vice president for programs, Enterprise Community Partners. “By allowing more housing types, increased density, and more flexible zoning options in a wider swath of New York, we collectively took a major step toward significantly increasing needed housing supply and reducing development barriers which add costs. Importantly, the amendments also specifically increased affordable housing, and came alongside robust new capital and programmatic resources. The results are already evident through more projects in the pipeline, and we look forward to seeing them come to fruition.”
“Habitat for Humanity NYC and Westchester is driven by a simple goal, to create permanent, affordable homeownership opportunities for New Yorkers who need them most,” said Sabrina Lippman, CEO, Habitat for Humanity NYC and Westchester. “One year after the approval of City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, we’re already expanding our pipeline by nearly 50 percent as a direct result of zoning reforms that remove barriers and make it easier to build. City of Yes is perfectly aligned with Habitat’s work to build stable, inclusive communities and ensure more families can call New York City home.”
“One year in and we are already seeing the tremendous impact of City of Yes for Housing Opportunity. This landmark rezoning has already begun to unlock meaningful opportunities to deliver high quality, affordable homes in neighborhoods across the city. By removing outdated barriers and enabling smarter, more flexible design, we are creating the conditions for a more equitable and resilient city,” said Jesse Lazar, executive director, American Institute of Architects New York Chapter. “Building on the momentum generated by City of Yes, we must continue to explore how we capture the future value of our city today, creating thriving communities and building housing that serves all New Yorkers.”
“The rising cost of housing is chipping away at hard-earned wages and pushing too many New Yorkers out of the city. Last year’s passage of the landmark City of Yes legislation represented a monumental step forward toward addressing the urgent housing affordability crisis,” said Manny Pastreich, President of 32BJ SEIU. “We’re seeing progress and look forward to continuing this momentum alongside stakeholders, to deliver the housing essential workers and their communities need, while creating thousands of good jobs.”
“City of Yes is a landmark achievement and a testament to the hard work of everyone who helped make these vital zoning reforms a reality,” said Basha Gerhards, executive vice president of public policy, Real Estate Board of New York. “With growing momentum behind adaptive reuse, New York City has the best conversion rules in the country, positioning us to unlock much needed homes across all five boroughs.”
“After one year, City of Yes is delivering on the promise of more affordable housing and giving hope to the over 2 million New Yorkers struggling to keep a roof over their head,” said Rich Buery, CEO, Robin Hood. “By taking an all-of-the-above approach, the city is unleashing the pent-up potential we knew existed. When paired with the recent pro-housing City Charter amendments, overwhelmingly approved by voters, our city is making progress toward being a place where people of all incomes can live, raise children, and flourish.”
“City of Yes set a new bar for what pro-housing policy can look like in New York, and the first year has already shown that the old excuses for doing nothing don’t hold up,” said Aaron Carr, founder and executive director, Housing Rights Initiative. “It’s given us a real foundation to build upon and proven that smarter zoning and bolder reforms can actually make a dent in our housing crisis. This is just the beginning.”
