NYC Council to Vote on Dozens of Bills Covering Housing, Vendors, and Police Transparency
The New York City Council is expected to close out its session with a busy agenda on Thursday, potentially voting on as many as 70 bills, some of which are already facing opposition.
Brooklyn Councilwoman Sandy Nurse is leading a bill, known as COPA, which would give a trusted list of non-profit housing organizations the first opportunity to purchase distressed buildings with five or more units. “These are buildings at risk and under a lot of stress with tenants who are in unsafe conditions,” Nurse said. She added that the measure aims to preserve affordable housing and prevent overseas investors from buying up distressed properties without accountability. The real estate industry and small landlords oppose the bill, arguing it complicates sales and limits seller choice. Other housing-related legislation under consideration would open the city to more short-term rentals and require publicly financed projects to include two- and three-bedroom units.
Several bills targeting vendor and gig worker protections are also on the agenda. One seeks to lift the cap on street vendor licenses, while others address the “deactivation” of app-based delivery drivers and rideshare workers. Queens Councilman Shekar Krishnan said his bill ensures drivers have notice and a fair process before losing their livelihood. Uber and Lyft have criticized the measure, arguing it could hinder the removal of unsafe drivers.
The Council is also set to vote on legislation to improve police transparency. Proposed measures include giving professional journalists access to police radio frequencies and allowing the Civilian Complaint Review Board direct access to body camera footage. The Police Benevolent Association has labeled these bills an “unnecessary power grab,” but Council Speaker Adrienne Adams emphasized the importance of transparency. “Everybody wants more transparency except for it seems our law enforcement partners,” she told NY1, expressing hope the measures will pass.
Additional legislation would clarify the city’s sanctuary laws and prohibit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from establishing offices in city jails. Separately, the Standards and Ethics Committee will meet to consider opening an investigation into an Islamophobic social media post by Councilmember Vickie Paladino.
The Council’s final session is shaping up to be a decisive day for New York City’s housing, labor, and public safety policies.
