Public Meetings - New York City, New York

The New York City Council's Committee on Finance, chaired by Councilmember Linda Lee, met on September 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM at 250 Broadway, 8th Floor Hearing Room 1, to consider and vote on a pre-considered resolution (Res 0652-2026) approving new designations and changes in designations of organizations to receive funding in the Expense Budget. The meeting lasted only a few minutes and focused solely on this single agenda item. Discussion Items - The committee considered a pre-considered resolution (T2026-2580/Res 0652-2026) sponsored by Chair Linda Lee. The resolution approves new designations and changes in the designation of certain organizations to receive funding in the Expense Budget. No public testimony or debate was reported; Councilmembers made brief remarks before the vote. Key Outcomes - The resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of 12 in the affirmative, 0 in the negative, with no abstentions. Voting in favor: Councilmembers Lee, Abreu, Brooks-Powers, Feliz, Hudson, Maloney, Marte, Morano, Narcisse, Sanchez, Williams, and Wong. Absent: Councilmembers Aldebol, Avilés, Gennaro, and Restler. Councilmember Mealy was excused for medical reasons.

The New York City Council held its stated meeting on September 24, 2026, at 1:30 PM in City Hall. Presiding as Acting President Pro Tempore was Majority Leader Shaun Abreu, with 46 members present (4 absent, 1 medical). The meeting began with an invocation by Rabbi Steven Exter, followed by adoption of the minutes from September 10, 2026. Speaker Julie Menin delivered opening remarks highlighting climate week initiatives, the expansion of the Fair Fares program to nearly 1.3 million New Yorkers, and a $5 million allocation to Bellevue Hospital for psychiatric care. The council then voted on a consent agenda encompassing land use items, finance resolutions, and multiple pieces of legislation, all passing unanimously by a 46-0 roll call. Resolutions were adopted by voice vote, and numerous new bills were introduced and referred to committees. General discussion featured remarks from 15 councilmembers on topics ranging from tenant protections and public health to international affairs and community recognition. Consent Calendar - Roll Call and Minutes: Quorum established with 46 members present. Minutes of September 10, 2026 adopted as printed. - Invocation: Spread upon the record by Council Member Dinowitz. - Committee Reports and General Orders: All items from the Committees on Criminal Justice (Int 0246-2026-A – commissary accounts), Finance (Res 0652-2026 – organization funding), General Welfare (Int 0248-2026-A – Fair Fares enrollment), Housing and Buildings (Int 1015-2026-A – J51 tax abatement extension), and Land Use (Int 0833-2026-A – Eastern Parkway restrictions; LU 0120-0122 and Res 0659-0661 – rezoning applications; LU 0141 and Res 0662 – sidewalk café disapproval) were approved by consent roll call, 46 in favor, 0 opposed, 0 abstentions. Discussion Items - Speaker's Remarks: Speaker Menin announced a $5 million investment to expand Bellevue's adult psychiatric department (adding approximately 40 inpatient beds), noted the 98% occupancy rate, and highlighted the Fair Fares expansion to 1.3 million New Yorkers. She also introduced several bills on the agenda. - Land Use Presentations: Speaker Menin summarized key rezoning projects: 815 Hutchinson River Parkway (Bronx), 862-868 Kent Avenue (Brooklyn) – which will include 75 residential units (18 income-restricted via MIH) and a synagogue – and the disapproval of a sidewalk café application for Cali Tajadas Bakery & Restaurant (Queens). - General Orders Discussion: Council Member Pierina Sanchez spoke on Int 1015-A, extending J51 tax abatements to 300,000 co-ops and condos through June 2036, with a $212.7 million program cost. Council Member Crystal Hudson discussed Int 246-A (commissary funds return) and Int 248-A (streamlined Fair Fares enrollment), emphasizing that government should return what is owed to New Yorkers. - Resolution Presentations: Council Member Farías presented Res 0184 declaring October 3 as Korean Cultural Awareness Day. Council Member Riley presented Res 0142-A calling for a state Center for Fatherhood Initiatives. Council Member Stevens presented Res 0606 (Black Pride Month) and Res 0607 (African Immigrant Heritage Month). Resolutions Adopted - Res 0142-2026-A: Calls on the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign legislation establishing the Center for Fatherhood Initiatives under the Office of Children and Family Services. Adopted by voice vote. - Res 0184-2026: Declares October 3 as Korean Cultural Awareness Day annually. Adopted by voice vote. - Res 0606-2026: Declares August as Black Pride Month. Adopted by voice vote; Council Members Ariola and Paladino formally noted intent to vote no. (During roll call, Paladino voted no.) - Res 0607-2026: Declares September as African Immigrant Heritage Month. Adopted by voice vote. Introductions & Referrals - Bills Introduced (Int 1069-1099): Covered topics including safe delivery time standards, low-traffic neighborhood pilot, sidewalk repairs, rent freeze program information, tree planting requests, delivery worker scheduling, campaign finance disclosures, immigration detainer limits, gender-based violence hotline reporting, sidewalk cafe fee waivers, CityFHEPS reporting, Legionella testing, adopt-a-catch basin program, homeowner displacement outreach, building violation disparities, veterinary price disclosures, and campaign finance disclosures for digital content. All referred to appropriate committees. - Resolutions Introduced (Res 0645-0658): Covered nutrition program protections, Hindu American Awareness Month, Consent Awareness Week, AirTrain JFK fare discounts, Head Start program opposition, extreme weather tenant protection, 9/11 first responder assistance, defibrillator tax credits, veterans' source of income discrimination, FIFA legacy contribution, MTA deck project, Iota Phi Theta Day, and AI in classrooms. All referred to committees. - Land Use Applications (LU 0142-0145): Four preconsidered rezoning applications in Brooklyn and Queens (1455 Coney Island Avenue, 135-27 Sapphire Street) referred to the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Vote: Passed 46-0, approving all committee reports and general orders items. - Resolutions: Four resolutions adopted by voice vote, with no recorded opposition on three and two members opposing Res 0606. - Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 31 new introductions (19 local laws and 12 resolutions) referred to respective committees for further consideration. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by Speaker Menin, with the next stated meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 8, 2026. General Discussion - Council Member Hanif: Spoke on participating in civil disobedience to reject Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit, calling for an end to U.S. arms shipments to Israel and funding for life, not bombs. - Council Member Schulman: Introduced Int 1094 lowering the Legionella reporting threshold from 1,000 to 10 colony-forming units per milliliter to prevent outbreaks. - Council Member Thomas-Henry: Introduced Res 0655 calling on FIFA to pay the $1 million legacy contribution promised for hosting the 2026 World Cup. - Council Member Banks: Introduced Int 1072 expanding outreach for rent increase exemption programs (SCRIE/DRIE) to include people with disabilities and annual training. - Council Member Farías: Introduced Res 0647 (Consent Awareness Week), Res 0648 (state consent definition), and Res 0646 (Hindu American Awareness Month). - Council Member Wilson: Introduced Int 1098 (PET Act) requiring veterinary price disclosures, noting 60% price increase over a decade and 50% corporate ownership of practices. - Council Member Morano: Introduced Int 1089 creating an Office of Assistance for 9/11 first responders and survivors, calling it a fulfillment of the promise “never forget.” - Council Member Brewer: Introduced Int 1073 to allow supplemental tree planting funding beyond Parks’ neighborhood program, citing a need for 30% tree canopy by 2040. - Council Member Santosuosso: Introduced Int 1058 (not listed in agenda) to allow commercial tenants to recover legal fees if they successfully defend against eviction. - Council Member Zhuang: Wished colleagues a happy Mid-Autumn Festival and Moon Festival. - Council Member Hankerson: Spoke on climate week and the need for equitable green infrastructure, noting that black New Yorkers die of heat stress at double the rate of white counterparts. - Council Member Narcisse: Introduced Int 1091 providing early notice to homeowners about tax lien applicability for building violations. - Council Member Maloney: Introduced Int 1087 requiring sexual assault prevention protocols at large public events (over 1,000 attendees, or 500 if alcohol served). - Council Member Cabán: Spoke on struggles of delivery workers (deliveristas) and the need for scheduling flexibility; also opposed funding for the Israeli military. - Council Member Louis: Introduced Int 1085 (AEP fee increases) and Int 1086 (expanding alternative enforcement program to at least 400 distressed buildings annually). - Council Member Dinowitz: Responded to earlier remarks, criticizing use of the term “genocide” regarding Israel and arguing it prevents constructive policy discussion.

The Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises of the New York City Council met at 11:30 AM on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in Hearing Room 3 at 250 Broadway, New York, NY. Chair Farah N. Louis presided; members present were Carr, Encarnación, Farías, Felder, Salaam, Sanchez, Schulman, and Thomas-Henry. The subcommittee considered five Queens land use applications: two rezoning packages—each with a zoning map amendment and a Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) text amendment—and one sidewalk café revocable consent application. The chair described the session as voting on three proposals: the sidewalk café, the 158-06 Northern Boulevard mixed-use rezoning, and the 21-31 46th Avenue mixed-use rezoning. 158-06 Northern Boulevard Rezoning (LU 0123-2026 and LU 0124-2026) Applicant Northern 158 Holdings LLC sought to rezone property in Flushing, Queens (Community District 7, Council District 20). The project description calls for a mixed-use residential development with approximately 76 apartments, of which approximately 19 would be permanently affordable. The proposal would change the existing R5B district with a C1-2 commercial overlay to an R7A district with a C2-4 overlay, and would establish a Mandatory Inclusionary Housing area through an Appendix F zoning text amendment. Chair Louis recommended two modifications: limit the rezoning area to sites fronting Northern Boulevard, because the narrower, dead-end 159th Street is not appropriate for significant residential density; and reduce the MIH text map so it is coterminous with the reduced rezoning area. The district's Councilmember (identified in the transcript as Ung/Unc) supported the application as modified but was not present. 21-31 46th Avenue Rezoning (LU 0127-2026 and LU 0128-2026) Applicant 21-31 Holdings LLC sought to rezone property in Long Island City, Queens (Community District 2, Council District 26). The project description calls for a mixed-use residential development with approximately 84 apartments, of which approximately 21 would be permanently affordable. The proposal would change the existing M1-4/R6B mixed-use district to an R7X district with a C2-5 overlay, and would establish a Mandatory Inclusionary Housing area. Chair Louis recommended one modification: remove MIH option 2 and add option 3 to ensure deeper affordability. The district's Councilmember (referred to in the transcript as Wan/One) supported the application as modified. Sidewalk Café: Cali Tajadas Bakery & Restaurant (LU 0141-2026) Tedo de Esquina NYC Corp., formerly doing business as Cali Tajadas Bakery & Restaurant, applied for a revocable sidewalk café consent at 45-18 104th Street, Corona, Queens (Community District 4, Council District 21). The applicant proposed four tables and attached seating along the front of the restaurant. Councilmember Thomas-Henry, who represents District 21 and chairs the Committee on Small Business, opposed the application. She stated that her office had received numerous quality-of-life concerns and that, despite repeated efforts to engage with the owner, there was not sufficient communication to address those concerns. She described a sidewalk café as permission to use shared public space carrying a responsibility to neighbors, families, and other small businesses. Key Outcomes - LU 0123-2026 (158-06 Northern Boulevard zoning map amendment): approved by the subcommittee with modifications and referred to CPC; 9–0 roll-call vote. - LU 0124-2026 (158-06 Northern Boulevard MIH text amendment): approved with modifications and referred to CPC; 9–0 roll-call vote. - LU 0127-2026 (21-31 46th Avenue zoning map amendment): approved with modifications and referred to CPC; 9–0 roll-call vote. - LU 0128-2026 (21-31 46th Avenue MIH text amendment): approved with modifications and referred to CPC; 9–0 roll-call vote. - LU 0141-2026 (Cali Tajadas sidewalk café): disapproved by the subcommittee per the official minutes; 9–0 roll-call vote. Record discrepancy: The raw transcript contains conflicting language around the sidewalk café vote. The official minutes state LU 0141-2026 was disapproved, but the chair's spoken remarks in the transcript refer to approving the sidewalk café with modifications and conclude that the items were approved and referred to the full Land Use Committee. The minutes also record the approved items as referred to CPC. The outcome list above follows the official minutes.

New York City Council Land Use Committee Approves Rezonings and Eastern Parkway Bill, Disapproves Sidewalk Café - September 24, 2026\n\nThe New York City Council Committee on Land Use, chaired by Councilmember Kevin C. Riley, met on September 24, 2026, to vote on a local law amendment (Int. 0833-A) and seven land use applications. All items except one were approved or approved with modifications; a sidewalk café revocable consent was disapproved.\n\n Discussion Items\nThe chair described each item and the proposed modifications:\n- Int. 0833-A (Councilmember Nurse): A local law to remove outmoded building restrictions on Eastern Parkway between Rockaway Avenue and Bushwick Avenue, eliminating a required 30-foot setback along the parkway frontage.\n- LU 0120-2026 (815 Hutchinson River Parkway Rezoning): A zoning map amendment from M1-2 to C8-3 in the Bronx, Community District 10, to allow a large retail establishment of 10,000+ square feet at an existing commercial center in Ferry Point.\n- LU 0121-2026 and LU 0122-2026 (862-868 Kent Avenue): A zoning map amendment from M1-1 to M1-4/R6A and establishment of a Special Mixed Use District (MX-4) and Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) area in Brooklyn, to facilitate a mixed-use residential project with 74 apartments, 19 permanently affordable.\n- LU 0123-2026 and LU 0124-2026 (158-06 Northern Boulevard): A zoning map amendment from R2/R5B to R7A with C2-4 overlay and MIH area in Queens, to facilitate a project with 76 apartments, 19 affordable. The committee approved with modifications: limit rezoned boundaries to sites fronting Northern Boulevard (wide street) and adjust MIH area accordingly.\n- LU 0125-2026 and LU 0126-2026 (132 Melrose Street): Rezoning from M1-1 to M1-2A/R6A and Special Mixed Use District (MX-22) and MIH area in Brooklyn, to facilitate 18 apartments, 5 affordable. Modification: remove MIH option two.\n- LU 0127-2026 and LU 0128-2026 (21-31 46th Avenue): Rezoning from M1-4/R6B to R7X with C2-5 overlay and MIH area in Queens, to facilitate 84 apartments, 21 affordable. Modification: remove MIH option two and add MIH option three.\n- LU 0141-2026 (Cali Tajadas Bakery & Restaurant Sidewalk Café): A revocable consent for a sidewalk café at 45-18 104th Street, Queens. The committee voted to disapprove, as recommended by the zoning subcommittee and the local Councilmember.\n\n Key Outcomes\nThe committee voted on all items as a single coupled roll call. According to the meeting minutes, 11 members voted in the affirmative (Riley, Abreu, Brooks-Powers, Carr, Encarnación, Louis, Ossé, Salaam, Sanchez, Thomas-Henry, Zhuang), with two members absent (Banks, Cabán). The raw transcript, however, recorded 10 affirmative votes, zero negative, and no abstentions. Despite this discrepancy, the official result was:\n- Int. 0833-A – Approved by committee.\n- LU 0120-2026 – Approved by committee with companion resolution.\n- LU 0121-2026 – Approved by committee with companion resolution.\n- LU 0122-2026 – Approved by committee with companion resolution.\n- LU 0123-2026 – Approved by committee with modifications and referred to CPC.\n- LU 0124-2026 – Approved by committee with modifications and referred to CPC.\n- LU 0125-2026 – Approved by committee with modifications and referred to CPC.\n- LU 0126-2026 – Approved by committee with modifications and referred to CPC.\n- LU 0127-2026 – Approved by committee with modifications and referred to CPC.\n- LU 0128-2026 – Approved by committee with modifications and referred to CPC.\n- LU 0141-2026 – Disapproved by committee.\n\nAll items were handled, and the meeting was adjourned.

On Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM, the New York City Council Committee on Housing and Buildings met in Hearing Room 3 at 250 Broadway to vote on Intro No. 1015-A, a local law amending the administrative code to improve and extend the J51 tax abatement program for alterations and improvements to certain multiple dwellings. All 11 committee members were present. After discussion, the committee voted unanimously, 11 in the affirmative with none in the negative and no abstentions, to approve the amended introduction. Discussion Items - Chair Pierina Ana Sanchez opened by framing the bill as a response to both the housing crisis and the climate crisis, noting that aging buildings are major sources of greenhouse gas emissions and are experiencing failing elevators, roofs, boilers, and electrical systems. She cited deadly consequences of aging housing and fire hazards in the Bronx and Queens. - Sanchez described J51 as one of the city's most important financial tools for helping owners of eligible multifamily housing, including rental buildings, co-ops, and condos, preserve and upgrade properties and comply with Local Law 97 energy-efficiency requirements. - The chair reported that the mayor's tax expenditure report showed the city dedicated $212.7 million to the J51 program in fiscal year 2026 as foregone tax revenue. - Under 1015-A, J51 is extended for 10 years, covering eligible projects completed between June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2036. - The bill increases the recoverable share of reasonable rehabilitation costs from 80% to 100%. - For co-ops and condos, the assessed valuation cap increases from $45,000 per unit to $60,000 per unit, with regular inflation adjustments. Sanchez said this could extend the program to more than 300,000 co-op and condo units citywide. - Existing accountability mechanisms remain, including termination or revocation of benefits for buildings that fail to meet program requirements, such as the affidavit of no harassment. - The legislation also adds comprehensive public reporting on which buildings receive the new J51 benefit, how much they receive, the categories of work pursued, locations, and the breakdown between rental and homeownership buildings. - Sanchez thanked the Green Co-op Council for persistent advocacy, State Senator Brian Kavanaugh for his leadership, and committee staff and legislative fellow Dylan Campos for their work. Key Outcomes - The Committee on Housing and Buildings approved Intro No. 1015-A by roll call vote: 11 ayes, 0 nays, 0 abstentions. The vote was initially held open after seven affirmative votes, then completed as remaining members voted. - Councilmember Feliz expressed support, saying the bill is important for ensuring affordable housing is in a clean, habitable, and safe condition. - According to the committee minutes, the introduction required agency rule-making and a report, was the subject of a hearing, had an amendment proposed by the committee, and was amended by the committee before approval.

The New York City Council Committee on Children and Youth met on September 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM to vote on Resolution 0142-2026-A, which calls on the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign legislation establishing a Center for Fatherhood Initiatives within the Office of Children and Family Services. The committee approved the resolution by a vote of 3-0. Discussion Items - Resolution 0142-2026-A (Sponsored by Council Member Kevin Riley): Chair Althea V. Stevens introduced the resolution, highlighting the positive impact of father involvement on youth development, including cognitive and behavioral development, self-esteem, and academic performance. She noted systemic barriers faced by fathers, particularly those who are co-parenting, non-custodial, incarcerated, re-entering society, or young teen fathers. Council Member Riley (via remarks delivered by Chair Stevens) expressed support, stating that fathers often navigate difficult social barriers and lack inherited knowledge of available services. The proposed state center would offer support in mentoring, job training, and parent support to help fathers overcome barriers and strengthen families. The resolution had been previously amended (per the committee report) before the final vote. Key Outcomes - Approval of Resolution 0142-2026-A: The committee voted to approve the resolution. The roll call yielded three affirmative votes (Chair Stevens, Council Member Felder, Council Member Joseph), zero negative votes, and no abstentions. Two members (Council Members Ossé and Williams) were absent. The resolution now advances to the full City Council for consideration.

On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 1:00 PM, the New York City Council Committees on Mental Health and Substance Use, Hospitals, and Women and Gender Equity held a joint oversight hearing on access to gender-affirming care (GAC) and associated mental health outcomes for transgender and non-binary (TGNB) youth. The hearing was chaired by Councilmembers Tiffany Cabañ (Mental Health), Mercedes Narcisse (Hospitals), and Amanda C. Farías (Women and Gender Equity). The committee examined the impact of federal policy attacks and the recent cessation of services by major private hospitals (NYU Langone, Mount Sinai, New York Presbyterian). Three pieces of legislation were considered: Int 0949-2026, Res 0208-2026, and Res 0547-2026. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams delivered opening remarks emphasizing health care equity and the necessity of protecting TGNB youth. Discussion Items Oversight Context & Administration Testimony - Chair Cabañ presented research showing that access to GAC is associated with roughly 60% lower odds of moderate to severe depression and over 70% lower odds of suicidality among TGNB youth. - Chair Farías noted that 27 states plus Puerto Rico have enacted bans on GAC for youth, affecting 48% of transgender youth nationwide. She cited a Trevor Project survey finding that 40% of TGNB young people seriously considered suicide in the past year and that 87% were concerned about losing access to care. - Director Taylor Brown (Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs) announced a $15 million city investment over three years to create a direct care fund for providers, a confidential call/chat line, and research initiatives. He provided 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data: 42% of transgender, 38% of non-binary, 45% of other gender identity, and 28% of questioning students reported suicidal ideation, compared to 16% of cisgender students. Attempt rates were 49%, 29%, 33%, 61%, and 9% respectively. A 2024 Harvard study found little to no utilization of gender-affirming surgeries by TGNB youth. - DOHMH Assistant Commissioner Marnie David Off confirmed the department views GAC access as a core suicide prevention strategy, citing a Nature study linking care denial to a 72% increase in suicide attempts in states with restrictive laws. - H+H Ambulatory CMO Dr. Andrew Wallach and Chief Behavioral Health Officer Dr. Omar Fital testified that H+H operates eight Pride Health Centers, mandates LGBTQ+ training, and integrates behavioral health with primary care. - Deputy Commissioner Andrea Howard (DOHMH) described the NYC Health Map's LGBTQ services section and stated the department is conducting a comprehensive review of provider listings due to recent closures. Legislative Discussion - Members discussed three bills. Int 0949-2026 (Shulman) would create an LGBTQI+ health resource map. Res 0208-2026 (Hanief) calls for anti-bias medical training. Res 0547-2026 (Cabañ) calls for a state gender-affirming care access program. An amendment (Res 547-A) was proposed and adopted by the committee. Public Comments & Testimony Advocacy Organizations - NITAG (Nat Mogay, Filament Kind, Maxima Rodas, Zev Frank, Ellis Jablonski, Signes Pavo): Expressed full support for all three bills. Shared personal experiences of how GAC saved lives. Cited barriers: 17.3% of trans New Yorkers face cost barriers vs 7.3% of non-LGBTQ individuals; 36.2% face transportation/housing barriers. Filament Kind stated, "Gender affirming care is suicide prevention." Ellis Jablonski recounted a privacy violation scare from Mount Sinai regarding their medical records. - Legal Aid Society (Judith Goldner): Supported the bills but raised concerns that a public map could lead to harassment of providers and patients. - NYCLU (Reilly): Supported the bills and recommended amending Res 547 to align with New York State's broader definition of gender-affirming care. - NYC Trans & Queer Coalition / Make the Road NY (Tatiana Cruz, Bianca Garcia): Urged stable provider networks and continuation of care. Speakers shared personal histories of black market hormone use and suicide attempts. - Girls for Gender Equity (Kimberly Blair): Cited that one in five TGNB youth report attempting suicide and a 72% increase in attempts in restrictive states, urging passage of the bills. - Ali Forney Center (Ren Galloway): Highlighted barriers for unhoused LGBTQ youth and called for provider capacity expansion and privacy protections. - Queer Budget Center (Andy Bowen): Urged the city to leverage contracts with hospital systems to ensure care continuity. - Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Siegel: Urged passage of the bills and criticized private hospital capitulations, noting the $15 million investment is insufficient. Families and Community Members - Parents (Raina Bien, Kristen Clifford, Angelica Jadunandan): Described the disruption of their children's care, the urgent need for providers serving younger adolescents requiring puberty blockers, and the city's role in filling service gaps. They voiced privacy and safety concerns regarding public provider maps and urged the city to leverage its resources to create new care pathways, including a potential city-run clinic. - Youth Advocates and Community Members (Ocean D. Waves, JJ Cleo Mizrahi, Annabel Rogero): Emphasized the difficulty of finding affirming care, the need for comprehensive mental health support, and called for holding private hospitals publicly accountable for their decisions. Key Outcomes - Int 0949-2026: Hearing held by the committee; Laid Over. - Res 0208-2026: Hearing held by the committee; Laid Over. - Res 0547-2026: Hearing held; an amendment (Proposed Res. No. 547-A) was proposed and adopted by the committee; Laid Over. - Oversight T2026-2352: Hearing held; Filed. - The written record will remain open for 72 hours following the hearing (until September 26, 2026) for additional testimony. - Council members committed to continued collaboration with the administration and advocates, promising further oversight and legislative interventions to address the gaps left by private providers and federal actions.

The New York City Council Committees on Mental Health and Substance Use (Chair Tiffany L. Cabán), Hospitals (Chair Mercedes Narcisse), and Women and Gender Equity (Chair Amanda Farias) held a joint oversight hearing on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Council Chambers. The hearing examined access to gender-affirming care and its associated mental health outcomes for transgender and non-binary (TGNB) youth. The committees heard testimony from administration officials, advocates, healthcare providers, parents, and community members, and considered three pieces of related legislation. Public Comments & Testimony - Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal expressed strong support for the oversight and legislative package. He discussed the SHIELD Law 2.0 and expressed alarm over hospital capitulations to federal subpoenas, urging the city to maintain its status as a safe haven. - Youth Advocates and Community Members (Nat Mogay, Tatiana Cruz, Ocean D. Waves, Filament Kind, Zev Frank, Ellis Jablonsky, Signes Pavo, Bianca Garcia, JJ Cleo Mizrahi, Suhaili Mendez) unanimously supported all three bills, emphasizing that gender-affirming care is life-saving suicide prevention. They detailed significant barriers to care including housing insecurity, cost, lack of culturally competent providers, and the psychological impact of provider capitulations. Several speakers shared personal stories of struggling to find care, having to educate their own providers, or experiencing the disruption of care by private hospitals. - Parents (Raina Bien, Kristen Clifford, Angelica Jadunandan) testified about their children losing care at private hospitals, having their medical records subpoenaed by the federal government, and the immense difficulty finding ongoing care, particularly for younger children needing puberty blockers. They expressed urgent support for expanded city services and the legislative package, with Ms. Clifford urging the city to attract and support more gender-affirming care practitioners. - Ren Galloway, Ali Forney Center, supported the legislation and urged the council to consider compounding barriers to care such as homelessness, immigration status, and access to sustainable mental health support. - Kimberly Blair, Girls for Gender Equity, supported the legislation, highlighting that an estimated one in five TGNCNBI youth report attempting suicide and that supportive environments cut attempt rates by over half. - Judith Goldiner, Legal Aid Society, supported the legislation but raised concerns that a public provider map could create risks for providers and patients. - NYCLU supported the legislation, recommending the definition of gender-affirming care in Res 547 be expanded to include mental health care and to explicitly exclude non-consensual surgeries on intersex individuals. - Andy Bowen, Queer Budget Center, supported the legislation and urged the city to use its contractual leverage over hospitals to compel continuation of gender-affirming care. Discussion Items - Oversight of Gender-Affirming Care Access and Mental Health Outcomes (T2026-2350): Councilmembers Cabán, Narcisse, Farias, and Wilson questioned administration witnesses (Director Taylor Brown, Assistant Commissioner Marnie Davidoff, Dr. Andrew Wallach, Dr. Omar Fital) on the evidence base for care, city efforts, and gaps in the system. The administration affirmed that access to gender-affirming care is a suicide prevention strategy, citing studies including a 72% increase in suicide attempts in states with anti-trans laws and a 2023 NYC Youth Risk Behavior Survey showing TGNB youth reported suicidal ideation at rates of 28-45% compared to 16% for cisgender peers. They outlined a $15 million, three-year investment to support providers, launch a dedicated call/chat line, and fund research. NYC Health + Hospitals confirmed they have not changed their scope of practice and are expanding capacity to meet increased demand via their existing Pride Health Centers and telehealth services, inviting patients to call 1-844-NYC-4-NYC. - Int 0949-2026 (Councilmember Shulman): This bill would require the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to create and maintain a website with LGBTQI+ health resources and a searchable map of services. DOHMH expressed general support for the bill but noted operational details to discuss. Multiple public speakers supported the intent but flagged significant privacy and safety concerns for providers listed on a public map given the current political climate. - Res 0208-2026 (Councilmember Hanif): This resolution calls on New York State to mandate anti-bias training for all medical students. The resolution received broad support from all testifiers. - Res 0547-2026 / 0547-A (Councilmember Cabán): This resolution calls on New York State to establish a gender-affirming care access program. The committee proposed and accepted an amendment to the resolution. Speakers were broadly supportive, with NYCLU recommending the definition of care be expanded to fully align with state law. Key Outcomes - T2026-2350: This Oversight was Hearing Held by Committee. This Oversight was Filed by Committee. - Int 0949-2026: This Introduction was Hearing Held by Committee. This Introduction was Laid Over by Committee. - Res 0208-2026: This Resolution was Hearing Held by Committee. This Resolution was Laid Over by Committee. - Res 0547-2026: This Resolution was Hearing Held by Committee. This Resolution was Amendment Proposed by Committee. This Resolution was Amended by Committee. - Res 0547-2026-A: This Resolution was Laid Over by Committee. - The public record was held open for 72 hours following the hearing to accept additional written testimony.

On September 23, 2026, the New York City Council Committees on Hospitals (Chair Mercedes Narcisse), Mental Health and Substance Use (Chair Tiffany Cabán), and Women and Gender Equity (Chair Amanda Farías) held a joint oversight hearing on access to gender-affirming care and associated mental health outcomes for transgender and nonbinary youth. The hearing featured testimony from city administration, advocates, and community members, and considered three pieces of legislation: Int. 0949-2026, Res. 0208-2026, and Res. 0547-2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Multiple community members and advocates testified in strong support of the three bills, emphasizing that gender-affirming care is life-saving, evidence-based health care. - Youth and parents shared personal stories of struggling to find affirming care, experiencing interruptions in care due to hospital capitulations (Mount Sinai, NYU Langone, and New York Presbyterian), and the mental health toll of federal attacks. - Speakers raised concerns about the proposed resource map in Int. 0949-2026, noting potential privacy and safety risks for providers and patients. - Several organizations—including New York Transgender Advocacy Group, Make the Road NY, NYCLU, Legal Aid Society, Planned Parenthood of Greater NY, and Girls for Gender Equity—supported the resolutions and urged expanded access to care, mental health services, and stronger privacy protections. Discussion Items - Administration Testimony: Taylor Brown, Director of the Mayor's Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs, testified that the administration opposes federal attacks and announced a $15 million investment over three years to protect and expand youth gender-affirming care, including a direct care access fund, a call/chat line, and research. Dr. Andrew Wallach and Dr. Omar Fital from NYC Health + Hospitals described their system's eight Pride Health Centers, telehealth capacity, and culturally responsive care, affirming that they have not changed their scope of practice. - DOHMH Testimony: Assistant Commissioner Marnie Davidoff presented data from the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey showing that transgender (42%), nonbinary (38%), and questioning (28%) high school students reported suicidal ideation at significantly higher rates than cisgender peers (16%). She stated that DOHMH views access to gender-affirming care as a suicide prevention strategy, and noted the agency's family peer support programs and training for providers. - Legislative Discussion: Councilmembers quizzed administration on the accuracy and updating of the NYC Health Map, continuity of care for patients discharged from private hospitals, and mental health capacity. The administration supported Int. 0949-2026 but raised technical clarifications. Res. 0208 and Res. 0547 were discussed as critical to expanding anti-bias training and establishing a state gender-affirming care access program. - Public Advocate Remarks: Jumaane Williams spoke in support of the bills and urged the city to strengthen provider training, ensure insurance coverage, and protect patient privacy. Key Outcomes - Oversight Hearing: The hearing was held and filed by the Committee on Hospitals. - Int. 0949-2026: Hearing held, laid over by committee. - Res. 0208-2026: Hearing held, laid over by committee. - Res. 0547-2026: Hearing held; an amendment (Proposed Res. No. 547-A) was proposed and adopted by committee; then the amended resolution was laid over. - All three pieces of legislation remain pending for future committee action. Written testimony may be submitted for 72 hours post-hearing. - The council committed to continued collaboration with the administration and community to protect and expand access to gender-affirming care for transgender and nonbinary youth.