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Parks are one of the City’s most valuable assets and we must be investing in them in order to fight climate change, protect public health, and bolster the safety and wellbeing of our communities. Parks provide numerous resiliency benefits, increasing cooling by reducing the urban heat island effect and fighting flooding through capturing stormwater runoff. Parks also clean our air, and absorb climate-change causing pollutants and greenhouse gasses. Lastly parks provide safe open spaces for recreation, an aspect highlighted during the height of the pandemic. To ensure parks can continue to provide these benefits, we must be investing heavily in parks operations and maintenance. 

Each passing day is a struggle against the clock in the fight against climate change, with continuous emissions increasing the already-heavy strain on the ozone layer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in 2020, transportation made up 27% of the total United States greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, taking the lead over electricity and industry, and contributing to already-dangerous rising temperatures by putting out carbon dioxide emissions from petroleum-based fuel options. The Clean Fuels NY Coalition, led by the New York League of Conservation Voters, was formed to showcase the widespread support for New York State to create a clean fuel standard (also known as a low-carbon fuel standard) and reduce GHG emissions from the transportation sector, which accounts for 35% of overall state emissions.

The New York City bus system is the largest in the nation, but also the slowest and most inefficient. An MTA bus has an average speed of 7.9mph, and spends 43% of its travel time sitting at traffic lights or bus stops. Outdated infrastructure and technology leads to constant delays and unpredictability that inconveniences those who rely on it every single day. Our bus system is in dire need of updates, especially as ridership bounces back to pre-pandemic levels. We must invest in making our buses faster and more efficient to ensure all members of our community can rely on them each and every day. 

Every year NYLCV and NYLCVEF celebrate the environmental progress we’ve helped create in New York City and across the State with our annual gala. This year we surpassed our fundraising goal for a total of $1.2 million, which will be used to support the work we do over the next year. Over 700 people including legislators, environmental champions, and industry leaders joined us to celebrate.  

The Deputy Director will work with the City Council, Mayor’s office, City agencies, “Green Group” partner organizations, and NYLCV members to advance the organization’s NYC priorities. The Deputy Director will also help organize forums and other NYLCV Education Fund events in NYC.

For the last four months, NYC Council and Administration has been grappling with the task of agreeing on a budget for Fiscal Year 2023. In February, Mayor Adams released his Preliminary Budget, which contained an outline of his priorities and goals for the City. In March, the City Council formally responded to the Mayor’s preliminary budget with a summary of concerns and recommendations to ensure the budget meets the needs of our community. Then, Mayor Adams released the Executive Budget, an updated proposed budget.  Currently, the Council is holding another round of hearings on the budget and will continue to negotiate until passage at the end of June.