"I worked closely with the Street Vendor Project to pass my bill establishing this office, and to have one of its leaders now head the office we created together is an exciting indicator of what’s to come for New York City's smallest businesses.
"In speaking with vendors about the barriers they face, I hear stories of long hours and longer weeks, livelihoods being threatened, merchandise being seized, of pain and penalties – and at the same time, I saw the spirit, drive, and hope of people looking to carve out their space on the sidewalk to serve New Yorkers and support their families. We can help.
"I believe that the city can help these entrepreneurs navigate obstacles to licensing, inconsistency in enforcement, and regulations that make it near-impossible to operate in a successful and sustained way. Street vendors provide some of the most affordable options for New Yorkers facing an increasingly unaffordable city, and in establishing this office we hope to provide them the support they need to survive and thrive."