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Intro. 845-A – sponsored by New York City Councilmember Menin – implements more than 30 regulatory reforms that stem from Mayor Adams' Executive Order 2 "Small Business Forward" initiative, which required city agencies to review existing business regulations and ensure local businesses face fewer fines and penalties without jeopardizing public health or safety. These reforms were identified by Mayor Adams, Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer, and SBS Commissioner Kim to save small businesses time and money when navigating city regulations. Intro. 1083-A – also sponsored by New York City Councilmember Menin – and Executive Order 37 will integrate ONL under SBS. ONL's move to SBS will help broaden the office's reach and deepen its impact on New York City nightlife businesses, while doubling down on promoting public safety and addressing quality-of-life concerns. The move will also foster a strong industry partnership between nightlife and city government, ensuring that more nightlife businesses directly benefit from SBS services, such as connections to affordable financing, free legal assistance, a pipeline of qualified New Yorkers looking for work, and the NYC Business Express Service Team program, which helps businesses expedite permits and licenses, accelerating the process of opening a business, and more. Small business creation has boomed since Mayor Adams took office, with approximately one in seven businesses in New York City launched since January 2022. In that time, the Adams administration has delivered on the promise of Small Business Forward, developed the MyCity Business site, created the historic NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund, and undertaken additional efforts to save small businesses millions of dollars in avoided violations, fines, and fees. In addition to dozens of reforms implemented over the last year through agency rulemaking and policy changes, the full savings to small businesses is estimated at close to $8.9 million annually.
About Jeffrey Garcia
Jeffrey Garcia has been an entrepreneur and business owner in Washington Heights and Kingsbridge for decades. A retired New York City Police Department (NYPD) first grade detective of the Organized Crime Control Bureau, Garcia previously served as president of the New York State Latino Restaurant, Bar, and Lounge Association, working to bring equity and inclusion to the industry and working through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also served on the New York City Small Business Advisory Council. As an accomplished entrepreneur, Garcia has additionally served as a board member at the New York City Hospitality Alliance and helped found the Latino Cannabis Association. "I am so proud that the important work of the Office of Nightlife is continuing under new leadership with Jeffrey Garcia," said ONL Founding Director Ariel Palitz. "His love for our city, experience in representing this industry and commitment to serving the community are exactly what is needed to ensure that there is always someone there to protect and care for our essential NYC nightlife."
Media Contact pressoffice@cityhall.nyc.gov (212) 788-2958
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