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Dear [first-name],

Last week, the Open Plans team shipped up to Albany! Early one morning, my colleagues and I hopped on a train heading north toward a full day of meetings with State legislators. We talked about the importance of Open Plans’ priority bills for the session, including:

• S445/A3730 (Universal Daylighting for NYC), which would make daylighting the law in New York City to increase visibility at our crosswalks for pedestrians, drivers, and micromobility users.
• A5440 (Automated Curb Enforcement Program), which would help calm the chaos in our curbs by creating a pilot program to automatically enforce illegal parking violations in New York City.
• S4045/A2299 (Speed Limiters for Reckless Drivers), which would get the most dangerous drivers on our streets to slow down by installing limiters in their vehicles, ensuring they can only drive the speed limit.
• S4044/A4230 (Get Around NY Act), which would make the New York State Department of Transportation take into account how projects will impact vehicle miles traveled, and offset any increase potential increase.

We’re a New York City-based organization, but it’s vital that we advocate in Albany because New York State has a significant amount of power over our city’s streets. For example: it was the State that provided New York City an exemption to daylighting, and the City needs the State’s permission to enforce our curbs with camera-based technology. Speaking with State Assembly Members and Senators brings the value of these policies directly into their offices, and shows that there is significant community support around them (just ask the Community Boards we work with on daylighting). You can take a look at our priority bills, along with the other bills and policies Open Plans supports, in our 2025 Agenda for a Livable City.

In solidarity,

Michael Sutherland
Senior Policy and Legislative Analyst

New Yorkers, your voice matters in our Public Space Awards! The People's Choice poll is open and you get to decide which amazing finalist among the Sunset Park BID, 31st Avenue Open Street Collective, and Downtown Jamaica Partnership becomes this year's Best Public Space Activator. You have until April 26th to cast your vote, so there's still plenty of time to participate and spread the word to friends and family. We'll announce the winner you chose LIVE during our celebration on Thursday, May 1st! Want to be part of the excitement? Buy a ticket today, check out our three outstanding nominees, and vote for your favorite to become 2025's Best Public Space Activator.

Camera-based enforcement is an efficient, unbiased way to consistently enforce parking violations—which ultimately changes behavior. Gothamist reports on a new state bill to start a pilot project in NYC, a major victory for our 2025 priorities. 

What do New Yorkers want in their neighborhoods? What if a single approach can deliver all of those outcomes? In this webinar, we'll explore a neighborhood approach to reducing traffic for more livable, community-oriented streets.

Shape the future of NYC streets with a summer internship that matters. Connect your interests and skills with our current campaigns all with the goal of transforming how people experience NYC streets. Applications close on March 10th.

🌞 Help us learn about your experience with Summer Streets! Fill out this survey and share with us how you like them, and how we could do to make them better!

🍴 Are you are restaurant owner or know one? Share your experiences maintaining sidewalk or curbside spaces over the last few years. We are working to bring permanent year-round outdoor dining back!

🌳 NYC Parks need your voice on Monday, March 17, 12-1 PM! Join the Play Fair Coalition at City Hall steps to rally for full parks funding. Stay for the Budget Hearing to testify why parks are essential infrastructure, not luxury.

🚶 Apply now for 2025 Open Streets! Join 200+ locations transforming NYC streets into vibrant public spaces. Community groups, schools, and businesses invited. Submit by March 31, 2025 for programs launching after July 1.

✍️ Community Board Applications are still open! This is your chance to get involved with how your neighborhoods looks, feels, and functions. Email cb@openplans.org for application support. Apply before the dates below, at the link for your borough:

• Bronx: March 9
• Manhattan: March 7
• Staten Island: Accepted year-round

🍽️ NYC needs better outdoor dining rules! Support our campaign to improve the seasonal program and help local businesses keep their vital curbside spaces year-round.

Open Plans |  377 Broadway, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10013-3907

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