CM Sanchez on street vending reform and license processing

Thank you, Chair, and good morning.

First, I just want to start with expressing how exciting it is to see the agency's trajectory these last six months.

I think any mayor or any executive envisions a commissioner like you when they win office with coming in with a track record of success, but also an ambitious vision for the agency and a readiness to roll up your sleeve with the team that is there.

I just want to congratulate you on everything that you guys are all doing together for New Yorkers.

I'm going to do the thing where I ask all my questions up front and then hope that there's time for a response.

We'll take notes.

Thank you.

So to start, DCWP, I mean, I'm biased.

You are my favorite.

You're one of my favorite agencies.

Don't tell HPD.

You've just been such a fantastic partner on reforming the street vending system in New York City.

Special shout out to Carlos Ortiz and everyone back there.

We have really reframed this problem together in New York City, and I appreciate it.

So my first question here is, you know, while I appreciate and was very happy to see significant investments for the implementation of street vending reform, I remain concerned that the piece that

DCWP has around processing 10,500 new general vendor licenses is still too low.

I understand that there is only six new staff that are going to be added for fiscal year 27.

So I just want to understand the plans for processing these new applications per local law 54 with this staffing.

Question two.

The new licenses that are being made available in January will be the first change to the general vendor cap since 1979.