Participants warn Open Streets could end without reliable funding

NEW YORK, NY—Today Open Streets organizers, elected officials, and advocates gathered on the popular Vanderbilt Open Street to demand the City provide sustainable funding for the Open Streets program. Federal pandemic-era funding for Open Streets ends in 2025 and, following years of cuts to City funding, the Adams administration has not announced plans to replace the expiring support. Rally organizers and elected officials are asking the City for a renewed investment in the popular program, totaling $48 million over three years; they warn that without a sustainable funding model, the Open Streets will not survive.

Since the program’s inception in 2020, Open Streets have helped the City meet goals in safety, community health, and economic recovery. Despite these proven benefits, City funding for Open Streets community partners has decreased year over year. The lack of funding has had dire consequences; between 2022 and 2023 alone, New York City lost 40% of operating Open Streets. Unstable funding especially jeopardizes Open Streets in lower income communities whose residents do not have extra time or money to invest in maintaining a public space. The result is an inequitable distribution of Open Streets, centered around wealthy, typically whiter, communities in Manhattan.

Similar initiatives in cities around the world receive substantially more government funding. Montreal recently committed to extend their pedestrianized street program for another three years, allocating $12 million to pedestrianize streets, including up to $700,000 that is directly available to each merchants association running one of these programs. Open Streets organizers in New York are asking for a similar investment toward their efforts to build sustainable public space.

“Since emerging as a bright spot during the darkest days of the pandemic, NYC’s open streets program has become a beloved feature of the city’s streetscape. But the funding that community groups rely on to transform streets into vibrant public spaces is at risk, threatening the economic and civic benefits that allow so many schools, neighborhoods, and businesses to thrive. The next City budget must not only meet the needs of existing Open Streets partners and volunteers, but expand the program to every NYC neighborhood,” said NYC Comptroller Brad Lander.

“The Open Streets program is proof that this city is at its best when we democratize our public spaces, and we cannot afford to lose these public spaces once again to vehicles,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “Too often, New York streets are dominated by dangerous and polluting cars when they could be safe places for kids to play outdoors, centers of culture and community, and corridors of commerce. The Open Streets program makes this possible, and I will continue to fight tirelessly to ensure that our streets belong to the people. Thank you to the organizers, advocates, and elected officials for coming together to demand that the Adams administration save Open Streets.”

“Open Streets have redefined how New Yorkers experience public space. I’m proud District 33 has continued to have as many Open Streets as any area in New York City. I’ll keep fighting to expand Open Streets, because of the tangible economic benefits, safety improvements, and joy that they generate for our community,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler.

“As the weather warms, New Yorkers of all ages are getting ready to get back out on the streets and enjoy their local restaurants and bars, parks, small businesses, and public spaces. But a lack of proper funding has jeopardized the Open Streets program across the city, creating an existential crisis that could permanently end one of the few programs that transforms streets into vibrant public spaces for all New Yorkers. The city must ensure it properly funds the Open Streets program to secure the longevity of this beloved program and provide every New Yorker, especially those who do not live near public space, with a space to enjoy the city they love,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson.

“Open Streets have transformed our neighborhoods, creating safe, vibrant public spaces that bring people together, support local businesses, and give children room to play and learn. Last year’s success proves that our communities want and deserve more accessible public spaces—not fewer. I stand with our neighbors in fighting these harmful cuts and will continue to advocate for equitable access to Open Streets for all,” said Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon.

“I fully support the call for the City to dedicate sufficient funding to the Open Streets Program on an ongoing basis. Since being elected to the Assembly eight years ago, I have consistently advocated for measures that enhance pedestrian and bike safety, prioritize public transportation over cars, and make our city more livable and sustainable. Open Streets is an important part of this effort and I thank the organizers of this event for keeping the pressure on City Hall to do the right thing,” said Assemblymember Robert Carroll.

“Open Streets have reimagined how communities can leverage their streets for joy, connection, and public safety,” said Jackson Chabot, Director of Advocacy and Organizing at Open Plans. “We have everyday New Yorkers to thank; they have rolled up their sleeves to create and manage vibrant public spaces for their neighborhoods. But the City can’t expect volunteers to carry this program on their backs forever; we need reliable, robust funding to sustain and grow these programs. Open Streets support should be a cornerstone of the City’s commitment to wellbeing and livability. New Yorkers deserve this investment and it will pay dividends.”

“The Open Streets program has brought us much needed new public space, made our streets safer, supported our local businesses, and most of all, it has allowed our community to reimagine how we use our streets,” said Saskia Haegens of the Vanderbilt Avenue Open Street. “However, this all heavily relies on unpaid volunteer labor and community organizations scraping together funds to run bare-bones operations. This is not sustainable. Without dedicated funding, the program won’t survive. We are asking the City to fully fund Open Streets, by committing $48 million over the next 3 years to protect and expand the program.”

“The Open Streets program has proven to reduce crashes, and enhance the quality of life for New Yorkers. The Open Streets program is an essential investment in the long term health of our city. I urge the city to recognize its positive impact and commit to its continued funding,” said Solveig Entwistle of North Brooklyn Open Streets Community Coalition.

“Safer streets make our neighborhoods safer, build community and are a boon to business. It’s time to fund them properly,” said Jim Burke of 34th Ave Open Streets Coalition.

“Open Streets turn asphalt into vibrant community spaces where we can gather, learn, enjoy a meal, or just read a book — but they’re under attack,” said Shawn Garcia, Director of Advocacy at Transportation Alternatives. “Organizers are asking for $48 million in funding over the next three years — a drop in the bucket for the city’s budget, but the difference between a flourishing Open Streets program and one that continues to shrink. We’re proud to stand with so many other advocates, neighborhood activists, and New Yorkers who support this critical program, and we won’t stop fighting to make sure it not only survives but thrives.”