NEW YORK (PIX11) — New York City lawmakers are poised to take major steps toward overhauling how street vendors operate across the five boroughs.
The City Council is debating a sweeping package of bills supporters say would “finally modernize” an outdated system and bring stability to thousands of workers.
On Thursday, dozens of vendors rallied outside City Hall ahead of the vote, urging councilmembers to approve the measures. Many said the reforms are long overdue for an industry that has helped define New York City’s economy and culture for generations.
Marcelino Cordona, who has worked as a street vendor for decades, said he’s optimistic. “I have faith. That’s why I’m here today, because I believe they could find a solution and I hope they support us,” he said in Spanish.
Cordona is just one of roughly 23,000 street vendors in New York City, according to the Immigration Research Initiative. Many, like Cordona, say the current system has made it nearly impossible to work legally due to limited permits, a lack of support, and enforcement crackdowns that have left workers vulnerable.
More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State
“We’ve been dealing with an outdated, broken system for the last half-century,” said Mohamed Attia of the Street Vendor Project and a former street vendor. “For the first time we are seeing real reform. The vendors will benefit because their businesses will become legal, but when you look at the broader picture, all New Yorkers will benefit from this.”
What the Bills Would Do
The reform package centers on three main goals:
Create thousands of new vendor licenses to reduce a years-long backlog.
Improve enforcement through clearer compliance standards.
Establish a dedicated division at the Department of Small Business Services to support vendors, educate workers, and ensure they understand the rules.
“These vendors don’t have access to the knowledge of what the rules are in New York City,” said Councilmember Pierina Sanchez, the main sponsor for one of the three bills included in the package. “They don’t have access to education, they don’t have access to licenses, and there is no way for them to comply while still being able to feed their families.”
Council members also highlighted that most street vendors are immigrants, making legal protections even more critical amid increased federal immigration enforcement.
“We will no longer have people over-policed or criminalized,” said Council Majority Leader Amanda Farías. “By expanding licenses and permits, we’re giving people the chance to say, ‘I am vending legally, with a license, in compliance.’”
What Happens Next
One of the bills would immediately create about 10,000 new vendor licenses if signed into law by Mayor Eric Adams. It’s still unclear whether Adams plans to approve the legislation.
Councilmembers told PIX11 News they are prepared to revive the bills next year if the mayor vetoes them.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.