New York City's Open Streets program, initiated during the pandemic, is struggling as federal funding has ceased and Mayor Eric Adams shows little interest in subsidizing it. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has urged volunteers to advocate for funding from the City Council, revealing the challenges in securing budget allocations. DOT Chief of Staff Ryan Lynch indicated that with $5 million annually, they could sustain the program, despite organizers' plea for $16 million to support its infrastructure needs and enhance volunteer efforts. Current budget talks underscore the program's dwindling priority at City Hall.
"Ultimately City Hall is just saying that this program is not worth any money," one volunteer who participated.
"The DOT has never put a line item in the budget with a specific price tag for open streets, but on the phone call, Lynch said if the agency had $5 million a year, it could run the open streets program as it currently is."
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