A hearing on the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) fiscal year 2026 preliminary budget.

Discussions focused on:

• The agency's $5.9 million budget (a 16.1% decrease from FY2025)
• Concerns about inadequate funding
• Priorities including data collection
• Support for transitioning service members
• Housing assistance
• Claims processing.

The hearing also addressed challenges with federal VA funding cuts, the implementation of the Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Program, and proposed property tax exemptions for Cold War veterans.

Features testimony from the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) and the public.

A vote. The committee unanimously passes several land use items:

• Site selection for a 547-seat primary school in the Bronx (LU 251)
• Affordable housing projects in Manhattan (LU 252 and 253)
• An amended project summary for a previously approved development in the Bronx (Brook 156th project)
• The transfer of various city-owned properties to the Health and Hospitals Corporation (LU 238).

A hearing on amending the previously approved project summary for Brook 156, a mixed-use affordable housing development in the Melrose neighborhood of the Bronx.

Features testimony from the New York City Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).

A hearing on the Department of Sanitation's (DSNY) fiscal year 2026 preliminary budget and solid waste management initiatives.

Discussions focused on:

• Containerization efforts
• Rat mitigation
• Citywide composting programs
• Commercial waste zones implementation
• Concerns about the financial impact of new waste management rules on Business Improvement Districts and community organizations

The hearing also addressed staffing levels, overtime spending, and funding for community composting programs.

Features testimony from the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) and the public.

A hearing on the FY 2026 preliminary budget for the Mayor's Office of Contract Services (MOCS), focusing on contracting processes, payment delays to nonprofits, and procurement system improvements.

Discussions centered on MOCS' efforts to streamline procedures, implement new technology, and increase transparency, alongside persistent challenges faced by nonprofit providers in contract registration and timely payments.

The hearing also covered staffing shortages, challenges with the new Passport e-procurement system, and concerns about leadership continuity following the announced departure of MOCS Director Lisa Flores.

Features testimony from the Mayor's Office of Contract Services (MOCS) and the public, including various nonprofit organizations.