New York City's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) has announced a series of initiatives in August 2026 aimed at bolstering economic justice, consumer protection, and worker rights across the five boroughs.
Mayor Mamdani, DCWP Commissioner Levine, and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. unveiled a new partnership to combat wage theft, tenant harassment, and fraud targeting immigrants. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) will facilitate closer coordination on investigations and enforcement, holding accountable those who exploit New Yorkers.
A joint report by DCWP and Harvard Kennedy School’s SHIFT Project revealed that 50% of employees with access to Protected Time Off (paid sick leave) utilize it at least one day annually. This finding establishes a national benchmark for monitoring compliance, with low usage rates overwhelmingly indicating potential legal violations, which DCWP will address.
Furthermore, DCWP concluded a citywide enforcement sweep of car rental companies, conducting 62 inspections between May and July and issuing 56 summonses for widespread consumer protection violations. This follows the creation of a $1 million restitution fund for consumers affected by self-storage company Extra Space, with claims open for those who rented units in NYC between March 24, 2023, and June 16, 2026.
In support of delivery workers, Commissioner Levine distributed new bathroom access cards, reinforcing their right to use business bathrooms under City laws. The Mayor also endorsed the Delivery Protection Act, which will mandate licensing for last-mile warehouses and establish new safety, training, and labor standards for major delivery companies like Amazon, ensuring DCWP continues to hold them accountable for worker safety.