NYC Appoints Street Vendor Advocate to Lead New Office of Street Vendor Services

New York City is poised to enter a “new era for street vendors” with the appointment of Carina Kaufman-Gutierrez as the first executive director of the newly established Office of Street Vendor Services, within the Department of Small Business Services. The announcement, expected Monday, marks a significant shift in the city’s approach to regulating and supporting its estimated 23,000 street vendors, the vast majority of whom are immigrants .

A Champion for Vendors

Kaufman-Gutierrez has spent the last seven years advocating for street vendors, working with the Street Vendor Project at the Urban Justice Center. Her work has included canvassing vendors to inform them of complex local laws, assisting with compliance to avoid fines, and pushing for legislative reforms . She previously served as the co-director of the Street Vendor Project and holds a master’s degree in International Affairs, Urban Social Policy, and Conflict Resolution from Columbia University , .

From Advocacy to City Hall

The Street Vendor Project, while effective, was limited in its capacity to meet the overwhelming demand for assistance. Kaufman-Gutierrez expressed the need for greater city support, stating, “These services are in such demand…We need our city to step up and assist these entrepreneurs do their job well” . Now, she will be tasked with replicating her outreach and education efforts at a larger scale within City Hall.

A Shift in City Policy

The creation of the Office of Street Vendor Services was mandated by a City Council bill passed last year, following years of contentious enforcement practices under previous administrations. Former Mayor Eric Adams’ administration faced criticism for crackdowns on unlicensed vendors, particularly at popular locations like Corona Plaza . The new office signals a departure from this approach.

Mamdani Administration’s Vision

Mayor Zohran Mamdani campaigned on a platform of supporting street vendors, addressing issues like the high cost of licenses and permits, and combating what he termed “halalflation.” He has pledged to produce 21,500 new vending licenses and permits available over the next five years . “Our street vendors are not a problem to solve — they are a community to support,” Mamdani stated .

Budget and Future Challenges

While the office’s creation is a significant step, its budget remains unclear. It was not included in the mayor’s or City Council’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, and discussions with the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget are ongoing . The Department of Small Business Services, which will oversee the new office, also represents the interests of brick-and-mortar businesses, some of whom have historically opposed street vendors.

Hope for a More Equitable System

For vendors like Clio Juarez, who began vending in Queens in 2021 and struggled to navigate the city’s regulations, the new office offers a glimmer of hope. “With new office, opens a light of hope for all these families,” Juarez said . The office aims to provide accessible information and support, potentially in multiple languages, to help vendors operate legally and thrive in New York City.