Relates to construction and mentoring programs

2025 Regular Session Introduced by James Sanders

Allows NYC agencies to create mentoring programs for small construction trades and related architectural/engineering firms to boost capacity and participation in city projects.

REFERRED TO RULES

Summary of Bill S 10625 (2025-2026) – New York

Purpose and Intent

The bill amends the New York City Charter to formalize and expand the ability of city agencies to establish mentoring programs.

Specifically, it clarifies that an agency may create mentoring programs for small businesses engaged in construction trades or in architectural or engineering services related to construction.

The overall aim is to support small businesses within the construction sector by providing mentorship opportunities, potentially aiding capacity building, compliance, procurement, and industry expertise.

Key Provisions

Section 1: Amends subdivision b of section 1309 of the New York City Charter (as added by chapter 604 of the laws of 2023) to read that:

“Any agency may establish a mentoring program for small businesses that perform construction or architectural or engineering services related to construction.”
In plain terms, this authorizes city agencies to set up mentoring programs specifically targeted at small construction trades and related architectural/engineering firms.

Section 2: States that the act takes effect immediately, with a caveat:

The amendments to subdivision b of section 1309 are effective immediately but do not affect the repeal of such section; they shall be deemed repealed with that repeal.
This language indicates a transitional note: while the act becomes effective now, any interplay with the previously enacted 2023 provision is governed by repeal timing as specified.

Affected Parties and Scope

Primary Beneficiaries: Small businesses operating in construction trades and firms offering architectural or engineering services related to construction within New York City.

Affected Entities: City agencies that have authority to create or manage mentoring programs; these agencies would now have explicit statutory permission to establish such mentorship initiatives.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Effective Date: The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Repeal Note: The provision contains a specific note about the relationship between the new amendments and the repeal of the section they amend, indicating the ongoing interaction with the 2023 charter provision and its eventual repeal.

Potential Impact and Considerations

Clarity and Authority: The bill provides explicit authorization for city agencies to establish mentoring programs for targeted small construction-related businesses, potentially smoothing the creation and implementation of such programs.

Program Design Implications: Local agencies could design mentorship activities (e.g., business development, procurement process guidance, compliance training, safety standards, subcontracting opportunities) to help small firms grow and participate more effectively in city projects.

Implementation Challenges: The bill does not specify funding, structure, selection criteria for mentees, or metrics for success; these details would likely be determined during program development and annual planning.

Overall assessment

This is a targeted, procedural expansion aimed at empowering city agencies to support small construction-related businesses through mentoring. It expands the tools available to the city to foster capacity building in a sector tied to public procurement and infrastructure projects.