NYC DOT Kicks-off 2026 Open Streets Season

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2026
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NYC DOT Kicks-off 2026 Open Streets Season

Community-based organizations, schools, businesses, and other partners participate in New York City's Open Streets program to reimagine the use of streets as public spaces.

NYC DOT supports more than 150 initial Open Streets across the five boroughs, applications remain open throughout the 2026 season.

Pedestrians walk along the Franklin Avenue Open Street in Brooklyn. Credit: Street Lab

NEW YORK - New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn today announced the launch of the Open Streets season with more than 150 initial locations operating across the city. The program provides more public space for New Yorkers to promote economic development, support schools, facilitate pedestrian and bike mobility, and provide new ways for New Yorkers to enjoy cultural programming and build community. Visit nyc.gov/OpenStreets to see locations and program hours.

"Open Streets provide an opportunity to showcase neighborhoods and strengthen local businesses by transforming roadways into spaces that encourage connection and community engagement," said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. "We appreciate the dedication of our community partners who help ensure these spaces are safe, lively, and welcoming while also helping to expand the program fairly and inclusively to neighborhoods across the city."

This year, NYC DOT is partnering with CitizensNYC so Open Streets community partners across the city can access funding faster and with less administrative burden. CitizensNYC is one of New York City's oldest microgrant making organizations, with 50 years of experience funding and supporting everyday New Yorkers working to strengthen their neighborhoods. Through this partnership with CitizensNYC, NYC DOT is launching a streamlined payment process for the 2026 Open Streets season.

The agency is also committed to redesigning existing Open Streets that benefit from traffic calming measures and streetscape elements to better prioritize pedestrians and cyclists and create world-class public spaces. This year's redesigns include:

• Upcoming project is building on the success of the Open Street launched in 2020, managed by local organization Loisaida Open Streets Community Coalition.
• The redesign of Avenue B from East 4th Street to East 12th Street aims to improve safety on the corridor with a focus on schools, formalize two-way cycling on the corridor to create safe cycling connections, and calm vehicular traffic.

• There has been a successful Open Street since 2024 on Decatur from East 194th Street to East 195th Street, managed by the Decatur Black Association.
• The project consists of a raised midblock enhanced crossing and curb extensions to improve pedestrian safety and overall experience, reduce vehicle speeds, and support Open Street programming.

NYC DOT is continuing to accept applications for the 2026 Open Streets season on a rolling basis. Applications from educational institutions (such as schools (pre-K to 12), colleges, or universities) must be received by June 10, 2026, to receive an application decision by the start of the academic year in September 2026. All applications require a minimum of 90 days for review, but some applications may require further review. Visit nyc.gov/OpenStreets to apply.

"Open Streets are powered by the same force that drives New York City forward: neighbors stepping up to make their blocks more connected, more resilient, and safer," said Julie L. Shapiro, CEO of CitizensNYC. "For more than 50 years, CitizensNYC has invested in grassroots leaders who know what their communities need and are ready to get to work. We're proud to partner with NYC DOT to make it easier for Open Streets partners to access the resources they need to serve their neighborhoods and keep building a more open, welcoming, and community-powered city."

For Grenada Built to Win, Inc., Open Streets 2026 represents what a community is supposed to feel like: families outside together, youth engaged, neighbors connected, and organizations working side-by-side to create something meaningful and lasting," said Executive Director of Grenada Built to Win Inc Rasheem Jenkins. "Communities need connection, visibility, and opportunity for young people. Initiatives like Open Streets help restore the importance of presence, movement, culture, education, and togetherness throughout our city. We are honored to stand alongside our partners this season and help create experiences that remind youth and families across New York City that our communities are filled with possibility, energy, and people who genuinely care."