SDG 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere

What New York City is Doing

  • Right to Counsel initiative

    First introduced in 2017, the Right to Counsel initiative provides free legal services to tenants in eviction cases, empowering low-income New Yorkers to avoid eviction and homelessness. The initiative was expanded citywide during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants

    This office coordinates fights poverty and homelessness via several tenant-protection efforts, including a new NYC Tenant Resource Portal providing tenants with free City resources to prevent evictions.

  • Minimum wage raised to $15 per hour

    Although it is New York State that sets minimum wage in New York City, the City has successfully campaigned to raise it. Minimum wage has more than doubled since 2013, when it was $7.25, to $15 today.

  • Earned Sick Time Act

    Since April 2014, many employers in New York City are required to provide paid sick leave, ensuring New Yorkers can take days off to care for themselves and their family members without affecting their income.