“Build Something Better” – That’s the Mayor’s message to New Yorkers in the wake of the shootings in Dallas, Baton Rouge and Falcon Heights and on the anniversary of the death of Eric Garner. Speaking in churches these last few weeks, the Mayor said, “This city has to do something not only for ourselves, but for our whole nation. This city has to become an example. We’ve come a long way. We are far, far from perfect, but we’ve come a long way. This is a city that, over decades, has found more common ground. This is a city where our clergy reach out almost instantaneously to each other across faiths in times of crisis, and form a common front – something we don’t see in enough of the world, and yet, here, thank God, it is a given today. So, now it’s our turn. In this city we aspire to a different and better relationship between police and community. We believe it can happen.” The First Lady, speaking at a televised CNN townhall, called for the nation to come together to find real solutions.
Historic low homicide and shooting rates – The first-half of 2016 saw the fewest shootings, the fewest robberies, the fewest burglaries, and the fewest auto-thefts of any first-half of a year in the CompStat era. Shootings are down 20 percent since last year, while gun arrests are up as the NYPD works to get more illegal guns off our streets. At the same time, arrests, summonses, and stops are down, meaning the NYPD is arresting a lot more of the right people for the right crimes, leading to the crime decline.
GOAL! – Mayor de Blasio and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance NYC, along with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the New York City Football Club and adidas launched the New York City Soccer Initiative, a public-private partnership that will build and maintain 50 soccer fields in underserved neighborhoods across the five boroughs over the next five years. Fields will begin to open for play as early as next year. Over the next five years, the public-private partnership will invest $3 million in fields across the five boroughs, and in afterschool programming for 10,000 kids. The program will provide afterschool soccer and mentoring programs, such as soccer clinics, festivals and youth summits to promote safe, active and connected communities. The New York City Soccer Initiative will also include a partnership with the City’s Young Men’s Initiative, providing young men of color with mentorship opportunities.
New laws to increase access to feminine hygiene products – Public schools, correctional facilities and homeless shelters will now provide free tampons and pads to those who need it. 
DHS, CAMBA, and the Rogosin Institute Help Homeless Children and Parents Bridge the Digital Divide –Homeless children and teens have new additional tools at their fingertips thanks to a new computer lab at the Kensington Family Shelter in Southeast Brooklyn. The 21 iMac computers will give homeless children and teens the technological tools to complete homework assignments and access educational videos and information, as well as enable parents to create resumes, conduct online job searches, and search for permanent housing options.
DYCD Heroes Project – DYCD and “DMC” of RUN-DMC launched the Heroes Project, a 
Summer Jobs/Internships for Young People – Teens around the City are enjoying their first taste of employment with the kick-off of the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). Thanks to budget investments from the de Blasio administration and the City Council, 60,000 youth ages 14-24 are able to take part in the youth employment and work readiness program this summer.
Stay Safe, Stay Put – The Buildings Department is reminding New Yorkers that if you’re stuck in an elevator, the safest place to be is inside the car. Just ring, relax, and wait for help to arrive. Elevators are among the safest forms of transportation, but New Yorkers have been seriously injured trying to escape stalled elevator cars. Remember, if you’re stuck in an elevator: Stay Safe, Stay Put.
DonateNYC – Reusing materials reduces waste, saves money, conserves energy and resources, and helps provide needed services and jobs for New Yorkers. donateNYC provides residents with a website and mobile app to help them find the most convenient place nearby to give or find reusable goods. For local nonprofit organizations in need of donated goods, or businesses looking to donate, donateNYC offers an online materials exchange where they can connect, donate and receive reusable goods. As the City continues towards its goal of sending zero waste to landfills by 2030, donateNYC partners will help the City reach its goal by providing verifiable data needed to assess progress.
