NYC names first executive director of new Street Vendor Services office

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Kenny Minaya announced the appointment of Carina Kaufman-Gutierrez as the first Executive Director of the new Office of Street Vendor Services at SBS, launching the office more than four months ahead of schedule.

The office aims to transform the relationship between street vendors and the city by serving as a central hub for citywide street vendor education and assistance. As the Mamdani Administration plans implementation of the “Street Vendor Reform Package” and issues the first new street vending licenses since the cap set in 1979 was lifted, the office will launch a citywide outreach campaign to ensure vendors are aware of opportunities to transition into the formal economy.