Chamber CEO testifies against proposal to lift cap on street vendor permits

May 6, 2025 – Jessica Walker, President and CEO of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, testified before the New York City Council on Tuesday, May 6th, regarding proposed legislation to lift the cap on the number of permitted street vendors in the city.

Walker's testimony acknowledged the value of a vibrant street vending scene while emphasizing the need to address existing systemic problems related to vendor location and operation before dramatically increasing the number of permits. She proposed a compromise approach focused on identifying appropriate vending locations and linking permit numbers to available spaces.

"We support New York's street vendors and believe they are a vital part of our city's character and economy," said Jessica Walker. "However, simply lifting the permit cap without first solving the fundamental issues of where and how vendors operate legally and safely is not a solution. Our testimony outlined a path forward that supports both street vendors and brick-and-mortar businesses by creating a clear, organized system for designated vending locations. We believe this collaborative approach is the best way to ensure a thriving and harmonious streetscape for everyone."

The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce advocates for policies that support all businesses in the city and believes a balanced approach is necessary to integrate street vending effectively into the urban environment.

Full Testimony of Jessica Walker, President & CEO, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce

Before the New York City Council

Hearing on Street Vendor Permit Cap Legislation

May 6, 2025

I am Jessica Walker, President and CEO of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.

We represent the 125,000 businesses across Manhattan, both large and small.

New York absolutely needs a vibrant food truck and street vendor scene. And we support them.

The citywide small business resource network that we operate with the other 4 boroughwide chambers of commerce —with funding from the City Council —- can provide free help to any business in the city with fewer than 100 employees including street vendors and food trucks. We are here to help.

We support the decriminalization of street vending. But completely lifting the permit cap before solving the problems with the current system makes no sense.

Let’s solve the problem.

The problem is about where and how.

Vendors have to be in a proper location and operating safely.

So let’s solve the problem.

Start by working with bids and community boards to identify the places where vendors can operate legally without being disruptive.

Create an inventory of available spaces and then designate the proper times and uses for each space so there is never unfair competition with a brick and mortar.

The number of spaces would be linked to the number of permits issued by the city. Which makes sense.

Then each vending slot operates like a parking space that individual permitted vendors can reserve through an online portal on a daily weekly monthly or annual basis —- and whatever the city deems is best and fairest.

Then they can use that space freely.

Such a system would be largely self enforcing because if you show up and someone has taken the space you reserved you can usually shoo them away without incident.

This is only one possibility.

My main point here is that there is a compromise here that supports all businesses. Simply lifting the cap doesn’t get us there. Let’s get there. Let’s finally solve the problem.