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Advocating for Local Contractors: Chamber CEO breaks down the economic impact of Intro 518 on Spectrum News NY1

On the August 30, 2026 broadcast of Spectrum News NY1, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jessica Walker joined the Weekends on 1 program to discuss Intro 518, also known as the Delivery Protection Act in the New York City.

The explosion of e-commerce has resulted in 2.5 million packages being delivered across city streets annually since the COVID-19 pandemic. While acknowledging the urgent need to address warehouse safety and worker quotas, Walker argues that the proposed legislation fundamentally misunderstands New York City's logistics ecosystem. By forcing major corporations like Amazon and FedEx to hire delivery personnel directly, Intro 518 would effectively outlaw the independent third-party contractors currently handling "last-mile" deliveries.

Key Takeaways from the Interview:

  • Small Businesses at Risk: The third-party companies performing these deliveries are legitimate small businesses. Many are immigrant-owned, operate within the five boroughs, and employ local residents. This bill would put these enterprises out of business.

  • Increased Costs and Delays for Consumers: If passed, corporate giants could easily bypass the regulations by relocating their warehouses outside the city to Long Island or New Jersey. This guarantees longer transit routes and more fuel consumption, which will ultimately trickle down into higher retail prices and slower delivery times for everyday New Yorkers.

  • Real Solutions Over Broad Bans: The current legislation completely fails to address the root problems of street safety or the punishing delivery quotas placed on workers. Policymakers must focus on enforcing safety standards directly, rather than decimating the local "mailmen of e-commerce".

The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce will continue advocating for policies that support our city's vital small business community while advancing practical, effective safety measures for all workers.

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