City Hall announced more than 50 small-business reforms. The OPEN program targets slow openings, confusing compliance rules, redundant fees and inconsistent inspections. It also expands one-on-one support for storefront businesses preparing to open.

NYC’s economic-development leadership is changing. Former FTC Chair Lina Khan will chair the city’s Economic Development Board, while longtime city official Anthony Shorris will lead NYCEDC. EDC oversees more than 60 million square feet of property and approximately $6 billion of active construction investment.

Rents continue to outrun the broader economy. June asking rents were nearly 6% higher than a year earlier and roughly 35% above pre-pandemic levels. Citywide sales prices were comparatively flat, but elevated mortgage rates continue to limit buyers.

The city is reviewing a contractor’s other projects after a Midtown structural failure. The incident occurred at the former Pfizer headquarters, which is being converted into a proposed 1,600-unit residential complex—the city’s largest planned office-to-housing conversion.

Outdoor-dining approvals could become faster. One proposed Charter change would consolidate applications and remove certain hearing and publication requirements. City estimates suggest the process could fall from approximately eight months to three to four-and-a-half months, although voters must approve the proposal first.

Tue, Jul 28: Emma Grede's Start With Yourself: A Discussion on Building a Career & Life With Intention in NYC — Her Workplace hosts an inspiring evening at Blu Dot celebrating Emma Grede's book launch, Start With Yourself. Join a guided discussion on career building, confidence, and reproductive health with Dr. Hancock of Spring Fertility, complete with complimentary food and beverages.

Luxury Rooftop Evenings At Le Jardin Sur Madison (all week) — If you're looking for a glamorous summer night, Le Jardin Sur Madison continues hosting private rooftop soirées featuring Cuisine Boulud catering, skyline views, and elevated cocktails. NoMad.

Thur, Jul 30: NY’s Healthcare & Lifesci Central Park Social — Connect with One Health Collective (OHC), a leading cross-sector healthcare & life sciences community, at their flagship quarterly networking event. Expect around 250 professionals from the NY Tri-State area to gather in Central Park for collaboration and education.

Thur, Jul 30: America's Largest Game Night Hosts: July Board Game Night — Join America's Largest Free Board Game Night at Olly Olly Market in Chelsea, an event featured by The New York Times and CNN. It brings hundreds together for games, conversation, and community.

Through 7/31: Marcel Duchamp — Gagosian is presenting a significant exhibition of key works by Marcel Duchamp, including his most iconic readymades, at their new ground-floor space at 980 Madison Avenue. This show brings works back to the location where these editions made their American debut in 1965.

Tue, Jul 28: Olive Tree Writing Club in Williamsburg — Mya Coffee, Bakery and Wine Bar in Williamsburg is holding a writing experience with the Olive Tree Writing Club. Enjoy a focused writing session, introductions, goal sharing, and small group discussions, plus a drink with your ticket.

Fri, Jul 31: ASK HER: Ladies Career Matchmaking Mixer — Fabrik DUMBO is hosting ASK HER, a career matchmaking mixer designed for women. Go for structured connections and small-group conversations focused on career growth, creativity, business, tech, and AI.

Fri, Jul 31, 6–9pm: Objects in the Mirror Are Bigger Than They Appear, a solo exhibition by Bridget Yassme — Head to Ola Studio in Brooklyn for Bridget Yassme's first solo exhibition, ‘Objects in the Mirror Are Bigger Than They Appear.’ This show offers a personal reflection on scale, celebrating community, self, and the often-unseen aspects of life.

Tue, Aug 4, 8pm: Modern Silent Shorts: On Tour — Catch 'Modern Silent Shorts: On Tour' at Pioneer Works in Brooklyn. This special screening features 7 newly commissioned silent films—from animation to horror—with live original orchestration by Greg Pease, Ryan Vinh, Athos Maelstrom, and composer Kevin Donald.

Fri, Jul 31: J. Cole — Barclays Center
The Fall-Off Tour reaches Brooklyn Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.

Assouline Summer Market Cart Assouline is bringing a Vespa and European-style market cart to The Mark Hotel Friday through Sunday. Browse its travel books covering destinations like Ibiza, Mykonos and the Amalfi Coast while enjoying complimentary juices.

Benefiber Good Gut Club Benefiber is giving away fiber-infused frozen yogurt, product samples and collectible merchandise Wednesday from noon–4 p.m. The limited-time pop-up will offer several frozen-yogurt flavors and information about gut health.

Books & Blankets Returns To Bryant Park (Jul. 29) — Spend your evening reading on the lawn with curated book recommendations, picnic blankets, and one of the city's most relaxing summer traditions. Bring a friend or come solo with a new book.

Grant Stone Launch at The Canvas SoHo Join the official New York launch of Grant Stone at The Canvas SoHo in SoHo. This pop-up showcases their curated footwear and accessories, kicking off Thursday, July 30, from 6–8 PM and continues through August 19.

Summer Streets Returns (Sat Aug 1) — One of NYC's best family outings of the summer. Walk, bike, scooter, or rollerblade along miles of car-free streets while enjoying climbing walls, games, fitness activities, and live entertainment. Manhattan. Free.

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood Comes To The Bronx Zoo (daily) — Kids can explore an immersive version of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood with interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and opportunities to learn about wildlife throughout the zoo. Bronx. Included with zoo admission.

Broadway Magic Hour — This interactive magic show blends Broadway production with comedy and illusions designed to entertain both kids and adults, making it an easy family outing regardless of age. Midtown. Tickets required.

Tin’s, Lower East Side: a three-story Shanghai-style dumpling restaurant and bar at 109 Ludlow Street.

On Lab, Lower East Side: matcha, coffee and seaweed-based Japanese “tacos” at 106 Rivington Street.

Flamingo Baby, Park Slope: the Caribbean soul-food restaurant has reopened in a larger space at 348 Douglass Street.

Burmese Bites, Astoria: the Queens Night Market favorite now has a permanent Astoria location.

Mūje, NoMad: an eight-course, $150 Japanese tasting menu.

Red Hook Focacceria: weekend-only focaccia sandwiches, opening at 9 a.m. and serving until sold out.

On This Day in NYC History: On July 27, 1925, one of the world’s earliest driverless cars made its public debut on the streets of Manhattan. The radio-controlled “American Wonder” traveled up Broadway and down Fifth Avenue while an operator guided it from a second car following behind. The futuristic demonstration ended less impressively when the car swerved through traffic and crashed into a sedan—good thing self-driving has since improved.

We recently launched NYC Professionals Club, a networking group where we match you with four virtual introductions per month to advance your career and build connections in the city. Connect with other professionals in the city, and stay up to date with groups matched by borough, industry, and more.