Mayor Mamdani, Rep. Ritchie Torres, NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and The New York Public Library Announce $2 Million Federal Investment to Expand[...]

May 4, 2026

NEW YORK - Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres, Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Dina Levy, and New York Public Library (NYPL) President Anthony W. Marx celebrated a $2 million expansion of the Neighborhood Internet program at an affordable housing development in the Bronx. Neighborhood Internet is a groundbreaking partnership between the City and NYPL that extends free, high-speed broadband to low-income New Yorkers. The initial pilot of the program, funded by HPD, will serve over 700 low-income households in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan by this summer, with the federally funded expansion supporting thousands more across the Bronx over the next two years.

"Internet access allows New Yorkers to access jobs, find no-cost childcare, and explore the city they love. But for too many, broadband connection is either unreliable or unattainable. With this $2 million investment in the Neighborhood Internet program for New Yorkers in affordable housing, this administration is taking a major step towards closing the digital gap and building a city that is connected in more ways than one," said Mayor Mamdani.

"The digital divide is not abstract, it is a daily barrier for so many families in the South Bronx," said Rep. Torres. "In 2026, being offline means being locked out of opportunity. This $2 million investment will bring high-speed internet into thousands of apartments, because in today's economy, you cannot fully participate without being connected. I'm grateful to the Mayor, HPD, and the New York Public Library for partnering with us to deliver this critical investment to the Bronx."

"When affordable housing gets built in the city, residents should be connected to the internet," said Dina Levy, Commissioner of the Department of Housing Preservation and Development. "Forty percent of households in the Bronx do not have home internet access. The Neighborhood Internet initiative will help bridge the digital divide, providing low-income tenants in the Bronx with free access to the internet. Thank you to Congressman Torres for securing the federal funding that makes this possible, and to NYPL for their partnership in expanding internet access across the city. Under Mayor Mamdani, we're making sure affordable housing tenants are first to get connected."

"The New York Public Library is laser focused on promoting reading and free access to digital information," said Anthony W. Marx, President and CEO of The New York Public Library. "From applying for jobs, to staying connected to loved ones, finding a family doctor, and so much more, the internet is essential to fully participating in society. The Library is committed to closing the digital divide and we are proud to help the City of New York deliver free wifi into the homes of New Yorkers in need."

"New Yorkers across the five boroughs deserve the same access to affordable internet regardless of their zip code," said New York City Chief Technology Officer and Office of Technology and Innovation Commissioner Lisa Gelobter. "Today's announcement is about more than free internet - it's about connecting thousands of historically underserved Bronx residents to greater economic, educational, and social opportunities. We're proud to join Rep. Torres, HPD, and the New York Public Library to celebrate the expansion of the Neighborhood Internet program, a key initiative of the NYC Digital Equity Roadmap, and look forward to working closely with the public and our various stakeholders as we develop the 'Citywide Broadband Adoption Plan' in the coming months."

Neighborhood Internet is a broadband access initiative funded by HPD and operated by the New York Public Library. It provides free internet service to low-income households in Upper Manhattan and in the Bronx. This new federal funding, secured by Rep. Torres in the FY26 HUD budget, will expand Neighborhood Internet to thousands more low-income households in the Bronx, where more than 40% of households lack internet connectivity. The initiative will also reduce costs for nonprofit landlords who currently pay for building internet.

Tenants in buildings served by Neighborhood Internet will also receive Neighborhood Tech Help, another initiative from HPD and NYPL that offers free, easy-to-access, one-on-one tech support for New Yorkers to help them become more comfortable using tech devices, connecting to the internet, setting up online accounts, and improving their tech skills. While Neighborhood Tech Help is currently available at select libraries throughout the city, it will also be available for tenants to get them onboarded to the free internet service. Neighborhood Tech Help will then also be available on an ongoing basis at sites nearby, including older adult centers, community centers, and local libraries.

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