Weekly news from the NYC Mayor's Office. No job too big, no task too small.
Week of March 23, 2026
- Carina Kaufman-Gutierrez named first-ever Executive Director of the Office of Street Vendor Services.
- City agencies identified over $1.7 billion in savings for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027 through operational reforms.
- Neighborhood Builders Fast Track program launched to expedite affordable housing development on city-owned land, aiming to deliver up to 1,000 new affordable homes within two years.
- Over $1.8 million in restitution and penalties secured for more than 830 fast-food and retail workers, with an enforcement petition filed against a Dunkin' franchisee for similar violations affecting 1,000 workers.
- Ground broken near Yankee Stadium on a major project to improve Bronx crosstown bus service and street safety for over 25,000 daily Bx6 SBS line riders.
- Back Home Unit and Back Home NYC guide launched to help New Yorkers displaced by fires and other disasters return home faster.
- Updates provided on a fatal ground collision involving an Air Canada Express flight and a Port Authority vehicle at LaGuardia Airport, resulting in two pilot deaths, with an NTSB investigation underway.
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Week of March 16, 2026
- Renita Francois appointed Deputy Mayor for Community Safety, and Mayor's Office of Community Safety (OCS) created by Executive Order to implement a whole-of-government approach to crime prevention and public safety.
- Office of Community Safety (OCS) established within the Mayor's Office to consolidate and coordinate citywide programs addressing gun violence, mental health crises, hate crimes, and victim services.
- All eligible NYC schools will have 15 MPH slow zones by the end of Mayor Mamdani's first term in the largest expansion of Sammy’s Law.
- Criminal enforcement for minor traffic offenses against cyclists and e-bike riders ended, shifting to civil summonses, with new legislation for street safety forthcoming.
- NYPD policy requiring body-worn camera footage release within 30 days of critical incidents formally codified.
- $80M NYC Future Fund launched, providing affordable financing to small businesses, particularly immigrant-, minority-, and women-owned enterprises.
- New tools unveiled and applications reopened for financial assistance up to $395,000 to help homeowners add Ancillary Dwelling Units (ADUs).
- Universal child care advocated, highlighting NYC's expansion of free 2-K and 3-K seats with a $1.2 billion state investment.
- Richard Lee appointed Commissioner of the Department of Finance.
- Gregory Anderson appointed Commissioner of the Department of Sanitation.
- Carl Weisbrod, Dr. Lilliam Barrios-Paoli, and Larian Angelo appointed to the Quadrennial Advisory Commission to review elected official compensation.
- Over 7,000 potholes repaired citywide during a weekend blitz.
- Emergency operations for temporary housing of new arrivals extended for five days, with DSS and DHS to update on phasing out facilities.
- Emergency operations for temporary housing of new arrivals extended for five days, with DSS and DHS directed to update on phasing out facilities.
- Suspension of certain Department of Correction compliance requirements extended for five days, with DOC mandated to update on restoring compliance.
- Suspension of certain Department of Correction compliance requirements extended for five days, with DOC mandated to update on restoring compliance.
- Dylan Lopez Contreras, the first NYC public school student detained by ICE, welcomed upon release after ten months.
- Leqaa Kordia welcomed upon release from federal detention after year-long detention for speaking on Palestinian rights.
- Saint Patrick's Day breakfast hosted at Gracie Mansion, marking Mayor Mamdani's first public event.
- Eid Al-Fitr prayers remarks delivered, reflecting on experience as the city's first Muslim mayor during Ramadan.
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Week of March 9, 2026
- NYC311 call center's 23rd anniversary celebrated, Mayor Mamdani thanked staff and took calls from residents.
- Mayor's Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs established by Executive Order No. 14, replacing the NYC Unity Project, to oversee initiatives for LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers.
- Taylor Brown appointed director of the new Mayor's Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs, making her the first transgender person to lead a New York City office or agency.
- Mayor Mamdani appeared on ABC7 to condemn Islamophobic remarks, asserting Muslim identity is not conflicting with being a New Yorker for the city's one million Muslim residents.
- Citywide pothole repair blitz launched, deploying over 80 NYC DOT crews to fill thousands of potholes following a record-setting winter.
- Mayor Mamdani delivered remarks at an Iftar for city workers, celebrating their contributions and condemning anti-Muslim bigotry and hate speech from elected officials.
- Historic $2.1 million court judgment issued against Bronx landlord at 919 Prospect Avenue for neglecting building conditions, requiring extensive repairs and financial penalties.
- Emergency Executive Order No. 1.13 extended for five days concerning the Department of Correction's state of emergency, reinstating compliance with specific Administrative Code sections.
- 2,000 free 2-K seats launched in four communities and over 1,000 3-K seats expanded across 56 zip codes, advancing universal child care.
- Emergency Executive Order No. 2.13 extended for five days to operate temporary housing facilities for new arrivals, requiring a plan to phase out reliance on suspended laws.
- Statement issued reacting to State's One-House Budget Resolutions, praising efforts on fiscal deficit, fare-free bus pilot extension, and universal childcare support, while advocating for mayoral control.
- Two individuals arrested for deploying improvised explosive devices, containing TATP, at a protest outside Gracie Mansion, with a third device found in their vehicle, in an incident investigated as ISIS-inspired terrorism.
- Statement released responding to federal indictments of Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi on terrorism charges and allegiance to ISIS, emphasizing accountability and public safety.
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Week of March 2, 2026
- White supremacist protest outside Gracie Mansion condemned by Mayor Mamdani, who denounced an attempted explosive device and thanked NYPD.
- Police Officer Sorffly Davius, who died after a medical episode with the U.S. Army National Guard, mourned by Mayor Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch.
- Longstanding sidewalk sheds targeted for removal, especially at NYCHA developments, with new initiatives including $650 million for NYCHA façade repairs and Department of Buildings rule changes for less frequent inspections and reduced shed coverage.
- Emergency Executive Order No. 1.12 extended for five days, continuing suspension of certain Department of Correction compliance requirements and mandating regular updates on actions to achieve compliance.
- Emergency Executive Order No. 2.12 extended for five days, continuing the state of emergency for temporary housing centers for new arrivals and requiring DSS/DHS updates on a phase-out plan for facilities operating under suspended regulations.
- State investments exceeding $8 billion over four years announced by Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul to expand universal child care and launch a 2-K program.
- Bellevue Shelter closing by end of April 2026 due to severe disrepair, relocating approximately 250 inhabitants while maintaining overall shelter bed capacity.
- $50 million capital investment committed to reconstruct 10 parks in underserved neighborhoods through the Community Parks Initiative, benefiting over 100,000 New Yorkers.
- Lawsuit filed by Mayor Mamdani and DCWP against Instant Recovery Corp. for alleged predatory tow truck practices, overcharging customers, and unlawful violations.
- Over 2,000 free 2-K child care seats for two-year-olds launched this fall in the first four communities across New York City.
- Kenny Minaya appointed Commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services (SBS).
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Week of February 23, 2026
- State of emergency first declared in September 2021 extended for 30 days, with the Department of Correction mandated to update on plans to restore compliance with suspended laws.
- State of emergency extended for 30 days due to a substantial increase in new arrivals requiring temporary housing, directing agencies to develop a plan to phase out facilities operating under suspended regulations.
- Local state of emergency for a winter weather event terminated, effective February 24, 2026.
- Travel ban lifted as of Monday 12 p.m., with NYC Public Schools reopening for in-person instruction on Tuesday.
- Expanded measures implemented to keep New Yorkers safe during a rapid temperature drop and Code Blue, including increased outreach for homeless individuals and opening warming centers.
- Diya Vij appointed Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs to extend the Mayor's affordability agenda to the arts.
- Erin Dalton appointed Commissioner of the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS).
- Sideya Sherman appointed City Planning Director and Chair, with Eric Enderlin and Edith Hsu-Chen reappointed to housing and city planning leadership roles.
- $20 million invested over three years for the Strong Foundations initiative, expanding perinatal and early childhood mental health programs for families.
- New Yorkers urged to apply for free Pre-K and 3-K programs by the February 27 deadline, emphasizing that every applicant will receive an offer regardless of income or immigration status.
- $4 million restoration of four historic Hunterfly Road Houses at the Weeksville Heritage Center completed, preserving one of the nation's oldest free Black communities.
- Over $21 billion in federal grants proposed to President Donald Trump for a historic affordable housing and infrastructure project at Sunnyside Yard, aiming to create 12,000 new affordable homes and 30,000 jobs.
- US and Israeli military strikes on Iran condemned as a catastrophic escalation, with enhanced patrols and direct reassurance for Iranian New Yorkers regarding their security within the city.
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Week of February 16, 2026
- A local state of emergency was declared due to a severe snowstorm, closing all NYC vehicular traffic from 9 p.m. February 22 to 12 p.m. February 23, with exemptions for essential services.
- A traditional 'snow day' was announced for all NYC public schools on Monday, February 23, due to an impending blizzard.
- A comprehensive snow response plan was released, detailing the deployment of thousands of sanitation workers and emergency shovelers, inter-agency coordination, and the activation of warming centers and Code Blue operations.
- The city's Protected Time Off Law was expanded for 4.3 million workers, adding 32 hours of unpaid leave upon hire and broadening eligible reasons for use, along with a new data-driven enforcement strategy.
- The first Expedited Land Use Review Procedure (ELURP) was initiated for affordable housing and resiliency projects, shortening review times from seven months to 90 days, including 84 affordable homes in the Bronx and a Staten Island resiliency acquisition.
- Compliance warnings were issued to nearly 200 NYC gyms about "subscription traps" and deceptive advertising related to membership cancellations.
- A new early childhood education center on the Upper East Side will open this fall, providing over 130 new Pre-K and 3-K seats.
- Emergency Executive Order No. 1.9 was issued, extending a previous order for five days and immediately reinstating several previously suspended procurement laws and regulations for the Department of Correction.
- Emergency Executive Order No. 2.9 was issued, extending Emergency Executive Order No. 2.8 for five days to continue the state of emergency for humanitarian relief centers, and mandating updates on phasing out facilities operating under suspended regulations.
- An update was provided on action plans for city jails and migrant shelters, including emergency executive orders to improve Rikers Island conditions and detail a plan to bring the shelter system into compliance.
- Ground was broken on Timbale Terrace, a 100% affordable housing development in East Harlem that will deliver 341 homes, including units for formerly homeless New Yorkers, and a new community arts center.
- Six new appointees, including a new Chair, were announced for the nine-member Rent Guidelines Board.
- Ana María Archila was appointed Commissioner for International Affairs and Faiza Ali was appointed Commissioner for Immigrant Affairs.
- The $127 billion Fiscal Year 2027 Preliminary Budget was released, addressing an inherited fiscal crisis by proposing either higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations or increased property taxes and reserve use.
- Christina Farrell was appointed Commissioner of New York City Emergency Management.
- $1.5 billion in New York State funding was announced with Governor Hochul over two years to help address New York City's fiscal challenges, including recurring allocations for youth programming, public health, and sales tax receipts.
- The Coney Island Business Improvement District was created, with an initial $1 million committed to support local small businesses and enhance community beautification and sanitation.
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Week of February 9, 2026
- New Coney Island Business Improvement District created, slated to be operational by July 2026 with a $1 million first-year operating budget.
- Emergency Executive Order No. 2.8 extends an emergency housing facility order for five days, requiring Department of Social Services and Department of Homeless Services to submit a phase-out plan by February 19, 2026.
- Emergency Executive Order No. 1.8 extends Department of Correction's compliance exemptions for five days, mandating a full compliance plan by February 19, 2026.
- Construction restarted on four previously halted bus and bike lane projects in the Bronx and Brooklyn, aiming to deliver faster service for 130,000 daily riders and improve traffic safety.
- Nadia Shihata nominated as Commissioner of the Department of Investigation, pending City Council confirmation.
- City's budget gap revised to $7 billion from an initial $12 billion, with proposed structural solutions including tax increases on the wealthy and corporations.
- Lisa Gelobter appointed Chief Technology Officer, Nisha Agarwal Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for People With Disabilities, and Lisa Scott-McKenzie Commissioner of the Department for the Aging.
- First-ever Rental Ripoff Hearings launched across all five boroughs, inviting tenants to share experiences to help shape future housing policy within 90 days.
- Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center opened in Flatbush, the first new Parks recreation center in over a decade and Brooklyn's largest, serving over 41,000 New Yorkers.
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Week of February 2, 2026
- Stricter enforcement for 250 most distressed apartment buildings initiated through the Alternative Enforcement Program.
- Shelter capacity, warming centers, and street outreach expanded in response to dangerously low temperatures.
- New 106-bed Safe Haven shelter opened in Lower Manhattan, operated by Breaking Ground, for vulnerable homeless New Yorkers.
- LinkNYC public service announcement rolled out urging homeless New Yorkers to use kiosks to call 311 or 911 for shelter during severe cold.
- Executive Order No. 13 issued protecting New Yorkers from abusive immigration enforcement by restricting non-local law enforcement's use of City property.
- First annual Interfaith Breakfast hosted on February 6, 2026, bringing together faith leaders from across the five boroughs.
- City's sanctuary status reaffirmed and expansive "Know Your Rights" push launched at the Interfaith Breakfast, distributing 30,000 multilingual flyers to protect immigrant New Yorkers.
- Special election proclaimed for April 28, 2026, in the 3rd Council district to fill Council Member Erik Bottcher's vacancy.
- Request for Information launched for new and existing 2-K and 3-K childcare providers, a first step towards universal childcare in New York City.
- Emergency Executive Order No. 2.6 issued, extending a previous order for five days and requiring a plan by February 19, 2026, to phase out temporary housing facilities.
- Emergency Executive Order No. 1.6 issued, extending a temporary suspension of Department of Correction regulations for five days and requiring a compliance plan by February 19, 2026.
- $38.4 million investment announced with NYCHA to install clean heat pumps in 712 homes at Beach 41st Street Houses as part of the "Clean Heat for All" initiative.
- Phylisa Wisdom appointed as the new Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism.
- NYC Free Tax Prep initiative launched with DCWP and NYC Health + Hospitals, offering free tax preparation services and an expanded crackdown on deceptive practices by paid tax preparers.
- David N. Dinkins Municipal Building cupola will open for first-ever free public tours starting in June, following a $6 million improvement project.
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Week of January 26, 2026
- Free admission to the Louis Armstrong House Museum offered on February 7 to kick off Black History Month and ensure accessibility for all New Yorkers.
- Emergency expansion of new single-room shelter units in Upper Manhattan announced for homeless New Yorkers, available tomorrow, to serve individuals reluctant to use traditional shared shelters during extreme cold.
- Five new appointments to lead core city agencies made, including Dr. Alister Martin as Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene and Stanley Richards as Commissioner of Correction, the first formerly incarcerated individual in that role.
- Snow removal operations updated, detailing 23 million pounds of snow melted, 116 million pounds of salt used, and thousands of city workers deployed.
- $5 million settlement reached with Uber Eats, Fantuan, and HungryPanda for minimum pay violations, with Uber agreeing to reinstate up to 10,000 wrongfully deactivated food delivery workers.
- State of emergency regarding Department of Correction compliance extended, ordering DOC to develop a plan for full compliance with applicable laws and regulations by February 19, 2026.
- State of emergency for Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers extended for 30 days, mandating a plan by February 19, 2026, to phase out facilities relying on suspended regulations.
- Over 50,000 applications submitted for 3-K and Pre-K programs; eligible families encouraged to apply before the February 27th deadline.
- $12 billion budget shortfall for FY2026 and FY2027 detailed as the 'Adams Budget Crisis,' with plans to balance by taxing the wealthy and corporations.
- Executive Order 12 signed, mandating each city agency appoint a Chief Savings Officer to identify and implement recurring budget savings within 45 days to address the city's $12 billion deficit.
- Sharun Goodwin, Yume Kitasei, and Lisa Garcia appointed as Commissioners for the Department of Probation, Department of Citywide Administrative Services, and Department of Environmental Protection, respectively.
- Video released urging New Yorkers to take precautions during life-threatening cold, highlighting expanded warming centers, relaxed shelter intake, and enhanced outreach efforts.
- Five new appointments and re-appointments to key city offices made, including the creation of the city's first 'World Cup Czar' for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- New York City public schools returned to in-person learning on Tuesday, January 27, following a one-day pivot to remote instruction.
- City's successful response to a major winter storm detailed, including ongoing cleanup, continued Code Blue protocols for the homeless, and efforts to restore all city services by tomorrow.
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Week of January 19, 2026
- Full citywide response mobilized, activating the Emergency Operations Center for an approaching major winter storm.
- Citywide response to a major winter storm included coordinating agency efforts, opening warming centers, and issuing safety advisories for New Yorkers.
- NYC Public Schools pivoted to remote instruction for Monday, January 26, due to extreme weather conditions.
- Emergency Executive Order No. 1.4 extended for five days, requiring the Department of Correction to submit a full compliance plan by February 19, 2026.
- Emergency Executive Order No. 2.4 extended for five days, mandating DSS and DHS submit a plan by February 19, 2026, to phase out facilities relying on suspended regulations for temporary housing.
- Quadrennial Advisory Commission formed with Speaker Julie Menin to review and recommend compensation changes for city elected officials and District Attorneys.
- Over $1 billion in state funding announced to expand universal child care for 2- and 3-year-olds; commitment to New York City's sanctuary policies reiterated.
- Two new "Elevate You" clinics launched at NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull and Queens with $4 million from MetroPlusHealth to provide comprehensive healthcare for young people aged 16 to 25.
- Hidden hotel fees and unexpected credit card holds banned via a DCWP final rule, effective February 21, 2026.
- Statement issued on Governor Hochul’s budget proposal, commending early childhood education investments and advocating for increased contributions from wealthy individuals and corporations.
- Just Home Supportive Housing Initiative restarted, reversing previous administration's block, creating 83 affordable homes for formerly incarcerated New Yorkers with medical needs at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi.
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Week of January 12, 2026
- Tricia Shimamura appointed Commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, bringing extensive experience in public service and infrastructure projects.
- Historic $2.1 million settlement reached with A&E Real Estate to address tenant harassment and correct over 4,000 hazardous building violations across 14 buildings.
- Emergency Executive Order 1.2 extends a previous order for five days, mandating the Department of Correction submit a plan by February 19, 2026, for full compliance with currently waived laws.
- Emergency Executive Order 2.2 extends a previous emergency order for five days, mandating the Department of Social Services and Homeless Services submit a plan by February 19, 2026, to phase out facilities operating under suspended laws.
- Afua Atta-Mensah appointed Chief Equity Officer and Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Equity & Racial Justice, committing to publish a Preliminary Citywide Racial Equity Plan within 100 days.
- NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection sued delivery app Motoclick and its CEO for egregious violations of delivery worker laws, warning other apps to comply with new worker protection laws taking effect January 26.
- Executive Order 11 directs city agencies to inventory fees and civil penalties impacting small businesses, assess permit wait times, and propose actions including eliminating certain initial fees.
- 3-K and Pre-K applications launched, open until February 27, 2026, encouraging families to apply via myschools.nyc, phone, or Family Welcome Centers.
- Midori Valdivia nominated as Chair and Commissioner of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, bringing extensive experience in transportation policy and operations with a focus on worker-centered policies.
- Rafael Espinal appointed Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment to support NYC's creative economy and ensure artists can afford to live and work in the city.
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Week of January 5, 2026
- $4 million committed to expand public bathroom access citywide via an RFP for modular restrooms, with a new facility confirmed for West Harlem this year.
- Emergency Executive Order 1.1 extended for five days, requiring the Department of Correction to submit a plan by February 19, 2026, for full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Emergency Executive Order 2.1 extended for five days, mandating DSS and DHS to submit a plan by February 19, 2026, to phase out reliance on suspended laws for temporary housing facilities.
- Free universal childcare for two-year-olds launched in NYC with Governor Hochul, expanding access to affordable childcare for children under five statewide through significant state investments.
- 1,500 free tickets given away for the Under the Radar Theater Festival to promote arts accessibility for New Yorkers.
- Anna Bahr appointed Communications Director and Joe Calvello Press Secretary, among other senior communications hires for City Hall.
- Simonia Brown appointed Senior Advisor for Policy and Strategy to advance the Mayor's affordability agenda.
- Christine Clarke appointed Chair of the New York City Commission on Human Rights to enforce the NYC Human Rights Law.
- 2025 marked the safest year ever for gun violence in NYC, with the fewest shooting incidents and victims on record, and a 3% decrease in overall major crime.
- Two emergency executive orders signed, directing city agencies to develop compliance plans for Board of Corrections' Minimum Standards, implement Local Law 42 banning solitary confinement, and adhere to city shelter laws.
- Executive Orders 09 and 10 signed to combat junk fees and deceptive subscription practices, establishing a Citywide Junk Fee Task Force and directing the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection to enforce compliance.
- Executive Order 08 issued to protect tenants from abusive landlord practices, establishing public hearings across the five boroughs and prioritizing enforcement of tenant protection laws.
- Three new judges, Cary Fischer, Natalie Barros, and Andrés Casas, appointed, along with 9 reappointments to Criminal and Family Courts.
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Week of December 29, 2025
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani delivered his Inaugural Address on January 1, 2026, outlining a vision for expansive government committed to safety, affordability, and abundance for all New Yorkers.
- Executive Order 01 continued pre-September 26, 2024 executive orders and revoked those issued on or after that date, effective December 31, 2025, excluding emergency orders.
- Executive Order 02 reorganized the Mayor's Office, establishing five Deputy Mayors with defined portfolios and outlining senior staff responsibilities.
- Mike Flynn appointed Commissioner for the New York City Department of Transportation as Mayor Mamdani's first official act.
- Dina Levy appointed Housing Commissioner; "Rental Ripoff" hearings formed across all five boroughs via executive order for New Yorkers to report poor housing conditions and unfair practices.
- Mayor's Office to Protect Tenants revitalized via executive orders, and Cea Weaver appointed as Director.
- Land Inventory Fast Track (LIFT) Task Force established via Executive Order 04 to identify city-owned land for at least 25,000 new housing units over ten years.
- Streamlining Procedures to Expedite Equitable Development (SPEED) Task Force established via Executive Order 05 to streamline administrative and permitting processes for affordable housing.
- NYC Department of Transportation to complete McGuinness Boulevard redesign, installing parking-protected bike lanes along its full length with one travel lane, one parking-protected bike lane, and one vehicular parking and loading lane in each direction.
- Office of Mass Engagement (OME) established via Executive Order to transform public participation in city government, with Tascha Van Auken appointed Commissioner.
- Ali Najmi appointed Chair of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary, with an executive order signed to increase transparency in judicial selection.
- U.S. strikes in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro for planned imprisonment in NYC condemned by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, prioritizing the safety of New Yorkers, especially the Venezuelan community.
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