Politics

City Council Approves Long Island City Infrastructure Bond for Transit and Workforce Programs

The measure directs $85 million toward subway station upgrades and job training sites that serve residents who rely on local transit and employment services.

By Long Island City Policy Desk · Published July 8, 2026

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The Long Island City City Council on July 7 approved a bond authorization of $85 million to fund transit infrastructure upgrades and expanded workforce development sites. The package covers station improvements along the 7 line and new training facilities operated through the city's existing Economic Development Corporation programs. It takes effect for projects scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Council records show the vote followed a public hearing on May 12 where residents raised concerns about aging platforms at the Court Square station and limited access to certified training programs for construction and logistics roles. The approved language requires 40 percent of construction contracts to go to firms based in Queens Community District 2.

Changes to Local Transit and Training Access

Residents who commute daily via the 7 train will see platform extensions and new elevators at two stations inside Long Island City. The same bond allocates $22 million for a workforce center on 21st Street that will offer certification courses in partnership with the New York City Department of Small Business Services. Local advocates note the center will replace temporary pop-up training sessions that operated out of rented space near Queens Plaza.

City budget documents list the infrastructure portion at $63 million, with the remainder assigned to equipment purchases and instructor salaries for the training programs. The legislation states that the Economic Development Corporation must report quarterly on enrollment numbers and job placement rates starting in January 2027.

Next Steps for Implementation

Procurement for the first station upgrades is expected to open in September 2026, according to the council's project timeline. The workforce center site selection will be finalized by the end of August after review by the Department of City Planning. Residents can submit comments on the proposed locations through the city's standard public input portal until July 31.

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