New York City on Oct. 13 launched the "Debt Demolisher" program, which reduces unpaid city fines for small businesses and homeowners. The program waives accrued interest on Environmental Control Board (ECB) judgments, and applications will be accepted through Jan. 10, 2027.
New York City on Oct. 13 launched the "Debt Demolisher" program, which allows small businesses and homeowners to reduce and resolve debt stemming from city fines. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Department of Finance (DOF) Commissioner Richard Lee announced the program, which runs for 90 days, from Oct. 13 through Jan. 10, 2027. The city expects to collect about $25 million through the program.
The program covers finalized ECB judgments resulting from unpaid violation notices issued by agencies such as the Department of Sanitation, the Department of Buildings and the Department of Transportation. Participants will have their accrued interest waived. However, the city did not specify the reduction rate in its announcement. Participants must correct any violations from the agency linked to the judgment.
Not all judgments qualify. Excluded are judgments entered after July 15, 2026; judgments under settlement with the Sheriff's Office, city marshals, the city Law Department or their contractors; judgments imposed on the basis of citizen complaints, such as noise or idling; judgments for which an enforcement order has been issued to a sheriff or marshal; judgments that have been transferred to a tax lien; and judgments under criminal investigation.
Eligibility can be checked and judgments sorted out at nyc.gov/debtdemolisher. Residents can also call 311 or visit a DOF Business Center in person. Small businesses that need help correcting violations can get support from the NYC BEST team, led by the city's Department of Small Business Services (SBS).