Street Vendor Project

The Street Vendor Project (SVP) is an 850-member grassroots advocacy organization for street vendors in New York City. It is part of the Urban Justice Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves New York’s most marginalized populations.⁸

Background and Mission

SVP provides legal representation to its members and educates them about the vending regulations and how to stand up for their rights.¹ It also conduct studies showing what an important role vendors play in the economy and life of New York.²

SVP advocates for more licenses and permits: city caps have created 25-year waiting lists that prevent many people from working legally.³ SVP has also rallied against excessive ticketing and high fines (up to $1,000) that street vendors are required to pay for minor violations, such as vending more than 18 inches from the curb.⁴

Activities

Among other victories, SVP worked with the New York Attorney General’s office in 2004 to recover $450,000 in overtime for hot dog sellers in Central Park.⁵ In 2008, SVP forced the city to provide court translators for street vendors and other small business owners who do not speak English.⁶

Each year, SVP puts on the Vendy Awards, a fundraiser and celebration of vendor culture where prizes are given to the top street chefs in the city.⁷ The awards were founded by SVP director Sean Basinski.