New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani endorsed the Delivery Protection Act, a bill by Council Member Tiffany L. Caban that would require licensing and greater oversight of last-mile delivery facilities. The legislation specifically targets the Delivery Service Partner model used by Amazon, which officials and advocates say can obscure accountability for worker safety and conditions. Amazon warned the bill could put more than 5,000 jobs at risk and disrupt agreements with over 40 local DSPs; a coalition of roughly 50 small delivery firms has also opposed the measure. The City Council is continuing to review the proposal after a hearing earlier this year.
Mayor Mamdani Backs Delivery Protection Act, Urges Amazon To 'Follow The Rules' — Amazon Says Bill Could Risk 5,000+ Jobs
Zohran Mamdani Wants Amazon to Follow 'the Rules' as He Demands 'Accountability,' Backs Delivery Protection Act (UPDATED)
Editor's Note: This story was updated to include a comment from an Amazon spokesperson.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Monday publicly endorsed the Delivery Protection Act, a City Council proposal intended to strengthen protections for last-mile delivery workers. The bill — introduced by Council Member Tiffany L. Caban — would require operators of last-mile delivery facilities to obtain licenses from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, increasing municipal oversight of sites that prepare parcels for final delivery to customers.
What the Bill Targets
A central aim of the legislation is to address how major platforms rely on Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) — independent businesses that operate routes and employ drivers for companies like Amazon. Supporters argue the DSP model can obscure accountability for working conditions and safety in last-mile operations.
"If Amazon is delivering your packages, they should follow the same rules as any other delivery company," Mamdani said in an announcement posted to X on Aug. 10, 2026.
Amazon Pushes Back
Amazon has warned the measure could jeopardize thousands of local jobs. In comments to Benzinga, Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said the legislation could put more than 5,000 jobs at risk and invited City Council members to tour its delivery stations and meet with contractors before voting.
In testimony to city officials, Amazon said the bill could disrupt agreements with more than 40 local DSPs that employ thousands of New Yorkers. A coalition representing about 50 small delivery businesses has also opposed the bill, telling lawmakers it could harm family-owned companies that rely on Amazon contracts.
Context And Next Steps
Proponents say tighter oversight is needed: the New York City Comptroller's Office reports 18 last-mile delivery facilities opened in the city between 2017 and 2025. The Delivery Protection Act remains under review by the City Council following a hearing earlier this year.
The debate highlights a broader tension between regulating large tech-enabled logistics platforms and protecting small businesses and jobs that participate in their networks. Council members are expected to weigh the bill's worker-protection goals against the potential economic impacts raised by Amazon and local delivery operators.
Photo Courtesy: Ron Adar
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