City leaders are putting a new twist on the enormously successful 1970s mantra and Big Apple logo I ♥ NY.
The latest campaign, which was announced in Times Square by Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul Monday morning, is being tagged “We ♥ NYC” and aims to promote tourism, small businesses and civic engagement.
The campaign, which is being privately funded and will be ongoing, will involve programs to boost the vitality of the city and get the message out that New York City has reemerged from the pandemic and is as vibrant as ever. The campaign involves promotions to help restaurants and entrepreneurs thrive, to a competition sponsored by the MTA where straphangers can vote for their favorite subway performer similar to its popular MTA Music program.
“From its iconic views and vibrant arts and culture to its thriving businesses and world-class cuisine, New York City represents some of the best that our state has to offer,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul in a statement. “This We ♥ NYC campaign will help to capture that energy and preserve the city’s spirit by encouraging New Yorkers of every background to come together, get involved, and make a positive change in their community.”
The campaign also focuses on volunteerism and urges New Yorkers to get involved in community service.
To that end, the NYC Department of Sanitation will be organizing community cleanups across the five boroughs, while the NYC Parks Dept. will be holding similar events.
“This city overcame the darkest days of the pandemic because of the selfless work of everyday New Yorkers, and if each of us gives just one hour a week in an act of service, the result will be transformative,” Adams said. “The ‘We ♥ NYC’ campaign asks everyone who loves the greatest city in the world to show it by lending a helping hand and spreading that love to every block across all five boroughs.”
The campaign is supported by contributions from more 60 businesses and individuals, primarily representing the big names in real estate, insurance, media and finance.
The campaign’s launch in Times Square Monday was produced by the Broadway League and featured a performance by Anna Uzele, a star of the upcoming Broadway musical “New York, New York,” which features the iconic title song written by John Kander and Fred Ebb that is known across the globe.
The Empire State Building will shine heartbeat red Monday night with a red ‘We ♥ NYC’ in its mast.
New York City has a spirit unlike anywhere else in the world — it’s up to all of us to celebrate it and keep it alive! ❤️🗽
Learn more about #WeLoveNYC and meet New Yorkers who are making a positive difference in their communities: https://t.co/KFYARWbFKopic.twitter.com/9FXDSsUlsH
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) March 20, 2023
