“New York City government isn't known for cutting red tape. But this week, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani (yes, the democratic socialist) announced more than 50 reforms that would eliminate unnecessary regulations and high permitting and licensing fees for small businesses.

The reforms, unveiled on Monday, cover a variety of small business issues, from outdoor dining rules to pawnbroker licenses. During a speech in the Bronx, Mamdani announced that the city would work with the state to eliminate the frozen dessert permit, which requires restaurants that already have food permits to 'seek out a superfluous second permit for what they're already doing.'

He also said the current state of regulatory affairs for barbershops is 'anti-fade,' as shop owners must obtain three different permits to operate their business. Mamdani announced the city would work with the state to streamline those permits as well. Among dozens of other reforms, the Mamdani administration will also reduce street fair vendor permit fees, speed up restaurant inspections, and cut equipment registration fees from $110 to $0 for 12 months…

In addition to these proposed regulatory changes, Mamdani signed an executive order on Monday creating a task force of city agencies that will continue to identify opportunities for reform.”

From Reason.

“Amazon's Zoox unit has won U.S. approval for limited commercial deployment of its novel steering-wheel-free robotaxis, ​a first for the autonomous ride industry, the U.S. auto safety agency said on Thursday.

Zoox said that the National Highway Traffic Safety ‌Administration's decision gives the company federal approval to begin charging for rides, and that it will soon begin charging for service, first in Las Vegas, with additional markets to follow as it completes various state requirements.

The exemption granted by the agency from federal rules requiring human controls, first reported by Reuters, marks a milestone for companies developing robotaxis from the ground up, ​rather than modifying conventional cars under safety regulations written long before self-driving technology emerged.”

From Reuters.

“California-based delivery platform DoorDash has launched its own drone delivery business after securing regulatory approval to operate commercial drone services in the United States.

The company has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 135 air carrier certification, allowing it to launch DoorDash Air, an in-house drone programme developed by its robotics division, DoorDash Labs. Alongside operating the service, DoorDash is also developing its own aircraft for local deliveries.

The approval makes DoorDash one of only a handful of drone operators in the US authorised to run commercial delivery services under its own certificate.”

From Zag Daily.

“Ecuador and Canada signed a free trade ​agreement on Friday, Ecuador's ‌government said, adding the deal will allow 99.6% of its ​exportable goods to enter ​Canada duty-free once it takes ⁠effect.”

From Reuters.