NYC Commission to Strengthen Local Democracy Releases Preliminary Report and Announces Future Hearings

Staff Recommends Further Testimony Be Heard on Several Transparency and Accountability Measures

New York, NY—The staff of the New York City Commission to Strengthen Local Democracy has released its Preliminary Staff Report, providing feedback to the Commission on an ambitious, community-driven blueprint to reform City governance and increase public trust through targeted updates to the New York City Charter.

Following months of public outreach — including borough-wide hearings and conversations with advocacy groups, government organizations, legal experts, and everyday New Yorkers — the Commission's findings emphasize the urgent need to reinforce independent oversight agencies, improve budget transparency, and modernize the City's accountability systems.

Findings and recommendations to hear further testimony include:

· Independent Oversight Agencies: The report recommends hearing further testimony on the structure and operations of oversight agencies such as the Conflicts of Interest Board (COIB), the Department of Investigation (DOI), and the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB). Areas for public input could include independent, guaranteed budgets, diversified appointment powers, stronger removal protections, and safeguards against political interference.

· Advice & Consent Powers: The report encourages gathering additional public testimony on the potential expansion of City Council advice and consent authority to cover more high-level appointments—including the Police Commissioner and other key agency heads—to explore the implications for public transparency, qualified leadership, and accountability.

· Budget Transparency and Financial Autonomy: Further testimony is recommended on measures to improve budget transparency and financial independence for oversight agencies. Topics could include procurement processes, restrictions on the impoundment of funds, and the development of independent or hybrid budgeting models to reduce reliance on City Hall.

· Oversight of Mayoral Authority: The report advises hearing further testimony and public feedback on oversight mechanisms relating to mayoral vetoes and emergency powers and establishing clear, locally driven processes for mayoral removal in cases of severe misconduct.

· Improvements to Land Use Processes: The committee recommends hearing further testimony about strengthening the Fair Housing Framework Law and Community Planning process, improving the pre-ULURP certification period, and increasing oversight over City office space acquisition.

Commission Co-Chair Arva Rice, CEO of the New York Urban League and lifelong equity advocate, said: "This report is about power—who has it, who should have it, and how we ensure that power is accountable to the people of this City. We heard from New Yorkers who said they want a City government that works for them, not around them. This report is a strong first step in making that vision real."

Commission Co-Chair Henry Garrido, Executive Director of DC 37, the City's largest municipal employee union, said: "When we strengthen oversight, improve public participation, and demand transparency from government, we strengthen democracy itself. These reforms are not abstract — they directly impact communities that have too often been ignored or marginalized in decision-making. This work is about making government fairer, more equitable, and more responsive for every New Yorker."

Commission Executive Director Danielle Castaldi-Micca: "Even in the greatest city in the world there are no shortage of ways in which we can strive for improvement. This report marks a crucial step in renewing public trust in government and ensuring the structures of our City remain transparent, equitable, and accountable to New Yorkers. We urge experts, advocates and every day New Yorkers to provide their feedback at future hearings as we finalize these critical Charter reform proposals."

What’s Next:
The Commission will hold its second round of public hearings in the coming weeks to gather further feedback on these proposals and additional ideas from the public. Upcoming hearing topics include Budget Transparency, Government Accountability, and Land Use — to be held across the five boroughs, both in-person and via Zoom, with translation and ASL services provided.

Upcoming Hearings

Tuesday, April 29

Budget Transparency

5-7 PM

Flushing Library, Meeting Rooms A&B

41-17 Main Street, Flushing

Tuesday, May 6

Government Accountability

5-7 PM

Restoration Plaza, Multi-Purpose Room

1368 Fulton Avenue, Brooklyn

Monday, May 12

Land Use

5-7 PM

Bronx Museum of the Arts

1040 Grand Concourse, 2nd Floor, Bronx

Wednesday, May 14

Budget Transparency

5-7 PM

Staten Island Museum at Snug Harbor

1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A, Staten Island

Monday, May 19

Government Accountability

5-7 PM

John Jay College

524 West 59th Street, Manhattan

Visit our website at www.thecommission.nyc to register to testify.

About the Commission:

The Commission was created to comprehensively review the City Charter and recommend reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and strengthen local democracy. The 17-member Commission includes appointees from every borough-wide elected office, the Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, and City Council Speaker, ensuring broad representation of New York's diverse communities.

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