File #: Int 0116-2018    Version: * Name: Establishing the office of civic engagement.
Type: Introduction Status: Filed (End of Session)
Committee: Committee on Governmental Operations
On agenda: 1/31/2018
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: A Local Law to amend the New York city charter, in relation to establishing the office of civic engagement
Sponsors: Brad S. Lander, Justin L. Brannan
Council Member Sponsors: 2
Summary: This local law will establish an Office of Civic Engagement that would develop policy, distribute funding, and coordinate agency action aimed at increasing public engagement in community and civic affairs. Specific areas of focus would include coordinating agency action to promote increased utilization of social services available to City residents, facilitating community service opportunities, and studying the implementation of pilot programs for the collaborative use of public land.
Indexes: Other Appointment Required
Attachments: 1. Summary of Int. No. 116, 2. Int. No. 116, 3. January 31, 2018 - Stated Meeting Agenda, 4. Hearing Transcript - Stated Meeting 01-31-2018, 5. Minutes of the Stated Meeting - January 31, 2018

Int. No. 116

 

By Council Members Lander and Brannan

 

A Local Law to amend the New York city charter, in relation to establishing the office of civic engagement

 

Be it enacted by the Council as follows:

 

Section 1. Chapter 1 of the New York city charter is amended by adding a new section 20-D to read as follows: 

§ 20-D Office of Civic Engagement.  a. The mayor shall establish an office of civic engagement. Such office may, but need not, be established in the executive office of the mayor, and may be established as a separate office within any other office of the mayor or within any department, the head of which is appointed by the mayor. Such office shall be headed by a coordinator who shall be appointed by the mayor or the head of such department.

b. Powers and duties.  The coordinator of the office of civic engagement shall:

1. advise the mayor, and any other elected city official upon request, in developing and implementing policy designed to increase public engagement in community and civic affairs;

2. advise and assist mayoral agencies in developing and implementing policy to: (a) increase utilization of social services offered by city agencies or not-for-profit organizations, (b) facilitate community service, volunteer, and student internship opportunities, and (c) establish programs that enable direct public input and participation in the repurposing of public space and infrastructure for collaborative community use; 

3. implement a community ambassador program that trains local resident volunteers to offer and provide within their communities  general assistance, information and referrals regarding available social services, and report hazards and emergencies to city agencies;  and

4. review budget requests of all agencies for programs related to increased civic engagement and recommend to the mayor budget priorities among such programs, and assist the mayor in prioritizing such requests.

§ 2. This local law takes effect 120 days after enactment. 

 

 

JDK/BJR

LS #3124 / Int. 1713/2017

LS # 345

12/18/17