With Continued Lack of Clarity in ThriveNYC Spending and Purpose, Comptroller Stringer Issues Recommendations to Improve Accounting, Transparency and Outcomes for New Yorkers

Ahead of Budget Testimony, Comptroller Urges ThriveNYC to Take Steps to Strengthen Public Confidence that Funds Reach Communities in Need

  New York City Comptroller Stringer today issued a letter to ThriveNYC Senior Advisor and Director Susan Herman expressing continued concern over the lack of clarity in the $850 million program’s spending and purpose, and issuing recommendations to improve accounting, transparency and outcomes for New Yorkers. The Comptroller previously requested comprehensive ThriveNYC records to look into the program’s finances and outcomes and ensure the best use of taxpayer funds. Based on a review of this information and in coordination with FY 2020 Budget testimony, the Comptroller issued these preliminary conclusions and recommendations, and urged the Office of ThriveNYC to take concrete steps to improve the foundation for comprehensive mental health care and strengthen the public’s confidence that taxpayer dollars are reaching communities in need.

“Providing comprehensive mental health care must be a critical priority for our City, and I commend the City for prioritizing an issue that for too long has been neglected, and working to reduce stigma and to help New Yorkers access the care they need. But the provision of these services cannot come at the expense of transparency and oversight, and without the public’s trust that these dollars are being spent effectively, the program cannot achieve its goals,” said Comptroller Stringer. “I am urging the Office of ThriveNYC to follow these recommendations to ensure public confidence in the integrity and efficacy of these programs and to provide comprehensive mental health care to our communities in need.”

The Comptroller issued the following overarching recommendations:

Define the Purpose and Structure of ThriveNYC and the City’s Mental Health Services

Given the shifting list of ThriveNYC programs over time, program leadership must demonstrate a clear definition of the program’s purpose and criteria, and its place within the larger framework of the City’s mental health services. The Comptroller recommends the Office of ThriveNYC conduct and make public a comprehensive evaluation of existing mental health services, clarifying how ThriveNYC, as an umbrella framework, adds value to mental health programs and is filling gaps in existing mental health services. This evaluation should include a clear delineation of the criteria for what programs are and are not part of ThriveNYC, and clarify the role of the Office of ThriveNYC and its relationship with City agencies in the oversight and operation of mental health services.

Track and Publicly Report the Outcomes of ThriveNYC Programs

Among the 41 ThriveNYC initiatives presented in the updated budget provided to the Comptroller’s Office in March, fewer than half have completed or planned evaluations, and only 12 currently have reported outcome measures. It is critical that the Administration track and publicly report the outcomes of ThriveNYC programs. The Comptroller recommends the Office of ThriveNYC not only fulfill its stated goal of releasing outcome measures for all programs in June, but also publicly release the full evaluation framework it is employing, and regularly update all outcome and other measures on the ThriveNYC website, on a consistent schedule, and publicly release all findings of external evaluations of the program’s efficacy.

Accurately Track and Report ThriveNYC Spending

When reviewing the documents provided, the Comptroller’s Office found numerous inconsistencies within the budget information the Administration provided. The Comptroller recommends the Office of ThriveNYC make available a clear and accurate accounting of ThriveNYC spending on a regular schedule, preferably quarterly.

The Comptroller’s full ten letter is available here.