New York City Council’s 2021 Charter meeting, the Council will vote on the appointment of several new committee chairs.

 

The Council will vote to appoint Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson to serve as chair of the Committee on Oversight and Investigations. She is replacing former Council Member Ritchie Torres, now a representative for the 15th Congressional District. Council Member Gibson is currently chair of the Subcommittee on Capital Budget and Finance, a role she will be transitioning out of, and co-chair of the Women’s Caucus. The Committee on Oversight and Investigations has jurisdiction over investigating matters within the Council’s jurisdiction concerning property, affairs, or government of New York City, as well as the Department of Investigation.

The Council will also vote to appoint Council Member Helen Rosenthal to serve as chair of the Subcommittee on Capital Budget and Finance. Council Member Rosenthal will replace Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson as chair. Council Member Rosenthal is currently chair of the Committee on Women and Gender Equity, a role she will be transitioning out of. The Subcommittee on Capital Budget and Finance plays a critical role in the planning of the city’s budget and fiscal policy decisions. 

The Council will also vote to appoint Council Member Darma V. Diaz to serve as chair of the Committee on Women and Gender Equity. Council Member Diaz will replace Council Member Helen Rosenthal as chair. The Committee on Women and Gender Equity has jurisdiction over issues relating to advancing the economic mobility, social inclusion, leadership and civic participation of women and girls, domestic violence, Office to End Gender-Based Violence and the Commission on Gender Equity. 

The Council will also vote to appoint Council Member Diana Ayala to serve as chair of the Committee on Consumer Affairs and Business Licensing. Council Member Ayala is currently chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addictions, a role she will be transitioning out of, and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. The Committee on Consumer Affairs and Business Licensing has jurisdiction over New York City’s Department of Consumer Affairs and Office of Nightlife, including practices and policies relating to New Yorkers’ consumer rights. 

The Council will also vote to appoint Council Member Farah N. Louis to serve as chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities and Addictions. Council Member Louis will replace current Council Member Diana Ayala as chair. Council Member Louis is currently vice co-chair for the Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus (BLAC) and co-chair for the Women’s Caucus. The Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities and Addictions has jurisdiction over the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. 

The Council will also vote to appoint Council Member Kevin C. Riley to serve as chair of the Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sitings, and Dispositions. The Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sitings, and Dispositions reviews and makes recommendations on New York City’s designations of property as landmarks or historic districts, as well as decisions to site public facilities and decisions regarding the use of maritime facilities such as piers.