Commission will seek to re-establish strong standards for Charter revision process, prioritizing extensive public input from New Yorkers and comprehensive policy reviews
On Wednesday, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams will introduce legislation to establish a new Charter Revision Commission (CRC) that prioritizes improving city government and transparency and restoring public confidence in local democracy. The authorizing legislation would include safeguards for the proposed commission and seeks to re-establish a good government model for CRCs. In contrast to the recently empaneled commission by Mayor Adams that rushed completion of the process in less than two months, the proposed legislation would provide at least eight months for the commission’s work before its earliest submission of proposals for a General Election in 2025 and up to 20 months for the 2026 General Election. It would prohibit registered lobbyists from serving as members, provide representation for all city elected officials, and prioritize thorough public engagement, review and transparency, unlike Mayor Adams’ recent commission. The mayor’s commission, by contrast, was comprised of only his appointees and included registered lobbyists. It advanced Proposals 2 – 6 to this year’s General Election ballot by approving specific proposals less than two days after their release without any opportunity for public input.
“Charter Revision Commissions present unique opportunities to present ideas, engage New Yorkers, and advance proposals that improve city government, making it more responsive to the needs of our communities,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The goal of this legislation is to establish a commission that restores model standards for how to transparently and inclusively revise the City Charter – our vital constitution – through transparent consideration of thoughtful proposals. After the Mayor’s rushed commission undermined norms of good governance and now seeks to mislead New Yorkers via Proposals 2 – 6 on this year’s ballot, it is crucial to prevent this anomaly from becoming a new baseline that normalizes attacks to weaken our local democracy. I look forward to uniting all stakeholders and New Yorkers to advance a process that prioritizes strengthening our city rather than political gamesmanship. The last several months have negatively impacted public trust in city government and it is essential for us to rebuild that critical bond with New Yorkers.”
CRCs prior to the one created by Mayor Adams this year have advanced meaningful reforms, such as 2018 and 2019 changes to the oversight authority of the Civilian Complaint Review Board, reforms to Conflict of Interest laws and community boards, and improvements to government transparency related to the budget and other issues. The commission, proposed for creation by the Speaker’s legislation, would continue this legacy by advancing a mission to democratically develop, review and advance reforms that strengthen city government.
The Commission proposed by the Council legislation would be authorized to submit ballot proposals no later than the General Election of 2026. The Commission would be composed of 17 members, with nine members appointed by the Speaker and the remaining members each appointed by the Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, and five Borough Presidents. The commission would be authorized to “conduct an extensive outreach campaign that solicits ideas and recommendations form a wide variety of civic and community leaders, and which encourages the public to participate…”
A Charter Revision Commission is a major process to change the City’s constitution, known as the City Charter. It requires a full review of the City Charter, and the standard has been to develop proposals that improve government. However, Mayor Adams’ recent CRC seemed to operate solely in service to his Administration’s political agenda in ways that could undermine checks-and-balances in city government and circumvent the legislative process. This has highlighted the need to re-establish a model with strong standards for how future commissions should operate. The commission proposed by the Council’s legislation would focus on restoring best practices and integrity for Charter reviews, rebuilding public trust, and enhancing city government’s effectiveness and transparency.
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