New York City Comptroller Lander Announces Audits of City Agencies

 

New York City Comptroller Lander announced the release of several audits conducted by the Office of the New York City Comptroller’s Bureau of Audit.

The Comptroller’s office is responsible for conducting audits and analyses of City agencies to determine whether funds are expended or utilized efficiently and economically, and whether the desired goals, results, benefits, or agency programs are achieved. The recommendations included in these audits are designed to further the Comptroller’s mission to promote efficiency, integrity, and performance in City government for all New Yorkers. The Comptroller’s office monitors implementation of audit recommendations and conducts follow up audits to assess improvement. The Comptroller’s Audit Recommendations Tracker is available here.

The Comptroller announced the completion of the following audits and follow up audits:

FINANCIAL AUDITS 

New York City Emergency Management: Audit on Oversight of Its Agreement with SLSCO LP for Property Management Services at COVID-19 Vaccination Sites (Issued November 1, 2022) 

The Comptroller’s office found that New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) did not always ensure SLSCO LP’s compliance with performance standards set forth in its emergency agreement to manage property at New York City’s COVID-19 vaccination sites. Specifically, the audit found that NYCEM did not always properly document its monitoring of SLSCO and its subcontractors’ performance. The audit also found instances of double billing, calculation errors, and use of incorrect rates in SLSCO’s invoices, resulting in $136,468 in overpayments, and an additional $23,861 paid to SLSCO without supporting documentation.

Educational Construction Fund: Audit Report on Oversight of Its Lease Agreements with the East 57th Street Project (Issued October 13, 2022)

The Comptroller’s office found that ECF generally had adequate oversight over the lessees’ compliance with the Ground Leases, the Residential Condominium Section Ancillary Agreement (RCS Agreement), and the Recurring Revenue Ancillary Agreement (collectively, Lease Agreements) and that the project’s lessees generally paid ECF in accordance with the lease terms. However, the financial interests of the City of New York (the City) were not fully safeguarded because ECF waived $30,346 in late fees that were legitimately due and owing.

Analysis of the Financial and Operating Practices of Union-Administered Benefit Funds’ Fiscal Year 2020 (Issued October 6, 2022) 

Of the 106 funds, our office identified 15 benefit funds with more than one potential area of concern, none at-risk of financial insolvency. The Comptroller’s office will conduct follow-up meetings with the funds with potential risk factors to discuss the identified conditions and consider potential follow-up audits.  The Office of Labor Relations should also review and follow up on the potential financial issues identified in this report. These financial risks fall into four categories:

• Funds operating at a deficit, due to expenses that exceeded revenues, which reduced their available reserves;
• Administrative expenses that exceeded 30% of the average for that category of fund;
• Benefit expenses that were 20% lower than the average for that category of fund; and

• Operating surpluses that resulted in higher-than-average reserves.

In addition to the financial issues identified above, the review also identified the following concerns:

• 18 funds received “qualified” opinions from their independent auditors.
• 51 funds did not submit their Directive #12 reports within the prescribed time frame.
• 57 funds did not use a certified public accountant (CPA) firm listed on the Comptroller’s prequalified list as recommended by Directive #12 to audit their financial statements.

• 1 fund continues to delay benefit eligibility for new members in violation of its agreement with the City of New York.

MANAGEMENT AUDITS  

New York City Department of Education: Follow-up Audit Report on the Safety Measures Implemented in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic (Issued November 1, 2022) 

This follow-up audit assessed the New York City Department of Education’s implementation of recommendations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. The Comptroller’s office conducted the audit to determine whether the Department of Education (DOE) established benchmarks for meeting standards of in-person instruction and assessed whether DOE monitored compliance with those standards. The audit found that although DOE established such benchmarks, it produced insufficient evidence to reasonably ensure that the agency carried out its COVID-19 procedures on a consistent basis in hundreds of individual schools throughout the city. The audit was particularly concerned with benchmarks related to cleaning, disinfection, and air quality.

Drawing from health protocols established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and New York State, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and DOE jointly created guidance for DOE’s schools to follow in preparing to offer in-person instruction. This follow-up audit found that of the seven recommendations made in the initial audit, five are no longer applicable given the CDC’s relaxed restrictions relating to COVID-19. Of the remaining two recommendations, one was implemented, and one was in the process of being implemented.

New York City Department of Youth and Community Development: Follow-up Audit Report on Oversight and Monitoring of Its Crisis Shelters (Issued October 26, 2022) 

The initial audit, released in 2019, found that the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) did not have adequate controls over the agency’s monitoring of the contracted crisis shelters in several key areas. Most notably, the audit found  inadequate supervisory reviews of the program managers’ site visit reports on the crisis shelters, a lack of evidence that DYCD appropriately informed crisis shelters of the results of the site visits, and, in some instances, crisis shelters’ personnel files showed that the required Statewide Central Registry of Child Abuse and Maltreatment clearances and criminal background checks were not completed until after employees’ start dates.

This follow-up audit found that DYCD has improved its oversight of crisis shelters to help ensure compliance with key provisions of their contracts and with applicable rules and regulations. Of the seven recommendations made in the initial audit, this follow-up audit found that five have been implemented and two have been partially implemented.

Department of Buildings: Follow-up Audit Report on Controls Over Field Inspectors (Issued October 13, 2022) 

This follow-up to a 2018 audit found that DOB has improved its controls over inspectors to be reasonably assured that inspections are being performed in an appropriate manner and that the results are properly reported and recorded. Of the 13 recommendations made in the initial audit, this follow-up audit found that five have been implemented, one has been partially implemented, two are in the process of being implemented, and five are no longer applicable.

New York City Housing Authority: Audit Report on Controls over the Installation of Roof Top Fans at NYCHA Buildings (Issued September 30, 2022) 

The Comptroller’s office found that NYCHA generally maintained adequate controls over the vendors’ installation of the roof top fans. NYCHA monitored the installations and took steps to combat the delays, including the use of emergency contracts to attract qualified vendors; mobilized its asbestos team to identify the fans throughout the developments where asbestos remediation efforts were needed and took corrective action; and negotiated with manufacturers to improve lead times and establish direct communication to minimize delays and to reduce the time between manufacturing and shipment.

In addition, the auditors found that NYCHA should update its written procedures for certifying that work is completed in a satisfactory manner prior to issuing payments. A review of 20 sampled invoices showed that an inspector signed all associated SOS forms, however, only one was dated. Without requiring a sign-off date, NYCHA has limited assurance that payments are made after staff confirms that the work reflected on the invoices has been satisfactorily completed.

AUDIT LETTER & SPECIAL REPORTS  

Conflict of Interest Board: Follow-up Audit Report on Oversight over Collection and Reporting of Enforcement Fines (Issued October 27, 2022) 

The audit found that two recommendations from the initial audit in 2017 have been implemented, one has not been implemented, and one is no longer applicable. The auditors were unable to verify the implementation status of the remaining two recommendations because of insufficient evidence.

Department of Consumer and Worker Protection: Follow-up Audit Report on Enforcement of the New York City Earned Sick Time Act (Issued October 13, 2022) 

The purpose of this audit was to assess the implementation status of recommendations issued to the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) in the Audit Report on the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection’s Enforcement of the New York City Earned Sick Time Act, issued on June 28, 2019. The Comptroller’s office determined that DCWP improved its monitoring of restitution and fine payments and intake, investigative, and litigation processes related to its enforcement of the City’s Paid Sick Leave Law. Of the 21 recommendations made in the initial audit in 2019, this follow-up audit found that 19 have been implemented and two are no longer applicable. This follow-up audit makes no new recommendations to DCWP.

Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in New York

 

The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of a civilian, who died on November 18, 2022, following an encounter with members of law enforcement in Inwood, Manhattan.

On the evening of November 18, members of a federal task force, including the New York City Police Department (NYPD) were present at a location on Vermilyea Avenue. Following a confrontation, NYPD officers fired their weapons and a civilian was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers recovered two firearms at the scene.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person, by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

These are preliminary facts and subject to change. 

Permits Filed For 2164 Hughes Avenue In Belmont, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a seven-story residential building at 2164 Hughes Avenue in Belmont, The Bronx. Located between East 181st and East 182nd Streets, the lot is near the 182-183 Streets subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. Nush Sukaj of NFS Development Corp. is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 64-foot-tall development will yield 21,339 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 32 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 667 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a 38-foot-long rear yard, seven open parking spaces, and three enclosed parking spaces.

Badaly Architects is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed in October for the two-family home on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Bronx House Turkey Giveaway by Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez, Bronx Borough President Vanesa Gibson, and Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez

 

It was a joint effort by City Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Assemblywoman and State Senator Elect Nathalia Fernandez, and the Carpenters Union that brought almost two-hundred turkeys to Bronx House located on Pelham Parkway South to give them out to the local community. 

The Chief of staff to Councilwoman Velazquez stood in for the councilwoman who was at City Hall for the Albanian Independence celebration started by her predecessor former Councilman Mark Gjonaj. Jeffrey Laufer the Director of External Affairs at the Borough Presidents office stood in for Bronx Borough President Vanesa Gibson. Current 80th Assemblywoman and State Senator elect for the 34th District Nathalia Fernandez was on hand, along with Joe Reilly the President of the Carpenters Local 45 with his Vice-President Dave Caraballoso to hand out the turkeys.  

Assemblywoman Fernandez and those 'in the Bronx House' set up the table full of turkeys to give away to those in the community. 

In a position reserved for borough presidents dating back to Ruben Diaz Jr., Assemblywoman Fernandez fits this large turkey in this woman wagon.

Director of External Affairs for Bronx Borough President Gibson Jeffrey Laufer wheels out some more turkeys from the back freezers. 

Assemblywoman Fernandez puts this large turkey in this woman wagon. 

A group holiday photo of the elected official's staffers and Carpenters Union leaders before all the turkeys were given out. 

Governor Hochul Announces Demobilization of State Emergency Response Assets and Personnel in Western New York and the North Country Following Historic Winter Storm

State Emergency Operations Center Deactivating Tuesday Evening Following Week-Long Response to Historic Snowfall in Buffalo and Watertown Areas, Where Nearly Seven Feet of Snow Fell over Three Days

New York State Thruway and State Highways Fully Open to Traffic as of Tuesday; Agencies to Continue to Perform Snow Removal Operations and Monitor Potential for Localized Road Flooding This Week Due to Rain and Snow Melt

All Requested Wellness Checks and Structural Assessments Successfully Completed in the Immediate Aftermath of the Storm

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the State's Emergency Operations Center, deployed emergency response assets, and agency personnel, have begun demobilizing Tuesday following a record-breaking winter storm that dumped 80 inches of snow in Orchard Park (Erie County), breaking the State's 24-hour snowfall total record. More than six feet of snow was reported in parts of Jefferson and Snow began falling last Thursday evening and overnight into Friday at a rate of six inches per hour in Erie County and five inches per hour in Jefferson County. This historic snowfall event created extremely dangerous conditions across multiple regions, resulting in road closures and travel restrictions to keep the public safe. Governor Hochul commended the State Agency personnel involved in the State's response for their early preparation, communication and coordination with local governments before, during and after the storm.

"The record-breaking snowfall has finally stopped, and now it's time for New York's winter storm response to move to its next phase," Governor Hochul said. "I commend the first responders, local leaders and community members who stepped up to meet the challenges posed by this storm. We will continue monitoring the fallout from this storm, and I urge New Yorkers to remain vigilant as rain and melting snow may still lead to flooding or other dangerous conditions."

On Thursday, November 17, Governor Hochul declared a State of Emergency for 11 counties and directed the State's emergency response assets to be deployed in advance of the storm. The State's Emergency Operations Center officially activated on Thursday evening and facilitating interagency response and operations on the ground in the impacted regions.

On Sunday, November 20, Governor Hochul secured a federal Emergency Declaration from President Joe Biden, which allows federal assistance to supplement state and local efforts in providing emergency protective measures.

The State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' (DHSES) Disaster Recovery team is working with impacted counties listed in the Emergency Declaration to maximize federal assistance.

DHSES's Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC), the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), the New York State Police, the Thruway Authority, the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the National Guard were fully engaged and coordinated in supporting local governments before, during and after the snowfall this past weekend.

State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "Over the last week state agencies worked together with local officials to coordinate response efforts and keep New Yorkers safe. I am grateful for everyone's hard work, and critically, for the spirit of cooperation and close coordination all brought to this effort."

During the course of the storm, a multi-agency team of state and local personnel, including Urban Search and Rescue teams, led by OFPC, supported the storm response in Western New York with conducting welfare checks and assisting local fire, EMS, and police with incidents, including removing 152 people from disabled vehicles and conducting 3,424 structural assessments in the most impacted areas of Erie County. Additionally, State Police responded to 108 accidents and 341 disabled vehicles.

At the height of the storm, between NYSDOT and the Thruway Authority, there were nearly 500 plow trucks, close to 100 loaders, and more than 1,000 operators and supervisors deployed in Western New York and the North Country. NYSDOT and the Thruway Authority continue to support clean-up efforts in the cities of Buffalo and Lackawanna, including snow removal operations on local roadways using large dump trucks, heavy duty loaders, and large snowblowers.

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli: New York's Labor Force Decreased Sharply During the Pandemic and Remains Below Pre-Pandemic Peak

 

North Country and Southern Tier Experienced Double Digit Declines

Over the Last Decade

New York’s labor force is one of the nation’s largest, but it decreased by 1% between 2011 and 2021 while the rest of the nation increased by 5.1%, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. A rebound took place in the latter half of the last decade before dropping significantly with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. New York continued to lose workers in 2021 when the rest of the nation began to recover. Even as the workforce began growing in 2022, it is still 400,000 workers below the state’s December 2019 peak.

DiNapoli’s report found the long-term decline was due, in part, to population changes and a relatively lower share of workers participating in the workforce. New York’s 10-year average participation rate was 40^th in the nation. In 2021, New York’s participation rate was 59%, almost 3 percentage points lower than the rest of the nation.

“New York’s labor force is the backbone of our state’s economy, and its strength has been its diversity, high levels of education and unionization,” DiNapoli said. “But my report shows troubling long-term trends were exacerbated by the pandemic and may be impeding New York’s recovery. Challenges may lie ahead that could negatively affect economic growth and state and local tax collections. Policymakers must give attention to policies that foster labor participation and encourage workforce development.”

DiNapoli’s report also found:

• Only three of the state’s 10 regional labor markets (Long Island, New York City, and the Hudson Valley) were larger in 2021 than they were in 2011, with the rest of the regions losing workers, including double digit declines in the Southern Tier (-12.6%) and the North Country (-10.2%).
• New York was one of the first states impacted by COVID-19 and had a pandemic recession that lasted longer than the rest of the U.S. Its unemployment rate was 9.9% in 2020, nearly two percentage points higher than the rest of the nation.
• By 2021, the state’s 6.9% unemployment rate was the nation’s third highest, led by high unemployment in New York City. The state also had a greater share of underemployed workers (5.3%) than the rest of the nation (4.2%). Underemployed workers include underutilized, marginally attached and discouraged workers. Underutilized workers are employed part-time but want full-time work and constituted a larger share of the workforce in New York (3.8%) compared to the rest of the nation (3%) in 2021.
• In 2019, New York’s unemployment rate for people with disabilities was at its lowest in over 10 years, but grew in 2020 and remained elevated in 2021, at a rate almost twice that of people without a disability. Labor force participation for this group was 40% in 2020, trailing that for the state as a whole.
• Labor force participation rates were highest for Hispanics, at just over 61% on average over the 10-year period. Participation rates were lowest for Black workers and decreased from 60.3% in 2014 to a low of 55% in 2020 before rebounding in 2021.
• New York’s workforce is more highly educated than the nation, with 50.6% of those 25 and older having at least a bachelor’s degree compared to 43.3% nationwide.
• In New York, 22.2% of employed workers were members of unions in 2021, second highest in the nation. Union members represented 10.3% of all employed workers nationwide in 2021, down from 11.8% in 2011.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics defines the labor force as the portion of the working age population, 16 and over, that is either employed or officially considered unemployed – those who are not employed but have actively looked for work in the previous four-week period. In 2021, there were over 9.4 million New Yorkers in the work force, making up 5.8% of the national labor force and putting the state fourth in the U.S. behind California, Texas, and Florida.

Gender

In New York, women comprised a larger share of the workforce (47.6%) than the rest of the nation (46.9%) in 2021. During the pandemic, men dropped out of the labor force in larger numbers than women. Even as the number of women in the workforce exceeded pre-pandemic levels in 2021, their participation rate (54.1%) remained significantly below that of men (65%) as women remain more likely to be stay-at-home parents and caregivers.

Race/Ethnicity

The state’s workforce has become more diverse in the past decade. The share of white workers has declined from 75.8% in 2011 to 70.9% in 2021. When compared to the rest of the nation, New York has greater shares of workers who are Black (16.3% to 12.5%), Asian (10.3% to 6.3%), and Hispanic (18.6% to 18.2%). Between 2011 and 2021, the number of Asian workers in New York grew 43.2% and the number of Hispanic workers grew 22.4%. In 2021, participation rates increased for Asian, Black and Hispanic workers, but continued to decline for white workers.

Age

For both New York and the nation, the labor force is predominantly aged 25 to 64. From 2011 to 2021, although the state’s working age population increased by 3.5%, its labor force decreased by 1%. Compared to the rest of the U.S., the state has a higher share of its labor force that is aged 65 and over. This group grew significantly (32.8%) over the decade and comprised 22.1% of the population in 2021, nearly five percentage points higher than in 2011. Similarly, the number of workers 65 and over rose 42.6%, increasing from 4.9% of the labor force in 2011 to 7.1% in 2021. Between 2020 and 2021, the sharpest decrease in the participation rate was for the youngest age group (ages 16 to 24), which declined by 3.4%. 

Education

In the past 10 years, New York’s labor force with a bachelor’s degree or higher increased by 26.3%, growing by over 100,000 workers in 2020 alone. These workers were more likely to telecommute: 40.6% of those with bachelor’s degrees and 54.4% of those with advanced degrees nationwide worked from home due to COVID-19. However, New York’s labor force declined across all other education levels during this period. These shares dropped significantly for those with less than a four-year degree or just a high school diploma.

Report

New York’s Labor Force: Assessing 10-Year Trends and Pandemic Setbacks

MAYOR ADAMS APPOINTS NINE NEW COMMISSIONERS, REAPPOINTS 15 COMMISSIONERS TO COMMISSION ON GENDER EQUITY

Commissioners Are Tasked With Advising on Gender Issues to Improve Equity Across NYC

Mayor Reappoints Jacqueline M. Ebanks as Executive Director, Silda Palerm as Chair 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the appointments and reappointments of 24 commissioners to the New York City Commission on Gender Equity (CGE). The commissioners will advise CGE on dismantling institutional and societal discrimination and inequities for girls, women, intersex, transgender, and gender non-conforming and non-binary persons regardless of age, ability, ethnicity/race, faith, gender expression, immigration status, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.

 

“The Commission on Gender Equity is transforming lives by educating New Yorkers about economic mobility, safeguarding health and reproductive rights, and ensuring safety in our communities. Today, I’m proud to announce the reappointments of Jacqueline Ebanks as the executive director of the Commission on Gender Equity and Silda Palerm as chair, as well as announce our full slate of commissioners,” said Mayor Adams. “I look forward to the continued collaboration across our agencies to reinforce equity and dismantle institutionalized practices that have been unfair for too long to people across our city.”

 

CGE commissioners are community leaders, advocates, and founders of nonprofits and other organizations that break down gendered barriers across New York City and will be a significant driving force as ambassadors to achieve CGE’s strategic planning goals. These commissioners will also work toward broader gender equity efforts in the Adams administration and for the people of New York City.

 

The nine newly appointed commissioners are:

 

• Damian Ashton, director of communications, Equimundo: Center for Masculinities and Social Justice
• Jennifer Barnes-Balenciaga, director, Crystal La’Beija Organizing Fellowship
• Carol Bullock, executive director, Pride Center of Staten Island
• Callie Chamberlain, director of Social Responsibility, Optum
• Miriam F. Clark, partner, Ritz Clark & Ben-Asher LLP
• Anne Marie Goetz, clinical professor, New York University
• Seher Khawaja, senior attorney for economic empowerment, Legal Momentum, The Women’s Legal Defense and Education Fund
• Emily Miles, executive director, New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault
• Jason Tan de Bibiana, research and evaluation director, Next Gen Men

 

The 15 reappointed commissioners are:

 

• Shahara Ahmad-Llewellyn, president, Shahara Ahmad-Llewellyn Family Foundation
• Sasha Ahuja, national director of strategic partnerships, Planned Parenthood Federation of America
• Taina Bien-Aimé, executive director, Coalition Against Trafficking in Women
• Beverly Cooper Neufeld, president and founder, PowHer New York
• Andrea Hagelgans, managing director, U.S. social issues engagement, Edelman
• Imara Jones, founder and CEO, TransLash Media
• Sherry Leiwant, co-president and co-founder, A Better Balance
• Robina Niaz, founder and executive director, Turning Point for Women and Families
• Sonia Ossorio, president, National Organization for Women – New York City
• Silda Palerm, partner, Vestry Laight, LLC; and chair, Commission on Gender Equity
• Chanel Porchia-Albert, founder and CEO, Ancient Song Doula Services
• Kiara Saint James, executive director, New York Transgender Advocacy Group
• Celeste Smith, managing director, Mosaic Genius
• Beverly Tillery, executive director, New York City Anti-Violence Project
• Shyama Venkateswar, senior director, Learning at Seramount/EAB

 

CGE continues to make great strides toward gender equity by advancing the Adams administration’s plans to support programming, policy, and budgets that address key issues such as maternal health, abortion rights, child care access, and expanded services for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers. The re-constitution of CGE will help preserve these gains and deepen the city’s commitment to “Getting Stuff Done” for all New Yorkers, regardless of gender identity, gender expression, or background.

 

“The Commission on Gender Equity’s education and engagement across city agencies and the broader public will have a resounding legacy on our city,” said Deputy Mayor of Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright. “The expertise of the commission’s incoming and returning members will create change across New York City, shifting the scales of justice towards true fairness and equity. I applaud their efforts and dynamism to transform our city for the better.”

 

“Jacqueline Ebanks has been a tireless advocate for the advancement of women, girls, and other marginalized communities, with a deep commitment to social justice. With her leadership, the Commission on Gender Equity will continue tackling gender-based inequities to ensure that gender and gender identity do not limit one’s opportunity, safety, or well-being,” said Mayor’s Office of Equity Commissioner Sideya Sherman. “It is with profound joy that I welcome our new and returning commissioners, and I look forward to the important work ahead.”

 

“I am honored to continue to serve as executive director of the Commission on Gender Equity and delighted to welcome Damian, Jennifer, Carol, Callie, Miriam, Anne Marie, Seher, Emily, and Jason to the commission. I am most appreciative of our returning commissioners and grateful for their leadership over the past five years,” said CGE Executive Director Jacqueline M. Ebanks. “Together, CGE will continue to meet its mandate to make gender equity a top priority across city government so that girls, women, intersex, transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary individuals have equitable access, opportunities, and treatment. I welcome the commissioners’ expertise and experience and look forward to presenting our achievements to all New Yorkers. CGE aims to be an equity model not only for the city but also across the nation and the world to show that barriers can be taken down and institutional practices changed.”

 

“It is a privilege to be able to continue to serve New York City and champion the rights of women, girls, and New Yorkers of all gender expressions”, said Silda Palerm, chair, Commission on Gender Equity. “As leaders in the gender equity space, CGE and its commissioners will carry on the work of promoting policies and best practices designed to dismantle institutional barriers and promote opportunities for all as we strive to make New York a better, safer, more equitable city.”

 

The Commission on Gender Equity will continue to meet its mandate by leveraging policy and legislative advocacy, interagency and cross-sector collaborations, research and publications, and community outreach and engagement. CGE will advise and make recommendations for institutional change through an intersectional gender lens in its three areas of focus: economic mobility and opportunity, health and reproductive justice, and safety. CGE will also work across city agencies to develop and implement gender equitable policies and programs for the city’s workforce and residents and will monitor and evaluate progress towards building and maintaining a gender equitable New York City. Biographies for commissioners can be found on the Commission on Gender Equity’s website.

DEC to Hold Community Meetings on Progress of Statewide Air Monitoring Initiative

 

Opportunities to Learn about Work Underway in the Bronx, Buffalo/Niagara Falls/Tonawanda, Capital Region, and Manhattan

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the first slate of meetings to provide progress updates for communities participating in the  2022-23 Statewide Community Air Monitoring Initiative. Mobile air monitoring started in July 2022 in the first four of 10 areas, the Bronx, Buffalo/Niagara Falls/Tonawanda area, Capital Region and Manhattan. The initiative will help DEC identify sources of air pollution and climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions in these communities. During the year-long air monitoring initiative, DEC will work with these communities to help inform strategies to reduce these emissions.

At the meetings, DEC will provide an update on the progress of data collection to date, provide examples of how emission sources can be detected with this technology, as well as how DEC will analyze the data for each of the pollutants. The results of the statewide initiative will be shared once data is validated at the end of the year-long effort. DEC will also discuss a proposal to create community advisory committees in each area to facilitate ongoing engagement throughout the study period. 

DEC is holding quarterly meetings over the next year to update the community on the progress of the air monitoring and provide a forum for local input. Staff from DEC’s Division of Air Resources and the Office of Environmental Justice will be available to answer questions and respond to feedback.

Air monitoring began in September 2022 in six additional communities, and quarterly update meetings in these communities will be held early next year in Brooklyn, Queens, Mount Vernon/Yonkers/New Rochelle, the Hempstead/New Cassel/Roosevelt/Uniondale/Westbury area, Syracuse, and Rochester. 

Visit the DEC website for more information about the year-long community air monitoring initiative https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/125320.html.

Manhattan: Dec.6, from 6 to 8 p.m.  

Link to join meeting: https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/j.php?MTID=mfdd7159d8d7dcff0cb30892dc32f0bcc 

Meeting Number: 1615 47 0749 Meeting Password: PZiVJrXj632  

Call In Number to join by phone only: 518-549-0500 

Buffalo/Niagara Falls/Tonawanda: Dec. 7, 6 to 8 p.m. 

Link to join meeting: https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/j.php?MTID=mefd1aa559ba74c12fd319c12834931bf  

Meeting Number: 161 340 1809 Meeting Password: welcome1 

Call In Number to join by phone only: 518-549-0500 

Capital Region: Dec. 8, 6 to 8 p.m. 

Link to join meeting: https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/j.php?MTID=m4307ede6d0eb419f0d16d503df5bfd9d

Meeting Number: 161 819 3464 Meeting Password: NYSDEC2022 

Call In Number to join by phone only: 518-549-0500 

Bronx: Dec. 13, 6 to 8 p.m. 

Link to join meeting: https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/j.php?MTID=m164cb84fdd2b1d2514e9fc6452cb516a  

Meeting Number: 1617 73 2694 Meeting Password: a4cJn5pJhT2  

Call In Number to join by phone only: 518-549-0500 

Interpreter services shall be made available to deaf persons, and translator services shall be made available to persons with limited English proficiency, at no charge for either service, upon written request. Requests should be submitted 10 calendar before each meeting to enable sufficient time to arrange for an interpreter and directed to the DEC Office of Communication Services, either by mail (address: NYSDEC, Office of Communication Services, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-4500), by telephone (518 402-8044) or by e-mail (language@dec.ny.gov). 

For more information about the Community Air Monitoring Initiative, visit the DEC website at https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/125320.html.