Comptroller Stringer Releases Fiscal Year 2016 Popular Annual Financial Report

To boost transparency, report outlines City’s revenues, expenses, budgets, and capital projects in an easy-to-read format

  New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer released the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for Fiscal Year 2016, which breaks down for the public the City’s revenues, expenses, budget, and capital projects in 25 easy-to-understand pages of graphs, charts, and plain-language explanations.

“Transparency is more important than ever before. With $73.7 billion in spending just last year, there’s no doubt that our City’s finances are complex, but we believe in simplifying them for the public. New Yorkers deserve to know how their government works. We break down important information in a way that is accessible to everyone and I encourage all New Yorkers to take a look,” New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer said.

Last year’s PAFR – the City’s first – received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting. The Fiscal Year 2016 PAFR has been submitted for the same award this year.

The majority of the data in the PAFR comes from the Comptroller’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, which is released every year on October 31st. This year’s PAFR highlights information including:

New York City Saw Sustained Job Gains

• The City added 98,100 private-sector jobs in FY16, a gain of 2.7 percent;
• Breaking a five-year trend, more than half of the new private-sector jobs were in mid- to high-wage sectors;
• All five boroughs had their lowest unemployment rates since FY08 – 4.5 percent in Manhattan, 4.6 percent in Queens, 5.3 percent in Staten Island, 5.4 percent in Brooklyn, and 7.2 percent in the Bronx;

Taxes and Revenue

• Overall, the City brought in more than $80 billion in revenues in FY16, split between program revenues – such as grants – and general revenues, like taxes.
• In FY16, New York City received $26 billion in grants and program revenues – about even with the previous year. The largest associated revenues were for education programs, which received nearly $12 billion, and social services, which brought in almost $5 billion.
• Another $55 billion came in through general revenues, an increase of $395 million from the previous year. Sources included $23 billion in real estate taxes, $11.5 billion in personal income taxes, and $8.5 billion in sales and use taxes.
• In the last year, 42 percent of tax revenues came from real estate taxes, compared to 21 percent from personal income tax, 16 percent from sales and use tax, and 19 percent from other taxes.

Expenses Grew

• In FY16, the City spent $73.7 billion from its general fund – an increase of roughly $3.5 billion from FY15.
• The largest share of resources was dedicated to education, at $22 billion.

Capital Project Commitments Decreased

• Capital commitments totaled $8.5 billion, about $800 million less than in FY15.
• This drop in capital commitments was led by the Department of Environmental Protection, which saw a decrease of $513 million, and the Department of Education, which had a decrease of $380 million.
• Still, roughly one-third of the FY16 capital budget – $2.5 billion – was dedicated to the Department of Education. The Department of Environmental Protection was next with $1.6 billion, or 19 percent, followed by the Department of Transportation at $1.2 billion, or 14 percent.

Peer-City Comparisons

• In 2014 – the most recent comparison available – New York City had 58.3 million tourists, outpacing Chicago, which had 52.75 million, and Philadelphia, which welcomed 39.7 million.
• New York City boasts more than 39,000 acres of parkland, compared to roughly 12,500 in Chicago and 11,000 in Philadelphia.

Each city provides different types and levels of service for its residents. In FY16, New York City spent over $10,000 per resident, while Philadelphia spent about $4,000 and Chicago spent $2,600.

Comptroller Scott M. Stringer Releases Analysis of the City’s Financial Plan

Comptroller’s analysis shows outyear gaps exceeding $3 billion in Fiscal Years 2018, 2019, and 2020

  A new report on the City’s November Plan released by New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer today forecasts modest economic growth at the national and City levels for the next several quarters. The report indicates that revenues could fall short of projections while expenditures will likely exceed estimates in each year of the Financial Plan. The Comptroller is required by the City Charter to submit the report.

The analysis identifies risks ranging from $585 million to $1.02 billion over the Plan period – from the current year (FY 2017) through FY 2020 – resulting in outyear gaps of more than $3 billion. With major shifts in federal fiscal and economic policies looming, significant uncertainties weigh on the forecast.

Among the key findings:

Tax Collections

• Non-property tax revenues were revised downward in the Mayor’s November Plan to reflect shortfalls in collections through the first three months of FY 2017, relative to the June Plan.
• The Comptroller’s Office forecast extends this trend into the remainder of the year and beyond, lowering anticipated tax revenues by a further $180 million in FY 2017, and $288 million in FY 2018.
• Total City tax revenues during the first ten months of 2016 fell 1.0 percent from the same period a year ago.

City Spending and Saving

• Despite the decrease in forecasted tax revenues, the total FY 2017 budget of $83.46 billion is $1.34 billion more than the Adopted Budget, due primarily to higher federal and state reimbursements for Hurricane Sandy and other programs.
• The November Plan lays out modest City-funds agency spending increases of $131 million.
• The Plan includes a Citywide Savings Program that totals $691 million in the current Fiscal Year and $1.7 billion over the four years of the Plan. The FY 2017 savings from the Citywide Savings Program enable the City to compensate for the decrease in revenue estimates, offset agency spending increases, and generate a budget surplus of $439 million to prepay FY 2018 debt service.
• Much of these savings are based on spending re-estimates, including accruals savings and aligning estimates to reflect year-to-date spending – adjustments that are part of the budget modification during the course of the Fiscal Year, even in the absence of a Citywide Savings Program.
• Only four percent of the FY 2017 savings is derived from proposed efficiency and productivity initiatives, such as more efficient use of the City’s vehicle fleet. Because most of the efficiency and productivity initiatives have recurring savings, they account for about 12 percent of the total recurring savings over the Plan period.
• The Comptroller’s forecast anticipates lower revenues as well as a number of likely spending needs not recognized in the November Plan, including higher overtime spending, additional assistance to New York Health + Hospitals, and increased spending on homeless shelters to maintain the current level of support.

Higher Outyear Gaps

• Consequently, the Comptroller has identified net risks of $585 million in FY 2017, $1.02 billion in FY 2018, $908 million in FY 2019, and $722 million in FY 2020. These risks would result in gaps of $585 million in FY 2017, $3.26 billion in FY 2018, $3.80 billion in FY 2019, and $3.10 billion in FY 2020.
• With $1 billion in the General Reserve and $500 million in the Capital Stabilization Reserve, the danger of a shortfall in FY 2017 is remote.
• However, the risks in the outyears are significant. Even with the use of available Plan reserves, including the $1 billion General Reserve and the $500 million Capital Stabilization Reserve, the City could still face a budget gap of as much as $2.3 billion for FY 2018, rising to over $3 billion in the latter half of the financial plan.

“There is a high degree of uncertainty about our economy in the future. We may see cuts from Washington that would likely fall most heavily on the most vulnerable New Yorkers. With potential long-term deficits looming, it is critical that we prepare now. We urge City Hall to take meaningful steps in the Preliminary Budget to prepare for the challenges ahead,” Comptroller Scott M. Stringer said.

It is more than likely that the Comptroller’s Office’s view of the economic and fiscal outlook for the City will change when President-elect Trump assumes office next year. Corresponding changes in policy may affect this forecast.

Westchester Square Tree Lighting and Toy Giveaway

  It was a bitter cold Friday evening, but about 100 people were at Westchester Square to see the tree lighting and visit Santa in his local workshop to receive a free toy to the children on hand. The Westchester Square BID along with Assemblymen Mark Gjonaj and Michael Benedetto, Tom Messina of Congressman Crowley's office, local merchants, CB 10 Vice Chair John Marano, Santa's Elves and Reindeer were on hand. 

Above - All stand in front of the tree before it is lit, as everyone awaits santa's arrival.

Below - A lovely lit tree is now behind the group with Santa.

Above - Santa's Elves prepare the workshop for Santa and all the children.

Below - Rudolph arrives to tell the Elves Santa is about to arrive. 

Above - A group photo of Santa, the elected officials, merchants, and Santa's helpers, but someone is missing.

Below - Assemblyman Michael Benedetto is now in the photo after drinking some delicious hot chocolate which was provided with fresh baked cookies. 

Above and Below -Children then came in to sit on Santa's lap and receive a free toy.

Above - Another child sits on Santa's lap then receives a toy.

Below - Santa asks this young lady what she wants for Christmas.

COUNCIL MEMBER ANDY KING RELEASES REGARDING DATE SET FOR OFFICER HASTE DEPARTMENTAL TRIAL

  NYC Council Member Andy King Expresses Satisfaction Of January Date Set For Departmental Trial for NYPD Officer Richard Haste

“While I am extremely grateful that a date has been set for the departmental trial of Officer Richard Haste, it is my hope that the process, based upon the facts, will result in justice with Haste and the other officers being held accountable for their actions. This is long overdue, it was nearly five years ago when Ramarley Graham was killed,” said Council Member Andy King.

MAYOR DE BLASIO, HUD SECRETARY CASTRO, AND T-MOBILE ANNOUNCE 5,000 FAMILIES IN BRONX PUBLIC HOUSING TO RECEIVE FREE TABLETS AND MOBILE INTERNET SERVICE

  At a press conference yesterday Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the first 5,000 families in NYCHA housing to receive free Tablets and mobile Internet service. Statements are below with photos. It must be noted that when the mayor took questions this reporter asked why can you give free tablets and Internet service, but residents in NYCHA houses must wait over five years for necessities like a stove or refrigerator. I also asked about the condition of the curbs after streets are milled for repaving, and damaged by the contractors. The mayor replied that the second part of my question about curbs was off topic, and as for the stoves and refrigerators he went into how NYCHA has an eighteen billion dollar backlog of repairs, blaming the federal government for not putting in its fair share of funding into public housing. 

   Reporters such as Marcia Kramer from Channel 2 News then asked about the fine by the Campaign Finance Board, and two investigations into dealings which involved the mayor. Mayor de Blasio said that the question was off topic and he was not going to answer it, and after the third reporter asked the same question the mayor said he was not taking anymore questions and quickly left the room. 

$2 million in tablets and discounted mobile internet service provided by T-Mobile complement Wi-Fi networks under construction in public housing communities in all five boroughs and the New York Public Library’s Mi-Fi hot-spot loan initiative, advancing the City’s goal of achieving universal affordable internet access by 2025 

  Mayor Bill de Blasio and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Julián Castro today announced in partnership with T-Mobile that families living in public housing in the Bronx will receive 5,000 new tablet computers connected to T-Mobile’s high-speed data network. As part of this commitment, T-Mobile will also become a national stakeholder in the Obama Administration’s ConnectHome initiative. Beginning in January, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) will distribute the tablets – valued at $159 each – to qualifying families with children under 19 years old..

“Increasing internet access across the city is not just a noble goal – it’s a necessary one. These days, the internet is virtually a requirement for people searching for jobs or students doing homework. We are thrilled to find one more way to boost access in the Bronx – and we’re thankful to our partners at T-Mobile and HUD for helping to make this happen,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“The ConnectHome program is providing children and families the tools they need to stay competitive in this 21^st century global economy,” said U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro. “With this new commitment to ConnectHome, T-Mobile and the City of New York are making a meaningful impact to close the digital divide for thousands of New York public housing residents.”

This investment is part of the de Blasio Administration’s commitment to expanding internet access, which recognizes that high-speed internet is no longer a luxury but a critical service that must be affordable to all city residents. 

The tablets come preloaded with apps and links connecting users to City services and directories, including the award-winning MyNYCHA app, the 311 app, the New York Public Library’s SimplyE app, ACCESS NYC,mystudent.nyc, openebooks.net, and links to information on IDNYC and local computer centers. T-Mobile will provide free introductory training for recipients. In addition, the New York Public Library will expand digital literacy and mobile tablet training programs at nearby branches in the Bronx, which will help New Yorkers learn about computer and internet basics, social media, protecting online information and privacy, career development, coding, and more.

T-Mobile has committed $2 million in devices and discounted service for this initiative and the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications is overseeing and will be funding the two years of discounted high-speed mobile data for these tablets at a cost of $1.2 million. Eligible developments and the schedule for distribution events, including T-Mobile tablet trainings, will be announced in January 2017, when residents will be able to register for the tablets online or through a phone hotline. NYCHA will also distribute flyers to eligible residents prior to the opening of registration.

Nearly 26 percent of households in the Bronx have no internet at home and no mobile internet plan – well above the citywide rate of 19.8 percent. This commitment will bring affordable, high-speed internet access to more NYCHA households in the Bronx. The tablet distribution complements the Administration’s $10 million investment in building wireless networks that serve public housing residents in the Queensbridge, Red Hook and Mott Haven, Jefferson and Stapleton Houses communities, which the Mayor and Secretary announced last year. Free Wi-Fi service launched this week for the first section of the Queensbridge Houses.

Above - Mayor Bill de Blasio listens to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro about public housing in the city and the needs of the families.

Below - Bailey Benson holds her new mobile Internet accessible phone from T-Mobil. 

Above - the Benson family poses with the mayor and Secretary Castro and the new tablet given to the family.

Below a close up of Mayor de Blasio as he is about to bolt the press conference after the third question about the CFB fine and questions of investigations of him.

Bronx Tourism Council - HAPPY EVERYTHING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

DNC Vice-Chair R.T. Rybak endorses Michael Blake to succeed him as a DNC Vice-Chair

  Today, the Michael Blake for DNC campaign announced that Blake has secured the endorsement of former Minneapolis Mayor and current DNC Vice Chair, R.T. Rybak.

In announcing his endorsement of Blake to succeed him as Vice-Chair, Rybak cited the need for new progressive leadership in the party, saying:

“In 2008, it was my pleasure to work side by side with Michael in the Minnesota Presidential primary for then-Senator Barack Obama. Together, we mobilized communities across the state, from union families to Somalian Americans, to millennials, to take action and support the President’s candidacy. I saw firsthand his ability to put together coalitions and identify strategic paths to victory. Mike is exceptionally prepared to help Democrats win local elections and harness our diversity than Michael Blake.”

Accepting the endorsement, Blake said, “I’m honored to have R.T.'s support not just for my candidacy, but for our campaign's vision of a Vice-Chair dedicated to winning local elections.”

Blake served as a White House liaison for state and local elected officials and led African-American & Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises outreach. As a two-time campaign aide to President Obama including serving as Michigan Deputy State Director in 2008 where the campaign won all seven down ballot campaigns for their coordinated campaign effort.  In 2012 he served as the National Deputy Director of Operation Vote, the constituency vote effort for the campaign that helped win nine out of ten battleground states

Blake announced his candidacy last week, focusing on the party’s need to identify, train and help candidates win local elections and embrace our party's diversity. Under the theme of "Leadership for Tomorrow" Blake laid out plans to Build our Bench, Strengthen our Party, and Embrace our Future.

Blake is a graduate of New York City public schools and Northwestern University, where he earned his degree in Broadcast Journalism before embarking on a career in public service. As a campaign manager, he's helped win several local elections and flip the Michigan house to Democratic control. He is currently a member of the New York State General Assembly.

 

MAYOR DE BLASIO APPOINTS ANDREA HAGELGANS SENIOR ADVISOR, MICHAEL CASCA COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

  New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the appointments of two senior strategy and communications aides. Andrea Hagelgans will now serve as Senior Advisor for Strategic Planning, where she will be charged with crafting the architecture of key mayoral policy initiatives and communications strategies. Michael Casca has been appointed Communications Director, a post vacated by Hagelgans, responsible for mayoral and agency communications and event coordination.

Hagelgans has served in City Hall since May of 2014. She was instrumental in the development of communications strategies behind high-profile policy speeches, State of the City addresses, budget announcements, the rollouts of universal pre-K and paid parental leave, and the city’s response to Ebola. Prior to joining the de Blasio administration, Hagelgans worked as a communications consultant and as a senior strategist for Planned Parenthood, where she helped lead the successful effort against the Komen Foundation’s attempt to defund the health care organization.

Casca comes to City Hall after serving as deputy communications director for Senator Bernie Sanders and director of rapid response for Sanders’ presidential campaign. Casca has also served as an aide to U.S.Representative Keith Ellison of Minnesota. Casca will be starting his new role in January.

“Andrea and Michael are supremely talented public servants who bring years of experience meeting some of the most demanding strategic and communications challenges government can face,” said Mayor de Blasio. “Our administration’s ability to listen to and engage New Yorkers in communicating our work is at the core of our commitment to help build a fairer New York – founded on the principle that our city only succeeds if everyone has the opportunity to share in our progress. I’m confident Andrea and Michael will serve New Yorkers with the professionalism that has defined their public service.”

“I have been fortunate enough to be involved in many of our administration’s toughest and most important communications challenges,” said Senior Advisor Andrea Hagelgans. “I continue to be inspired by the mayor’s vision for a fairer New York City with shared progress for communities across our five boroughs. I am looking forward to finding creative and compelling ways to build on our policy successes and share the administration's work in the most dynamic, competitive media market in the world.”

"I am grateful to the mayor for the opportunity to serve 8.5 million New Yorkers. I believe in Mayor de Blasio’s vision to tackle income inequality and ensure the city works for everyone,” said Communications Director Michael Casca. I look forward to working hard with the talented team in City Hall to lift up the voices of working people fighting every day to make ends meet."