Committee on Finance

Council Member Justin Brannan opens the Committee on Finance hearing on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 executive budget, focusing on the city's library systems and the Department of Cultural Affairs.

• Brannan recognizes council members and library system executives in attendance.
• He highlights the proposed FY25 budget of $425 million for libraries, a 1% increase from the preliminary plan.
• Brannan states the council called for $58.3 million more to restore funding cuts but the mayor did not include it.
• He cites the council's economic analysis finding $6.15 billion in resources not used in the mayor's preliminary budget.
• Brannan emphasizes working from the same facts in budget negotiations for vital services.

Council Member Carlina Rivera outlines the proposed fiscal 2025 budget figures for New York City's three library systems, expressing disappointment over funding cuts and the need for budget restorations and increases.

• Rivera highlights the importance of libraries for diverse communities across the boroughs.
• She discusses the proposed $425.1 million expense budget and $920.2 million capital budget for libraries in fiscal 2025.
• Rivera notes the council's call for $58.3 million in additional library funding to restore cuts and cover funding gaps.
• She emphasizes the need for appropriate funding to maintain high-quality library services, facilities, materials, and staffing.

Linda Johnson, President and CEO of the Brooklyn Public Library, testifies about the devastating impacts of proposed $58.3 million in operating budget cuts and $125 million slash to capital funding for NYC libraries in FY 2025.

• The cuts would force over half of Brooklyn library branches to reduce to 5-day service weeks
• Major reductions in literacy programs, classes, community outreach, and library materials/resources
• Increased strain on staff with hiring freezes and cutting part-time worker hours
• Loss of $2 million in additional state funding due to maintenance of effort requirements
• Hampers libraries' ability to serve communities effectively when demand is high post-pandemic

Tony Marx, President of the New York Public Library, testifies about the severe consequences of the proposed $58.3 million FY25 budget cut for New York City's libraries, with $25.5 million cut for the New York Public Library alone.

• It would force closure of Sunday service at 7 library locations, resulting in no Sunday libraries citywide
• Most locations would operate only 5 days per week
• There would be 72,000 fewer books on shelves, projected to rise to 185,000
• Staffing cuts have already led to 69 unplanned closures from November to March
• More branches may delay reopening due to staffing shortages
• Core services like after-school programs, ESL classes, and research resources would be severely impacted
• The cuts threaten the ability to provide consistent, dependable library services and plan for the future

Dennis Walcott testifies on the devastating impacts of budget cuts on the Queens Public Library's ability to serve communities.

• Budget cuts have forced the end of Sunday service, resulting in over 120,000 lost visits from November to June.
• Libraries had to slash budgets for books, programs, building repairs and maintenance.
• Cuts will further delay long-awaited branch openings and force Saturday closures at most locations.
• This would eliminate vital community programs like food pantries, prom attire giveaways, ESL classes and job trainings.
• Lack of funding prevents proper staffing levels and upkeep of aging library infrastructure.
• Walcott cites the library as an "oasis" for New Yorkers facing life's challenges and urges restoring funds.

Council Member Justin Brannan questions why certain funding for the three library systems was not included in the administration's budget plan. Dennis Walcott, President and CEO of the Queens Public Library, responds that they have not received any explanation from the administration regarding the omission of this funding.

• Brannan states that the City Council's budget response called for allocating $58.3 million to restore baseline cuts and provide additional funding for the library systems.
• However, none of these funds were included in the administration's executive budget plan.
• Walcott confirms they have had ongoing communication with the administration on other issues, but not regarding the specifics of the budget.

The $58.3 million budget restoration would technically reset the budget for New York City's public library systems to their previous levels, but not immediately restore full services and programs.

• It would take around 6 months to rebuild programs and hire needed staff
• Attracting qualified library staff takes time
• Even with the restoration, libraries would still face challenges covering inflation and expanding services
• The restoration alone would not allow libraries to meet current service expectations right away

Council Member Justin Brannan asks about the total headcount, including both full-time and part-time employees, at the three major New York City library systems.

• The New York Public Library has a total of 2,741 employees, with 2,099 salaried staff (full-time and part-time) and 1,417 union members, as well as 643 hourly workers.
• The Brooklyn Public Library currently has 1,257 employees, with 989 full-time and 268 part-time workers. Their budgeted headcount for FY24 is 1,167.
• The Queens Public Library has 1,415 staff members, with 978 full-time and 437 part-time positions. Approximately 87% of the full-time positions are union jobs. Due to budget constraints, they are down around 200 positions.

Council Member Justin Brannan inquires about the current staff vacancy numbers at the public libraries in New York, Brooklyn, and Queens. Linda Johnson states that Brooklyn Public Library will have 146 vacancies. Tony Marx cites roughly 200 vacancies for the New York Public Library.

• Linda Johnson says Brooklyn Public Library will have 146 staff vacancies
• Dennis Walcott of Queens Public previously stated they are down 200 positions.
• Tony Marx states New York Public Library has roughly 200 vacancies

The council members inquired about the impact of $130 million in combined capital funding cuts on library capital projects across the three public library systems.

• Queens Public Library stated they will have to stop a number of projects in various phases due to funding uncertainty.
• The New York Public Library had to push out $41 million in capital funding, halting amazing and essential renovation plans, some already in the design phase.
• The Brooklyn Public Library eliminated $47 million from their capital plan, jeopardizing four renovations at specific branches.
• Queens Public Library provided the exact figure of a $32.2 million cut to their capital budget.

Dennis Walcott explains that public libraries have stopped hiring due to budget uncertainty.

• Libraries are already behind in staffing and operations even if budgets are restored
• The hiring process to fill vacancies will stretch resources thin for some time
• Libraries must manage staffing gaps from retirements and resignations
• Staff has to be moved extensively to cover service gaps and keep the system running

The council member asks for a specific dollar amount, not an aspirational figure, that would cover the losses incurred by New York City's libraries due to budget cuts. The library presidents provide the following amounts:

• Brooklyn Public Library needs an additional $5 million over and above full restoration
• Queens Public Library needs an additional $5.1 million
• New York Public Library needs an additional $9 million

However, the New York Public Library president emphasizes that simply restoring the funds is not enough - the funding needs to be baselined going forward to allow for proper planning, hiring and investment.

Linda Johnson explains that cutting Sunday service at Brooklyn Public Library was a financially driven decision to minimize impact during budget constraints. She states:

• Sunday is the most expensive day to operate libraries
• It is difficult to staff on Sundays due to reliance on volunteers
• Cutting Sunday service makes fiscal sense given limited resources

Regarding endowments, Johnson notes there are legal limitations on spending endowment funds for operating expenses at Brooklyn Public Library.

• The library has a small endowment
• Endowment funds are often restricted and intended to generate operating income
• Libraries cannot simply spend down endowment principal for major expenses

The public library leaders explain that they are legally restricted from using their endowment funds to cover ongoing operating costs of branches and services during budget cuts.

• The endowments are built from private donations with restrictions on how the funds can be used
• Spending down the endowment principal would reduce future investment income to support operations
• The city is legally responsible for funding the ongoing operating costs of public library branches
• To manage budget cuts, libraries have limited options like reducing staff through attrition, cutting books/materials, reducing hours/services, deferring maintenance, and occasionally closing locations
• The leaders state they are already lean organizations with little flexibility when the city cuts their budgets

Council Member Carlina Rivera delivers an opening statement highlighting the critical role of libraries in providing essential services to communities.

• She shares personal reflections on the value of libraries and their programs
• Rivera emphasizes libraries' offerings like citizenship classes, senior center visits, and food pantry support
• She notes emotional impact of initiatives like prom dress donations that create community moments
• Rivera underscores libraries as vital democratic institutions serving diverse needs of city residents

The presidents and CEOs of the public library systems in New York City state the percentage of their budgets funded by the city.

• Brooklyn Public Library receives 85% of its budget from city funding.
• Queens Public Library receives around 90%-92% of its budget from city funding.
• New York Public Library receives about 60% of its budget from city funding, per an agreement with Andrew Carnegie.

Libraries are using various strategies to mitigate disruptions to service:

• Libraries are deploying mobile book, tech, and kid mobiles to impacted areas
• Temporary spaces are being utilized during renovations, like in Redhook
• Hwever, Mobile units and temporary spaces do not fully replace operational branches
• Unplanned closures and disruptions will increase without funding for repairs
• No branches have been permanently closed yet due to cuts, only delays in reopenings

Tony Marx provides an update on the comprehensive renovation projects for the Tompkins Square and West New Brighton libraries.

• The $30.1 million Tompkins Square renovation is in the planning phase with funding starting in FY25.
• The $16.5 million West New Brighton renovation is also in planning, awaiting design approval from OMB, and will be managed by the Economic Development Corporation (EDC).
• Marx expresses a preference for partnerships outside the Department of Design and Construction to expedite projects and maximize the city's investment.

The Eastern Parkway library renovation is a $20 million full restoration project planned to begin in spring of the following year, with an additional $750,000 requested for initial outfitting.

• The hope is for this project to stay on course despite potential challenges.
• For the Brownsville branch, there is $23.3 million allocated in the fiscal 2024-2028 commitment plan.
• The Brownsville renovation includes a comprehensive overhaul with a rooftop addition.
• Other elements are additional public space, new landscaping, a green roof, security/fire safety upgrades, and sustainability measures to make the branch fossil fuel-free.

Dennis Walcott explains that the expansion will increase the Corona branch's floor area to around 16,000-18,000 square feet, with a construction budget of approximately $28.4 million.

• The project is currently in the front-end planning phase with the DDC (Department of Design and Construction)
• Plans include demolishing a neighboring house owned by the library to create more space
• A security fence will be erected around the expanded area for use by facilities teams
• After demolition and site prep, the renovation of the existing Corona branch will begin

Council Member Rivera expresses frustration over the constant state of budget instability for completing neighborhood projects.

• She asks about the status of projects in specific neighborhoods
• Rivera notes these are significant neighborhoods deserving of finished projects
• She says the budget instability is incredibly frustrating for council members advocating for these projects

The Brooklyn Public Library president responds that full restoration of funding would be required to enable this.

• Full restoration of funding is needed to reinstate Sunday hours for all libraries
• Additional funding on top of the restored funding would enable proper full staffing levels
• The council member is inquiring specifically about funding amounts required
• The library president does not provide exact dollar figures in her responses

New York City's public library leaders explain the multilingual offerings available across their collections.

• The libraries curate collections reflective of each neighborhood's linguistic needs.
• Technology aids and multilingual staff support non-English language access.
• Public libraries actively work to be inclusive spaces for immigrants and non-English speakers.
• The Brooklyn Public Library provides resources in over 60 languages.
• The Queens Public Library's collection covers around 191 languages, with audiobook options as well.

The library systems confirm the availability of early childhood programs like story hours that attract around a million visits per year. The programs provide a foundation for early literacy development, exciting children about reading and equipping parents/caregivers with teaching resources.

• The libraries offer designated programs and accommodations for children aged 0-5 years old.
• Story hours are a core offering where children gather for read-alouds and book exploration.
• Parents/caregivers learn techniques for encouraging reading and can enroll in education programs on-site.
• Libraries provide amenities like stroller parking to facilitate participation in the toddler programs.

The New York City public library representatives explain that they are maintaining a blend of virtual and in-person services following the shift to a digital model during the pandemic.

• They continue to offer virtual programs like mailable programs for homebound individuals, virtual ESL classes, and DJ events.
• The transition to digital platforms increased operational costs but expanded reach and accessibility.
• Efforts are ongoing to bridge the digital divide and provide free broadband access from library branches.
• While restoring in-person services, the libraries aim to maintain their enhanced digital offerings like ebooks and online research resources.

Council Member Farah N. Louis questions the impact of budget cuts on the MWBE Clinic programming at the Brooklyn Public Library branches, emphasizing the clinic's role in supporting entrepreneurs and MWBEs through learning and certification opportunities.

• The Brooklyn Public Library president does not have exact numbers, but will get them to the council later.
• The programs are offered a "power up" for a 9 month period

Linda Johnson explains that while some library programs are privately funded, budget cuts leading to branch closures would limit physical access and the ability to offer these services.

• Even privately funded programs require physical library spaces to operate
• If branches close due to budget cuts, there is no space to hold program sessions
• Without the physical spaces, offering library services becomes pointless

Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers asks for details on which library branches faced unplanned closures and reduced hours due to staff shortages.

• The New York Public Library president confirms the 69 unplanned closures and 34 branch closures due to staffing issues spanned 3 boroughs (Manhattan, The Bronx, Staten Island)
• He agrees to provide the council member with a list of the affected branches

Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers requests an update on capital projects funded by the current administration that were canceled, rescinded entirely, or intentionally delayed to future fiscal years like fiscal year 2033. She asks if these projects will be restored to earlier fiscal years.

• She specifically inquires about the status of capital projects for libraries in Far Rockaway.
• Dennis Walcott, President and CEO of Queens Public Library, provides details on the progress of the new Far Rockaway library branch.
• He says the new branch is expected to open in mid to late July, with book stacking currently underway.
• The temporary Far Rockaway library site will phase out once the new branch opens, but the teen library will remain operational.

The council member asks about potentially expediting the opening of the new Far Rockaway library branch to early July. The Queens Public Library president responds that he cannot commit to an early July opening date.

• The opening timing depends on the hard work and progress made by library staff in tasks like stacking books.
• The backyard area of the new branch has been prepared and signage indicates it will be open to the public.

Council Member Brooks-Powers advocates for prominently displaying the Far Rockaway name on the new library's design.

• She wants the community to feel seen and recognized in the new design
• She mentions receiving emails from constituents requesting this
• She states her role is to advocate for her community's interests
• She believes incorporating the name can be done without compromising the design

Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about the status of the Laurelton library, and Dennis Walcott, President and CEO of Queens Public Library, provides an update.

• The Laurelton library is currently closed
• A mobile library is operating on Saturdays due to Brooks-Powers' advocacy
• There are two phases of construction work planned
• Phase 1 has a $1.8 million budget from DDC for roof replacement, projected completion in Q3 2024
• Phase 2 has a $13.9 million DDC construction budget for additional work in the future

Council Member Shahana Hanif expresses gratitude for library workers and concern over potential cuts to library services and programs.

• She states cuts have had a devastating effect on the city
• She emphasizes libraries' role in promoting intellectual freedom and resisting censorship
• She focuses on the impact cuts would have on programs for children and teens
• She underscores libraries' importance for democracy, literacy, and community support

The Brooklyn Public Library president explains that budget cuts will necessitate reducing programming by a third, impacting non-grant funded programs.

• Fewer citizenship classes and visits to senior centers and nursing homes
• Creative aging classes and programs for older adults reduced
• Young adult literacy programs cut by 50%
• Fewer teen internships and stipends
• Scaling back teen takeover initiative and events
• Reduction in technology and arts workshops for teens
• Closure of a teen tech center on Saturdays
• 50% reduction in library visits to children/families in hospitals
• Book distribution to children cut by half
• Cuts to multi-session art classes for older adults

Council members and library leaders explain that reduced library hours and programs will significantly limit access and participation.

• Library doors may not be open for scheduled programs like ESL classes or story times
• People will be turned away when libraries are closed unexpectedly
• Over 2 million program visits across the library systems will likely be cut
• Private donors who partnered with the city to fund programs may pull back funding
• The libraries' reputations as reliable community institutions will be undermined

The Brooklyn Public Library has initiated the Books Unbanned program to provide nationwide access to books, including those that have been banned in some areas.

• The program is funded entirely through private money.
• It gives teens across the country digital access to the library's entire collection.
• The goal is to uphold freedom of reading and access to all books.
• Libraries are highly trusted institutions that foundations and philanthropists support.
• Maintaining this trust is essential for libraries to serve communities effectively.

Council Member Gale A. Brewer asks how one goes about renovating with the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) rather than the Department of Design and Construction (DDC).

• She asks her questions in a series. The answer will come after she finishes her questions.

Gale A. Brewer inquires about the continuation of the e-rate program for libraries and the feasibility of leveraging federal support through it to provide internet connectivity in neighborhoods.

• She asks her questions in a series. The answer will come after she finishes her questions.

The council member asks about the technology budgets and how they could be impacted by the need to upgrade hardware or software every 5 years.

• She asks her questions in a series. The answer will come after she finishes her questions.

Council Member Gale A. Brewer inquires about the wait lists for literacy programs, whether research libraries are open on Sundays, and what funding was previously baselined for libraries.

• She asks her questions in a series. This concludes her series of questions. Answers will come in the following segments.

The New York Public Library research library is not open on Sundays due to budget cuts from the city.

- The research library is mostly privately funded but relies on city funding
- When the city cuts funding, the library has to reduce services like Sunday hours
- Additional costs like overtime pay also contribute to the Sunday closure
- If city funding is restored, the research library can reopen on Sundays

The president of the New York Public Library states that their E Rate eligible costs in fiscal year 2024 were $1.8 million.

• The E Rate is an important partnership for the library.
• However, the library's needs are greater than the E Rate funding.
• The library needs to project broadband into neighborhoods and be innovative.

The New York Public Library president explains that working with agencies like EDC can help get renovation projects done faster and cheaper, but it is not their primary role or what they are funded for.

• The Department of Design and Construction (DDC) is supposed to handle design for projects like library renovations
• But working with DDC often costs twice as much and takes twice as long
• So the library looks for other partners like EDC to help with renovation projects
• For example, EDC partnered with the library on a project to renovate a branch and add affordable housing units
• This project was completed in half the time and cost compared to working with DDC
• However, EDC's capacity to partner on library projects is limited since it is not their core mission

There is a wait list of over 1,000 people for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) literacy classes at the Queens Public Library.

Dennis Walcott, President and CEO of the Queens Public Library, states that the library's e-rate funding is roughly $750,000.

The Queens Public Library president explains that their main source of capital funding comes from the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) unless they are doing a separate project on their own.

The Brooklyn Public Library is facing a significant waitlist for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, with over 2,800 people on the waitlist.

• There has been a surge in demand for citizenship programs, with a nearly 1,000% increase from 543 attendees in 2022 to over 1,000 attendees in 2023.
• The waitlist for ESOL classes is described as the most dire situation currently faced by the library.
• Although specific numbers are provided for ESOL waitlists and citizenship program attendance, no further details are given about the challenges or reasons behind these issues.

The Brooklyn Public Library has a technology budget of $4.6 million which is approximately 5% of their overall budget. They receive around $1 million per year in E-Rate funding for technology.

• The technology budget at the Brooklyn Public Library is $4.6 million.
• This budget makes up about 5% of their total budget.
• They receive around $1 million per year in E-Rate funding that can be used for technology.
• The E-Rate funding is not restricted to only library use.

The council member questions why the DDC is more expensive than the EDC for public projects like library renovations.

• The president of the Brooklyn Public Library explains that DDC projects take longer to complete, increasing costs over time.
• The president of the New York Public Library states it is a public policy dilemma that the city gets less value from DDC projects.
• He suggests working with the EDC and finding private funding to get more done for the money.

The New York Public Library president explains that they are providing a record number of English language classes for immigrants and asylum seekers.

• The library filled nearly 14,000 seats in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes in fiscal year 2023, a 74% increase from the prior year.
• However, they still have to turn people away due to demand exceeding capacity.
• The libraries are a vital resource for new immigrants learning English.
• If they have to close due to budget cuts, there will not even be waitlists - people will simply give up hope of accessing these services.

The Queens Public Library held 4,752 ESOL sessions, attended by approximately 57,710 people.

Council Member Justin Brannan, who chairs the Committee on Finance, opened the final executive budget hearing focused on the Department of Cultural Affairs' budget.

• He was joined by Council Member Carlina Rivera of the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and International Intergroup Relations.
• Brannan outlined the proposed FY2025 budget for DCLA of $152 million, an increase from the preliminary budget.
• He emphasized the importance of investing in arts and cultural institutions for their moral and financial benefits.
• Brannan stated his questions would focus on the council's budget response, one-time funding, and DCLA's capital program.

Council Member Carlina Rivera opens a hearing on the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) executive budget plan for fiscal year 2025.

• She highlights the proposed $152 million DCLA budget, which is $89.6 million less than the previous fiscal year's adopted budget.
• Rivera emphasizes the importance of arts and culture in New York City and advocates for more funding for cultural organizations.
• She expresses disappointment that only a fraction of the $75.6 million in additional funding requested by the council has been included.
• Rivera underscores the council's responsibility to ensure a fair, transparent, and accountable budget that reflects the city's needs and priorities.
• She expects active engagement from the DCLA and responsiveness to council members' questions during the hearing process.

Laurie Cumbo testifies on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget for the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, which allocates $151 million for various cultural programs and initiatives.

• She provides a detailed breakdown of the budget allocations for the Cultural Development Fund, operating subsidies, energy costs, agency operations, and other funding streams.
• Cumbo highlights funding restorations by Mayor Adams totaling over $7.5 million and efforts to reform and improve the Cultural Development Fund process based on feedback.
• She discusses recent capital projects, public art commissions, and cultural milestones celebrated across the city.
• Cumbo emphasizes the department's partnership with the City Council in supporting NYC's cultural sector through initiatives like the CDF and promoting events.

Commissioner Laurie Cumbo explains that the Department of Cultural Affairs has advocated for restoring arts funding but there was only a partial restoration from prior cost-saving measures.

• The department was exempted from budget cuts initially but had significant partial restorations later
• New York City remains the largest funder of arts and culture in the United States
• Funding shown does not include investments in arts by other city agencies like Education and Youth
• The capital budget for cultural projects across the five boroughs brings funding closer to 1% of the city's total budget

Justin Brannan, chair of the NYC Council's Finance Committee, expresses concern that the city agency overseeing cultural affairs (DCLA) receives only 0.1% of the total city budget, despite the exponential impact cultural institutions have on New York's economy and identity.

• He argues the small DCLA budget does not reflect the vital role of cultural institutions.
• He claims underfunding culture makes NYC no different than smaller cities without vibrant arts.
• He suggests the administration is being 'penny-wise and pound-foolish' by severely limiting DCLA's funding.

The Commissioner explains that record-breaking funding has been allocated to arts and culture in recent city budgets.

• The last two budget cycles had groundbreaking, record-breaking funding for arts and culture.
• The upcoming capital budget will be one of the three largest ever for investments in arts and culture.
• The administration continues to work with the City Council to further expand the cultural budget.
• Specific initiatives that expanded cultural funding in the past include increasing Council member grants, creating programs like 'Art as a Catalyst for Change', and expanding the number of theaters of color funded.

Commissioner Laurie Cumbo explains the criteria used to determine the funding split between the CDF and Sigs in DCLA's FY 2024 budget.

• There is a baseline amount of funding that must go to the cultural institution groups (CIGs) each year to cover operating costs like security, utilities, etc.
• The decision on how much goes to the CIGs is largely based on the baseline funding needed to oversee city-owned properties that DCLA is fiscally responsible for.
• The remaining funds available are then allocated to the 1,031 organizations funded through the CDF process.

The Department of Cultural Affairs commissioner explained that there was no fixed average increase from the $40,000,000 allocation.

• Funding increases or decreases for CDF recipients are determined through a panel review process evaluating each organization's application, budget size, and performance.
• Organizations do not automatically receive a funding increase just because additional money is made available.
• Increases depend on the organization's budget band, with larger budgets qualifying for higher potential funding levels.
• The general counsel clarified that council-requested supplemental CDF programs added this year will not impact baseline CDF funding that organizations expect for a three-year commitment period.

The commissioner explains the capital planning process that factors in community perspectives for equity.

• An annual process involves discussions with borough presidents to prioritize funding requests for capital projects.
• Direct communication occurs with organizations to understand their capital needs for improvements and expansions.
• Input is gathered from council members and borough presidents on community needs for capital investments.
• A partnership exists with city council to fund projects and equipment purchases based on community insights.

The commissioner explains that capital construction projects are separate from operational expenses.

• Capital project budgets do not cover staff salaries, utilities, maintenance, or other recurring costs
• The department provides program-based funding for exhibitions, community outreach, after-school programs, etc.
• There is a separate utility relief fund to subsidize utility costs for non-cultural groups on city property
• Expanding the utility relief fund could help increase support for cultural initiatives

The commissioner explains that although more resources would enhance capacity, the department is conducting interviews to fill positions now that a hiring freeze has been partially lifted. She expresses confidence that with the ability to hire, the proposed headcount of 60 for FY25, a 2-person increase from FY24, will be sufficient for the agency to operate efficiently and expand.

• The council member asks if a headcount of 60 for FY25 is enough to meet cultural needs
• The commissioner says more resources are always helpful but not necessary
• With the hiring freeze being lifted, they can conduct interviews to fill positions
• She is confident the 60 headcount will allow efficient operations and agency growth
• The council member thanks the commissioner for her response

Council Member Carlina Rivera expresses frustration with the administration's lack of cooperation in expanding the budget for cultural institutions.

• Rivera states the administration has not been a willing partner in budget expansion efforts
• Rivera finds relying on council 'one shot' funds to cover operating costs unrealistic and irresponsible
• Rivera urges the administration to restore $45 million to cover expenses for cultural institutions
• Rivera highlights the negative impact of budget cuts on major institutions like La MaMa and smaller organizations funded by the Cultural Development Fund

The council member inquires about the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) relying on one-time council funds to cover the operating costs of the Social Inclusion Grants (SIG) program and the absence of $45,000,000 in funding that the council urged to be included in the executive budget.

• The DCLA commissioner explains the impact of the pandemic on audience engagement and funding sources like foundations and corporations shifting priorities.
• Despite financial constraints, the commissioner highlights the city's ongoing commitment to arts and culture through capital investments in communities.
• All city agencies had to reduce budgets due to the fiscal crisis, but restorations in the upcoming fiscal year will provide more robust funding for programs like the Cultural Development Fund (CDF).
• The commissioner assures that fiscal year 2025 will see improvements and increased funding compared to the current fiscal year.

Commissioner Laurie Cumbo explains that the significant budget cuts were necessary due to the fiscal crisis faced by Mayor Eric Adams' administration, which lacked federal support.

• The budget constraints required cost-saving measures across agencies.
• The reductions severely impacted cultural affairs and arts programs.
• Efforts were made to support organizations during this challenging fiscal period despite the harmful cuts.

Lance Polivy explains that the CDF funding allocations are calculated based on the total available funding, not predetermined amounts that are then adjusted.

• The CDF uses complex formulas to determine applicants' percentile scores, which correlate to their award amounts.
• Award amounts are not calculated until the total CDF program funding is known.
• There is no uniform reduction applied across all CDF groups due to budget cuts.

The Department of Cultural Affairs ensures borough parity in funding distribution through their application review process, which yields award percentages that match the percentage of applicants from each borough within 1%.

• More applicants from a borough leads to more funding awarded to that borough proportionally
• A new budget band of $40,000 minimum was created for organizations with budgets between $1.5-3 million to provide more support
• Higher funding allows organizations to be funded at higher levels within their respective budget bands
• The goal is to relate funding amounts more directly to an organization's programming scope and community served

The safety net funding will come from additional funds added at the budget adoption stage, not from the baseline cultural affairs funding that goes through the panel review process.

• It will not be part of the baseline cultural funding that has to go through panel review
• Funding will be added during the budget adoption process specifically for the safety net initiative
• There are not enough resources to provide retroactive funding to address cuts organizations faced in fiscal year 2024
• The goal is to implement the safety net funding going forward in an equitable and streamlined way, not rushing at the expense of harming organizations

Commissioner Laurie Cumbo informs that organizations that were "zeroed out" and denied funding in the previous year will unfortunately not be able to capture some of the funding in the current fiscal year due to a lack of resources.

• The council member expresses concern for the groups that had their funding significantly decreased or eliminated.
• She emphasizes the need for a "safety net award" for organizations doing critical work.
• Concerns are raised about issues with the panel process for funding decisions, such as panels being too short and panelists being underprepared.

Commissioner Cumbo explains that 80% of applicants to the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs are funded, which is a high rate compared to other agencies. The panel review process has been reformed by allowing city council representation, extending the review period, increasing panelist participation and compensation, and reducing application loads per panelist.

• The reforms aim to improve borough and cultural representation on the panels.
• Council members are encouraged to advocate for diverse panelists from their districts.
• More equity across boroughs and cultures is needed in the panel composition.
• The participation of diverse local perspectives can make panels more reflective of NYC's communities.

The commissioner explains the efforts to make the CDF process more equitable and inclusive.

• The department engaged the city council, administration, arts/cultural groups, and the public for feedback
• Testimony from organizations was incorporated to address inclusivity challenges
• Numerous site visits were conducted to cultural institutions across the city
• A 'culture at risk' initiative was launched to support vulnerable organizations, especially during the pandemic
• The goal is a more transparent, supportive funding system for the cultural sector

The Department of Cultural Affairs provides individual feedback to organizations through program officers on how to improve equity and transparency in the funding process.

• It looks at data on how organizations performed year-over-year to identify those needing support
• It has developed a 'culture at risk' arm to provide extra resources and outreach
• It holds meetings and visits with organizations to get direct feedback

The commissioner explains that organizations have opportunities to speak with program officers and receive feedback on how to submit more competitive applications.

• The applications go through a peer review panel process where the quality of the program proposal is heavily weighted
• For large organizations that previously received multi-year funding, their baseline would be set as an average of prior years, with half that amount provided to sustain them during an appeal
• The goal is to avoid zeroing out major organizations while they go through the appeals process
• The program quality portion of the application scoring has been increased from 15% to 30% weighting

The commissioner of the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs states that they work closely with the Department of Education on arts education guidelines and advocacy, but the ability to increase art teachers in schools lies primarily with the DOE.

• The council member argues that the agency should take a stronger internal stance on promoting arts education
• She suggests the agency should push advocacy efforts, possibly through new laws mandating arts education requirements
• The council member expresses concern that the DOE may not prioritize arts education as much as the cultural affairs agency should
• She cites examples of underutilized art facilities and resources in schools that could be better leveraged for arts education

The council member inquires about specific efforts and buildings identified to provide housing for artists in New York City. The commissioner mentions ongoing discussions to explore utilizing different affordable housing models and replicating successful examples, while working closely with another city agency. However, no concrete list of buildings is provided, disappointing the council member who emphasizes the need for more tangible examples like P.S. 109. One example given is the National Black Theatre's housing project.

• The council member presses for more details on housing initiatives for artists
• The commissioner cites ongoing discussions but lacks specific buildings identified
• The council member expresses disappointment in the lack of concrete examples provided
• One example given is the National Black Theatre's housing project for artists
• The exchange reflects a push for more tangible solutions for artist housing

Commissioner Cumbo states that while the DCLA baseline budget has not changed since 2009, additional funding at adoption has grown the cultural budget each year, making DCLA the largest cultural funder nationwide.

• She highlights the administration's commitment to arts and culture through this increased funding
• Council Member Rivera questions if DCLA's budget growth has truly kept pace with the overall city budget increases
• Cumbo notes the Council can expand initiatives like Casa Grants from $20,000 to $30,000 to further support cultural organizations
• Both acknowledge the need to address funding inequities beyond just the Casa program

The commissioner explains that the Department of Cultural Affairs is developing the Culture at Risk program to connect cultural organizations with resources from city, state and federal agencies, as well as corporations and foundations.

• The Culture at Risk program expands the network of resources available to cultural institutions
• It helps organizations access resources from various government agencies and private entities
• Many cultural institutions participate in workforce development programs
• The commissioner wants to better connect young people to workforce development in arts and culture careers

Council Member Rivera thanks members and discusses upcoming programs and initiatives.

• She looks forward to a program and working together with someone named Anne
• She mentions the Citi Cannabis program they are working on to address sidewalk sheds and scaffolding
• She emphasizes the importance of employing as many young people as possible
• She thanks someone for shouting out the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the need to protect the cherry blossoms there
• She expresses gratitude for the dedication and advocacy of someone who answered questions

The commissioner of the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs opens the council hearing with some lighthearted banter.

• Laurie Cumbo, the commissioner, states it's an honor and privilege to testify before the council members
• She hopes to come back for the next hearing with a better rating from Council Member Brewer
• Council Member Rivera laughs and says that's all they can do
• Council Member Brannan thanks Cumbo

Leonard Paul, President of Local 374, testifies about the detrimental effects of budget cuts on the New York City public library systems and their workers.

• He highlights the invaluable role libraries play in communities by providing free resources, services, and programs in a safe environment staffed by dedicated union members.
• Paul states that since the pandemic, 234 full-time union positions have been lost across various library roles, leading to strained services and reduced operating hours.
• He criticizes the mayor's budget decisions that have forced library closures and will cut services to 5 days per week due to insufficient staffing.
• Paul emphasizes the lack of resources for children's programs, building maintenance, and public safety officers, all impacting the libraries' ability to serve patrons effectively.

Deborah D. Allman testified about the significant negative impact of budget cuts on New York Public Library services and staffing levels.

• The New York Public Library Guild Local 1930 membership has declined from 2,208 in September 2023 to 1,177 due to budget cuts
• Budget cuts have forced libraries to operate with inadequate staffing, leading to reduced or canceled programs like children's story time and tutoring
• Library staff provided testimonies detailing daily struggles with understaffing and inability to provide sufficient services
• Allman urged the mayor to fully restore the library's budget as a baseline in the city's budget to maintain services and locations

George Olken, representing the Brooklyn Library Guild union, testifies about the challenging effects of proposed budget cuts on Brooklyn Public Library's workforce and services.

• He shares examples of librarians unable to work in their assigned branches due to closures and staffing shortages.
• He highlights clerical staff being assigned to work alone at busy service desks, impacting their ability to properly maintain the library spaces.
• He describes a security supervisor having to take on low-paying delivery jobs to make ends meet despite his union position.
• Olken emphasizes that these budget cuts not only strain the library workers but also limit community access to library resources, urging the council to reconsider the cuts and increase funding.

Hyslop presents testimonies from Queens Library staff highlighting the effects of inadequate staffing on library operations and services.

• Due to limited staff, libraries struggle to cover reference desks, programs like story time for children often get canceled, and scheduling becomes a constant juggling act
• Meeting spaces cannot be fully utilized by community groups and agencies when there is not enough staff to monitor the spaces
• Custodial staff being spread thin across branches leads to delayed maintenance, compromised cleanliness, and less than optimal sanitary conditions
• Some libraries have no dedicated custodians at all, just receiving bare minimum coverage

Council Members Brannan and Rivera thank the panelists.

• Brannan thanks the panelists.
• Council Member Carlina Rivera expresses gratitude to the attendees for creating special moments in the city.
• Rivera highlights the importance of their contributions and the city's responsibility to provide benefits like collective bargaining costs.
• Rivera commends the attendees' careful and thoughtful service to the city.
• Brannan concludes the session with final thanks.

Leonard Paul congratulates Council Member Carlina Rivera on the arrival of her baby. This will be the 4th generation of her family that he has met.

Lucy Sexton testifies that budget cuts have severely impacted New York City's cultural sector, leading to reduced programs, staff, and operating hours for cultural organizations.

• Cultural organizations have been forced to cut benefits to the community, such as dance classes for youth and theater shows
• The cuts have resulted in increased unemployment among cultural workers and less vibrancy and safety in neighborhoods
• Funding delays have forced some organizations to close, and others struggle to run programs for months before receiving funds
• The impact extends beyond organizations, affecting personal wellbeing of participants like seniors in dance classes
• Sexton requests restoration of cuts, additional baseline funding, and investment to stabilize and repair the damaged sector

Killingsworth advocates for the full restoration of FY24 budget cuts and an additional $53 million in baseline funding for FY25 for the Cultural Institutions Group (CIGs) and Cultural Development Fund (CDF) partners in New York City's cultural sector.

• The CIGs comprise 34 non-profit museums, performing arts centers, historical societies, zoos, and botanic gardens across the city.
• The cuts have severely impacted the cultural sector, which generates $110 billion in annual economic activity and provides nearly 16,000 jobs.
• Investing in culture provides safe public spaces and is vital for New York City's economy and communities.
• Killingsworth calls on the City Council's continued support to prioritize cultural funding as an investment in the city's artists and cultural institutions.

Fran Garber-Cohen testifies about the adverse impacts of the 5% budget cuts to culture on Regina Opera Company's ability to provide affordable and accessible cultural programming for senior citizens and low-income communities in Brooklyn.

• Regina Opera offers fully staged operas with orchestras, English supertitles, and free concerts in areas like Sunset Park and Bay Ridge.
• About 65% of Regina Opera's audience are senior citizens who cannot afford high ticket prices at major venues or travel long distances.
• The budget cuts have forced Regina Opera to cut free programming like Make Music New York and the June 10th event.
• Garber-Cohen asks the Council to reverse these cuts, which hurt small organizations serving a vital population that depends on local cultural offerings.

Gold advocates for restoring $76 million in funding cuts that disproportionately hurt small organizations serving Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities.

• She highlights that AAPI organizations receive less than 2% of the Department of Cultural Affairs budget despite AAPI communities making up 18% of NYC's population
• Small organizations lack capacity to apply for cultural affairs grants due to language barriers and rigorous application processes
• Even modest funding cuts severely limit the ability of these groups to provide critical community services like art programs for youth and seniors

Judith Insell advocates for increasing the cultural budget to restore and baseline funding for the Bronx Arts Ensemble and other cultural organizations in the borough. The Bronx Arts Ensemble annually provides over 20,000 Bronx residents with free live performances by professional musicians across multiple genres, aiming to provide culturally responsive events.

• Due to budget cuts and loss of cultural development fund support, the Ensemble could only present performances in districts with direct council member funding this fiscal year.
• Over half of the Bronx did not experience the Ensemble's live performances as a result.
• Insell highlights the positive impact of the Ensemble's community-building performances on residents' wellbeing.
• She stresses the essentiality of funding neighborhood cultural nonprofits that employ artists and nourish citizens' spirits.
• The Ensemble has endured challenges like the Bronx fires, stock market crashes, 9/11, and the pandemic over its 52-year history.
• Insell urges adding $53 million to the FY2025 cultural budget to allow organizations like the Bronx Arts Ensemble to continue serving the underserved Bronx community.

Shoup emphasizes the vital role of arts and culture in making New York City a desirable place to live, work, and visit.

• They call for restoring fiscal year 2024 budget cuts to the Cultural Development Fund (CDF) and Cultural Institutions Group (CIG)
• Shoup requests increasing the Department of Cultural Affairs' funding to $76 million for fiscal year 2025
• They share an example of how a member theater connects immigrant youth to mental health resources through arts programs
• Shoup highlights the negative impacts of recent CDF funding cuts on staffing, artist pay, and programming capacity at arts organizations

Sompura advocates for increased operational funding for cultural institutions in New York City.

• She emphasizes the vital economic role of cultural institutions in powering tourism, employment, and commerce
• She notes these institutions have not received increased operational support in over 15 years despite rising costs
• She requests $53 million in baseline funding for institutions, including restoration of past cuts
• She asks for full restoration of cultural initiative funding from the City Council
• She highlights institutions' commitment to quality programming and visitor experiences despite financial challenges

Rosa Chang passionately advocates for fully funding public libraries, librarians, artists, and cultural institutions as essential nourishment for growing minds and goals.

• She is the co-founder of Gotham Park, a nonprofit working to open a community-led public space in an underinvested NYC neighborhood
• Chang highlights her personal experience of how libraries opened up her world and inspired her dreams as a child
• She describes libraries as housing the complexity of human thought across generations, serving as the 'DNA of imagination'
• Chang envisions building a new landmark public library inside the Brooklyn Bridge as a hub for connection and ingenuity

Mooney testifies about the efforts of libraries in New York City to assist newcomers, especially French West African migrants and asylum seekers. The Brooklyn Public Library staff has translated documents, established emergency committees, engaged volunteer networks, and learned asylum law to better support patrons. Mooney highlights the readiness and eagerness of asylum seekers awaiting work permit eligibility to join the workforce and build communities in NYC. She advocates for increased library funding to meet the needs and ambitions of the newest New York City residents.

• Library staff have translated documents, formed committees, and engaged volunteers to assist newcomers
• Asylum seekers are eager to work and build communities while awaiting work permit eligibility
• Mooney calls for increased library funding to support the talent and ambition of new NYC residents

Zadrozny criticizes the reduction in New York City public library service hours, with libraries now closed on Sundays, depriving millions of access to safe study spaces and resources.

• He condemns the decision as political theater amid the New York Public Library's substantial endowment and trustee wealth
• He contrasts NYC's reduced hours to libraries in other major cities that maintain extensive 60-80 hour weekly schedules, including Sundays
• He cites the NYPL's prior contractual obligation to keep the 42nd Street library open 80 hours per week, including Sundays
• He urges restoring full 7-day library access, especially at the 42nd Street flagship, to uphold NYC as a state of opportunity

Comito testifies that the proposed $58.3 million budget cuts for fiscal year 2025 would severely impact library services and staff.

• The cuts would eliminate Saturday service at most city libraries
• The cuts would reduce purchasing of new materials for libraries
• The cuts would continue the hiring freeze, exacerbating staff shortages
• Staff shortages are leading to burnout and physical injuries for library workers
• Comito describes an incident where a staff member injured their shoulder moving heavy book bins due to delivery delays caused by staffing issues
• She argues against austerity measures and calls for investment in libraries to allow staff to safely provide vital services

Pecoraro expresses concern over the proposed $58.3 million cut to New York City's public libraries in the fiscal year 2025 budget.

• The cuts would force the end of Saturday service at nearly all Queens library branches
• Working-class communities rely on weekend library access for programming and services
• Cuts would prevent many from participating in cultural programs like Earth Day and book giveaways
• Libraries provide vital after-school homework help and special reading programs
• Pecoraro urges an end to the city's recurring practice of targeting libraries for budget cuts

Lewandowski testifies on the critical need for increased cultural funding in New York City.

• She highlights the role arts and culture play in the city's economic recovery, especially post-COVID.
• Many cultural organizations face significant operating deficits of 20-40% due to reduced support from foundations, corporations, and low ticket sales.
• The city must provide robust financial backing to enable the arts community to continue contributing to NYC's vibrancy and identity.
• Lewandowski shares a personal story about her uncle's artwork created in a concentration camp to illustrate art's vital role in human survival.

Thompson-Zachery testifies on the significance of NYC's dance community, which generates $300 million in economic activity and encompasses diverse roles like performers, educators, and cross-sector workers.

• She highlights dance workers' impact on communities through developing social-emotional skills, cultural awareness, and confidence in youth.
• Thompson-Zachery notes dance workers are innovators building artistic practices that influence stages locally and commercially.
• She paints a challenging picture facing the dance community due to hostile conditions for arts pursuits, funding changes, housing costs, and pandemic impacts.
• Thompson-Zachery underscores the need for NYC to invest in and support the dance community through budget increases and restoring recent cultural funding cuts.
• She advocates for a $76 million budget addition and restoration of cuts to CDF and CIGs to provide stability and recognition of dance's value.

Capote criticizes the outdated criteria used to allocate city funding for arts and culture, which disproportionately benefits large institutions over community-based organizations led by and serving communities of color.

• 85% of the budget goes to 34 organizations based on property ownership dating back over 100 years when communities of color had no access.
• The remaining organizations rooted in communities of color compete for only 15% of the funding.
• Capote calls for a $76 million restoration and increase to support organizations in communities of color where the need is greatest.
• She highlights the inequity in fundraising ability between large institutions with wealthy boards and small/mid-sized organizations.
• Capote argues arts and culture are essential, not supplementary, calling it '1st aid' for society.

Kate Madigan testifies about the financial struggles cultural institutions like the Public Theater are facing due to inflation and lingering pandemic effects.

• She calls for restoring $75.6 million in funding for cultural institutions in the city's FY2025 budget.
• Without increased funding, the Public Theater has had to reduce its number of productions next season.
• Madigan warns that neglecting the nonprofit arts sector could lead to a less equitable, diverse, and accessible cultural landscape dominated by commercial enterprises.

Olsen emphasizes the critical role of arts and cultural organizations in providing arts instruction and resources to NYC schools.

• Over 600 arts and cultural organizations partnered with schools last year to fill instructional gaps
• Funding cuts to the Department of Cultural Affairs have hindered these organizations' ability to partner with schools
• Only 74% of schools reported partnering with an arts organization last year, down 10% from 5 years ago
• Transparent, system-wide data is needed to understand where arts education is being provided in schools
• Sustainable funding for arts and cultural organizations is essential to prevent widening the access gap to arts education

Freudenthal underscores the necessity for a full restoration of $53 million in fiscal year 2025 and the baselining of all one-time funding for Carnegie Hall and the Cultural Institutions Group (CIG).

• He emphasizes the importance of public service to Carnegie Hall's identity, serving 800,000 New Yorkers annually.
• Carnegie Hall has deep partnerships with the city's human services agencies.
• Their work focuses on early childhood, corrections settings, and mental health and wellness, serving high-need New Yorkers.
• Public funding shapes their services, especially for those in high-need situations.
• He acknowledges support from elected officials, committee staff, and the cultural affairs commissioner.

Lisa Alpert testifies about the extensive cultural programming and services Green-Wood Cemetery provides to New Yorkers.

• The cemetery is a national historic landmark spanning 478 acres in Brooklyn.
• It serves over 450,000 New Yorkers annually through public programs, school programs, and visits to its landscape.
• Green-Wood offers dance performances, art installations, tours, concerts, programming for Latinx and LGBTQ+ communities, environmental programs, and more.
• Despite its role as a major cultural institution, it has not received discretionary funding from the City Council since 2017.
• Alpert advocates for the Council's support to continue providing free cultural experiences to New Yorkers.

The council member explains that the Department of Education's annual arts and schools report is derived from state data and a survey completed by only 70-80% of schools, typically by one person who may not have a full picture of the arts instruction.

• The executive director suggests potential for cross-agency collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs for more comprehensive arts education data
• A report shared with the council in the 2019-2020 school year could serve as a baseline for an annual compliance report
• The goal is to better understand where arts education is happening, including teacher staffing and partnerships

Council Member Rivera thanks everyone who testified about the devastating impact of the budget cuts on cultural institutions and public libraries.

• Rivera acknowledges the institutions employ many people, including artists in schools
• Rivera laments that the institutions have had to stop hiring and lay off staff
• Rivera describes the institutions' spaces as "majestic" with "amazing staff"

Michelle Lima, a New York City culture curator and influencer representing 88,000 New Yorkers, presents a testimony advocating for increased support and funding for arts, culture, public libraries, public schools, and social services in NYC.

• She shares her personal story growing up in Elmhurst, Queens as the daughter of Ecuadorian immigrant parents and relying on public libraries and arts programs.
• Lima highlights the critical role of arts and culture in her life, allowing her to pursue her passion as an artist despite economic challenges.
• She emphasizes the struggles faced by artists, CUNY students, families in need of affordable childcare and mental health resources, and the negative impacts of budget cuts.
• Lima urges investment in public services to support New Yorkers, especially low-income communities and families, and advocates for the arts as a vital part of the city's culture and education system.

Elise Buxbaum, Chief Operating Officer of the Museum of Jewish Heritage, shares the museum's impactful educational and cultural contributions through a personal story about receiving an email from a 4th-grade teacher. The teacher's email highlights how a class visit to the museum, following a unit of study and reading "Number of the Stars," significantly engaged students in learning and collaboration. Buxbaum emphasizes the museum's efforts in providing free educational resources, busing, and student tours, underscoring the dependency on the city's budget for these services. The testimony concludes with a note on the museum's financial challenges, including the absence of an endowment and the critical need for city support.

Gardner testified about Building for the Arts NY's requests for council funding support.

• The nonprofit seeks funding for modern lighting systems in their 5 theaters to provide subsidized access for artists and audiences
• They also aim to expand their Music and the Brain program, which offers school day music education and piano instruction in over 145 K-8 NYC schools
• The program has proven social-emotional and academic benefits, especially for Title 1 schools
• Gardner requested an additional $53 million in the city budget to reverse funding cuts and support their projects

Gilliam advocates for increased funding and support for arts and culture initiatives in the Lower East Side neighborhood.

• She speaks on behalf of FABnyc's 45 cultural organization members as well as Community Board 3
• Gillam asks for restored budgets for libraries, arts, and culture
• Specific requests include more funding for small/midsize cultural groups serving communities of color, activating public spaces, affordable workspace for artists, reimagining the artist core program, and rebuilding the Chateau cultural hub
• Gilliam emphasizes the need for both basic necessities ('bread') and cultural enrichment ('roses') for a fulfilling community life

Tamia Blackman Santana emphasizes the importance of sustaining arts and cultural programming in New York City, particularly for organizations representing Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.

• She expresses gratitude for funding from the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) and City Council that has enabled Ballet Hispanico's culturally inclusive programming.
• Santana advocates for continued support despite potential budget cuts, highlighting Ballet Hispanico's work with school students, public housing residents, and newest arrival families.
• The organization has provided over 1,000 free tickets and resources to underprivileged groups like foster children, Alzheimer's patients, and recent immigrant families.
• Santana underscores the transformative impact of arts access, reflecting on her fulfillment in overseeing these community-centered initiatives.

Skye Kowaleski, Executive Director of JACK Arts, a performance and civic space in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, testifies about the challenges faced by the organization due to budget cuts.

• JACK Arts has had to reduce programming by over 30% and cut staffing despite already struggling with capacity issues.
• An entire performance festival serving dozens of artists and hundreds of audience members yearly had to be canceled.
• The organization is fighting to keep its doors open if the budget situation continues.
• Despite the difficulties, Kowaleski maintains hope, highlighting JACK Arts' positive impact on the community by providing a nurturing space for artists and hosting community events.
• They emphasize that artists are mapping a blueprint for a more beautiful way of life through their work.
• Kowaleski requests the council to add $53,000,000 to the adopted budget to reverse the cuts and restore baseline one-time funding.

Ribbens advocates for increased funding to sustain the Ice Theatre of New York (ITNY)'s cultural offerings and educational outreach. The organization creates ice dance performances as an art form, serving around 30,000 New Yorkers and visitors annually through public shows across city rinks. It also engages over 1,000 students from Title 1 schools, introducing them to skating, art, and classical music.

• ITNY has been creating ice dance performances since its founding in 1984
• It serves 30,000 New Yorkers and visitors per year through public ice shows
• Over 1,000 Title 1 school students participate in educational programs annually
• Students are exposed to skating, art, and classical music through the programs
• A teacher praised the program's impact on exposing students to new experiences
• Consistent funding is crucial for planning and sustaining these initiatives
• Ribbens requests restoring funding to $76 million to continue their work

Andrea Gordillo, the Development Director for The Clemente Soto Velez Cultural & Educational Center, emphasizes the vital importance of restoring and increasing cultural funding to sustain community arts programs and organizations in New York City.

• She highlights The Clemente's unique role in providing affordable creative spaces, rehearsal areas, and culturally-specific programs to a diverse artistic community, particularly in areas like the East Village, Lower East Side, and Chinatown.
• Gordillo underscores the negative impacts of budget cuts on communities and the cultural industry, especially for Black and Latino-based organizations.
• She advocates for restoring cuts to the Cultural Development Fund, increasing investment in cultural programs, and addressing previous and upcoming fiscal challenges to prevent loss of talent, economic impacts, and essential cultural services.
• Gordillo notes The Clemente's involvement in the Latinx Arts Consortium of New York and the Cultural Equity Coalition, emphasizing the coalition's advocacy efforts.
• She argues that funding cuts have a domino effect on the strength of partnerships and the ability to scale up cultural programs for artists and communities.

Gina Tribotti testifies on the significant role of the International Studio And Curatorial Program (ISCP) in promoting cultural understanding and providing opportunities for artists.

• ISCP is the largest visual arts residency in New York City and the 4th largest worldwide, annually hosting over 100 local and international artists.
• Located in a former factory in the disadvantaged area of East Williamsburg, ISCP offers free exhibitions, talks, open studios, paid internships, and school visits.
• The program provides subsidized studios for NYC-based artists and funded residencies with stipends for artists of color to combat disinvestment.
• ISCP showcases diverse works from immigrant communities and international artists to deescalate tensions and foster understanding across backgrounds.

Beth Allen advocates for restoring previous fiscal year budget cuts and increasing investment in the upcoming fiscal year for arts and cultural organizations.

• She leads the Downtown Brooklyn Arts Alliance, a network of 60 nonprofit arts groups serving over 5 million people annually.
• The Alliance's members generate an estimated $250 million in annual economic impact.
• Allen highlights the disconnect between communities wanting more arts programming and the financial struggles faced by arts organizations.
• She introduces Arts Month May, featuring over 300 arts activities by Alliance members in Downtown Brooklyn.

Herschel testifies about Scantic River Productions, a 501(c)(3) theater and production company founded during the pandemic in January 2021 and based in Alphabet City. The company:

• Brings original Mexican-written theater to off-Broadway venues in partnership with organizations like ART New York
• Provides diverse cultural programming like educational theater tours, music albums, and audio dramas focusing on youth mental health
• Offers internships for students from Puerto Rico to work in the NYC arts community
• Exclusively produces original works by queer, racially diverse, and immigrant artists and voices
• Collaborates with and receives support from NYC arts institutions for rehearsal spaces and performance venues
• Warns that without full restoration of $5 million in funding to Cultural Development Fund grantees, at least 130 full-time arts workers could lose jobs and 3,250 artists could be denied fees

Dian Dong gives testimony on the vital role of dance in education and community engagement, especially in Chinatown and the Lower East Side. Chen Dance Center uses DCA funding for free programming that served 6,000 K-12 students across NYC through interactive dance performances telling stories about building America. The testimony highlights how dance engages students more effectively than traditional methods.

• Chen Dance Center is based in Lower Manhattan and serves the Chinatown and Lower East Side communities.
• The organization was displaced by a fire prior to the pandemic and lost its founder.
• With DCA funding, they provide free dance programs in schools citywide.
• Their interactive performances engage students and teach about American history more effectively than reading and writing assignments.

David Johnston testified about the vital contributions of the Jazz Gallery in presenting over 350 jazz concerts annually to over 12,000 in-person audiences since 1995, making the art form accessible through free tickets and educational programs.

• The Jazz Gallery offers free tickets each month to students and provides educational programs in underserved communities.
• Johnston raised concerns over recent 20% budget cuts and funding delays that have forced the Gallery to pause or cut commissions and residencies.
• Despite navigating past crises without such severe cuts, the current funding situation makes it impossible to deliver programming as expected.
• Johnston advocated for a full $76 million restoration to DCLA to prevent catastrophic reductions and thanked Council Member Carlina Rivera for her support.

Christopher Leon Johnson alleges that Alie Ziraschi, the Chief of Staff to Council Member Vicki Paladino, is married to a racist who is affiliated with the Proud Boys organization.

• He claims Ziraschi's husband, Mark Ziraschi, was present at a Trump rally making racist remarks and gestures toward Johnson and others.
• Johnson demands that Ziraschi be fired from her position due to her alleged connection to a racist individual.
• He questions how the City Council can uphold transparency and equal rights while employing someone married to an alleged racist.
• Johnson states that if Ziraschiis not racist herself, she should divorce her husband.

Montalvo explains the importance of reversing budget cuts to the Museum of the City of New York to maintain its educational and cultural programs.

• She requests the City Council advocate for full reversal of cuts to cultural institutions and baseline funding.
• Montalvo highlights the museum serves over 30,000 students, teachers and families annually through educational programs.
• Over 50% of school groups have English language learners, necessitating bilingual educators.
• Additional funding from the Cultural Immigrant Initiative would allow hiring more bilingual staff to better serve diverse student populations.