Q&A
MOERJ's establishment process and new work streams
0:24:09
·
3 min
Commissioner Sideya Sherman explains the process of establishing MOERJ and the new work streams added to comply with the 2022 charter amendment. Council Member Williams asks follow-up questions about how the new office builds on previous work.
- Details the transition from MOE to MOERJ, including budget and staffing challenges
- Explains the continuation of existing programs and initiatives
- Highlights new responsibilities, particularly the racial equity planning process
Sideya Sherman
0:24:09
Sure.
0:24:09
So between in that period, between, you know, establishing and transitioning to the mayor office of equity and racial justice, there were a number of steps that we took to really make sure that we were setting up a new office.
0:24:20
And just to give some context, I'll transition from the office of equity the Office of Equity and racial justice was not a turnkey operation.
0:24:28
It literally is standing up a new agency.
0:24:30
Right?
0:24:30
New budget, new hiring systems, new civil service titles, etcetera, to really make sure that we're standing up a fully functioning team.
0:24:38
So our first step was making sure that we secured the budget in the next fiscal year we spend a lot of time doing strategic planning, building out staffing models, as well as perspective task staffing models for the commission on racial equity as securing the budget and making sure we're securing the lines, building the systems, even post for jobs, build developing the job descriptions, and posting for those as well.
0:25:01
As well as bringing in experts to help advise us on the overall framework for implementation.
0:25:05
So I shared that we launched an advisory board that was in April 2023.
0:25:11
That advisory board included former racial justice commissioners as well as former city government leaders, former mayors, other folks who've been crucial to change management efforts in city government.
0:25:23
And so we worked with them and had their advisement during this period.
0:25:27
This is all while still, of course, carrying on the day to day work of our office.
Nantasha M. Williams
0:25:32
Okay.
0:25:32
And this is kind of like a similar question, but outside of the preparation work you did
Sideya Sherman
0:25:37
to stand up the new office.
0:25:39
Can you share how this new office builds on work that was already being done in the previous office?
0:25:46
Sure.
0:25:46
So, you know, the we are the office of racial equity, but we are, you know, the office of equity justice to really reflect all the other disciplines that are still part of our office.
0:25:55
So while we are carrying forward the charter mandates, we still include the NYSE Unity project.
0:26:01
And why I see her future, the commission on gender equity.
0:26:04
Right?
0:26:05
The young men's initiative and all the other units that were originally part of our team.
0:26:08
So that work has still continued.
0:26:10
We still have the program management portfolio that we oversee, and I included, you know, some of those programs and initiatives.
0:26:16
Those are still on going.
0:26:18
And so there's lots of connectivity between the work, but obviously the work that is reflected in the charter is brand new to the office and the city.
Nantasha M. Williams
0:26:25
Okay.
0:26:26
And I just want to acknowledge that we've been joined by council member, Salamanca.
0:26:31
Can you tell us if at all I'm sorry.
0:26:37
Can you share if you've added new work streams compared to the work that Moe was doing to comply with the 2022 charter amendment.
0:26:47
So if there's anything in addition to your previous work.
Sideya Sherman
0:26:51
Oh, absolutely.
0:26:52
So, I mean, the the ratio I planning process in itself is an all encompassing work stream that really is encompassing you know, much of the focus and effort of our office, pulling in folks from across our office to make sure that we execute it.
0:27:09
So this is, you know, designing, race deputy planning tools, training, curriculum, working with agencies 1 on 1.
0:27:16
Right?
0:27:17
It's a whole new set of activities and responsibilities that we have as an office that didn't exist prior to the charter mandates.
0:27:24
That's just 1 example.
0:27:25
Obviously, I share, you know, the research and the work that we have underway around the true costs of living, as well as many of the other efforts that the charter calls upon us.
0:27:34
Obviously, in this initial year, a lot of our focus has been the ratio equity plan and the planning process, and that has and all members of our team, myself included, to really make sure that that we're focused on that effort.