New York City Council
Committee on Governmental Operations, State & Federal Legislation
Oct 30, 2024
·
01:00 PM
1 hr 15 min
Summary
A hearing on establishing a new Charter Revision Commission to review and potentially revise the city charter.
Discussions focused on:
- The need to recalibrate the balance of power between the mayor and city council
- Improve transparency and accountability
- Restore public trust in city government
The proposed commission would have 8-20 months to work, prohibit registered lobbyists from serving, and provide representation for all city elected officials.
Key topics included:
- Budget revenue estimation
- Land use decision-making
- Strengthening oversight entities
- Improving public engagement
- Ensuring language accessibility in the commission's work
Features testimony from former NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Professor Eric Lane (former executive director of the 1989 Charter Revision Commission), and representatives from Citizens Union and Common Cause NY.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Lincoln Restler introduces hearing on charter revision commission
Council Member Lincoln Restler, chair of the committee on governmental operations, introduces a hearing on Introduction 1088, which would create a charter revision commission. He explains the importance of the …
0:01:05
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3 min
Council Member Adams introduces bill for new Charter Revision Commission
Council Member Adrienne E. Adams introduces her legislation, Introduction 1088, to establish a new Charter Revision Commission. She emphasizes the importance of a thorough, transparent, and inclusive process for revising …
0:04:51
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3 min
Testimony by Christine Quinn, President and CEO of Win NYC, on Charter Revision
Christine Quinn, former NYC Council Speaker and current President and CEO of Win NYC, provided testimony on the need for a comprehensive Charter Revision Commission. She emphasized the potential benefits …
0:10:01
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4 min
Introduction and background on legislative hearings
Professor Eric Lane, former Executive Director and Counsel of the 1989 Charter Revision Commission, begins his testimony by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to speak. He commends the New York …
0:14:53
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53 sec
Reflections on the 1989 Charter Revision Commission's work
Professor Lane reflects on the outcomes of the 1989 Charter Revision Commission, particularly the strengthening of both the mayor and the City Council following the elimination of the Board of …
0:15:47
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111 sec
Key elements for an effective charter revision commission
Professor Lane outlines the crucial components necessary for creating an effective charter revision commission. He emphasizes the importance of diversity, motivation, and credibility in the commission's composition and purpose. - …
0:17:39
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4 min
Staffing and budgeting considerations for an effective commission
Professor Lane emphasizes the critical importance of independent staffing and adequate budgeting for a successful charter revision commission. He contrasts this with previous 'sham' commissions that lacked these essential elements. …
0:21:43
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174 sec
Timeline and public engagement process for the commission
Professor Lane discusses the appropriate timeline for a charter revision commission's work and emphasizes the crucial role of public engagement in the process. He provides insights based on his experience …
0:24:38
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105 sec
Potential areas for future charter revision examination
Professor Lane concludes his testimony by discussing areas he believed would be subject to further examination after the 1989 commission's work. He also provides some final thoughts on the proposed …
0:26:24
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3 min
Testimony by Ben Weinberg, Director of Public Policy at Citizens Union
Ben Weinberg, representing Citizens Union, provided testimony on Introduction 1088, which proposes to create a new Charter Revision Commission. He expressed support for the bill's intent to establish strong standards …
0:30:34
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3 min
Testimony by Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause New York, on Charter Revision Commission
Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause New York, provided testimony on the proposed Charter Revision Commission. She expressed appreciation for the serious effort to create a meaningful commission and …
0:34:02
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4 min
Balance of power between mayor and city council since 1989 charter revision
Council Member Restler asks Professor Lane about shifts in the balance of power between the mayor and the city council since the 1989 charter revision. Professor Lane acknowledges the need …
0:42:25
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49 sec
Criticisms of recent charter revision process initiated by Mayor Adams
Professor Lane criticizes the recent charter revision process initiated by Mayor Adams as a politically motivated attempt to block the council's proposed legislation on expanded confirmation processes. - The commission …
0:43:14
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6 min
Suggestions for restraining mayoral power and increasing council oversight
Professor Lane offers suggestions for restraining mayoral power and increasing council oversight through various means. - Emphasizes the need to examine mayoral power and how the council can play a …
0:49:25
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36 sec
Budget estimates and politicization of the budget process
The discussion focuses on the politicization of budget estimates and how they've been used as tactical tools in battles between the mayor and the council. - Professor Lane acknowledges that …
0:50:02
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83 sec
Composition and independence of city oversight entities
Council Member Restler asks Speaker Quinn about strengthening and making more independent various oversight entities in the city government structure. - Christine Quinn suggests increasing council appointments to the Health …
0:51:26
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159 sec
Process for challenging laws and the role of corporation counsel
The discussion focuses on the process for challenging laws and the role of the corporation counsel in representing the mayor against the city council. - Christine Quinn argues that the …
0:54:06
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5 min
Selection of commission leadership and staff composition
The discussion focuses on the selection of commission leadership and the composition of its staff. - Professor Lane's suggestion that selecting prominent figures as leaders can attract more talented commissioners …
0:59:33
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124 sec
Restrictions on lobbying for commission members
The discussion centers on the proposed restrictions on lobbying for commission members and the need for clear definitions. - There's agreement on not having lobbyists on the commission - Christine …
1:01:39
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112 sec
Transparency measures for the commission's work
Ben Weinberg elaborates on suggestions to improve transparency in the commission's work. - Recommends clarifying that lobbying activity involving the commission is a reportable action - Suggests making the commission …
1:03:33
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120 sec
Public engagement strategies and language accessibility
The discussion focuses on effective public engagement strategies and the importance of language accessibility in the commission's work. - Susan Lerner notes improvements in the city's outreach efforts but emphasizes …
1:05:33
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126 sec
Importance of early community outreach in the commission's process
Professor Lane emphasizes the importance of early community outreach in the commission's process, drawing from his experience with the 1989 Charter Revision Commission. - Recommends holding hearings in every borough …
1:07:39
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174 sec
Codifying public engagement standards in the legislation
Ben Weinberg emphasizes the importance of codifying public engagement standards in the legislation creating the charter revision commission. - Notes that multiple hearings across boroughs have become a cultural norm …
1:10:33
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43 sec
