Q&A
Transparency measures for the commission's work
1:03:33
·
120 sec
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 an agency under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)
- Emphasizes the importance of timely access to testimonies submitted to the commission
- Highlights the need for advocates to know who else is commenting before the commission to respond effectively
Ben Weinberg
1:03:33
If it yeah.
1:03:34
The legislation now says that the commission will be an agency for foil, for further information, law.
1:03:40
So we we just want to confirm if it is indeed a thorough and long process that will deal with a whole host of issues related to the city government.
1:03:48
Some as were mentioned here could involve commercial interests if we deal with how housing and land usage change.
1:03:56
So that that any lobbying before the commission is reportable.
1:04:03
The other one, you know, it I know it's important for the folks that follow these commissions very closely, which are us and maybe a few others to to know who else is testifying before a commission, to know what the commission is is deciding see the resolutions you provide.
1:04:25
So we we, you know, often, some of these commissions, both were districting commissions or the last the last commission.
1:04:32
We saw the testimonies that were submitted to we saw we saw test moments have been to the last commission and, like, the last day of the commission or the last week.
1:04:41
So, you know, it it is helpful for advocates to know who else is is commenting before the commission to make sure that we respond or that we know what the commission is thinking.
Lincoln Restler
1:04:51
That's very helpful.
1:04:52
And I, you know, I think that Professor Lane laid out a really good road map for a successful commission, you know, strong chair, people of gravitas on the commission, having an independent staff, having the adequate budget, extensive public engagement.
1:05:14
I think this is the Susan and Ben you both thought a lot about And and Susan, you commented on this a bit in your testimony as well of, like, what real and effective outreach looks like, what that public engagement piece looks like.
1:05:26
Would you mind just eat both of you kind of elaborating on How do we ensure this is a successful commission from a public engagement standpoint?
Christine Quinn
1:05:33
So I have
Susan Lerner
1:05:33
to say right now my sense is that the city has really upped its outreach game.
