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New York City Council

Committee on Civil and Human Rights

Mar 07, 2025

·

10:30 AM

4 hr 12 min

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Summary

A hearing on the fiscal year 2026 preliminary budgets for the Commission on Civil and Human Rights (CCHR), Equal Employment Practices Commission (EEPC), and Commission on Racial Equity (CORE).

Discussions focused on:

  • Funding levels
  • Staffing needs
  • Enforcement capabilities
  • Agencies' roles in protecting civil rights and promoting equity in New York City

Key issues included CCHR's ability to combat discrimination, EEPC's auditing responsibilities, and CORE's implementation of new laws on truth and reconciliation and reparations.

Advocates called for increased funding and to address understaffing and case backlogs. The hearing also highlighted concerns about federal rollbacks of civil rights protections and the delay in releasing the city's racial equity plan.

Features testimony from CCHR, EEPC, CORE, and the public.

Meeting chapters

Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.

REMARKS

Opening remarks and introduction to the budget hearing

Council Member Nantasha Williams opens the fiscal year 2026 preliminary budget hearing for the Committee on Civil and Human Rights. She introduces the three agencies that will be presenting: the …

0:00:44

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20 sec

REMARKS

CCHR budget overview and committee expectations

Council Member Williams provides an overview of the Commission on Civil and Human Rights (CCHR) budget for fiscal year 2026 and outlines the committee's expectations for the agency's performance and …

0:01:04

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79 sec

REMARKS

EEPC budget overview and committee focus areas

Council Member Williams outlines the Equal Employment Practices Commission (EEPC) budget for fiscal year 2026 and highlights the committee's areas of interest regarding EEPC's work and staffing. - EEPC's budget …

0:02:23

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53 sec

REMARKS

CORE budget overview and committee expectations

Council Member Williams provides an overview of the Commission on Racial Equity (CORE) budget for fiscal year 2026 and outlines the committee's expectations for the agency's performance and growth. - …

0:03:17

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87 sec

REMARKS

Concerns about delayed racial equity plan and call for action

Council Member Williams expresses strong concerns about the significant delay in the release of the racial equity plan by the Mayor's Office on Equity and Racial Justice (MOERJ) and calls …

0:04:44

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45 sec

REMARKS

Closing remarks, acknowledgments, and colleague introduction

Council Member Nantasha Williams concludes her opening remarks with expressions of support, acknowledgments, and introductions. - Williams expresses eagerness to learn how the council can better support the commissions present …

0:05:29

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44 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Introduction and overview of the NYC Commission on Human Rights

Commissioner Annabel Palma introduces herself and her team, providing an overview of the New York City Commission on Human Rights. She emphasizes the agency's long-standing role in safeguarding civil rights …

0:06:42

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55 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Overall achievements and impact of the Commission on Human Rights

Commissioner Palma highlights the significant achievements of the NYC Commission on Human Rights under her leadership since October 2021. She presents impressive statistics demonstrating the agency's impact on protecting New …

0:07:37

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55 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Key initiatives and highlights from Fiscal Year 2024

Commissioner Palma provides an overview of the key initiatives and highlights from Fiscal Year 2024, setting the stage for more detailed discussions of the Commission's work. - The Commissioner mentions …

0:08:34

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15 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

New legislative protections and Commission's response

Commissioner Palma details two significant legislative changes in FY 2024 that expanded the Commission's scope of work, and describes the agency's efforts to implement and raise awareness about these new …

0:08:50

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59 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Case resolution and enforcement efforts in FY 2024

Commissioner Palma provides an overview of the Commission's case resolution and enforcement efforts during Fiscal Year 2024, highlighting key statistics and significant achievements. - The Law Enforcement Bureau resolved 754 …

0:09:49

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81 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Community engagement and outreach initiatives

Commissioner Palma highlights the Commission's extensive community engagement and outreach efforts, emphasizing their focus on education and discrimination prevention. - The Community Relations Bureau reached over 40,000 New Yorkers through …

0:11:10

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68 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Future goals and closing remarks

Commissioner Palma concludes her testimony by outlining her future goals for the Commission and expressing her commitment to building a more inclusive city. - The Commissioner's goal is to enhance …

0:12:19

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19 sec

Q&A

CCHR's tester staffing levels and hiring plans

Council Member Williams inquires about CCHR's current tester staffing levels and plans for hiring additional testers. Commissioner Palma reveals that CCHR has three testers and hasn't posted to hire more, …

0:12:42

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163 sec

Q&A

Importance of proactive vs. reactive work in government

Council Member Williams expresses frustration with the government's tendency to be reactive rather than proactive, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures like testing. Commissioner Palma responds by highlighting other proactive …

0:15:25

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4 min

Q&A

Budget increases and new staff positions for CCHR

Council Member Williams inquires about recent budget increases for CCHR and the new staff positions to be created. CCHR staff provide details on the additional funding and the types of …

0:19:56

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171 sec

Q&A

CCHR's current vacancy levels by department

Council Member Williams asks for a breakdown of CCHR's current vacancy levels by department. CCHR staff provide detailed information on the agency's staffing situation. - CCHR has a total of …

0:22:48

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93 sec

Q&A

Impact of increased staff attorneys on CCHR's performance

Council Member Williams inquires about how the increase in CCHR staff attorneys from 12 to 21 has improved the commission's ability to fulfill its mandates. CCHR staff provide details on …

0:24:21

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3 min

Q&A

Pre-complaint intervention work at CCHR

Council Member Williams asks about CCHR's pre-complaint intervention work, including staffing, areas covered, and the assessment process. CCHR staff provide details on this program. - CCHR has six dedicated interventionists …

0:27:25

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167 sec

Q&A

CCHR's mediation program

Council Member Williams inquires about CCHR's mediation program, including staffing, case selection, and plans for expansion. CCHR staff provide details on the program and its future. - Two new open …

0:30:13

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116 sec

Q&A

Average age of complaint caseload at CCHR

Council Member Williams asks about the average age of complaint caseload at CCHR and discusses potential timelines for resolution. CCHR staff explain their approach to case handling and investigation. - …

0:32:11

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102 sec

Q&A

CCHR's discrimination hotline and info line

Council Member Williams inquires about CCHR's discrimination hotline and info line, including staffing and public awareness. CCHR staff provide details on the service and its recent improvements. - Info line …

0:33:53

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118 sec

Q&A

Language access and translation services at CCHR

Council Member Williams asks about CCHR's language access and translation services. CCHR staff provide information on their approach to ensuring language accessibility. - No set budget for translation services - …

0:35:53

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64 sec

Q&A

Compensation for multilingual staff at CCHR

Council Member Williams inquires about compensation adjustments for multilingual staff at CCHR. CCHR staff explain their current practices and limitations regarding additional pay for language skills. - No salary adjustments …

0:36:58

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129 sec

Q&A

Youth for Equity and Solidarity program details and participant selection

Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about the Youth for Equity and Solidarity program run by CCHR. The discussion covers participant selection, eligibility criteria, and program details. - Participants are high …

0:39:10

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3 min

Q&A

CCHR partnership with Fordham Real Estate Institute for housing protection training

Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about CCHR's partnership with Fordham Real Estate Institute to provide training on NYC Human Rights Law housing protections. The discussion covers program details and outreach …

0:42:25

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125 sec

Q&A

Language access and interpretation services in CCHR programs

Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about language access and interpretation services for CCHR programs, particularly for underrepresented communities and non-native English speakers. - CCHR provides interpreters upon request for their …

0:44:30

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61 sec

Q&A

Average length of employment for CCHR attorneys

Council Member Williams inquires about the average length of employment for attorneys at the Commission on Human Rights (CCHR). Deputy Commissioner Katherine Carroll explains that the duration varies widely, from …

0:45:35

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119 sec

Q&A

CCHR's competitiveness with private sector and other city agencies

Council Member Williams raises concerns about CCHR's ability to compete with the private sector and other city agencies in terms of salaries. Commissioner Palma and Deputy Commissioner Salazar explain the …

0:47:35

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173 sec

Q&A

Use of specific civil service titles at CCHR

Council Member Williams inquires about the reasons behind CCHR's use of specific civil service titles for hiring. Deputy Commissioner Salazar explains the factors determining the use of these titles. - …

0:50:28

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35 sec

Q&A

Impact of two-for-one hiring freeze on CCHR

Council Member Williams asks about the impact of the two-for-one hiring freeze on CCHR's ability to hire new staff. Deputy Commissioner Salazar explains the effects and current hiring situation. - …

0:51:05

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42 sec

Q&A

Exit interviews and reasons for staff leaving CCHR

Council Member Williams inquires about CCHR's practice of conducting exit interviews and the most common reasons for staff departures. Deputy Commissioner Salazar provides insights into the feedback received from departing …

0:51:48

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51 sec

Q&A

Compensatory time for CCHR employees

Council Member Williams inquires about the compensatory time policy at CCHR for staff working overtime. Deputy Commissioner Salazar provides general information about the practice. - CCHR provides comp time to …

0:52:40

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60 sec

Q&A

CCHR's control over the hiring process

Council Member Williams inquires about the aspects of the hiring process that are fully within CCHR's control. Deputy Commissioner Salazar outlines the steps managed by the agency. - CCHR is …

0:53:42

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42 sec

Q&A

Timeline for hiring approval and onboarding at CCHR

Council Member Williams inquires about the process and timeline for hiring approval and onboarding new staff at CCHR. Deputy Commissioner Salazar and other CCHR representatives provide details on the steps …

0:54:25

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133 sec

Q&A

Salary ranges and hiring across the range at CCHR

Council Member Williams inquires about hiring practices related to salary ranges at CCHR, including how often top salaries are offered and barriers to hiring across the full range. Deputy Commissioner …

0:56:39

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63 sec

Q&A

Attracting federal candidates with salary constraints

Council Member Williams asks how CCHR can attract talented federal candidates given salary constraints. Commissioner Palma explains the appeal of public service work and CCHR's approach to recruiting. - Public …

0:57:44

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70 sec

Q&A

CCHR's training and outreach session targets and performance

Council Member Nantasha Williams inquires about CCHR's training and outreach session targets, which seem low compared to past performance. CCHR's Deputy Commissioner Kajori Chaudhuri explains that their targets are on …

0:58:54

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63 sec

Q&A

Types of trainings and outreach sessions conducted by CCHR's Community Engagement Bureau

Deputy Commissioner Kajori Chaudhuri provides a comprehensive overview of the types of trainings and outreach sessions conducted by CCHR's Community Engagement Bureau. The trainings fall into three main categories: know …

0:59:57

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3 min

Q&A

CCHR's community engagement efforts and radio show

Commissioner Annabel Palma discusses CCHR's community engagement efforts, highlighting their recently launched monthly radio show. Council Member Williams questions the effectiveness of the radio show and emphasizes the importance of …

1:03:43

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144 sec

Q&A

Importance of preventive work and raising awareness

CCHR representatives emphasize the importance of preventive work and raising awareness to prevent discrimination and law violations. They discuss their efforts to increase CCHR's visibility and conduct outreach to various …

1:06:08

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4 min

Q&A

CCHR's partnerships with BIDs and chambers of commerce for outreach

CCHR representatives discuss their partnerships with Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), chambers of commerce, and other business associations to conduct outreach and provide training on human rights laws and obligations. - …

1:10:55

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60 sec

Q&A

CCHR's ability to respond to training requests and training attendance

Council Member Williams inquires about CCHR's capacity to respond to training requests and the attendance at in-person versus virtual trainings. CCHR representatives provide brief responses to these questions. - CCHR …

1:11:59

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61 sec

Q&A

Methods for ensuring community awareness of CCHR trainings

CCHR representatives explain their methods for ensuring community awareness of their trainings and reaching hard-to-reach audiences. They describe various channels and strategies for promoting their training sessions. - Training information …

1:13:02

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58 sec

Q&A

Determining locations for CCHR events across boroughs

CCHR representatives explain how they determine the locations for their events across the five boroughs of New York City. They describe their approach to ensuring coverage and accessibility of their …

1:14:02

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42 sec

Q&A

Balance between requested events and those initiated by CCHR

Council Member Williams inquires about the balance between events requested by external entities and those initiated by CCHR. CCHR representatives explain the various types of events they conduct and their …

1:14:46

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63 sec

Q&A

Plans for Fair Chance for Housing Act campaign and required resources

Council Member Williams inquires about CCHR's plans and resources for a campaign to promote awareness of the Fair Chance for Housing Act, which went into effect on January 1, 2025. …

1:15:49

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115 sec

Q&A

CCHR's outreach plans for undocumented and trans New Yorkers

Council Member Williams inquires about CCHR's plans to conduct outreach to undocumented and trans New Yorkers, particularly in light of federal messaging. CCHR Commissioner Annabel Palma provides a brief response. …

1:17:47

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27 sec

Q&A

Potential impact of federal funding cuts on CCHR

Council Member Williams inquires about the potential impact of federal funding cuts on CCHR's operations. CCHR Deputy Commissioner Mariela Salazar provides information on the agency's federal funding and its significance …

1:18:14

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46 sec

Q&A

CCHR's response to Trump administration's executive order on transgender healthcare

Council Member Williams inquires about CCHR's response to the Trump administration's executive order limiting transgender healthcare for youth. Deputy Commissioner Carroll explains that CCHR has long-standing protections for gender identity …

1:19:01

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54 sec

Q&A

CCHR's response to letter regarding hospital discrimination against transgender individuals

Council Member Williams inquires about a letter sent by Comptroller Brad Lander and Council Member Tiffany Caban calling for an investigation into private hospitals discriminating against individuals based on gender …

1:19:56

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44 sec

Q&A

Request for CCHR's preliminary racial equity plan

Council Member Williams requests a copy of CCHR's preliminary racial equity plan. Commissioner Palma agrees to provide the document to the council. - CCHR confirms they will supply the council …

1:20:42

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9 sec

Q&A

CCHR's budget impact on racial equity and initiatives to address discrimination

Council Member Williams inquires about how CCHR's work and budget for fiscal year 2026 affects racial equity in service delivery and the criminalization of communities of color and poverty. CCHR …

1:20:53

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80 sec

Q&A

CCHR's approach to protecting immigrants and ensuring access to resources

Council Member Williams inquires about CCHR's efforts to ensure immigrants feel safe accessing resources, especially in light of increased ICE raids. CCHR representatives detail their approach to protecting immigrants and …

1:22:13

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122 sec

REMARKS

Council Member's suggestions for improving CCHR's community engagement

Council Member Williams concludes by encouraging CCHR to collaborate more closely with council members for community engagement work. She suggests that CCHR could benefit from involving council members more directly …

1:24:16

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88 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Introduction to EEPC's testimony at the preliminary budget hearing

Jeanne Victor, Executive Director of the Equal Employment Practices Commission (EEPC), introduces herself and her colleagues at the preliminary budget hearing. She explains that she is speaking on behalf of …

1:30:45

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42 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

EEPC's role and importance in the current climate of equal employment opportunity

Jeanne Victor explains the EEPC's role in auditing and evaluating employment practices of city agencies, emphasizing its continued commitment to equal employment opportunity despite recent challenges to diversity initiatives. - …

1:31:28

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123 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

EEPC's staffing challenges and achievements in 2024

Jeanne Victor details the EEPC's staffing challenges and accomplishments in 2024, highlighting the agency's productivity despite limited resources. - The EEPC had 11 staff members in 2024, dropping to 10 …

1:33:31

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95 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Implementation of Local Law 13 and EEPC's research efforts

Jeanne Victor outlines the EEPC's efforts in implementing Local Law 13 of 2019 and conducting research to address underutilization in the city's workforce. - The research unit is focused on …

1:35:06

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100 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

EEPC's planned projects and initiatives for 2025

Jeanne Victor outlines the EEPC's planned projects and initiatives for 2025, focusing on addressing underutilization and improving equal employment opportunities in the city's workforce. - The EEPC plans to identify …

1:36:47

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70 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

EEPC's funding and resource requests for improved operations

Jeanne Victor presents the EEPC's funding and resource requests to enhance the agency's operations and effectiveness in promoting equal employment opportunities. - The EEPC requests a communications director to oversee …

1:37:58

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94 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Conclusion and appreciation for support of EEPC's work

Jeanne Victor concludes the EEPC's testimony by expressing gratitude for support and inviting questions from the committee. - Victor thanks Chair Williams, the committee on civil and human rights, city …

1:39:32

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3 sec

Q&A

EEPC budget and funding requests

Council Member Nantasha Williams inquires about the Equal Employment Practices Commission's (EEPC) budget and funding requests. Jeanne Victor, Executive Director of EEPC, explains that they submitted a request for additional …

1:39:38

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51 sec

Q&A

EEPC staffing levels and new positions

Council Member Nantasha Williams inquires about the Equal Employment Practices Commission's (EEPC) staffing levels and new positions. Jeanne Victor, Executive Director of EEPC, provides details on recent hires and additional …

1:40:32

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3 min

Q&A

EEPC training programs and budget

Council Member Nantasha Williams inquires about the Equal Employment Practices Commission's (EEPC) training programs and budget. Jeanne Victor, Executive Director of EEPC, explains the commission's training needs and the Cornell …

1:44:06

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119 sec

Q&A

EEPC contract for general services

Council Member Nantasha Williams inquires about a contract for general services included in the Equal Employment Practices Commission's (EEPC) fiscal plan. Jeanne Victor, Executive Director of EEPC, explains the commission's …

1:46:08

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77 sec

REMARKS

Introduction to EEPC's auditing responsibilities

Council Member Nantasha Williams introduces the topic of EEPC's auditing responsibilities. She notes that EEPC is responsible for auditing 45 city agencies at least every four years or when requested …

1:47:29

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25 sec

Q&A

EEPC's audit completion and scheduling for recent and upcoming years

Executive Director Jeanne Victor provides information on EEPC's audit completion for 2024 and plans for future years. The commission completed 32 audits in 2024 and expects similar numbers for the …

1:47:54

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58 sec

Q&A

EEPC's challenges in meeting charter requirements for audits

Executive Director Jeanne Victor explains the challenges EEPC faces in meeting its charter requirements for audits. She discusses how staffing issues have affected their ability to complete all audits within …

1:48:55

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90 sec

Q&A

Requests for audits from other commissions and the public

Executive Director Jeanne Victor discusses the process for receiving audit requests from other commissions and the public. She also touches on EEPC's communication with other agencies. - EEPC has not …

1:50:30

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103 sec

Q&A

EEPC's process for non-compliant agencies

Executive Director Jeanne Victor outlines the steps EEPC takes when an agency is found not to be in compliance with equal employment opportunity requirements. She describes a three-tier approach to …

1:52:13

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88 sec

Q&A

EEPC's authority for research studies and hearings

Executive Director Jeanne Victor and Director Russell Ferri discuss EEPC's authority to conduct research studies, inquiries, and hearings. They explain how these powers are used in practice. - EEPC can …

1:53:42

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65 sec

Q&A

Implementation of EEPC recommendations by agencies

Director Russell Ferri discusses the implementation of EEPC recommendations by city agencies. He provides examples of recommendations and their impact on city policies. - EEPC has recommended updating workforce availability …

1:54:52

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3 min

REMARKS

Detailed explanation of EEPC's 20 auditing standards

Executive Director Jeanne Victor provides a comprehensive explanation of EEPC's 20 auditing standards used to evaluate city agencies' compliance with equal employment opportunity requirements. These standards cover various aspects of …

1:58:42

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5 min

Q&A

EEPC's 2024 symposium on increasing agency diversity

Executive Director Jeanne Victor and Director Russell Ferri discuss EEPC's 2024 symposium for city agencies on increasing diversity. They provide details on attendance, content, and feedback received. - The 2024 …

2:04:34

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4 min

Q&A

EEPC's racial equity initiatives and plans

Executive Director Jeanne Victor responds to questions about EEPC's racial equity initiatives and plans. The discussion reveals that EEPC has not been asked to submit a racial equity plan. - …

2:08:45

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101 sec

REMARKS

Closing remarks and request for legislative recommendations

Council Member Nantasha Williams concludes the session with closing remarks and a request for legislative recommendations from EEPC. - Williams invites EEPC to share recommendations for improving legislation - She …

2:10:28

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25 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Introduction and overview of the New York City Commission on Racial Equity

Linda Tigani, Chair and Executive Director of the New York City Commission on Racial Equity (CORE), introduces the commission and its mission. She highlights CORE's commitment to advancing racial equity …

2:13:19

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168 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

CORE's community engagement and organizing efforts

CORE's organizing and engagement team focuses on ensuring community needs and campaigns for change are heard and supported. The team has conducted extensive outreach and plans to expand its efforts …

2:16:08

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4 min

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Research and policy work, including data challenges

CORE's research and policy team works across all departments and charter mandates, developing community equity priority profiles and addressing challenges with publicly available data. The team is focused on improving …

2:20:56

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6 min

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Legislative work and special projects

CORE's legislative team monitors and promotes legislation that advances the city charter's central tenets of racial equity. They also implement special projects arising from legislative and community priorities. - Launched …

2:27:11

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3 min

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Implementation of Local Laws 91 and 92

CORE has begun operationalizing Local Laws 91 and 92 of 2024, which focus on truth, healing, reconciliation, and reparations. The team has taken several steps to engage with the public …

2:30:14

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3 min

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Equity budgeting initiatives and partnerships

CORE has launched several initiatives to advance racial equity in the city's budgeting process and has formed partnerships to support this work. These efforts aim to increase transparency and community …

2:33:25

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78 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Communications and public education efforts

CORE's communications team is focused on highlighting Community Equity Priorities (CEPs) and amplifying community voices. They have launched several initiatives to engage with the public and raise awareness about racial …

2:34:43

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55 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Budget requests and staffing needs for CORE

Linda Tigani outlines CORE's budget for fiscal year 2026 and requests additional staff lines to ensure the organization can meet its mandate and fulfill its responsibilities under Local Laws 91 …

2:35:38

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3 min

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Racial equity in the context of New York City's budget

Linda Tigani places CORE's budget request within the broader context of New York City's overall budget allocation, emphasizing the need for structural changes to address poverty and implement true institutional …

2:39:01

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133 sec

Q&A

Status updates on Local Laws 91 and 92 implementation

Council Member Williams inquires about the status of Local Laws 91 and 92, and Linda Tigani provides updates on their implementation. - Local Law 91 (Truth, Healing, and Reconciliation process) …

2:41:16

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3 min

Q&A

Engagement with reparations community and RFP status

Council Member Williams inquires about CORE's engagement with various factions in the reparations space and the status of the RFP release. - CORE is engaging with all groups who approach …

2:44:52

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3 min

Q&A

Funding assessment for Local Laws 91 and 92

Council Member Williams inquires about the sufficiency of funding for Local Laws 91 and 92, and Linda Tigani provides an assessment of current and potential future funding needs. - Current …

2:48:13

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4 min

Q&A

Fact-checking and historical research in the truth-telling process

Council Member Williams and Linda Tigani discuss the approach to fact-checking and historical research in the truth-telling process for Local Law 91. - Historians and archivists will be involved to …

2:52:29

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146 sec

Q&A

Council Member Williams inquires about Local Law 91 public education campaign timeline and budget allocation

Council Member Nantasha Williams questions Linda Tigani, Chair and Executive Director of CORE, about the timeline and budget allocation for the public education campaign required by Local Law 91. Tigani …

2:54:55

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154 sec

Q&A

CORE's new staff positions and responsibilities

Council Member Nantasha Williams inquires about CORE's preliminary budget plan changes, which include funding for four full-time staff members and two part-time interns. Linda Tigani, Chair and Executive Director of …

2:57:29

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3 min

Q&A

Additional staffing needs for CORE

Linda Tigani discusses CORE's additional staffing needs that have been requested for FY '26 but not yet received. She emphasizes the importance of these positions for the organization's efficiency and …

3:01:12

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3 min

Q&A

CORE's office relocation plans

Council Member Williams inquires about CORE's office relocation plans, and Linda Tigani provides details on the current and future locations of the organization. - CORE is currently located in the …

3:04:37

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38 sec

Q&A

Resource needs for CORE's new office space

Linda Tigani discusses the resource needs for CORE's new office space at 22 Reed Street, including potential additional funding requirements and equipment needs. - The new space is expected to …

3:05:16

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84 sec

Q&A

Staff work schedules at CORE

Linda Tigani provides information about the work schedules of CORE staff, detailing their hybrid arrangements and office presence. - Most staff have hybrid schedules, working from home two days a …

3:06:41

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42 sec

Q&A

Estimated launch costs for CORE's database system

Linda Tigani discusses the estimated launch costs for CORE, focusing on the development of a new database system. - CORE is working with OTI and OMB to build a core …

3:07:25

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72 sec

Q&A

Current vacancies and hiring plans at CORE

Linda Tigani provides information about CORE's current vacancies and plans for filling new positions. - One vacancy from the original staffing chart of 12 will be filled on March 17 …

3:08:37

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50 sec

Q&A

Impact of city's hiring freeze on CORE

Linda Tigani explains how the city's two-for-one hiring freeze affects CORE and the organization's approach to managing potential vacancies. - CORE is subject to the two-for-one hiring freeze - The …

3:09:29

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48 sec

Q&A

Council member inquires about CORE's response to federal challenges in civil rights

Council Member Nantasha Williams asks how CORE is adjusting to the challenges posed by federal actions that conflict with the agency's mission. She specifically inquires about strategies and guardrails CORE …

3:10:19

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37 sec

REMARKS

CORE's strategies for maintaining mission and supporting staff amid political challenges

Linda Tigani, Chair and Executive Director of CORE, explains how the agency is addressing federal challenges while maintaining its mission and supporting its staff. She emphasizes CORE's commitment to racial …

3:10:57

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4 min

Q&A

Council member inquires about support for truth and reconciliation process participants

Council Member Nantasha Williams raises a question about providing support for participants in the truth and reconciliation process, particularly focusing on addressing potential trauma. - Asks about plans for therapeutic …

3:15:21

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49 sec

REMARKS

CORE's comprehensive support plans for truth and reconciliation participants

Linda Tigani outlines CORE's comprehensive plans to support participants in the truth and reconciliation process, addressing potential trauma and providing ongoing care. - Plans include mental health professionals, spiritual leaders, …

3:16:11

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3 min

Q&A

Council member expresses appreciation for CORE's work and commitment

Council Member Nantasha Williams concludes the session with appreciative remarks for CORE's work and expresses her commitment to supporting their efforts. - Thanks CORE for their testimony and ongoing work …

3:19:56

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5 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Cristobal Gutierrez, Lead Attorney at Make the Road New York and Commissioner at CORE, on Increasing Funding for CCHR

Cristobal Gutierrez, representing Make the Road New York and the New York City Human Rights Law Working Group, testifies on the urgent need for increased funding for the Commission on …

3:27:19

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149 sec

Q&A

Discussion on CCHR funding and staffing needs

Council Member Williams engages in a discussion about the Commission on Civil and Human Rights (CCHR) current hiring practices and the need for increased funding. The conversation highlights the growing …

3:30:03

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125 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Matteo Guerrero-Tabares, Lead Organizer of Trans Immigrant Project at Make the Road New York

Matteo Guerrero-Tabares from Make the Road New York testified about the fiscal year 2026 budget's impact on trans, queer, and non-binary immigrant New Yorkers. He emphasized the need for continued …

3:32:27

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173 sec

Q&A

Council member inquires about current trans funding budget

Council Member Nantasha Williams asks about the current budget for trans funding. The witness from Make the Road New York responds that they believe it's less than $3 million, and …

3:35:21

·

15 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Sara Manaugh, Director of Litigation at Brooklyn Legal Services

Sara Manaugh from Brooklyn Legal Services testifies about the importance of the Commission on Human Rights in enforcing the city's human rights law and protecting vulnerable New Yorkers from discrimination. …

3:35:41

·

3 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Caroline Blanton, Clinician at New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP)

Caroline Blanton, a clinician at the New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP), testifies about the critical importance of AVP's services for LGBTQ+ and HIV-affected survivors of violence, especially in the …

3:39:03

·

161 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Hilary Wilson, Senior Policy Analyst at Community Service Society of New York (CSS)

Hilary Wilson from CSS urges the council and city administration to adequately fund and staff the Commission on Civil and Human Rights (CCHR) to ensure effective enforcement of housing and …

3:43:14

·

163 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Steven Dunn, Senior Staff Attorney at Community Service Society of New York (CSS)

Steven Dunn, a senior staff attorney at Community Service Society of New York (CSS), testified in support of increasing funding for the Commission on Civil and Human Rights (CCHR) to …

3:46:48

·

124 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Reggie Chatman, Director of Public Policy at Fortune Society's David Rothenberg Center for Public Policy, on Fair Chance Housing Act and CCHR Funding

Reggie Chatman, a formerly incarcerated individual and policy director at Fortune Society, testified on the importance of adequately funding the Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) to enforce the Fair Chance …

3:49:09

·

134 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Jonathan Eber, Program Officer of Public Policy & External Affairs at Enterprise Community Partners

Jonathan Eber from Enterprise Community Partners testifies in support of allocating at least $21 million to the Commission on Civil and Human Rights (CCHR) to address fair housing issues in …

3:51:29

·

137 sec

REMARKS

Council member requests support in advocating for CCHR to colleagues

Council Member Nantasha Williams requests that advocates help engage other council members to understand the importance of CCHR's work. She emphasizes the need to connect various issues to CCHR's proactive …

3:53:48

·

83 sec

REMARKS

Council member expresses concerns about CCHR's public education efforts

Council Member Nantasha Williams raises concerns about CCHR's public education efforts, particularly regarding the Fair Chance Housing Act. She questions the agency's approach to informing the public about new housing …

3:55:11

·

100 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public

Christopher Leon Johnson testifies at the preliminary budget hearing, focusing on several issues including support for delivery workers, immigration policies, and the need for the city council to hold the …

3:57:22

·

134 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Edwin Santana, Community Organizer from Freedom Agenda

Edwin Santana, a community organizer from Freedom Agenda and formerly incarcerated individual, testified in support of increased funding for the City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR). He emphasized the importance …

3:59:40

·

172 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Sharon Brown, Member of the Public

Sharon Brown testifies on various issues including homelessness, public bathrooms, anti-Semitism, and housing solutions in New York City. She emphasizes the need for immediate action to house the homeless and …

4:03:03

·

146 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Rebekah Cook-Mack, Staff Attorney in the Employment Law Unit of Legal Aid Society

Rebekah Cook-Mack from the Legal Aid Society testifies about the critical need for increased funding for the Commission on Human Rights (CCHR). She emphasizes that CCHR remains severely underfunded despite …

4:05:43

·

133 sec

Q&A

Council member asks speaker for additional comments

Council Member Nantasha Williams asks Rebekah Cook-Mack if she has anything else to add to her testimony. Cook-Mack uses this opportunity to emphasize key points about funding CCHR. - Stresses …

4:07:57

·

49 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Amy Blumsack, Director of Organizing and Policy at Neighbors Together

Amy Blumsack from Neighbors Together testified about the critical role of the Commission on Civil and Human Rights (CCHR) in addressing source of income discrimination for voucher holders. She emphasized …

4:09:01

·

3 min

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