Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
New York City Council
Committee on Contracts
Mar 24, 2025
·
01:00 PM
2 hr 26 min
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Summary
A hearing on the FY 2026 preliminary budget for the Mayor's Office of Contract Services (MOCS), focusing on contracting processes, payment delays to nonprofits, and procurement system improvements.
Discussions centered on MOCS' efforts to streamline procedures, implement new technology, and increase transparency, alongside persistent challenges faced by nonprofit providers in contract registration and timely payments.
The hearing also covered staffing shortages, challenges with the new Passport e-procurement system, and concerns about leadership continuity following the announced departure of MOCS Director Lisa Flores.
Features testimony from the Mayor's Office of Contract Services (MOCS) and the public, including various nonprofit organizations.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Julie Won's opening remarks for MOCS budget hearing
Council Member Julie Won opens the fiscal year 2026 preliminary budget hearing for the Mayor's Office of Contract Services (MOCS). She outlines MOCS' budget, responsibilities, and key issues to be …
0:00:27
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177 sec
Introduction and MOCS vision for equitable procurement
Lisa Flores, Director of the Mayor's Office of Contract Services (MOCS), introduces the fiscal year 2026 preliminary budget hearing. She outlines MOCS' vision for creating an equitable procurement system through …
0:04:01
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73 sec
Procurement statistics and the significance of human services spending
Lisa Flores presents key procurement statistics for New York City, highlighting the significant role of human services contracts in the city's overall spending. She emphasizes the growth in human services …
0:05:14
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43 sec
Challenges faced by nonprofit service providers and MOCS' understanding
Lisa Flores acknowledges the critical role of nonprofit organizations in delivering essential services to New Yorkers and addresses the persistent challenges they face, particularly regarding timely payments. She expresses empathy …
0:05:58
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56 sec
Reforms and initiatives to support nonprofits and improve contracting processes
Lisa Flores outlines a series of reforms and initiatives implemented by Mayor Eric Adams' administration to streamline processes and support the nonprofit sector. These efforts aim to address payment delays, …
0:06:54
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141 sec
Commitment to honoring and supporting the nonprofit sector
Lisa Flores emphasizes the administration's deep commitment to supporting the nonprofit sector beyond just systemic changes. She acknowledges the invaluable contributions of nonprofits and pledges to ensure they have the …
0:09:15
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61 sec
Progress in implementing reforms and improving contract management
Lisa Flores details the progress made in implementing various reforms and initiatives aimed at improving contract management and payment processes for nonprofits. She highlights specific achievements and ongoing efforts to …
0:10:16
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127 sec
Enhancements to Passport e-procurement system and decommissioning of HHS Accelerator
Lisa Flores outlines the significant improvements made to the Passport e-procurement system and the process of decommissioning the legacy HHS Accelerator system. She highlights the challenges and benefits of this …
0:12:24
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179 sec
Record-breaking MWBE contract awards and utilization rates
Lisa Flores reports on the significant progress made in awarding contracts to Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs). She highlights record-breaking achievements in contract awards and utilization rates, demonstrating the …
0:15:23
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102 sec
MOCS Institute and training initiatives to support procurement stakeholders
Lisa Flores describes the extensive training and engagement efforts undertaken by MOCS to support both agency staff and vendors in navigating the procurement process. She highlights the MOCS Institute's role …
0:17:06
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53 sec
MOCS budget overview for FY 2025 and staffing details
Lisa Flores provides an overview of the Mayor's Office of Contract Services (MOCS) budget for Fiscal Year 2025, including allocations for personnel services, other than personal services (OTPS), and key …
0:18:00
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34 sec
Closing remarks, future outlook, and acknowledgment of ongoing work
Lisa Flores concludes her testimony with reflections on MOCS' achievements, ongoing challenges, and future outlook. She acknowledges the significance of this final budget hearing as she prepares for transition and …
0:18:34
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34 sec
Council Member Julie Won acknowledges Lisa Flores' service and introduces the hearing
Council Member Julie Won opens the hearing by thanking Lisa Flores for her service in city government, from her time at the controller's office to her leadership at the Mayor's …
0:19:12
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25 sec
Discussion on MOCS headcount and budget needs for timely contract processing
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the appropriate headcount and budget for MOCS to ensure timely payments to providers. Lisa Flores responds, acknowledging the administration's focus on improving relationships with …
0:19:38
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84 sec
Inquiry about MOCS requests for new needs to OMB
Council Member Julie Won asks about any requests for new needs that MOCS has made to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that were not included in the preliminary …
0:21:08
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45 sec
Discussion on specific headcount and capital needs for MOCS
Council Member Julie Won inquires about specific headcount or capital needs for MOCS, particularly for maintaining the Passport system. Lisa Flores responds that there are no current capital requests and …
0:21:54
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51 sec
Inquiry about MOCS vacant positions and hiring process
Council Member Julie Won asks about MOCS' current vacant positions and the hiring process, including whether they are subject to the two-to-one hiring rule and need OMB approval for filling …
0:22:47
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47 sec
Discussion on MOCS hires and vacancies over the past three years
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the number of hires MOCS has made in the last three years and the current number of vacancies. Helga Nyanffor, the Chief Financial Officer, …
0:23:36
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48 sec
Clarification on two-to-one hiring rule and OMB approval for MOCS vacancies
Council Member Julie Won seeks clarification on whether MOCS is still subject to the two-to-one hiring rule and if they need OMB approval to fill vacant positions. Lisa Flores provides …
0:24:24
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30 sec
Inquiry about average number of contracts handled by MOCS staff
Council Member Julie Won asks about the average number of contracts handled by each MOCS staff member. Lisa Flores requests clarification on the specific information sought, as different teams within …
0:24:54
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69 sec
Clarification on MOCS' role in contract processing and payments
Lisa Flores explains MOCS' role in contract processing and payments, emphasizing that MOCS is not directly involved in reviewing or approving invoices. Council Member Julie Won seeks clarification on staffing …
0:26:04
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79 sec
Discussion on transition to Passport system and its impact on contract processing
Lisa Flores explains the transition to the Passport system and its impact on contract processing. She highlights that all portfolios (construction, non-construction, and human services) are now in one end-to-end …
0:27:24
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119 sec
Inquiry about MOCS attrition rate and turnover in specific areas
Council Member Julie Won inquires about MOCS' current attrition rate and whether specific positions or areas have higher turnover. Helga Nyanffor, the Chief Financial Officer, provides details on the attrition …
0:29:31
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42 sec
Discussion on competitiveness of salary levels, especially in IT
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the competitiveness of salary levels at MOCS, particularly for IT positions. Lisa Flores responds by discussing the challenges in hiring and retaining IT staff, …
0:30:15
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83 sec
MOCS challenges and focus on technology stabilization
Council Member Julie Won inquires about MOCS's biggest challenges for the coming year and how they plan to overcome them. Director Lisa Flores responds by emphasizing the focus on technology …
0:31:42
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137 sec
Passport system costs and maintenance contractors
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the annual costs of the Passport system and the contractors involved in its maintenance. MOCS representatives provide details on the system's expenses and the …
0:34:02
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104 sec
Current status and future plans for Passport system updates
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the completion status of Passport updates and future plans. Director Lisa Flores provides context on the system's evolution and current focus. - The original …
0:35:46
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96 sec
Passport quality assurance, funding, and system improvements
Council Member Julie Won inquires about quality assurance, funding, and improvements for the Passport system. Director Lisa Flores discusses ongoing efforts to enhance the system and recent changes made. - …
0:37:23
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3 min
Passport Vault implementation and impact on contract processing
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the effect of Passport Vault on contract processing and user feedback. Director Lisa Flores explains the functionality and implementation of Passport Vault. - Passport …
0:41:24
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3 min
ContractStat status and access concerns
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the current status of ContractStat and concerns about access to the system. Director Lisa Flores provides an update on ContractStat's implementation and future plans. …
0:45:15
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107 sec
Improvements in contracting processes and payment timelines for nonprofits
Council Member Bottcher inquires about when nonprofits in his district can expect to see improvements in contracting processes and payment timelines. Director Flores acknowledges the ongoing challenges but expresses optimism …
0:47:11
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3 min
Potential implementation of AI in procurement processes
Council Member Bottcher inquires about the potential use of AI in procurement processes to improve efficiency. Director Flores discusses the administration's approach to AI implementation and the current focus on …
0:50:20
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151 sec
Council Member Brewer inquires about interest payments burdening nonprofits
Council Member Brewer raises concerns about the significant interest payments nonprofits are facing due to delayed city payments, citing an example of an organization paying $20,000 a month in interest. …
0:52:58
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88 sec
Director Flores outlines efforts to streamline payment processes
Director Flores responds to Council Member Brewer's concerns by detailing efforts to streamline payment processes and reduce delays. She highlights the expansion of the returnable grant program (RGF) and new …
0:54:26
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104 sec
Director Flores explains improved visibility through Passport system
Director Flores highlights the improved visibility into the invoicing process provided by the Passport system, enabling better oversight and process improvements. - The entire invoicing process is now visible through …
0:56:10
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26 sec
Council Member Brewer raises concerns about large agencies' cash flow issues
Council Member Brewer expresses serious concerns about large agencies facing significant cash flow problems due to delayed payments from the city. Director Flores acknowledges the issue and outlines efforts to …
0:56:36
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3 min
Discussion on collaboration with Fund for the City of New York for bridge loans
Council Member Brewer inquires about MOCS's collaboration with the Fund for the City of New York regarding bridge loans for nonprofits. Director Flores confirms their partnership and ongoing efforts to …
1:00:00
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67 sec
Council Member Brewer addresses challenges with specific city agencies in payment processing
Council Member Brewer raises concerns about specific city agencies that are particularly problematic in terms of payment delays and processing. She emphasizes the urgent need for improvements while acknowledging MOCS's …
1:01:06
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32 sec
Council member expresses frustration with contracting system and calls for reform
Council Member Althea V. Stevens expresses her frustration with the ongoing issues in the city's contracting system, despite MOCS Director Lisa Flores' efforts. She emphasizes the need for substantial reform …
1:01:54
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69 sec
Discussion on discretionary funding and multi-year contracting reform
Council Member Stevens questions the effectiveness of multi-year discretionary contracting reform, citing providers who haven't received funding for years. Director Flores explains the implementation timeline and expected benefits of the …
1:03:03
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144 sec
Request for data on improvements in discretionary contract processing
Council Member Stevens requests specific data on improvements in discretionary contract processing, expressing skepticism about the reported benefits. Director Flores discusses the data tracking process and expected future improvements. - …
1:05:28
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115 sec
Council member criticizes slow progress and calls for systemic changes
Council Member Stevens expresses frustration with the slow pace of improvements in the contracting system, emphasizing the unfairness of delayed payments to service providers. She calls for more substantial reforms …
1:07:22
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77 sec
MOCS director addresses standardization efforts across agencies
MOCS Director Lisa Flores responds to Council Member Stevens' concerns by explaining ongoing efforts to standardize processes across city agencies. She highlights the creation of a payment task force within …
1:08:40
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45 sec
Passport system adoption by DOE and H+H
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the adoption of the Passport system by the Department of Education (DOE) and Health + Hospitals (H+H). Lisa Flores explains that while Passport is …
1:09:26
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52 sec
Potential charter revision to require DOE participation in Passport
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the possibility of using charter revision to require New York City public schools to participate in the Passport system. Lisa Flores declines to give …
1:10:19
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30 sec
Implementation of Executive Order for Chief Nonprofit Officers (CNOs)
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the implementation of the Executive Order requiring city agencies to designate Chief Nonprofit Officers (CNOs). Lisa Flores explains the purpose and current status of …
1:10:48
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96 sec
Public availability of CNO positions and names
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the public availability of Chief Nonprofit Officer (CNO) positions and names. Lisa Flores initially states she needs to confirm this information but later confirms …
1:12:28
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65 sec
Collaboration between MOCS and MONS
Lisa Flores explains the close collaboration between the Mayor's Office of Contract Services (MOCS) and the Mayor's Office of Nonprofit Services (MONS) in response to Council Member Julie Won's question …
1:13:34
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64 sec
Steps to improve collaboration and timely provider payments
Council Member Julie Won inquires about steps being taken to improve collaboration and ensure timely payments to providers following the new mayoral executive order. Lisa Flores highlights the improvements in …
1:14:39
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93 sec
Passport system help desk challenges and backlog
Lisa Flores addresses Council Member Julie Won's questions about the challenges and backlog faced by the Passport system help desk. She explains the current situation and reasons for the delays …
1:16:13
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142 sec
Staffing for Passport help desk
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the staffing situation for the Passport help desk. Lisa Flores provides details on the current staffing levels, vacancies, and the process of addressing tickets. …
1:18:35
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136 sec
Analysis of help desk tickets and improvements to self-service
Lisa Flores explains the processes for analyzing help desk tickets and improving self-service options for the Passport system. She outlines several strategies and upcoming changes to address user issues more …
1:20:51
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107 sec
MOCS fiscal year 2026 preliminary OTPS budget comparison
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the difference between the MOCS fiscal year 2026 preliminary OTPS budget and the fiscal year 2025 adopted budget. Lisa Flores and Helga Nyanffor explain …
1:22:38
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74 sec
Underspending forecast and vacancy-related budget implications
Council Member Julie Won inquires about potential underspending in the current fiscal year, particularly in relation to vacancies. Key points discussed: - MOCS officials initially state there is no underspending …
1:23:53
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35 sec
MOCS vacancy filling efforts and challenges
Council Member Julie Won inquires about MOCS' ability to fill vacancies over the last three fiscal years. Key points discussed: - MOCS, like other agencies, has not achieved 100% staffing …
1:24:29
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70 sec
Inquiry about Passport system help desk staffing
Council Member Julie Won asks about the specific job title for personnel working on the help desk for Passport assistance. MOCS response: - MOCS officials do not have the information …
1:25:40
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16 sec
Challenges and improvements in council discretionary contracts
Council Member Julie Won inquires about challenges and improvements related to council discretionary contracts. Key points discussed: - Progress on multi-year contracts for city council's discretionary funding - 1,226 multi-year …
1:25:57
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146 sec
Average time and improvements in council discretionary contract registration
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the average time for council discretionary contract registration and related improvements. Key points discussed: - The council finance team believes the average registration time …
1:28:33
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94 sec
Standardized prepayment amounts for council discretionary contracts
Council Member Julie Won inquires about standardized prepayment amounts for council discretionary contracts. Lisa Flores explains current practices and potential improvements: - MOCS has issued a directive encouraging agencies to …
1:30:07
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101 sec
Payment monitoring task force staffing and progress
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the payment monitoring task force staffing and progress. Key points discussed: - The November plan included $425,000 to support five positions in fiscal year …
1:31:51
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117 sec
Passport Release 6 vendor and agency user training initiatives
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the Passport Release 6 vendor and agency user training initiatives. Key points discussed: - The November plan included additional funding for training: $125,000 in …
1:33:48
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124 sec
Budget allocation for retaining 10 existing staff positions
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the budget allocation for retaining 10 existing staff positions. Key points discussed: - The adopted plan for the current fiscal year included an additional …
1:35:53
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51 sec
Overview of COLA implementation and progress
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the implementation of Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) for city contracts. Director Lisa Flores explains the process and initial progress. - Over $740 million …
1:36:45
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94 sec
Details of COLA attestation process and contract amendments
Council Member Julie Won seeks clarification on the COLA attestation process and contract amendments. Director Lisa Flores explains the use of the allowance clause and initial steps taken to facilitate …
1:38:21
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56 sec
Outreach efforts and timeline for COLA processing
Council Member Julie Won inquires about outreach efforts for remaining attestations and the timeline for processing COLA adjustments. Director Lisa Flores explains the ongoing process and the use of the …
1:39:18
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75 sec
Indirect Cost Rate initiative and backlog clearance efforts
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the plan to clear the backlog for the Indirect Cost Rate (ICR) initiative. Director Lisa Flores outlines the administration's commitment to the ICR process …
1:40:34
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63 sec
Concluding remarks and appreciation for Director Flores
Council Member Julie Won concludes the session with appreciation for Director Lisa Flores' service. Both express gratitude for their partnership. - Julie Won acknowledges there will be follow-up items - …
1:41:39
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16 sec
Testimony by Lauren Siciliano, Chief Operating Officer of Legal Aid Society
Lauren Siciliano, COO of Legal Aid Society, testifies about the challenges faced by nonprofit legal service providers due to chronic underfunding and contract payment delays from the city. She highlights …
1:43:53
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139 sec
Testimony by Lisa Rivera, President and CEO of New York Legal Assistance Group
Lisa Rivera, President and CEO of New York Legal Assistance Group, testified about ongoing challenges faced by legal service providers regarding timely payments from the city. She highlighted persistent issues …
1:46:14
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165 sec
Testimony by Greg Klemm, Chief Financial Officer of Legal Services NYC
Greg Klemm, CFO of Legal Services NYC, testified about the challenges faced by nonprofits in the city's contracting and reimbursement process. He highlighted issues with changing invoice requirements, delays in …
1:49:02
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135 sec
Testimony by Keriann Pauls, Interim Executive Director of TakeRoot Justice
Keriann Pauls, Interim Executive Director of TakeRoot Justice, testified about the urgent need to eliminate delays in the city's contracting and payments to nonprofits. She highlighted the financial strain on …
1:51:21
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147 sec
Testimony by Sophie Zhang, Family Employment Awareness Training Project Manager at Chinese American Planning Council
Sophie Zhang from the Chinese American Planning Council testified about the importance of city contracts and funding for providing essential services to the community. She highlighted the need for swift …
1:55:07
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141 sec
Testimony by Eric Lee, Director of Public Policy at Volunteers of America, Greater New York
Eric Lee from Volunteers of America, Greater New York (VOA GNY) testified about severe financial challenges faced by his organization due to delayed payments from the city for contracted services. …
1:57:30
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3 min
Testimony by Gloria Kim, Director of Policy Research and Impact at Human Services Council
Gloria Kim from the Human Services Council testifies about the challenges faced by nonprofit service providers due to delayed payments and contracting issues with the city. She emphasizes the critical …
2:00:38
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135 sec
Testimony by Tara Klein, Deputy Director of Policy and Advocacy at United Neighborhood Houses
Tara Klein from United Neighborhood Houses testified about the urgent need to address contracting delays and late payments for nonprofit service providers. She emphasized the severe financial strain on nonprofits …
2:02:58
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171 sec
Announcement of upcoming hearing on nonprofit payment delays
Council Member Julie Won announces an upcoming hearing on nonprofit payment delays scheduled for April 30. She emphasizes the importance of having a rally and showing up to put pressure …
2:05:48
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19 sec
Frustration with MOCS Director's resignation and funding challenges
Council Member Julie Won expresses frustration with the resignation of MOCS Director Flores and the ongoing challenges in securing funding for the agency. - Won describes difficulty in getting MOCS …
2:06:09
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42 sec
Discussion on specific funding needs for MOCS
Council Member Julie Won engages in a brief Q&A with Gloria Kim from the Human Services Council about specific funding needs for MOCS. - Kim recommends funding staff lines to …
2:06:52
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37 sec
Plans for addressing contract payment delays
Council Member Julie Won outlines upcoming plans and actions to address contract payment delays and related issues. - Multiple bills will be heard next month to help with contract payment …
2:07:30
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61 sec
Testimony by Jackie Del Valle, Representative from Take Root Justice and Stabilizing NYC Coalition
Jackie Del Valle from Take Root Justice and the Stabilizing NYC Coalition testified about severe delays in contract registration and payment for nonprofit organizations, particularly those funded through the Stabilizing …
2:09:20
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138 sec
Testimony by Galloway, Advocacy Manager at Ali Forney Center, on NYC's Broken Contracts and Reimbursement System
Galloway, Advocacy Manager at Ali Forney Center, testifies about the severe financial strain placed on nonprofits due to NYC's broken contracts and reimbursement system. The testimony highlights the urgent need …
2:11:44
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92 sec
Testimony by Julian Morales, Organizing and Advocacy Manager at Fifth Avenue Committee
Julian Morales from Fifth Avenue Committee (FAC) testifies about the impact of city contract delays on nonprofit organizations, highlighting that FAC and its affiliates are owed over a million dollars …
2:13:20
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133 sec
Testimony by Carlos Cano, Chief Operating Officer of Center for Family Life in Sunset Park
Carlos Cano, COO of the Center for Family Life in Sunset Park, testified about the severe financial strain caused by delayed payments and contract registrations from New York City agencies. …
2:15:38
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114 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public
Christopher Leon Johnson testifies about his concerns regarding the city council's handling of nonprofit contracts and payments. He alleges that the Speaker of the City Council, Adrienne Adams, is manipulating …
2:18:08
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166 sec
Testimony by Sharon Brown, Member of the Public
Sharon Brown testifies about problematic contracts and suggests improvements in contract allocation and enforcement. She emphasizes the need for contracts with military veterans, homeless veterans, and seniors, and criticizes unfair …
2:20:58
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129 sec
Testimony by Kyungsoo Kang, Grants Contract Administrator at University Settlement
Kyungsoo Kang from University Settlement testified about the challenges nonprofits face with contract registration and payment processing in New York City. Despite recent reforms, significant issues remain that are causing …
2:23:24
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140 sec