Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
New York City Council
Committee on Finance
May 15, 2025
·
10:00 AM
4 hr 24 min
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Summary
A hearing on the City University of New York (CUNY) and Campaign Finance Board (CFB) FY2026 budgets.
Discussions focused on CUNY's funding challenges, including federal grant cancellations, faculty vacancies, and program expansions like CUNY Reconnect.
For the CFB, topics included budget allocations for public matching funds, staff expansion, technology upgrades, and efforts to enforce campaign finance rules and educate voters on ranked choice voting.
Features testimony from CUNY, CFB, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Justin Brannan's opening remarks for CUNY FY2026 budget hearing
Council Member Justin Brannan opens the fourth day of FY2026 executive budget hearings, focusing on the City University of New York (CUNY). He provides an overview of CUNY's proposed budget, …
0:00:52
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176 sec
Council Member Eric Dinowitz's opening remarks on CUNY's FY2026 executive budget
Council Member Eric Dinowitz, chair of the committee on higher education, provides opening remarks for the fiscal year 2026 executive budget hearing for the City University of New York (CUNY). …
0:03:48
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135 sec
Chancellor's introduction and acknowledgments
Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez opens the testimony by greeting the committee chairs and members, introducing his team, and expressing gratitude for the support CUNY has received from various government bodies. …
0:07:18
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42 sec
Current challenges facing CUNY
Chancellor Rodríguez addresses the unprecedented challenges CUNY is currently facing, including stress from evolving federal policies and potential funding losses that threaten research and scholarship. - Highlights stress and anxiety …
0:08:01
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52 sec
CUNY Reconnect program expansion and success
Chancellor Rodríguez highlights the success and expansion of the CUNY Reconnect program, which aims to help adults return to college and complete their degrees. - Program is now in its …
0:08:54
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27 sec
CUNY Transfer Initiative improvements
Chancellor Rodríguez discusses the CUNY Transfer Initiative, which has created a seamless transfer process for students moving from community colleges to four-year programs. - Faculty have aligned six of the …
0:09:22
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41 sec
Career preparation and employer partnerships
Chancellor Rodríguez emphasizes CUNY's efforts in preparing students for career success through real-world experience and partnerships with employers. - More than 31,000 employers actively recruiting in the CUNY system - …
0:10:03
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31 sec
CUNY Beyond initiative launch
Chancellor Rodríguez introduces CUNY Beyond, a comprehensive strategy for career success that will be implemented across all CUNY campuses. - CUNY Beyond is described as a campus roadmap for career …
0:10:35
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25 sec
Strengthening partnerships with NYC public schools
Chancellor Rodríguez highlights CUNY's ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with the NYC public school system through various initiatives. - Programs include College Now, Future Ready NYC, College and Career Bridge …
0:11:01
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57 sec
Enrollment growth and ASAP program expansion
Chancellor Rodríguez reports on CUNY's recent enrollment growth and the expansion of the ASAP (Accelerated Study in Associate Programs) program. - CUNY student body has expanded by nearly 12,000 students …
0:11:58
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59 sec
Capital projects completed in the past year
Chancellor Rodríguez summarizes the capital projects completed by CUNY in the past year, highlighting the ongoing efforts to modernize the university's facilities. - Completed 73 capital projects totaling $760 million …
0:12:58
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29 sec
Overview of FY2026 Executive Budget for CUNY
Chancellor Rodríguez introduces the mayor's executive budget for fiscal year 2026, highlighting its importance for CUNY. - Emphasizes the significance of the full restoration of $19.5 million in PEGs (Program …
0:13:28
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27 sec
Full restoration of PEG funding and its impact
Chancellor Rodríguez expresses gratitude for the full restoration of PEG funding and discusses its significance for CUNY's future. - Thanks the City Council for their support in achieving PEG restoration …
0:13:55
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39 sec
Additional funding for CUNY programs in the Executive Budget
Chancellor Rodríguez details the additional funding provided in the Executive Budget for various CUNY programs. - $10.1 million for ACE and CHAMPS programs - $4.5 million additional funding for ASAP …
0:14:35
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33 sec
State budget support for CUNY community colleges
Chancellor Rodríguez highlights the additional support from the state budget for CUNY's community colleges. - 2026 state budget continues 100% of the community college funding floor - State-based aid will …
0:15:08
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30 sec
Requests for additional funding in the adopted budget
Chancellor Rodríguez outlines CUNY's requests for additional funding to be included in the adopted budget, focusing on student-centric priorities. - Priorities include: - Application fee waivers - CUNY Reconnect expansion …
0:15:39
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32 sec
Capital funding plan and top priorities
Chancellor Rodríguez discusses the executive budget capital plan for CUNY and highlights top priorities for additional capital funding. - Executive budget includes $1.57 billion in city funding and $4.3 million …
0:16:12
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73 sec
Conclusion and appreciation for City Council support
Chancellor Rodríguez concludes his testimony by reiterating gratitude for City Council support and emphasizing CUNY's importance to the city and state. - Restates appreciation for City Council's support of CUNY …
0:17:26
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28 sec
CUNY PEG restorations and current vacancy rates
Council Member Brannan inquires about CUNY's PEG (Program to Eliminate the Gap) restorations and current vacancy rates. CUNY officials, including Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez and CFO Sherif Soliman, provide details …
0:17:54
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156 sec
Equity considerations in allocating restored PEG funds
Council Member Brannan questions CUNY officials about their approach to equity when allocating restored PEG funds across different colleges. Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez explains the factors considered in this process. …
0:20:30
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91 sec
OTPS funding from PEG restorations
Council Member Brannan inquires about the allocation of restored PEG funds for Other Than Personal Services (OTPS). CFO Sherif Soliman explains CUNY's approach to utilizing these funds. - $2.3 million …
0:22:04
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70 sec
Tuition adjustments and enrollment projections
Council Member Brannan discusses tuition adjustments and enrollment projections with CUNY officials. CFO Sherif Soliman and Interim University Provost Alicia Alvero provide insights on budget adjustments and current enrollment trends. …
0:23:15
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153 sec
FY2026 capital budget and new projects
Council Member Brannan inquires about CUNY's FY2026 capital budget and new projects. COO Hector Batista and CFO Sherif Soliman provide details on capital commitments and funding allocations. - CUNY's capital …
0:25:49
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3 min
Federal funding cuts and impact on CUNY programming
Council Member Brannan discusses the impact of federal funding cuts on CUNY programming with CFO Sherif Soliman. Soliman explains the main sources of federal funding for CUNY and potential impacts …
0:29:30
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147 sec
Canceled research grants and stop work orders
Council Member Brannan inquires about canceled research grants and stop work orders affecting CUNY. Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez and Interim University Provost Alicia Alvero provide details on the situation and …
0:31:57
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3 min
Council Member Dinowitz questions CUNY Chancellor on federal grant cuts impact
Council Member Eric Dinowitz engages in a Q&A session with CUNY Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez about the impact of federal grant cuts on CUNY. They discuss the number of employees …
0:35:47
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159 sec
Council Member Dinowitz questions CUNY on support for immigrant students
Council Member Eric Dinowitz engages in a Q&A session with CUNY representatives, focusing on the challenges faced by immigrant students and the support provided by the university. The discussion covers …
0:38:26
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3 min
Council Member Dinowitz questions CUNY officials on Allied Health and Sciences Building project
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about the discrepancy between the executive capital commitment plan's allocation of $6.5 million and CUNY's stated need of $150 million for the Allied Health and …
0:42:16
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136 sec
Discussion on $15 million operational support for community colleges
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about the allocation of $15 million in operational support for community colleges in the executive budget. CUNY CFO Sherif Soliman explains the funding's purpose and …
0:44:33
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103 sec
CUNY ACE and ASAP programs funding restoration and enrollment numbers
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about the restoration of funding for CUNY ACE and ASAP programs, as well as current enrollment numbers. CUNY representatives provide details on funding and enrollment …
0:46:16
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3 min
Discussion on ASAP program goals and potential expansion
Council Member Eric Dinowitz emphasizes the success of the ASAP program and encourages CUNY to set more ambitious goals for enrollment and graduation rates. CUNY representatives discuss current efforts and …
0:49:51
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150 sec
Council Member Dinowitz questions CUNY officials on high school programs and disability services funding
Council Member Eric Dinowitz engages in a Q&A session with CUNY officials, focusing on funding and enrollment details for various CUNY programs. The discussion covers the College Pathways program, CUNY …
0:52:23
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153 sec
CUNY child care services: availability and funding
Council Member Brewer inquires about CUNY's child care services, including availability, capacity, and funding. CUNY representatives provide information on the current state of their child care programs. - CUNY has …
0:55:20
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88 sec
CUNY dormitory capacity and expansion plans
Council Member Brewer questions CUNY representatives about the current state of dormitories and plans for expansion. CUNY officials provide details on current capacity and future growth projections. - CUNY currently …
0:56:48
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109 sec
Guttman Library space concerns and potential relocation
Council Member Brewer expresses concern about the Guttman Library's space needs and potential relocation. CUNY Chancellor addresses the current situation and future plans. - CUNY secured more space for Guttman …
0:58:37
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60 sec
CUNY-operated schools: current status and future plans
Council Member Brewer inquires about CUNY-operated schools, their student population, and plans for expansion. CUNY Chancellor provides information on current partnerships and future directions. - CUNY is proud of its …
0:59:38
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61 sec
CUNY's process for prioritizing schools in the capital budget
Council Member Nantasha M. Williams inquires about CUNY's method for determining which schools to prioritize in their capital budget. CUNY officials, including Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez and COO Hector Batista, …
1:00:42
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78 sec
Clarification on CUNY's community college funding allocation
Council Member Williams seeks clarification on CUNY's statement about community college funding allocation. CUNY officials explain their two-bucket approach: - A base allocation of $33 million for each community college …
1:02:00
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59 sec
Questions about equity and transparency in CUNY's capital budget allocation
Council Member Williams raises concerns about the equity and transparency of CUNY's capital budget allocation process. CUNY officials, including Chancellor Rodríguez and COO Batista, provide detailed explanations of their methods: …
1:02:59
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3 min
York College groundwater flooding issue and $30 million allocation
Council Member Williams inquires about the $30 million allocation for addressing groundwater flooding at York College. She raises concerns about: - Whether this is new funding or a reallocation of …
1:06:02
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133 sec
CUNY's overall capital needs and funding challenges
CUNY COO Hector Batista addresses the overall capital needs and funding challenges faced by the university system: - CUNY has identified a total capital need of approximately $6.2 billion for …
1:08:16
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80 sec
Clarification on the source of the $30 million for York College
Council Member Williams presses for clarification on the source of the $30 million allocated for York College's groundwater flooding issue. CUNY COO Hector Batista provides the following information: - The …
1:09:36
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42 sec
Long-term investment for York College's main academic building
Council Member Williams inquires about long-term investment plans for York College's main academic building, particularly addressing the foundation wall issues. CUNY COO Hector Batista provides a brief response: - Batista …
1:10:20
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20 sec
Council Member Louis questions CUNY on Brooklyn capital projects and menstrual product law implementation
Council Member Farah N. Louis inquires about CUNY's capital projects in Brooklyn, particularly the allocation of $100,000 for Kingsborough Community College's child development center expansion. She also questions the implementation …
1:10:46
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164 sec
Council Member Brannan questions CUNY leadership on work study, budget needs, and student loan support
Council Member Justin Brannan engages in a Q&A session with CUNY leadership, primarily Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez, on various topics related to CUNY operations and student support. The discussion covers …
1:13:34
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145 sec
Council member inquires about CUNY's outreach for the New York Opportunity Promise Scholarship
Council Member Eric Dinowitz questions CUNY representatives about their outreach efforts for the newly funded New York Opportunity Promise Scholarship. CUNY officials explain their plans for promoting the program and …
1:15:59
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3 min
Discussion on CUNY's unfunded mandatory cost increases in the state budget
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about the impact of unfunded mandatory cost increases for CUNY in the fiscal 2026 state adopted budget. CFO Sherif Soliman explains the estimated costs and …
1:19:11
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109 sec
Clarification on CUNY's stance regarding one-time funding for personal services
Council Member Eric Dinowitz seeks clarification on CUNY's position regarding the use of one-time funding for personal services. CFO Sherif Soliman explains CUNY's policy and communication with colleges on this …
1:21:00
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69 sec
Status update on CUNY's new discrimination reporting portal
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about the status of CUNY's new reporting portal for discrimination instances, which was mentioned in a previous hearing. Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez provides an update …
1:22:09
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63 sec
Training and implementation plans for CUNY's new reporting portal
Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez outlines CUNY's plans for training staff on the new reporting portal and creating a welcoming campus environment. The discussion covers both portal-specific training and broader Title …
1:23:13
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91 sec
Clarification on mandatory Title VI training for CUNY staff
Council Member Eric Dinowitz seeks clarification on whether the Title VI training will be mandatory for all CUNY staff. Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez confirms the mandatory nature of the training …
1:24:44
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56 sec
CUNY's approach to Title VI coordination and management
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about CUNY's plans to hire a dedicated Title VI coordinator. Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez explains CUNY's approach to managing Title VI needs and coordination. - …
1:25:41
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77 sec
Cost of CUNY's new discrimination center and reporting portal
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about the costs associated with CUNY's new discrimination center and the reporting portal contract. CUNY officials provide partial information and promise to follow up with …
1:26:58
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38 sec
Brooklyn College protest: CUNY's response and decision-making process
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about CUNY's handling of a recent protest at Brooklyn College, including the decision to involve campus police and potential costs. Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez explains …
1:27:36
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4 min
Additional funding and resources for campus security at CUNY
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about additional funding authorized for campus security in anticipation of future protests. Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez outlines the measures CUNY has taken to enhance security …
1:31:46
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60 sec
CUNY's public safety staffing, budget, and recruitment challenges
COO Hector Batista provides a comprehensive overview of CUNY's public safety resources, including budget allocation, staffing numbers, and recruitment challenges. He also discusses the measures taken to address these challenges …
1:32:46
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115 sec
Council Member Dinowitz questions CUNY officials on disability services, CUNY CARES, and CUNY Reconnect programs
Council Member Eric Dinowitz questions CUNY officials about various programs and services, focusing on support for students with disabilities, CUNY CARES, and CUNY Reconnect. The discussion covers funding needs, program …
1:34:42
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7 min
Council Member Brewer questions CUNY on plans for 450 West 41st Street building
Council Member Gale A. Brewer inquires about CUNY's plans for a building at 450 West 41st Street, expressing concern about its potential use. CUNY COO Hector Batista explains that an …
1:42:32
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148 sec
Council Member Yusef Salaam questions CUNY leadership on adult learners, affordability, and diversity
Council Member Yusef Salaam engages in a Q&A session with CUNY leadership, focusing on issues affecting his Harlem district. He inquires about programs for adult learners, affordability measures for first-generation …
1:45:01
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5 min
Council member inquires about CUNY School of Medicine's new building and dormitory plans
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about the status of acquiring a new building and dormitory for the CUNY School of Medicine. Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez provides updates on the preliminary …
1:50:40
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3 min
Justin Brannan introduces the CFB budget hearing
Council Member Justin Brannan opens the fourth day of FY2026 executive budget hearings, focusing on the Campaign Finance Board (CFB). He introduces himself as the chair of the finance committee …
2:09:55
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62 sec
Justin Brannan provides an overview of the CFB budget
Council Member Justin Brannan presents an overview of the Campaign Finance Board's budget for FY2026. He highlights the significant increase in the CFB's budget from the preliminary plan to the …
2:10:58
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55 sec
Lincoln Restler delivers opening remarks on CFB's role and budget
Council Member Lincoln Restler provides an opening statement on the Campaign Finance Board's role and budget. He emphasizes the importance of the CFB as an independent agency and its impact …
2:11:53
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89 sec
Lincoln Restler raises concerns about campaign finance rule violations
Council Member Lincoln Restler expresses serious concerns about potential violations of campaign finance rules, particularly focusing on the Cuomo for mayor campaign. He emphasizes the need for stricter enforcement and …
2:13:22
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141 sec
CFB's accomplishments and initiatives in fiscal year 2025
Ryan outlines the CFB's major accomplishments and initiatives during fiscal year 2025, focusing on voter engagement and language access improvements during a high-turnout presidential election year. - Implemented a seven-year …
2:17:09
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127 sec
Overview of CFB's fiscal year 2026 executive budget
Ryan presents an overview of the CFB's FY2026 executive budget, highlighting the total amount and changes from the previous year's budget. - Total FY2026 budget: $109,460,239, a decrease of $44,953,597 …
2:19:17
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75 sec
Implementation of CFB's seven-year strategic plan
Ryan discusses the ongoing implementation of the CFB's seven-year strategic plan, which will guide the agency through the 2029 citywide election cycle. - Plan targets improvements across the agency to …
2:20:32
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40 sec
Improvements to CFB's audit process and timelines
Ryan outlines the CFB's goals and plans for improving its audit process, focusing on faster completion times and enhanced efficiency. - North star goal: Complete 90% of audits within one …
2:21:13
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39 sec
Technology updates and staffing challenges at CFB
Ryan discusses the CFB's ongoing efforts to update its technology systems and address staffing challenges in the tech team. - Multi-pronged approach to updating legacy process and technology systems - …
2:21:53
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27 sec
CFB's voter education and engagement initiatives
Ryan outlines the CFB's comprehensive voter education and engagement initiatives planned for the upcoming election cycle. - Comprehensive voter-facing education on the matching funds program, including first-time public funds education …
2:22:21
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60 sec
Expansion of CFB staffing and operational capacity
Ryan details the CFB's plans for significant staffing increases and operational expansion to support its growing mandates and responsibilities. - Headcount increase of 45 new positions, representing a 21% increase …
2:23:21
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67 sec
Conclusion and commitment to strengthening local democracy
Ryan concludes his testimony by reaffirming the CFB's commitment to empowering New Yorkers and strengthening local democracy. - Emphasizes the CFB's deep commitment to empowering New Yorkers to impact their …
2:24:28
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19 sec
CFB budget overview and breakdown for FY 2026
Council Member Brannan asks for a breakdown of the Campaign Finance Board's FY 2026 budget. Amanda Melillo, First Deputy Executive Director of CFB, provides a detailed breakdown of the budget, …
2:24:57
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67 sec
Public matching funds budget and projection process
Council Member Brannan inquires about the budget for public matching funds and how the amount is determined. Amanda Melillo explains the process of projecting public matching funds for campaigns. - …
2:26:07
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172 sec
CFB headcount and new positions for FY 2026
Council Member Brannan inquires about the Campaign Finance Board's current headcount and new positions being added for FY 2026. Amanda Melillo provides details on the current and budgeted staffing levels. …
2:29:00
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34 sec
CFB technology upgrades and innovation strategy
Amanda Melillo details the Campaign Finance Board's plans for technology upgrades and innovation, including the creation of a new strategy products and innovation division. Council Member Brannan asks about areas …
2:29:37
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4 min
Potential for CFB to access capital funding
Council Member Brannan inquires about the Campaign Finance Board's potential to access capital funding for certain expenses. Amanda Melillo explains the current funding approach and potential challenges with accessing capital …
2:34:01
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99 sec
Budget comparison between FY '25 and FY '26 for public matching funds
Council Member Brannan asks about the significant difference in budgeted public matching funds between FY '25 and FY '26. Amanda Melillo explains the reasons for this difference and briefly discusses …
2:35:40
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95 sec
CFB staffing increase and budget allocation breakdown
Council Member Lincoln Restler inquires about the significant increase in the proposed headcount for the Campaign Finance Board (CFB) for the upcoming fiscal year. Amanda Melillo, First Deputy Executive Director …
2:37:15
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138 sec
Audit process improvements and staffing considerations
Council Member Lincoln Restler inquires about the allocation of new staff to support and streamline audit operations. Amanda Melillo explains the CFB's approach to improving the audit process, focusing on …
2:39:33
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79 sec
Status update on 2021 and 2023 election cycle audits
Paul Seamus Ryan, Executive Director of the CFB, provides an update on the status of audits from the 2021 and 2023 election cycles. He explains the current progress and the …
2:40:52
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147 sec
Timeline for completing outstanding audits from 2021 and 2023
Council Member Lincoln Restler inquires about the timeline for completing the remaining audits from the 2021 and 2023 election cycles. Paul Seamus Ryan explains the current status and challenges in …
2:43:20
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20 sec
Changes in extension policy for candidates during audit process
Paul Seamus Ryan, Executive Director of the CFB, explains recent changes in the agency's policy regarding extensions for candidates during the audit process. These changes aim to speed up the …
2:43:41
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131 sec
Discussion of Eric Adams 2021 campaign audit extensions
Council Member Lincoln Restler inquires about the status of the Eric Adams 2021 campaign audit and recent extensions granted by the CFB. Paul Seamus Ryan provides a limited response due …
2:45:52
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64 sec
Challenges in enforcing campaign finance rules and reimbursement
Council Member Lincoln Restler expresses concerns about the challenges of enforcing campaign finance rules and seeking reimbursement for inappropriately spent taxpayer dollars, especially years after an election. - Restler highlights …
2:46:56
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35 sec
New CFB policy on suspected intermediaries and matching funds withholding
Council Member Lincoln Restler inquires about the Campaign Finance Board's new policy requiring a response to suspected intermediary reports and withholding matching funds for unreported intermediaries. Executive Director Paul Seamus …
2:47:31
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130 sec
CFB access to campaign contribution records and platforms
Council Member Lincoln Restler inquires about the Campaign Finance Board's access to records needed to assess suspected intermediaries, particularly focusing on contributions linked to specific hyperlinks provided to lobbyists. - …
2:49:41
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50 sec
Public availability of suspected intermediary reports
Council Member Lincoln Restler inquires about the public availability of suspected intermediary reports. Executive Director Paul Seamus Ryan explains the current process and future plans for transparency. - Suspected intermediary …
2:50:34
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43 sec
Requirements and consequences for reporting intermediaries
Council Member Lincoln Restler inquires about the requirements and consequences for reporting intermediaries in campaign finance disclosures. Executive Director Paul Seamus Ryan explains the process and potential consequences. - Campaigns …
2:51:17
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102 sec
CFB access to contribution information from different platforms
Council Member Lincoln Restler inquires about the Campaign Finance Board's access to contribution information from various platforms and potential improvements to the intermediary reporting system. Executive Director Paul Seamus Ryan …
2:52:59
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119 sec
Matching of contributions bundled by lobbyists or those on the doing business data list
Council Member Lincoln Restler inquires about the matching of contributions bundled by lobbyists or individuals on the doing business data list. Executive Director Paul Seamus Ryan provides limited information on …
2:54:58
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46 sec
Recent case of withholding matching funds due to suspected super PAC coordination
Council Member Lincoln Restler inquires about a recent decision to withhold $662,000 in matching funds from the Cuomo campaign due to suspected improper coordination with a super PAC. Executive Director …
2:55:48
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68 sec
Process for recouping public funds in cases of rule violations
Council Member Lincoln Restler inquires about the process for recouping public funds in cases where campaigns violate rules, particularly in relation to illegal collaboration with super PACs. Executive Director Paul …
2:56:57
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49 sec
Enforcement of prohibitions on candidate coordination with independent expenditures
Council Member Lincoln Restler inquires about the Campaign Finance Board's ability to enforce prohibitions on candidate coordination with independent expenditures. Executive Director Paul Seamus Ryan explains the CFB's approach and …
2:57:47
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79 sec
Concerns about large corporate donations to super PACs and potential policy reforms
Council Member Lincoln Restler expresses concerns about large corporate donations to super PACs and their influence on city policies. He asks about potential reforms to address these issues within the …
2:59:06
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122 sec
Council Member Restler questions CFB on campaign staff payment rules
Council Member Lincoln Restler engages in a Q&A session with Paul Seamus Ryan, Executive Director of the NYC Campaign Finance Board, about the rules and regulations regarding payment to campaign …
3:01:09
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3 min
Council Member Brewer questions the legality of city employees volunteering for political campaigns
Council Member Gale A. Brewer inquires about the legality of city employees volunteering for political campaigns while maintaining their city jobs. Paul Seamus Ryan, Executive Director of the NYC Campaign …
3:04:37
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103 sec
Council Member Brewer questions CFB on voter education efforts at Rikers Island
Council Member Gale A. Brewer inquires about voter education and registration efforts at Rikers Island, with Amanda Melillo from the NYC Campaign Finance Board responding. They discuss the challenges of …
3:06:20
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3 min
Council Member Brewer questions CFB on ranked choice voting education efforts
Council Member Gale A. Brewer engages in a Q&A session with Amanda Melillo from the NYC Campaign Finance Board about efforts to educate voters on ranked choice voting. Melillo outlines …
3:09:24
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3 min
Council Member Brewer inquires about Campaign Finance Board's consultant spending
Council Member Gale A. Brewer questions Amanda Melillo, First Deputy Executive Director of the NYC Campaign Finance Board, about the board's spending on consultants. Melillo provides a detailed breakdown of …
3:12:56
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149 sec
CFB's efforts to engage non-native English speakers and priority audiences
Amanda Melillo, First Deputy Executive Director of CFB, explains their focus on engaging non-native English speakers and communities with limited English proficiency. She discusses the CFB's strategies for reaching these …
3:15:34
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95 sec
Discussion of non-traditional outreach methods for non-native English speakers
Council Member Farías inquires about non-traditional outreach methods used by CFB to reach non-native English speakers, particularly in light of ranked choice voting. She highlights the importance of engaging with …
3:17:09
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56 sec
CFB's community-tailored approach to voter engagement
Amanda Melillo explains CFB's tailored approach to community engagement, emphasizing the importance of adapting strategies to meet the specific needs of different communities. She highlights the expansion of in-person events …
3:18:06
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70 sec
Request for data on CFB's community engagement events
Council Member Farías requests specific data on the number of community engagement events conducted by CFB, either in the past year or since the last citywide election. Melillo agrees to …
3:19:16
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19 sec
Analysis of voter turnout data and determination of priority communities
Council Member Farías inquires about the process of determining priority communities for voter engagement, citing data from the CFB's voter analysis report. Melillo provides a detailed explanation of how CFB …
3:19:35
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6 min
Discussion of specific district engagement challenges and opportunities
Council Member Farías discusses the unique challenges and opportunities for voter engagement in her district, Bronx Community Board 9. She highlights the lack of dedicated civic engagement groups and electoral …
3:25:41
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67 sec
Proposal for CUNY fellowship program to improve community engagement
Amanda Melillo introduces a proposed CUNY fellowship program aimed at enhancing community engagement in civic participation. Council Member Farías expresses interest in further collaboration on this and other civic engagement …
3:26:48
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110 sec
Council Member Stevens inquires about CFB's in-person events in The Bronx
Council Member Althea V. Stevens asks the Campaign Finance Board (CFB) for information about in-person events they've been hosting in The Bronx. The CFB representative, Amanda Melillo, doesn't have the …
3:28:45
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1 sec
Council Member Stevens raises concerns about lack of outreach in low voter turnout districts
Council Member Althea V. Stevens expresses concerns about the lack of outreach in low voter turnout districts, particularly in the Bronx. She questions the Campaign Finance Board (CFB) about their …
3:28:46
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111 sec
CFB explains its strategy for voter engagement and education timing
Amanda Melillo from the Campaign Finance Board (CFB) explains their strategy for voter engagement and education timing, focusing on the approach to ranked choice voting education. - CFB typically engages …
3:30:38
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73 sec
Council Member Stevens criticizes CFB's voter education approach
Council Member Althea V. Stevens criticizes the Campaign Finance Board's (CFB) approach to voter education, particularly regarding ranked choice voting. She expresses frustration with the lack of consistent outreach over …
3:31:52
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159 sec
CFB outlines its timeline for community outreach and event planning
Amanda Melillo from the Campaign Finance Board (CFB) explains their timeline for community outreach and event planning for upcoming elections. Council Member Stevens presses for more specific information about outreach …
3:34:32
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83 sec
Discussion of outside consultant for improving candidate experience and auditing process
Council Member Lincoln Restler inquires about the outside consultant mentioned in Director Ryan's testimony, who is helping to develop a roadmap for improving the candidate experience and optimizing the auditing …
3:35:55
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136 sec
Comparison of current and past spending on ranked choice voting education
Council Member Lincoln Restler compares the current spending on ranked choice voting education with past expenditures, highlighting a significant reduction in overall spending. - Current CFB spending on ranked choice …
3:38:12
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104 sec
CFB's hiring process and independence from OMB limitations
Council Member Lincoln Restler inquires about the Campaign Finance Board's (CFB) hiring process and its relationship with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). - CFB is not subject to …
3:39:57
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35 sec
Discussion on expanding CFB's investigative approaches and timelines
Council Member Lincoln Restler inquires about potential expansion of the Campaign Finance Board's (CFB) investigative approaches and timelines, particularly focusing on real-time investigations during election cycles. - Restler asks if …
3:40:34
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60 sec
Plans for improving and expanding CFB's investigative and auditing operations
Director Paul Seamus Ryan outlines plans for improving and expanding the Campaign Finance Board's (CFB) investigative and auditing operations, emphasizing a commitment to more efficient and timely processes. - CFB …
3:41:34
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87 sec
Council Member Restler expresses concerns about CFB's investigative transparency
Council Member Lincoln Restler addresses the Campaign Finance Board's (CFB) investigative processes and transparency regarding campaign finance violations. He expresses concern about the lack of public information on ongoing investigations, …
3:43:02
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132 sec
Testimony by Heather James, Representative of Professional Staff Congress, CUNY
Heather James, representing the Professional Staff Congress at CUNY, testified about the need for additional funding for CUNY, emphasizing the restoration of previous budget cuts and the need for further …
3:58:41
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173 sec
Testimony by John Dennehy, Professor of Biology at Queens College, City University of New York (CUNY)
John Dennehy, a biology professor at Queens College (CUNY), testifies about his work in developing a wastewater COVID surveillance program and the recent cancellation of federal grants that supported CUNY …
4:01:41
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4 min
Testimony by Jen Gaboury, First Vice President of Professional Staff Congress, CUNY
Jen Gaboury, First Vice President of PSC CUNY, testified on the need for restored funding and support for CUNY, particularly in light of recent budget cuts and new programs. She …
4:06:01
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170 sec
Testimony by Constance Lesold on Medgar Evers College and CUNY Programs
Constance Lesold testifies about the importance of Medgar Evers College and CUNY programs, emphasizing their impact on community engagement and youth education. She shares personal experiences and expresses concerns about …
4:09:55
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3 min
Testimony by Daniel Redden, Chairperson of University Student Senate and Student Trustee for CUNY
Daniel Redden, Chairperson of the University Student Senate and Student Trustee for CUNY, testifies about the critical need for transit assistance for CUNY students. He emphasizes how transit costs are …
4:13:25
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114 sec
Testimony by Davia Willis, Student at John Jay College (CUNY)
Davia Willis, an international student from Jamaica at John Jay College, advocates for providing MetroCards to CUNY students to ensure they can access education and campus resources. She emphasizes that …
4:15:26
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62 sec
Testimony by Akkeem Polack, Vice Chair of Legislative Affairs at University Student Senate, CUNY
Akkeem Polack, representing CUNY's University Student Senate, advocated for including $500,000 in the FY26 budget to fund a pilot program for free MetroCards and OMNI cards for all CUNY students. …
4:16:32
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132 sec
Testimony by Sakeena Trice, Senior Staff Attorney, Disability Justice Program at New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI) on Support for CUNY Students with Disabilities
Sakeena Trice, a senior staff attorney with a physical disability, testified about the urgent need to support students with disabilities in higher education, particularly at CUNY. She highlighted systemic barriers …
4:19:06
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101 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public
Christopher Leon Johnson provides a critical testimony regarding the city council's stance on Andrew Cuomo's donation from DoorDash and calls for transparency in the council's own dealings with DoorDash. He …
4:20:56
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130 sec