By Michael V. Cusenza
Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday announced the appointment of a Charter Revision Commission, under chairman Carlo Scissura, president and CEO of the New York Building Congress, that will be tasked with reviewing the charter and determining how to make the Big Apple’s municipal government more responsive and transparent to its residents.
The City Charter is Gotham’s constitution: the official, authoritative document that defines all aspects of its government—functions, obligations, bureaucracy, etc.
The CRC will review the entire city charter to ensure that the City’s municipal government works efficiently and remains responsive to all New Yorkers. More specifically, Adams has asked the CRC to focus on how the charter can contribute to public safety and provide opportunities for greater community input and transparency when legislation is proposed that would impact public safety. Additionally, Adams has asked the CRC to focus on how the charter can better promote fiscal responsibility and support working-class New Yorkers. The CRC will have the ability to evaluate processes for determining the financial impact of proposed legislation on current and future fiscal years, whether the financial impact is funded, and making that information more transparent to the public.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to Carlo and this group of esteemed city leaders who will volunteer their time and expertise to serve on this commission,” Adams said. “Together, this group will look for ways to ensure that this city is working as efficiently as possible for all of our residents and delivering a city government that reflects the needs and aspirations of the millions of working-class New Yorkers who call the five boroughs home. Through careful examination and thoughtful reform, we will strengthen this city’s commitment to protecting public safety, rebuilding our economy, and creating a more livable city for everyday New Yorkers.”
The CRC will be led by Scissura, who has participated in two Charter Revision Commissions in the past. Scissura currently serves as president and CEO of the New York Building Congress, a position he has held since January 2017. Previously, he was president and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. Prior to joining the Brooklyn Chamber, Scissura served as both chief of staff and general counsel to Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz for nearly five years.
“I am honored and grateful to be named chair of the New York City Charter Revision Commission by Mayor Eric Adams,” Scissura said. “As a lifelong New Yorker, it is truly remarkable to get to continue to serve the city I love. Having served on two previous charter commissions, I am excited to work with my fellow commissioners and to listen to the voices of New Yorkers across the five boroughs.”
The 2018 CRC crafted three proposals:
- Campaign Finance: Reduce contribution limits for all candidates for city elected offices, and increase public matching funds for candidates who participate in the public financing program.
- Civic Engagement: Establish a Civic Engagement Commission whose mission includes expanding language access at polling sites, developing a citywide participatory budgeting program and supporting and partnering with community organizations in their civic-engagement efforts.
- Community Boards: The commission proposed term limits for community board members, who currently serve for two-year terms without limit, to create opportunities for new voices and leaders on all community boards.
Adams indicated that he will announce the additional members of the CRC in the coming days.
