New York City’s Charter Proposals: What You Need to Know
Much has been made of Proposal 1, a proposed amendment to New York’s constitution, but did you know there are five additional proposals up for vote as well?
The Five Additional Proposals
New York City voters have an additional five proposals on the back of their ballots this year, which concern the city’s Charter. Each of these proposals was crafted by Mayor Eric Adams’ Charter Revision Commission and are opposed by many members of the City Council and other citywide leaders.
Breakdown of the Proposals
Here is a breakdown of the proposals by NYC Votes, an initiative of the NYC Campaign Finance Board:
Prop 2: Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Proposal
The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) would have increased authority to keep all city property clean, including parks and highway medians, and to hold street vendors accountable for following rules at those locations. It would also allow DSNY to regulate how New Yorkers put out their garbage for collection.
Prop 3: Cost Estimates and Budget Reports
The City Council provides cost estimates of proposed laws before voting on them. The proposal would give the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget the opportunity to provide its own cost estimates for proposed laws and require the Council to publish their cost estimates before public hearings on proposed laws. This proposal would also require the Council to formally notify the Mayor’s office before holding public hearings or votes on proposed laws. Lastly, this proposal would extend the deadline for certain budget reports in the first year of a new Mayoral administration, and permanently extend the deadline for the Mayor to publish their annual City budget.
Prop 4: Public Safety Laws
The Council must give 30 days’ notice before voting on public safety laws that impact the Police Department, Department of Correction, or the Fire Department. During this time, the Mayor and affected City agencies may also hold public hearings to hear additional public input.
Prop 5: Capital Planning Reports
The City must assess the cost of maintaining city facilities, infrastructure, and investments and publish these assessments in capital planning reports.
Prop 6: MWBE Support, Film Permits, and Records Management
The proposal would create a new role to support Minority- and Women-owned Businesses Enterprises (MWBEs), allow the Mayor to designate which agency issues film permits, and merge two boards that manage city records into one.
What Does the City Council Say?
The City Council has released a ballot proposal explainer, warning that these proposals "could weaken checks-and-balances, making city government less responsive to New Yorkers." The New York City Liberties Union also argues that the proposals "represent an undemocratic attempt to expand the Mayor’s power at the expense of everyday New Yorkers and our elected City Councilmembers."
Conclusion
As New York City voters prepare to head to the polls, it is essential to be aware of these six ballot measures and the potential implications they may have on the city’s governance. Be sure to check both sides of your ballot and make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the six proposals on the ballot?
A: Proposal 1, and five additional proposals on the city’s Charter, including Department of Sanitation (DSNY) authority, cost estimates and budget reports, public safety laws, capital planning reports, and MWBE support, film permits, and records management.
Q: Who opposes these proposals?
A: Many members of the City Council and other citywide leaders.
Q: What are the potential implications of these proposals?
A: The proposals could weaken checks-and-balances, making city government less responsive to New Yorkers, and expand the Mayor’s power at the expense of everyday New Yorkers and elected City Councilmembers.
