The People's Advocate
The COVID-19 pandemic has created economic and healthcare crises and exposed glaring inequities in access to services in NYC. The Public Advocate, as an advocate for the people of the City, plays an essential role in ensuring that the needs of the citizens and business are met in the post-pandemic world.
The Public Advocate is a liaison between the citizenry and government, representing the consumers of City services and acting to ensure that people's concerns are heard and addressed. The Public Advocate can sponsor legislation in City Council and is an ex officio member of all Council committees. They chair the Commission on Public Information and Communication and appoints one of its board members, as well as serving on the Audit Committee for the City of New York. The Public Advocate monitors compliance of City agencies and the effectiveness of the City's public information and education efforts. Additionally, they are a member of the Board of Trustees of the New York City Employees' Retirement System, which funds the pensions of City workers.The Public Advocate is first in line to become Mayor, in the event of a vacancy or incapacity of the Mayor.
For more information on the Public Advocate’s responsibilities, go the Public Advocate's website: https://www.pubadvocate.nyc.gov or to The Green Book, the official directory of NYC.
