Our Mission
In the Office of the New York City Public Advocate, we work toward results that ensure that all New York City residents are treated with dignity: We fight for equitable access to quality housing, education, and economic opportunity in a healthy, safe environment, and advance equity in the distribution of resources by holding city agencies accountable, as well as by engaging and empowering community members in order to confront institutions, drive change and achieve justice.
Duties of the Public Advocate's Office
The Public Advocate is a non-voting member of the New York City Council with the right to introduce and co-sponsor legislation. Prior to a 2002 charter revision, the Public Advocate was also the presiding officer of the Council. The Public Advocate also serves as an ombudsman for city government, providing oversight for city agencies, investigating citizens' complaints about city services and making proposals to address perceived shortcomings or failures of those services. These duties are laid out in Section 24 of the City Charter. The Public Advocate serves on the committee which selects the director of the New York City Independent Budget Office and appoints members to several boards and commissions, including one member of the New York City Planning Commission. The Public Advocate also serves as chair of the Commission of Public Information and Communication established by Section 1061 of the New York City Charter. Along with the Mayor and the Comptroller, the Public Advocate is one of three municipal offices elected by all the city's voters. In the event of a vacancy or incapacity of the mayor, the Public Advocate is first in line to become Mayor.