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About CAU

The Mayor's Community Affairs Unit (CAU) is the direct link between the Mayor and New York's communities. CAU plays a pivotal role in improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers by working with neighborhood and civic organizations, nonprofits, and various City agencies to tackle large-scale issues and respond to emergency situations. Through Borough Directors assigned to each borough, CAU is also actively involved in carrying forward mayoral initiatives at the community level by maintaining direct contact with community boards and civic associations.

Neighborhood Outreach

CAU considers neighborhood outreach to be the focal point of its duties. CAU staffers keep in close contact with community advocates to stay informed about the needs and developments of neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs. In doing so, CAU is able to help residents identify what City services and programs are available to them and determine which would be the most beneficial to their community's particular needs and concerns. Additionally, CAU works to connect community members to resources that help them serve and celebrate their neighborhoods.


Interagency Initiatives

All of the work CAU does is geared towards making New York a better place in which to live and work. Along with coordinating graffiti removal around NYC, CAU plays a lead role in several interagency initiatives that aim to create sustainable solutions for community problems. CAU is closely involved with the Mayor's Rodent Taskforce, a coordinated effort to address residential and commercial rodent problems throughout NYC. CAU also works to combat illegal dumping and homeless encampments by partnering with various City agencies to locate sites being used for these activities. By conducting site visits, organizing cleanups, and monitoring maintenance, CAU helps preserve the safety and quality of New York City's urban landscape.

Please note that all service requests should be made through 311.

Find CAU on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest updates on programs, events and more!

Want to learn more? Meet the CAU staff.

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