Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today unveiled the newly renovated offices of the New York City Office of Federal Affairs in Washington, DC.  District of Columbia Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, who modeled his own City Hall office in a bullpen-style after visiting Mayor Bloomberg in New York, joined the Mayor in unveiling the office. The Office of Federal Affairs, established by Mayor John Lindsay, is charged with ensuring New Yorkers get their fair share of federal dollars and that policies made on Capitol Hill and in the White House address the needs of the nation’s largest city. Now transformed into the “bullpen” style-layout used in City Hall, as well as the Office of State Legislative Affairs in Albany, the DC office is now leaner in personnel and cost. In addition to reducing the physical footprint by more than two-thirds, the renovations include technology upgrades. The Mayor also introduced the new director of the office, William J. Daly.  Bill began working for the city in 1986 and, in addition to a stint at the Social Security Administration, has served every New York City mayor since Mayor Ed Koch.

“Our Administration has a Federal legislative agenda that reflects the activity and energy of New York City,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “By transforming an antiquated office space into an open-door, transparent workplace, the City’s position in Washington D.C is strengthened by a more productive and effective team.  I am also proud to introduce Bill Daly as our Director of Federal Legislative Affairs.  Bill has been a great asset in advancing the City’s agenda in Washington and I know he will do an excellent job for the City.”

“I am honored that Mayor Bloomberg has chosen me to lead the fight in D.C for our City,” said Director of Federal Legislative Affairs Bill Daly. “The City’s place in our nation’s capital is essential in ensuring that the people of New York have their voices heard, and this new office space gives us a place from which we can make this happen. The Mayor has an ambitious agenda in Washington and working together with the members of the New York delegation we will be able to move it forward.”
 
“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” said Mayor Fenty. “I created my City Hall bullpen using Mayor Bloomberg's model because I knew having my closest advisers nearby would improve the way we govern the District of Columbia. The municipal government of New York has given me ample opportunities to learn and be inspired, so I'm excited that the second Bloomberg bullpen is just down the street from my own.”

The floor plan is not the only thing the Washington DC office has in common with the City Hall Bullpen.  The Mayor’s “Make Every Day Count” countdown clock, reminding the Mayor and staffers how many days remain in the Mayor’s second term (791 Days) is posted here. Also, other signs of home have been placed in the redesigned office including: an authentic NYC park bench and park signs, official Department of Transportation “Welcome to New York City” sign, an official FDNY call box, and a fish tank containing a fighting fish.

New York City and Washington DC have long had a close working relationship particularly since Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia received Federal funds to build a transportation network that is the envy of many cities around the world. Today’s New York demands an aggressive legislative agenda that includes policies to keep our citizens safe, preserve a vibrant economy, expand affordable housing and protect our environment. 

In Fiscal year 2006, the City’s efforts in Washington resulted in $5.7 billion in Federal funds. These funds support programs that provide daily necessary services to New Yorkers, and contribute to New York’s position as one of the most prosperous and safe cities in the world. The City’s legislative agenda includes:

• Homeland Security: The City seeks to have federal funds for homeland security distributed solely on the basis of risk. A formula based on risk will ultimately result in more funds for New York City. Since Federal fiscal year 2003, the City has received $800 million in Federal funds for homeland security.
• Economic Development: Promoting economic opportunity throughout New York City is an essential part of the new Office of Federal Affairs’ responsibility. Currently moving through Congress is a proposal brought forth by the City, its congressional delegation and the State to secure $2 billion in tax benefits to bring the Long Island Rail Road directly to Lower Manhattan.  This proposal would provide a “one seat ride” to John F. Kennedy International Airport. Linking three major business districts – Downtown Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan, and Jamaica – with Long Island and JFK, will ensure that these areas remain competitive, creating 80,000 permanent jobs and adding between $9 and $12 billion to our economy annually.
• Affordable Housing: The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is the largest public housing program in North America, serving more than 408,000 residents.  NYCHA also provides Section 8 rental assistance to nearly 84,000 households.  In 2007, NYCHA received $797 million for Section 8 renewals, $779.8 million in public housing subsidies and $340 million in public housing capital which goes towards maintenance and preservation of NYCHA's buildings.
• Illegal Guns:  Almost sixty percent of the guns used in crimes come from about one percent of gun dealers nationwide, according to the ATF.  The City has used a three-prong strategy to combat illegal guns:  increased enforcement, tough legislation and innovative litigation, including working to remove obstacles like the Tiahrt amendment which Congress puts in the way of enforcement efforts. In addition to making sure that law enforcement has the tools it needs to do its job, the City also supports common sense legislation like the bill that would close the “terror gap” by allowing the Department of Justice to prohibit known and suspected terrorists from buying a gun.
• Social Services.  Approximately 1.1 million low-income New Yorkers participate in the federal food stamp program.  Critical aspects of the program have not been adjusted for inflation in more than 20 years.  The City is currently advocating for a higher allotment for households that include an elderly person and to increase the minimum monthly allotment to at least $25.  Last year the City received $2.6 billion for social services.