OFFICE OF RODENT MITIGATION
WHEREAS, commensal rodents, including the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) and house mouse (Mus musculus), have been inextricability linked to urban spaces for centuries, including New York City, where they negatively impact quality of life, cause economic damage, and pose threats to public health threats; and
WHEREAS, historically, rodent management in New York City has lacked central oversight and integration of rodent mitigation strategies into all facets of City government; and
WHEREAS, this lack of central leadership, coordination, and accountability had allowed rodents to thrive in New York City; and
WHEREAS, rodent infestations can be linked to health and housing inequities in that lower-income communities frequently experience a higher prevalence of rats and mice and the attendant quality-of-life and health concerns than higher-income communities even when those communities are geographically proximate; and
WHEREAS, as Mayor, I have prioritized rodent mitigation in New York City to improve public health and quality of life citywide; and
WHEREAS, on April 13, 2023, I appointed the first ever citywide Director of Rodent Mitigation to coordinate across City government agencies, community organizations, and the private sector to reduce the rat population in New York City, with the goal of building a cleaner, more welcoming City and tackling a major quality of life and health issue; and
WHEREAS, since that appointment, Citywide rodent mitigation efforts are yielding positive results through improved past management operations and public space cleanups, education and engagement initiatives, increased enforcement actions, and integrated pest management strategies – including the required containerization of residential and commercial trash; and
WHEREAS, I am committed to continuing this successful municipal mitigation through whole-of-government coordination, policy alignment, and centralized accountability;
NOW, THEREFORE, by the power vested in me as Mayor of the City of New York, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. There is hereby established an Office of Rodent Mitigation within the Office of the Mayor which shall be headed by a director appointed by the Mayor.
§ 2. Powers and duties. The director of the Office of Rodent Mitigation shall have the power and duty to:
a. Provide recommendations to the Mayor and mayoral agencies regarding rodent mitigation;
b. Coordinate interagency initiatives relating to rodent mitigation;
c. Perform outreach to City residents, advocates, community-based organizations, academic institutions, pest management professionals and organizations, and other entities as appropriate to advance the City’s rodent mitigation strategies;
d. Lead and support initiatives that are designed to promote sustained rodent mitigation, including, but not limited to, initiatives designed to educate and engage stakeholders and coordinate and align city operations related to rodent mitigation; and
e. Develop interagency policies and practices to promote rodent mitigation. Such policies and practices shall include coordination with other agencies to:
i. Effectively and equitably promote rodent mitigation;
ii. Promote and implement integrated pest management strategies;
iii. Monitor and evaluate rodent mitigation and pest management interventions;
iv. Develop training for agency staff; and
v. Implement other strategies to promote rodent mitigation.
§ 3. Mayoral agencies shall cooperate with and provide assistance to the Office of Rodent Mitigation upon the request of the director to effectuate rodent mitigation efforts, including but not limited to:
a. Executing integrated pest management on city owned and managed properties;
b. Addressing gaps in city oversight or operations that contribute to rodent populations or conditions conducive to rodent proliferation; and
c. Improving pest management contracts and quality controls.
§ 4. This order shall take effect immediately.
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Eric Adams
Mayor