Executive Order 27

February 16, 2023

Chief Public Realm Officer

Download Executive Order 27

WHEREAS public space is a vital piece of the City’s infrastructure that affects quality of life for people throughout the City of New York; and

WHEREAS roadways, curbs, sidewalks, plazas, parks, and green space are among the public spaces that constitute the City’s public realm; and

WHEREAS many City agencies have jurisdiction or control over portions of the public realm that require inter-agency coordination to execute policies and projects; and

WHEREAS external parties such as business improvement districts, nonprofits, and private entities collaborate with the City to manage and improve public spaces for New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS a central position within City government for visioning, planning and maintaining the multiple dimensions of public realm will streamline public realm investments and increase equity, safety, and access to public space for all New Yorkers;

NOW, THEREFORE, by the power vested in me as Mayor of the City of New York, it is hereby ordered that:

Section 1.  There shall be a Chief Public Realm Officer, appointed by the Mayor, who shall report to the Deputy Mayor for Operations.

§ 2. Duties. The Chief Public Realm Officer shall: (a) serve as a central point of contact for external partners that work with the City to improve public spaces; (b) lead inter-agency coordination and collaboration to advance policies and projects that improve public spaces throughout New York City; and (c) drive reform and innovation in the City’s public realm strategy to improve the user experience and pilot new ways to create beautiful, vibrant public spaces.

§ 3. Cooperation. All mayoral agencies shall cooperate with the Chief Public Realm Officer in the performance of the duties described in Section 2.  Upon request of the Chief Public Realm Officer, mayoral agencies shall designate a liaison to work with the Chief Public Realm Officer.  The Chief Public Realm Officer shall convene and coordinate agency liaisons as necessary to accomplish their duties.

§ 4. This Order shall take effect immediately.

Eric Adams
Mayor