Executive Order 88

December 13, 2021

DemocracyNYC

WHEREAS, the Civic Engagement Commission is tasked with enhancing civic trust and strengthening democracy in New York City; and

WHEREAS on February 13, 2018, the Mayor of the City of New York created the Democracy NYC initiative to address and eliminate historic barriers to voting through public education, outreach, and policy reform efforts; and

WHEREAS, both entities are tasked with the goal of strengthening democracy through greater voter participation; and

WHEREAS, to achieve this goal, it is necessary to establish a unified program focused on increasing voter participation and civic engagement in New York City, encourage every eligible New Yorker to make their voice heard at the ballot box, and work to address and eliminate historic barriers to voting through public education, outreach, and policy reform efforts; and

WHEREAS, subdivision d of section 3202 of the Charter authorizes the Mayor of the City of New York to assign by executive order powers and duties performed by the executive office of the mayor to the Civic Engagement Commission where such powers and duties are directly related to the mission of such commission.

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

Section 1. Establishment of DemocracyNYC. There is hereby established under the direction of the Civic Engagement Commission (“CEC”) the DemocracyNYC program (hereinafter “DNYC”).

The program shall be administered by a Chief Democracy Officer (hereinafter “the CDO”) and other such staff as the Executive Director of the CEC and the CDO may appoint.

The CDO shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Mayor.

§ 2. Objectives of the Program. Objectives of the program shall include:

Encouraging greater civic and voter engagement by developing communications strategies and conducting citywide outreach efforts;

Promoting the development of voting and election policy by tracking legislation and engaging in related intergovernmental affairs matters; and

Furthering the understanding of voter registration and participation trends by analyzing data, tracking the usage of language assistance at poll sites, and assisting with data methodology.

§ 3. Duties of the Chief Democracy Officer. The CDO shall act as DNYC’s liaison with the Civic Engagement Commission, the State and City Boards of Elections, and the Campaign Finance Board, and shall take such measures as the CDO deems necessary to ensure that the objectives of the program are met.

§ 4. Cooperation of City agencies. All agencies of the City of New York shall cooperate with the CDO in the performance of the CDO’s duties.

§ 5. Effective Date. This Order shall take effect immediately.

Bill de Blasio
Mayor

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Executive Order 88

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