We’re always hearing about the city council on local news. I am aware that they are the legislative body of my city, but I have to be honest about not knowing exactly who the members are. I intend to change that! As I venture down this road to learning more about the local government structures, I also will be looking into who these members are and what they stand for and vote on. It is my belief that far too many times, we vote on popular topics that come across our news channels but there are lots of things that get by us that we never really hear about unless we are actively looking for it. And these things that we’re not paying much attention to, also have an impact on our daily lives. So I thought I’d start with my city’s government structure and make visual just how much power is in our hands. We the people, are really the ones in power. I think we need to fully realize just how much power we hold. So, if our cities don’t reflect our values or how we feel we should be living, we need to be clear that we are ones who elected these folks to lead. So let’s get to know them a little better!
New York City Government:
- Mayor – Eric Adams (elected by the people)
- Borough Presidents – 5 Presidents (elected by the people)
- City Council (legislative) – 51 Members (elected by the people)
- Public Advocate (represents the consumers of City services)
- (elected by the people)
- Comptroller (chief financial officer) – (elected by the people)
- Community Boards – 59 boards
- each consisting of up to 50 unsalaried members
- half nominated by their district’s City Council Member
- Community Board members are selected and appointed by the Borough Presidents
