New York City has a $115.9 billion budget, serves over 3 million people annually through benefit programs, and offers over 150,000 opportunities for residents to shape civic life. Yet most New Yorkers have no clue how to report a broken street light, find out if they qualify for city benefits, or make their voice heard on how tax dollars get spent. Here’s everything you need to know about navigating NYC government—from your first 311 call to voting on millions in neighborhood spending.
Let’s start with a truth: You pay for this.
Every paycheck, you contribute to the $115.9 billion that runs this city. That money funds everything from subway maintenance to public schools, from trash collection to affordable housing programs, from libraries to parks.
And yet, how much do you actually know about how NYC government works? How to access city services? How to make your voice heard when decisions are being made?
If the answer is “not much,” you’re not alone. Most New Yorkers—even those who’ve lived here for decades—have only a vague understanding of city government. They know the mayor exists. They might know their borough. But the actual mechanisms of how things work? The services available? How to participate? That’s where things get fuzzy.
This article changes that. Consider it your complete guide to NYC government—written specifically for busy professionals who want to understand their city, access its resources, and actually use their civic power.
NYC Government 101: Understanding the Power Structure
Before we talk about how to engage, you need to understand who has power and how they exercise it.
The Executive Branch: The Mayor and City Agencies
The Mayor is the CEO of NYC—the chief executive who sets priorities, proposes budgets, and appoints commissioners to run city agencies.
City Agencies (40+ of them) actually implement policy and deliver services:
- Department of Education (DOE) – runs public schools
- NYPD – police department
- Department of Sanitation (DSNY) – trash, recycling, snow removal
- Department of Transportation (DOT) – streets, traffic, bike lanes
- Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) – affordable housing, building code enforcement
- Department of Social Services/HRA – benefits administration
- Parks Department – parks, playgrounds, recreation
- And dozens more
Key point: Agency commissioners serve at the mayor’s pleasure. They answer to the mayor, not directly to voters. But they testify before the City Council and can be held accountable through oversight hearings.
The Legislative Branch: The City Council
This is where laws get made. According to the NYC City Council, the 51 council members pass laws, approve the budget, and oversee city agencies.
The Council’s Power:
- Pass local laws (called “Intros” when proposed, “Local Laws” when passed)
- Approve the city budget (and negotiate priorities with the mayor)
- Oversee agencies through hearings and investigations
- Approve land use decisions (zoning changes, major construction projects)
- Hold public hearings where residents can testify
The Speaker (currently Adrienne Adams) is elected by council members and is the second most powerful elected official in NYC after the mayor. The Speaker controls which bills get votes, negotiates the budget with the mayor, and sets the council’s agenda.
Committees are where the real work happens. Each council member serves on several committees (Education, Housing, Transportation, Finance, etc.). Committees hold hearings, investigate issues, and vote on whether to send legislation to the full council.
Your Council Member represents your district (roughly 150,000-175,000 people). They have staff dedicated to constituent services who can help you navigate city bureaucracy.
The Comptroller: The Watchdog
The city’s chief financial officer and auditor. Monitors how city money gets spent, audits agencies, investigates waste and fraud, and provides independent budget analysis. The Comptroller can’t pass laws but wields significant power through investigations and public reports.
The Five Borough Presidents
Each borough (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island) has a borough president who:
- Advocates for their borough’s interests
- Appoints all community board members
- Has a say in land use decisions
- Proposes capital budget priorities
- Holds hearings on borough-specific issues
Borough presidents have less power than they once did, but they’re important voices and can mobilize resources for neighborhood issues.
Community Boards: Your Hyperlocal Government
According to NYC’s civic engagement resources, community boards are the first level of local government—59 boards across the city made up of volunteer residents appointed by borough presidents.
What community boards actually do:
- Review and vote on liquor license applications (restaurants, bars need community board approval)
- Weigh in on land use and zoning changes (new buildings, rezoning proposals)
- Review the city budget and recommend priorities
- Advocate for neighborhood needs (more sanitation, better parks, safer streets)
- Hold monthly public meetings where residents can raise issues
Important: Community board votes are advisory, not binding. But elected officials pay attention—going against a community board’s recommendation is politically risky.
How Laws Actually Get Made in NYC
Understanding the legislative process is key to knowing when and how to make your voice heard.
The Journey of a Bill
Step 1: Introduction
A council member introduces a bill (called an “Intro”). It’s assigned a number (e.g., “Intro 1234”) and referred to the appropriate committee.
Step 2: Committee Review
The committee chair decides whether to hold a hearing. This is crucial—most bills die in committee because they never get a hearing.
Step 3: Public Hearing
If the committee holds a hearing, members of the public can testify. This is your chance to influence the bill. Testimony is on the record and becomes part of the legislative history.
Step 4: Committee Vote
After the hearing, the committee votes. If it passes committee, it moves to the full council.
Step 5: Full Council Vote
The bill is scheduled for a vote by the full council. The Speaker controls the calendar, deciding what gets voted on and when.
Step 6: Mayor’s Approval or Veto
If the council passes the bill, it goes to the mayor who has 30 days to sign it into law or veto it. The council can override a veto with a two-thirds majority (34 votes).
Step 7: Becomes Law
Once signed (or if the veto is overridden), the bill becomes a “Local Law” and is assigned a number. It’s now part of NYC law.
How to Track Legislation
NYC Council Legislation Search
Go to council.nyc.gov and search for bills by:
- Number (Intro 1234)
- Keyword (“paid sick leave,” “affordable housing”)
- Committee
- Council member sponsor
For each bill, you can see:
- Full text of the legislation
- Who introduced it and who co-sponsored
- What committee it’s in
- Whether a hearing has been scheduled
- Voting record
- Current status
CityMeetings.NYC
According to the independent platform, every City Council meeting is transcribed and summarized within 24 hours. You can:
- Search transcripts for specific topics
- See who testified and what they said
- Read AI-generated summaries of lengthy hearings
- Follow specific bills through the process
Committee Schedules
Check the council website for upcoming committee meetings and hearings. Schedules are usually posted a week in advance.
How to Testify at a City Council Hearing
Public testimony is one of the most powerful tools available to regular New Yorkers. Here’s how to do it effectively.
Before the Hearing:
1. Find out when the hearing is
Check the council website or citymeetings.nyc for the schedule.
2. Register to testify
Most hearings require pre-registration. You’ll provide your name, organization (if any), and which agenda items you want to speak about.
3. Prepare your testimony
- Keep it to 2-3 minutes (about 300 words when read aloud)
- Start with your name and why you’re qualified to speak (“I’m a teacher in District 15” or “I’m a small business owner in Queens”)
- Be specific: Reference the bill number, explain exactly how it affects you
- Use personal stories when relevant—council members remember stories more than statistics
- Make a clear ask: “I urge you to pass Intro 1234” or “I recommend amending Section 3 to…”
- Provide data if you have it, but make it accessible
- Be respectful even when disagreeing
4. Submit written testimony
Even if you’re speaking, submit a written version. This goes into the official record and can be more detailed than your oral remarks.
During the Hearing:
1. Arrive early
Hearings often start late, but get there when doors open to ensure you can testify.
2. Listen to others
You’ll learn from other testimony and get a sense of council members’ concerns.
3. When it’s your turn:
- State your name clearly
- Stick to your time limit (they’ll cut you off)
- Make eye contact with council members
- Speak slowly and clearly
- If reading, look up periodically
4. Answer questions
Council members might ask follow-up questions. Be honest—it’s okay to say “I don’t know, but I can get back to you.”
After the Hearing:
1. Follow up
Email the committee staff or council members to thank them and reinforce your key points.
2. Track the bill
Keep watching to see what happens after the hearing.
3. Mobilize others
If the bill needs more support, encourage others to contact council members.
How to Influence Legislation (Even Without Testifying)
1. Contact Your Council Member Directly
Email, call, or schedule a meeting. Council members track constituent feedback.
Sample message:
“Dear Council Member [Name], As your constituent living at [address], I’m writing to urge you to support/oppose Intro 1234. [Explain briefly why this matters to you]. I ask that you co-sponsor this bill and vote yes when it comes to the floor. Thank you.”
2. Organize a Petition or Letter-Writing Campaign
Numbers matter. If a council member receives 100 emails on an issue, they notice.
3. Get Your Professional Network Involved
If you work in a field affected by proposed legislation, mobilize your colleagues. Letters from professional associations carry weight.
4. Work with Advocacy Organizations
Many nonprofits focus on City Council advocacy. They know the process, have relationships with staff, and can amplify your voice.
5. Submit Written Comments
Even if you can’t testify in person, submit written testimony. It becomes part of the official record.
6. Attend Council Member “Town Halls”
Most council members hold regular community meetings. Show up and raise your issues.
7. Use Social Media Strategically
Tag council members on Twitter/X. They (or their staff) are watching. Make your case publicly.
Real Examples of Successful Advocacy
Paid Sick Leave
Activists spent years testifying, organizing, and lobbying. Eventually, NYC passed one of the strongest paid sick leave laws in the country.
Freelance Isn’t Free Act
Freelancers organized to pass a law requiring written contracts and timely payment. Started with grassroots advocacy, testimonies, and persistent lobbying.
Ban on Styrofoam
Environmental advocates worked for years through testimonies, data, and public pressure until the city banned single-use foam containers.
Key lesson: Change takes time, persistence, and coalition-building. But it happens.
The NYC Budget: Where Your Tax Dollars Go
According to the NYC Council’s Fiscal 2026 Adopted Budget, the total budget is $115.9 billion and restores and baselines essential programs.
Where the Money Goes (Fiscal Year 2026)
According to budget testimony, major allocations include:
- Department of Social Services/HRA: $13.4 billion (including $10.5 billion in city funds) serving 3+ million New Yorkers through 15+ major public benefit programs
- Department of Education: Significant funding including $197 million restoration for 3-K and Pre-K programs
- Housing: $4 billion in capital funding for creation and preservation of affordable housing
- Childcare: Major “0-2 initiative” expansion toward universal childcare
- Libraries and Cultural Institutions: Additional operating and capital funding
- Immigrant Legal Services: Historic $50 million increase
Key Council Investments for FY 2026
According to the City Council press release, highlights include:
- $6.5 million for Trans Equity Programs
- $3 million for Guaranteed Income Programs
- $1 million for Minority Owned Business Accelerator
- $2.2 million for low-wage worker legal support
- $31.7 million for youth services (including MetroCards for Summer Youth Employment Program)
- $44 million for community development initiatives (including $8 million for adult literacy)
- $8.5 billion set aside in reserves
According to NYS Comptroller analysis, NYC increased its expectations for its surplus in fiscal year 2025 to $2.34 billion, largely as a result of stronger tax revenue projections.
Quick Note: Accessing City Services
Before we dive into how to influence policy and engage with government, a quick word on basic service access:
For reporting problems and accessing city services (potholes, noise complaints, no heat/hot water, finding benefit programs, etc.), use NYC311—dial 311, text 311-692, or use the app. It’s available 24/7 in 175+ languages, and your immigration status doesn’t matter.
We’ve covered this extensively in our other NYC resource guides, so we won’t repeat that here. This article is about the bigger picture: how to shape policy, influence decisions, and exercise your civic power.
For complete details on 311 and accessing city services, see our NYC Resources guides.
Making Your Voice Heard: Civic Engagement in NYC
Okay, so you can report problems and access services. But what about actually shaping how the city operates? That’s where civic engagement comes in.
The Civic Engagement Commission (CEC)
According to the CEC’s official site, in November 2018, New York City voters approved ballot initiatives that established the NYC Civic Engagement Commission. Per Chapter 76 of the NYC Charter, the Commission:
- Runs a citywide participatory budgeting program (The People’s Money)
- Partners with community-based organizations and civic leaders
- Increases awareness of City services
- Provides language interpreters at poll sites
- Provides assistance to community boards
According to the CEC’s 2025 Annual Report, the Commission engaged over 150,000 people to meaningfully participate in New York City civic life in 2025.
The People’s Money: Participatory Budgeting
This is where things get really interesting. You can literally vote on how millions of dollars get spent in your neighborhood.
According to The People’s Money website, it’s one of the largest citywide participatory budgeting processes in the world.
How The People’s Money Works
Step 1: Idea Generation
NYC residents propose ideas for projects that would improve their communities. Anyone can submit ideas—you don’t need to be a citizen.
Step 2: Borough Assemblies Review
According to the 2025 report, applications to serve on Borough Assemblies increased by 200%, growing from 500 applications to 1,500. These resident volunteers review and refine the proposals.
Step 3: City Agencies Evaluate Feasibility
Agencies determine what’s possible, legal, and cost-effective.
Step 4: Public Voting
All NYC residents (including green card holders and those with work authorization) can vote on which projects get funded.
According to the 2025 report, over 131,000 New Yorkers cast ballots citywide. The CEC and partners hosted more than 180 public voting events and placed over 120 ballot boxes across the five boroughs—including all three public library systems.
Step 5: Winning Projects Get Funded
The projects with the most votes get implemented by city agencies.
Examples of funded projects:
- Queens youth culinary entrepreneurship program
- Community technology upgrades
- Park improvements
- School equipment
- Public art installations
Current cycle: The fourth cycle for 2025-2027 is now underway. Visit participate.nyc.gov to get involved.
Community Boards: Hyperlocal Power
Community boards are where neighborhood-level decisions get made. They’re made up of unpaid volunteers (usually 50 members) appointed by borough presidents based on recommendations from council members.
What Community Boards Actually Do
- Review liquor license applications: Every restaurant or bar needs community board approval
- Weigh in on zoning changes and land use: New construction, rezoning proposals—boards have advisory power
- Advocate for neighborhood needs: More sanitation services, better street lighting, park improvements
- Review the city budget: Submit recommendations on budget priorities for their district
- Hold public hearings: On everything from traffic safety to quality of life issues
- Serve as liaison between community and agencies: When agencies aren’t responsive, boards can escalate
Why Community Boards Matter
While their votes are technically advisory, elected officials rarely go against community board recommendations—especially on local land use issues. Boards have real influence over:
- What businesses open in your neighborhood
- Whether new development gets approved
- How capital budget money gets spent in your district
- Which quality-of-life issues get agency attention
How to Engage with Your Community Board
As a Participant:
- Find your community board: Visit the Civic Engagement Commission website
- Attend monthly meetings: Usually held evenings, increasingly hybrid/virtual
- Speak during public comment: Raise issues affecting your block or neighborhood
- Testify on specific agenda items: Liquor licenses, rezoning proposals, budget priorities
- Submit written comments: Can’t attend? Email the district manager
As a Committee Member:
You don’t need to be on the board to join committees. Most committees welcome community participation:
- Transportation/Traffic
- Parks & Recreation
- Housing & Land Use
- Public Safety
- Environmental Protection
- Youth & Education
- Small Business
Committees do the research and make recommendations to the full board. This is where you can have the most impact.
As a Board Member:
If you want to serve on the board:
- Check your board’s website for application periods (usually annual)
- Applications go through your council member’s office
- Council members recommend, borough presidents appoint
- Terms are two years
- Expect to commit 5-10 hours/month (meetings, committees, community events)
Pro tips for effective community board engagement:
- Build relationships: Board members are volunteers from your neighborhood—get to know them
- Do your homework: If you’re opposing a project, come with specifics (traffic impact, zoning compliance, community impact)
- Mobilize neighbors: Boards notice when 20 people show up about the same issue
- Be solution-oriented: Don’t just complain—propose alternatives
- Follow up: If the board votes to support your position, make sure that recommendation gets communicated to decision-makers
According to the CEC, during the 2025 fiscal year, the CEC hosted 26 trainings for community board members, supporting local leaders with tools and resources.
Contacting Your Elected Officials: Making Your Voice Count
Your elected representatives work for you. They have staff whose job is to help constituents navigate government. Use them strategically.
Who Represents You?
- City Council Member: 1 of 51 representing your district (~150,000-175,000 people per district)
- Borough President: Represents your entire borough
- Mayor: Represents all of NYC
- State Senator: Represents your state senate district (for state issues)
- State Assembly Member: Represents your state assembly district (for state issues)
- Governor: Represents all of New York State (for state issues)
- U.S. Congress Member: Represents your congressional district (for federal issues)
- U.S. Senators: 2 senators representing all of New York State (for federal issues)
How to find your representatives: Use the NYC government directory, call 311, or check your community board website.
What Constituent Services Can Actually Do For You
Council member offices have full-time staff dedicated to helping constituents. They can:
- Navigate city bureaucracy: If you’re stuck dealing with an agency, they can make calls on your behalf
- Escalate unresolved issues: 311 complaint ignored for weeks? They can push agencies to respond
- Connect you to resources: Need affordable housing help? Legal services? They know the programs
- Resolve benefit problems: Issues with SNAP, Medicaid, or other benefits
- Help with agency denials: Can advocate when you’ve been denied services or benefits
- Facilitate meetings with agencies: Sometimes you need face time with decision-makers
Real example: You report no heat to 311 multiple times. HPD hasn’t inspected. Your council member’s office can call HPD directly, escalate your case, and get an inspector out faster.
When to Contact Elected Officials
Contact your CITY council member for:
- City agency problems (HPD, DOT, Parks, DSNY, etc.)
- City legislation and budget priorities
- Neighborhood issues (street safety, park improvements, local services)
- Unresolved 311 complaints
- Community board concerns
Contact your STATE representatives (senator/assembly member) for:
- State agency problems (DMV, unemployment, etc.)
- State legislation
- State budget priorities
- Medicaid and other state-run programs
Contact your FEDERAL representatives (congress member/senators) for:
- Federal agency problems (Social Security, IRS, USCIS, etc.)
- Federal legislation
- Immigration cases
- Passport issues
- Veterans services
How to Be Effective When Contacting Officials
Email template for issue advocacy:
“Dear [Title] [Name],
As your constituent residing at [your address], I am writing to [express support for/oppose/request action on] [specific issue/bill].
[Brief explanation of why this matters to you personally—1-2 sentences]
[Specific ask: “I urge you to vote yes on Intro 1234” or “I request that you prioritize funding for X in the budget”]
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]
[Your phone/email]”
Phone call script for constituent services:
“Hi, I’m a constituent at [address] and I need help with [specific problem]. I’ve tried [what you’ve already done—filed 311 complaint, contacted agency, etc.] but the issue hasn’t been resolved. Can someone from the council member’s office help escalate this?”
Best practices:
- Always include your address: Proves you’re a constituent in their district
- Be specific: “I support Intro 1234” not “I support better housing”
- Keep it brief: A few paragraphs max for emails
- Be polite but persistent: Follow up if you don’t hear back in 1-2 weeks
- Reference numbers: Include service request numbers, case numbers, bill numbers
- Attach documentation: Photos, correspondence, dates of incidents
- Share your expertise: “As a teacher/small business owner/parent, I see how this affects…”
What Makes Officials Responsive
Volume matters: If an official receives 100 emails about an issue, they notice. Organize with neighbors or colleagues to amplify your message.
Elections matter: Officials are most responsive in election years and to constituents who vote. Register to vote and actually vote—it gives you leverage.
Media attention matters: If an issue is getting press coverage, officials respond faster. Consider contacting local journalists if you’re organizing around an issue.
Personal stories matter: Statistics are important, but council members remember personal stories about real constituents affected by issues.
How to Escalate If You’re Not Getting Results
- Start with the district office (not the main office)
- If no response in 2 weeks, call again and ask for a status update
- Request to speak with the chief of staff if you’re getting nowhere with junior staff
- Attend the council member’s public events or town halls and raise the issue in person
- Contact the Speaker’s office if your council member is truly unresponsive
- Consider contacting other officials (borough president, public advocate) who might also care about the issue
- Go public: Social media, community board meetings, local news
Following City Government: Staying Informed
Want to know what’s actually happening in city government? Here’s how to stay in the loop.
Official City Resources
NYC.gov
- Main city website with all agency info
- Daily status updates for parking, schools, trash collection
- Access to all city services
City Council Website (council.nyc.gov)
- See what legislation is being proposed
- Watch committee hearings (live or archived)
- Read budget documents
- Track votes
CityMeetings.NYC (citymeetings.nyc)
According to the site, created by tech entrepreneur Vikram Oberoi, this independent platform transcribes and summarizes EVERY City Council meeting within 24 hours. It’s highly trusted by government, media, advocacy groups, and engaged citizens.
Features:
- Full transcripts of meetings
- AI-generated summaries
- Searchable database
- Testimony from elected officials, experts, advocacy groups, public
Mayor’s Management Report (MMR)
According to NYC311, the MMR is a government “report card” for City agencies. Published twice yearly, it shows performance metrics for every agency.
NYC Open Data (opendata.cityofnewyork.us)
According to NYC311, it’s a free library of City government data. You can filter, map, and export NYC311 data for specific time periods, plus access data from all city agencies.
Stay Updated
- Subscribe to the CEC Newsletter for civic engagement opportunities
- Follow official NYC government social media (Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram)
- Sign up for your council member’s newsletter
- Download the NYC311 app for service alerts
- Join your community board’s mailing list
Understanding the Budget Process: When Your Voice Matters Most
The budget process is when the most important decisions get made. Here’s the timeline.
NYC Budget Cycle
January: Preliminary Budget
Mayor releases preliminary budget proposal for upcoming fiscal year (July 1 – June 30)
March-April: Hearings
City Council holds budget hearings where agencies testify. This is when public testimony matters.
May: Executive Budget
Mayor releases updated budget based on new revenue projections
June: Adoption
City Council negotiates with the mayor and passes the final budget before June 30
How to Participate in the Budget Process
The budget process offers multiple entry points for civic engagement. Here’s how to make your voice heard.
1. Testify at Budget Hearings
This is the most direct way to influence budget priorities. Public testimony at budget hearings goes on the record and is considered during budget negotiations.
When to testify:
- Preliminary Budget Hearings (February-March): Right after the mayor releases the preliminary budget proposal
- Executive Budget Hearings (May): After the mayor releases updated budget based on new revenue projections
What makes effective budget testimony:
- Be specific about dollar amounts: “I urge the council to restore the $3 million cut to after-school programs”
- Show impact: “This cut would eliminate 15 after-school sites serving 2,000 kids”
- Propose alternatives: “This funding could be found by reducing X”
- Bring data: How many people are affected? What are the outcomes?
- Tell personal stories: How does this program affect real people?
- Present solutions, not just problems
Pro tip: Coordinate with others. If 50 people testify about the same budget priority, council members notice.
2. Contact Your Council Member
Council members negotiate budget priorities with the mayor. They each get discretionary funding to allocate to their districts.
What to say:
“Dear Council Member [Name], I’m writing to ask you to prioritize [specific program/funding] in the FY [year] budget negotiations. [Explain impact]. I urge you to advocate for [specific dollar amount] in the final budget. Thank you.”
3. Join an Advocacy Coalition
Nonprofits organize around budget priorities and mobilize hundreds or thousands of people to testify, contact officials, and advocate. Find organizations working on issues you care about and join their budget advocacy efforts.
Examples: Education advocacy groups for school funding, housing groups for affordable housing, disability rights organizations for accessibility funding.
4. Submit Written Testimony
Can’t attend hearings in person? Submit written testimony through the council website. It becomes part of the official record.
5. Monitor Budget Documents
The city publishes detailed budget documents showing exactly how money is allocated. You can find line items for specific programs and track them across budget proposals.
- Budget Summary: High-level overview
- Expense Budget: Operating costs (salaries, programs, services)
- Capital Budget: Infrastructure (buildings, roads, equipment)
- Agency Budget Books: Detailed spending by each city agency
Available at council.nyc.gov/budget
6. Attend Your Community Board’s Budget Committee Meetings
Community boards review the budget and submit recommendations. This is where you can shape your neighborhood’s budget priorities before they go to the full council.
Understanding Budget Advocacy Power Dynamics
What the Council Can Do:
- Add funding (“restorations” or “new needs”)
- Shift money between programs
- Impose conditions on how funding is spent
- Require agencies to report back on outcomes
What the Council Can’t Do:
- Cut specific line items (only the mayor can propose cuts)
- Directly control how agencies operate (that’s the mayor’s domain)
Where advocacy is most effective:
- Restoring cuts: When the mayor cuts a program, organized advocacy can get the council to restore funding
- New funding for urgent needs: The council can add new budget lines
- Discretionary funding: Each council member controls some funding for their district
What the FY 2026 Budget Means for You
According to City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams: “This budget is what happens when City Hall stops pretending this is a monarchy and actually acknowledges the Council as the co-equal branch of democratic city government.”
Key takeaways from the FY 2026 budget:
- $115.9 billion total
- $8.5 billion in reserves (preparing for potential federal cuts)
- Major investments in: Affordable housing, childcare, education, immigrant services, libraries, mental health, trans equity programs
- Risk factors: According to NYS Comptroller analysis, NYC relies on $7.4 billion in federal funding (6.4% of spending)—potential federal cuts could jeopardize programs
Special Concerns: Preparing for Federal Funding Uncertainty
According to Citizens Budget Commission testimony, federal aid cuts could have profound impacts. Federal aid comprises $7.4 billion of NYC’s FY 2026 budget, including funds for:
- Educating low-income students
- Childcare vouchers
- School food programs
- Family shelters
- Medicaid (5.3 million City residents covered)
The two-thirds of federal funding supports:
- Department of Education ($1.9 billion)
- Department of Social Services ($1.6 billion)
- Administration for Children’s Services ($1.3 billion)
What this means for you: Programs you rely on might face cuts. Staying engaged and advocating for city budget priorities that protect essential services matters more than ever.
Your Action Plan: Getting Started with Civic Engagement
Feeling overwhelmed? Start small. Here’s your step-by-step plan.
This Week
- Identify your elected officials: Find your council member, borough president, state senator, and assembly member
- Find your community board: Visit the Civic Engagement Commission website
- Sign up for The People’s Money: Go to participate.nyc.gov and create an account
- Subscribe to your council member’s newsletter: Get updates on what’s happening in your district
This Month
- Attend one community board meeting (virtually or in person—find schedule on your board’s website)
- Browse proposed legislation: Go to council.nyc.gov and see what bills are currently active
- Watch a City Council hearing on CityMeetings.NYC: Pick a topic you care about and see how the process works
- Contact an elected official about one issue: Practice using the email template from this guide
This Quarter
- Propose an idea for The People’s Money (or vote on existing proposals during voting periods)
- Attend a City Council hearing in person or virtually: See democracy in action
- Join a community board committee: Transportation, parks, housing, or whatever interests you
- Track a bill through the legislative process: Follow one piece of legislation from introduction to vote
This Year
- Testify at a budget hearing: Use the guidance in this article to prepare effective testimony
- Testify on a piece of legislation: Pick an issue you care about and make your voice heard
- Apply to serve on a Borough Assembly for The People’s Money
- Consider applying to your community board: Applications are usually accepted annually
- Make civic engagement part of your routine: Monthly council meeting watching, quarterly testimony, annual community board involvement
Common Questions
Q: I’m not a U.S. citizen. Can I still participate in city government?
A: Yes! According to NYC MOIA, you can participate in The People’s Money, attend community board meetings, testify at City Council hearings, contact elected officials, and serve on community boards. You cannot vote in elections, but you can still make your voice heard on policy and budget decisions.
Q: I don’t have time to attend meetings in person. Can I still be involved?
A: Absolutely. You can:
- Watch City Council meetings on citymeetings.nyc at your convenience
- Submit written testimony (even if you can’t testify in person)
- Email your council member about legislation (takes 10 minutes)
- Vote in The People’s Money online
- Join community board committee meetings (many are now hybrid/virtual)
- Track legislation online through council.nyc.gov
Q: Does contacting elected officials actually work?
A: Yes—especially at the local level. City Council members have staff dedicated to constituent services who track feedback. When council members receive volume on an issue (50+ emails, packed hearing testimony), it influences their priorities. They can also help you navigate bureaucracy when you’re stuck with an agency problem. The key is being specific and following up.
Q: I’ve never testified before. Will I be nervous?
A: Most people are! But remember: council members are regular people, the room is usually small and informal, and no one expects polished speeches. Bring written testimony to read if that helps. What matters is your authentic voice and perspective—not perfection.
Q: How much time does civic engagement actually take?
A: You decide. Options:
- Minimal (1-2 hours/month): Subscribe to newsletters, watch key meetings online, email officials 2-3 times on important issues
- Moderate (3-5 hours/month): Above + attend 1 community board meeting, submit testimony 2-3 times/year
- Active (6-10 hours/month): Above + join community board committee, testify regularly, participate in advocacy coalitions
- Leadership (10+ hours/month): Serve on community board, lead campaigns, organize neighbors, attend most meetings
Q: What if I’m worried about retaliation for speaking out?
A: Public testimony and constituent feedback are protected forms of civic participation. City officials cannot retaliate against you for speaking at hearings or contacting elected officials. If you experience retaliation from a landlord or employer related to civic engagement, contact legal aid or the Public Advocate’s office.
Q: Can I stay anonymous when participating?
A: Public testimony is on the record (name attached). However, you can submit written comments to officials privately, vote in The People’s Money without testifying, or contact council members confidentially through their constituent services. If you’re reporting government waste or fraud, you can do so anonymously through the Department of Investigation.
Q: Do community board votes actually matter if they’re only advisory?
A: Yes. While not binding, going against a community board’s recommendation is politically risky for elected officials. Council members take board input seriously, especially on land use and local issues. Community boards also influence budget priorities and agency responsiveness in their districts.
Q: What if I see waste or fraud in city government?
A: Contact the NYC Department of Investigation (DOI) at 212-825-5959 or nyc.gov/doi. You can report anonymously. DOI investigates corruption, fraud, waste, and misconduct in city agencies.
Q: How do I know which battles to fight?
A: Start with issues that directly affect you or your community. You’ll be more effective advocating for things you understand personally. As you get more involved, you’ll learn about other issues through community board meetings and advocacy networks. Don’t try to fight every battle—pick 2-3 priorities per year and focus your energy there.
The Bottom Line
Here’s what you need to remember:
You have more power than you think.
NYC government isn’t some monolithic entity that operates independently of residents. It’s made up of systems, processes, and people who are supposed to serve YOU.
The city has a $115.9 billion budget. Decisions about how that money gets spent happen in public hearings where you can testify. Laws get made in City Council meetings you can attend. Your council member has staff whose job is to help you navigate bureaucracy.
But here’s the thing: the system only works if you use it.
Most New Yorkers never attend a community board meeting, never contact their council member, never vote in The People’s Money, never testify at a hearing. They complain about elected officials but never contact them. They complain about how tax dollars are spent but never participate in budget hearings. They have opinions about proposed laws but never make their voices heard.
Don’t be that person.
You’re a professional woman living in one of the most powerful cities in the world. You’re smart, capable, and you have opinions about how things should work.
Use your voice. Exercise your power. Participate.
Start with something small this week. Find your community board. Identify your council member. Sign up for The People’s Money. Subscribe to a newsletter.
Then keep going. Attend a meeting. Contact your council member. Watch a hearing. Propose an idea. Vote on projects. Testify.
Democracy isn’t a spectator sport. And NYC government isn’t something that happens TO you—it’s something you’re part of.
According to CEC Chair Dr. Sarah Sayeed: “The hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers who are participating in our programs are changing the story of civic engagement in our city. Each of them is declaring their commitment to building their civic impact and the democratic fabric of New York City.”
Be one of those New Yorkers.
Your city. Your power. Your move.
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