
Department of Design and Construction Logo Image Credit: DDC
The program provides training, networking, and bidding opportunities. On November 10, 2021, the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) announced the launch of a DDC Mentoring Program designed to support and increase business opportunities for Minority- and Women- Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs). As the principal construction management agency for New York City, the DDC is responsible for many City contracting opportunities and projects with M/WBE firms. The program was modelled after successful mentoring programs at the NYC School Construction Authority and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. This type of mentoring program is the first for a New York City agency. (more…)
On October 8, 2020, the Conflicts of Interest Board adopted new and important changes to its post-employment rules that restrict former City employees from contacting their former City agencies. The Board, in addition, on May 21, 2021, adopted rules relating to the acceptance of gifts by City employees in certain recurring situations. This article examines these new rules. (more…)

Image Credit: Office of the Comptroller
On August 16, 2021, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) announced that NYCHA budget and revenue data will be publicly accessible through the City’s Checkbook NYC program. Checkbook NYC is an online tool that provides public access to financial data of City agencies. (more…)

Richmond County Bank Ballpark. Image Credit: Google Maps
New ownership group will make improvements to venue and attract other events throughout the year to help boost economy for the North Shore of Staten Island. On July 23, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Staten Island Borough President James Oddo, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) announced an agreement with Staten Island Entertainment, LLC to bring professional baseball back to the north shore, replacing the departed Staten Island Yankees. Staten Island Entertainment will bring an independent Atlantic League team to play at Richmond County Bank Ballpark beginning in 2022. (more…)

Governors Island. Image credit: Trust for Governors Island.
The six new appointees will help oversee the Trust’s planning , operations, and development decisions. On April 14, 2021, Mayor de Blasio announced new appointments to the Trust for Governors Island Board of Directors. The appointments are Donnel Baird, Alice Blank, Lisa Garcia, Grace Lee, Michael Oppenheimer, and Matthew Washington. The appointed members have a combined wealth of knowledge and backgrounds in the fields of green technology, climate science, environmental justice, architecture, business, government, and advocacy. The appointments will be overseeing the Trust’s activities in planning, operations, and development of Governors Island. (more…)