New York City Council Passes Bill to Increase Power, Oversight Over Mayoral Appointments

The New York City Council on Thursday voted overwhelmingly to pass a measure that would grant it more power and oversight over mayor-appointed commissioner positions, despite opposition from Mayor Eric Adams’ administration.

The legislation, titled “Requiring Council Advice and Consent for Certain Commissioners,” was introduced by Adrienne Adams, speaker of the council, and passed in a 46-4 vote.
Under the measure, the advice and consent of the council would be required as part of the appointment process for 20 city agency commissioners, including those who head the sanitation, parks, social services, cultural affairs, design and construction, environmental protection, finance, health, and mental hygiene departments, upon subsequent approval by voters in a citywide election.

Currently, the 51-member legislative body must give its consent before the appointment of more than a dozen roles, including the Corporation Counsel, the Department of Investigations (DOI) Commissioner, and the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) Commissioner. It also has the power to approve or veto these positions.

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