Local offices

The Mayor is the leader of our city government. They serve for 4 years (up to 2 consecutive terms).

What they do:  

• Propose the city’s budget
• Sign or veto bills passed by the City Council
• Appoint leaders to city agencies, including the Schools Chancellor and Police Commissioner 
• Set priorities and policy for city agencies
• Manage city land, impacting affordable housing, public parks, and street cleaning

Fun Fact: Robert Anderson Van Wyck was the first Mayor to take office after the 5 boroughs consolidated into the City of New York in 1898.

The Public Advocate is a non-voting member of the New York City Council. They serve for 4 years (up to 2 consecutive terms).

What they do:

• If the Mayor leaves office, the Public Advocate will act as Mayor until a special election is held
• Introduce and co-sponsor bills in the City Council
• Provide oversight for city agencies
• Investigate citizens’ complaints about city services

Fun fact: The Public Advocate keeps a Worst Landlord Watchlist to help protect tenants.

The Comptroller manages the city’s finances and assures the city’s financial health. They serve for 4 years (up to 2 consecutive terms).

What they do:

• Audit city agencies and contracts 
• Prevent abuses in contracting
• Manage budgets, city investments like trust and pension funds, and bonds
• Advise the Mayor and City Council on the city’s financial condition

Fun Fact: NYC has an estimated budget of $92 billion, which is more than the GDP of most countries!

The Borough President serves as an advocate for their borough. They serve for 4 years (up to 2 consecutive terms).

What they do:

• Consult with the Mayor on the annual budget
• Provide grants to local organizations
• Advise on rezoning
• Appoint representatives to the City Planning Commission and Community Boards

Fun Fact: Borough presidents are affectionately referred to as “beeps.”

The City Council is the legislative, or law-making, branch of New York City’s government. There are 51 members. Councilmembers serve for 4 years (up to 2 consecutive terms).

What they do:

• Introduce and vote on bills
• Negotiate and approve the City’s budget
• Monitor city agencies
• Make decisions about the growth and development of our city 

Fun Fact: In 1937, Genevieve B. Earle became the first woman elected to the New York City Council.

*Council members elected in 2021 will serve a 2-year term. Following the 2020 census, City Council districts will be redrawn to adjust for changes in population. In 2023, candidates will run for a 2-year term in the newly redrawn districts. In 2025, 4-year council terms will resume.

The District Attorney is the top prosecutor for their county. They serve for 4 years. There are no term limits.

What they do:

• Decide which cases to prosecute (and which not to)
• Oversee all criminal prosecutions
• Investigate and prosecute criminal conduct

Fun fact: NYC Voters can choose their own DAs! Some states appoint their own without an election.