Council Speaker Adrienne Adams is set to introduce a proposal to establish a Charter Revision Commission within the City Council, aimed at reviewing and improving New York City’s governing documents. This proposal is expected to be officially submitted on Wednesday, October 23, and could potentially reshape the balance of power between the mayor’s office and the City Council.
According to the Daily News, the proposal’s main focus is to create a council-led committee, with members jointly appointed by the mayor, a public advocate, and borough presidents. These members will be tasked with reviewing and recommending amendments to the city charter and developing proposals for a charter referendum. If approved, the committee plans to prepare a referendum initiative starting in 2025.
In her statement, Adams argued that the Charter Revision Commission, established by Mayor Eric Adams, undermines the standards of “good governance.” She emphasized the need to reset these standards to ensure that the city’s operations align more closely with the interests of its residents rather than the political gamesmanship.
This statement is widely viewed as a rebuttal to Mayor Adams’ announcement earlier this summer of his own charter revision committee. Back in May, Adams had also proposed expanding the City Council’s authority to review city appointments.
In July, Mayor Adams formed his own committee, proposing several charter amendments that are set to go before voters in November. This move has faced criticism from the City Council, which argues it aims to stifle related legislative efforts.
Mayor’s spokesperson Liz Garcia indicated that the administration would review the Speaker’s proposal. She highlighted that the mayor’s charter revision committee offers working-class citizens an opportunity to voice their visions for a safer and more affordable city, and the administration looks forward to the upcoming results from the November vote.
Corey Johnson, the former City Council Speaker’s chief attorney, Louis Cholden-Brown, remarked that Adams’ latest actions reflect an assertion of congressional political power. However, he cautioned that such a process may consume considerable time and energy, filled with uncertainty, leaving the ultimate outcomes in question.
Adams’ proposal comes in the wake of Mayor Eric Adams facing charges of bribery, wire fraud, and soliciting foreign donations in September. He has declared his innocence and is working to restore public trust in his administration, though several high-level officials have resigned amidst the turmoil in recent weeks.
