Mayor Adams unveils Charter Revision Commission to enhance NYC governance

In a significant move to enhance the governance of New York City, Mayor Eric Adams announced the formation of a new Charter Revision Commission (CRC) today.

The commission, chaired by Carlo Scissura, president and CEO of the New York Building Congress, will undertake a comprehensive review of the city charter to make the municipal government more responsive and transparent to its residents.

Mayor Adams has directed the CRC to concentrate on several pivotal areas.

Public Safety and Community Input: The commission will explore ways to enhance public safety and ensure greater community involvement in legislative processes affecting safety measures.

Fiscal Responsibility: Another primary focus will be promoting fiscal responsibility. The CRC will evaluate the financial impacts of proposed legislation on current and future budgets, ensuring that these impacts are funded and transparently communicated to the public.

The CRC will include a diverse group of former elected officials, civic and faith leaders, and community members, all volunteering their time and expertise. Additional members of the CRC will be announced in the coming days.

Mayor Adams expressed his gratitude towards the commission members, emphasizing their role in making the city government more efficient and reflective of the needs of working-class New Yorkers.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to Carlo and this group of esteemed city leaders who will volunteer their time and expertise to serve on this commission,” said Mayor Adams. “Together, this group will look for ways to ensure that this city is working as efficiently as possible for all of our residents and delivering a city government that reflects the needs and aspirations of the millions of working-class New Yorkers who call the five boroughs home. Through careful examination and thoughtful reform, we will strengthen this city’s commitment to protecting public safety, rebuilding our economy, and creating a more livable city for everyday New Yorkers.”

Carlo Scissura, a veteran of two previous charter commissions and a lifelong New Yorker, expressed his enthusiasm for the new role.

“I am honored and grateful to be named chair of the New York City Charter Revision Commission by Mayor Eric Adams,” said Scissura. “As a lifelong New Yorker, it is truly remarkable to get to continue to serve the city I love. Having served on two previous charter commissions, I am excited to work with my fellow commissioners and to listen to the voices of New Yorkers across the five boroughs.”

About Carlo Scissura

Scissura has an extensive background in public service and organizational leadership. Since January 2017, he has been at the helm of the New York Building Congress. Before that, he led the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and served as chief of staff and general counsel to Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz for nearly five years.