Office of the New York City Comptroller

Wishing New York City a Happy Thanksgiving! With deep gratitude for every New Yorker who keeps our city running during the holidays, especially those working today to help others celebrate with their loved ones. May all our communities find moments of peace, joy, and connection during this holiday season.

Congratulations to @WECNYC1 and @Somia_Elrowmeim on opening the new training and education space in Sunset Park! From your Iftar dinner to small business talks and now this milestone, it's inspiring to see your continued dedication to women's empowerment. Through education, storytelling, and advocacy, WECNYC continues to build power and create opportunities for women across our city.

Sugar cane harvesters in Maharashtra, India live and work in some of the most wretched conditions in the world. For months now, the Office of the Comptroller has been working with Indian labor leaders, a coalition of investors, and unions to engage with the publicly-traded sugar buyers in which we are investors (such as Coke, Pepsi, and Mondelez). These companies must address the horrendous conditions in the sugar fields that are part of their supply chain.

John Katsorhis, our Agency Chief Contracting Officer?and Charlette Hamamgian, Deputy Comptroller?of Contract Administration joined City + State for an insightful conference on innovation?and collaboration?in government procurement.? ? They discussed how technology and collaboration?with the vendor community?are?key to the success of?NYC's procurement process, from improving MWBE participation to ensuring transparent, efficient systems.? ? We look forward to continuing our work to make procurement more accessible and equitable for all vendors.

I joined @nycpublicadvocate and @NYCSpeakerAdams in hosting a Transgender Day of Remembrance & Resilience vigil yesterday. Together we solemnly remembered the lives of those we've lost, and celebrated NYC's trans community for their resiliency and extraordinary contributions to our great city. Thank you to everyone who joined us.

Our latest audit found that crappy contractors are rehired for NYCHA apartment repairs over and over again without adequate oversight, utterly failing residents. ? By developing a simple “vendor scorecard” mobile app, New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) could better respond to repair requests, give residents a voice, and regain their trust. ? Here’s how such an app could work:

New Yorkers are collectively paying $14 billion?for child care each year out of their own pockets. On average, families are paying more than $21,000 per kid. ? It's a crisis that is pushing families out of New York—and hurting our economy. ? We need truly universal public child care for every kid in New York City & State. Grateful to @ny4ChildCare for leading the way.

I joined Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) and Zevin Asset Management in filing an amicus brief supporting the Federal Trade Commission’s ban on non-compete agreements. Non-competes trap workers in low-wage jobs and hurt women and workers of color. Time to end these outdated practices for good. https://lnkd.in/efcAZuR8

Today, I’m proud to announce that NYCERS has joined the UN-convened Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance, strengthening our commitment to tackling climate change risk through sustainable investments. ? Climate risk is financial risk—and this partnership helps protect the pensions of New York City’s retirees. https://lnkd.in/eGSC4B_n

Last night, we celebrated the Festival of Lights with our annual Diwali celebration, hosted at Richi Rich Palace.? ? Our community gathered for traditional prayers, vibrant cultural performances, and the symbolic lighting of the diya, made special by our partners Alliance of South Asian American Labor, India Home, and South Asian Council for Social Services.? ? The evening brought together New Yorkers from our Indo-Caribbean, Sikh, Indian, Nepali, and Bangladeshi communities to celebrate light, hope, and unity. #HappyDiwali #NYCDiwali