The Public Advocate for the City of New York

The job of the Public Advocate is, most fundamentally, that of a watchdog, ensuring that all New Yorkers receive the City services they deserve and have a voice in shaping the policies of their government.

The Public Advocate is also a voice for those too easily overlooked by City Hall—children, working families, and the poor. We work to advance the needs of underserved New Yorkers and protect the city's most vulnerable residents.

The Public Advocate is the best-suited elected official in the City to help create key reforms that engage residents in the democratic process and make our government more accountable to the people. As an ex-officio member of all City Council committees holding the power to introduce legislation, the Public Advocate is an important participant in the legislative process. Through the office's powers of appointment, the Public Advocate also influences City planning, the budget process, and the management of retirement funds.

Government is often resistant to change, but the Public Advocate's role is to make our bureaucracy more responsive and to hold our elected leaders accountable to the needs of the people.