Resolution urging the Mayor to issue an executive order creating an office to oversee all development, operation, and maintenance of the public and private infrastructure of the City of New York.

By Council Member Monserrate
Whereas, New York City has a vast and complex public and private infrastructure that includes bridges, tunnels, roads, buildings, structures and systems that, despite their age, are the envy of the world; and

Whereas, Public infrastructure affects the safety and security of businesses, workplaces, schools, places of worship, hospitals, cultural institutions, property, homes, and the daily quality of life of all New Yorkers; and

Whereas, Public infrastructure also affects millions of visitors to the City annually; and

Whereas, A substantial portion of the City’s annual budget is dedicated to the upkeep of existing and the development of new public and private infrastructure; and

Whereas, There is currently no requirement that the Mayor appoint a single, expert individual to oversee and be accountable for the centralized and integrated development, operation, and maintenance of the City’s infrastructure; and

Whereas, The lack of comprehensive, centralized expert asset management results in an infrastructure system that is not as efficient and as cost-effective as it can be; and

Whereas, The Mayor can substantially improve asset management of the public and private infrastructure by issuing an executive order that creates a permanent office to be filled by either a Licensed Professional Engineer or a Registered Architect who will be appointed by the Mayor and charged with oversight of all public and private infrastructure; and

Whereas, Such an office shall be empowered and required to: (1) advise the Mayor and the Council in formulating the capital program for the City; (2) set overall policies for the maintenance, rehabilitation and construction of the City infrastructure; (3) oversee and control all infrastructure operations; establish and enforce rules for the construction, maintenance and restoration of public areas used by private utilities; (4) represent the Mayor in dealings with federal and state agencies, other regional governments, and private entities on all infrastructure-related matters; (5) interact with government and private regional planning agencies; (6) establish uniform standards for procuring Engineering and Architectural services on the basis of qualifications; (7) ensure the use of such standards by all City agencies; and (8) coordinate with state and federal agencies in procuring funds for City infrastructure projects; and

Whereas, The creation of this office will increase accountability and improve the development, operation, and maintenance of the public and private infrastructure; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York urges the Mayor to issue an executive order creating an office to oversee all development, operation, and maintenance of the public and private infrastructure of the City of New York.

DJ LS # 499