Civic Engagement Commission Celebrates a Year Filled With Engaging New Yorkers in Local Government

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CEC in the News

Recent Events

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Press Releases


Civic Engagement Commission Celebrates a Year Filled With Engaging New Yorkers in Local Government, Building Trust in Democracy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 26, 2024

CONTACT:  jorperez@civicengagement.nyc.gov

Voter Language Assistance Program Provided over 2,000 New Yorkers with Interpretation Services for the Federal Election

Twenty Projects Currently Being Implemented in Programs Across the City That Were Voted on as Part of Previous Participatory Budget Cycle

NEW YORK – As the Civic Engagement Commission (CEC) concludes the fifth year of innovative programs to engage New Yorkers in government and civic processes, the CEC is proud to announce accomplishments from this past year to further build trust in democracy. This year, the Commission successfully launched its third cycle of The People’s Money, New York City’s citywide participatory budgeting program. We also reduced language barriers for thousands of NYC voters through our Voter Language Assistance program. Our trainings supported hundreds of community board members and organizational partners to build their civic leadership skills and impact. Through our public meetings, CEC also strengthened transparency and accountability of our civic engagement initiatives.

“From day one, our administration has focused on creating a safer, more affordable New York City. In 2024, we continued to deliver on that vision and ‘Get Stuff Done’ for working-class New Yorkers,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Thanks to our extraordinary public servants, America’s safest big city got even safer this year, with overall crime down and thousands of illegal guns, mopeds, and ghost cars taken off city streets. We passed historic legislation to turn New York into a ‘City of Yes,’ shattered affordable housing records once again, and put billions of dollars back into New Yorkers’ pockets. We broke records for the most jobs and small businesses in city history and moved millions of trash bags off our sidewalks and into containers. But we know that there is even more we can do to continue to uplift working-class families. As we look to the future, our administration remains committed to keeping New Yorkers safe and making our city more affordable for the millions of New Yorkers who call our city home.”

“The promise of democracy is that people hold the power to make change.” said CEC Chair and Executive Director Dr. Sarah Sayeed. “Working together and with government, communities can Get Stuff Done, to solve collective challenges like jobs, housing, healthcare, community safety and education. Democracy is a living, breathing, ever evolving process that will continue to grow. Our team is committed to democratic engagement with results.”

Through The People’s Money, the CEC was successful in empowering New Yorkers to make a positive impact in their neighborhoods. This year, the CEC gathered 3,429 ideas and hosted 509 Idea Generation sessions across five boroughs and 33 neighborhoods with historic gaps in equitable investment. These achievements were made possible through the dedication of 170 Community Partners who worked alongside us to empower all New Yorkers - ages 11 and older, regardless of immigration or incarceration status—to shape how part of the city’s budget is spent. Of the 3,631 participants who completed an exit survey, 68% agreed or strongly agreed that they believed their voice was heard by government.

New Yorkers chose 20 projects to in last year’s participatory budgeting cycle such as after-school programs for youth in Queens and Manhattan and errands for older adults in Brooklyn. Organizations are currently completing workshops to prepare them to successfully monitor and evaluate these projects in the new year.

In collaboration with the People’s Creative Institute, the CEC developed an arts campaign called The Sunnies. The Sunnies represent New Yorkers who inspire optimism and hope in our democracy through heart-centered participation. Handmade yellow sculptures were shared with our partners who featured them in playful ways on social media, and in their activities to collect ballots during the previous vote phase. The Commission created a video to further tell the story of The Sunnies, and the immigrant mothers who helped bring this idea to life. The Sunnies Project video won the Bronze Award at the Anthem Awards in the Local Awareness Campaign category, showcasing the importance of impactful storytelling.

The Voter Language Assistance program was integral in providing Limited-English proficient New Yorkers with access to interpretation services during the primary and general election. In November, the Commission provided 40 language services at over 20 unique poll sites for early voting, and 97 language services at 87 unique poll sites on Election Day. The methodology implemented in the Voter Language Assistance program provided over 2,000 New Yorkers with interpretation services for the federal election -- 362 voters were assisted for early voting and 1,755 voters were assisted on Election Day. For the June primary earlier this year, the Commission served 15 unique Early Voting sites with a total of 32 language services and 75 unique Election Day sites with a total of 82 language services. For the April Presidential Primary, there were 30 unique Early Voting sites with a total of 58 language services and 80 unique Election Day sites with a total of 86 language services. April voter utilization data showed 258 voters assisted and June had 157 voters assisted.

Capacity-building and professional development for Community Boards is a key initiative within the CEC to provide clarity on government procedures and empower Community Board Members to make a positive impact in their districts. The CEC facilitated over 25 trainings for Community Board Members throughout New York City, connecting them to resources and offices that would be able to support their efforts in improving their respective neighborhoods. The topics of trainings provided included: Parliamentary Procedures, Independent Budget Office, Office of Opportunity, and more!

As the year closes, the CEC is furthering the connection between civic engagement and public art. In December, the Commission gathered at the Museum of Modern Art for a pivotal event focusing on The Creative Future of Direct Democracy. The event brought together artists, activists, and thought leaders to shape the next chapter of the Commissions work for New Yorkers. In three breakout sessions we explored the role of cultural organizations in participatory budgeting, the future of The People’s Bus, and opportunities for public-private partnerships. This was the beginning of a conversation to incorporate hubs of arts and culture with amplifying civic engagement.