Do you know what our mayor actually does and how he works with other city and state elected officials? This guide provides an overview of the people in charge of passing and enforcing laws at New York City Hall and in the New York State Capitol, and how you can contact them if you have questions or need support resolving different issues.
Even if you are not eligible to vote, you can still participate in civic life in NYC.
Also Read: Non-Voters’ Guide to Civic Engagement in NYC
Understanding NYC elected officials
Mayor
The Mayor is an elected official who serves as the leader of city government. Our current mayor is Zohran Mamdani, and his main responsibilities include appointing commissioners of city agencies, proposing the budget and signing bills that the City Council passes into law. However, like most democratically-elected leaders, he also has the power to veto any bill to prevent it from becoming law.
You can contact the mayor here and send him a message to let him know what you think of the work he’s doing.
Comptroller
The Comptroller is an elected official who is the watchdog of the city’s finances. NYC’s current comptroller is named Mark D. Levine and his responsibilities include reviewing city contracts for fiscal compliance, conducting financial audits of city agencies, and overseeing the City’s five public pension funds.
You can contact the Comptroller’s Office if you want to make a claim about suspected wasteful spending by dialing 212-NO WASTE (669-2783) or you can submit an inquiry through constituent services here.
Public Advocate
The Public Advocate is an elected official whose primary role is to provide oversight for city agencies and investigate NYC residents’ complaints about city services and laws. The Public Advocate has a role in introducing and co-sponsoring bills within City Council but does not get a vote in the legislative process. NYC’s current public advocate is Jumaane D. Williams.
You can contact the Office of the Public Advocate for support in housing matters or any other government-related service or regulation. To submit a request through constituent services, click here.
City Council
NYC’s City Council is made up of 51 members, each representing a different district within the 5 boroughs. Their primary role is to hold public hearings, write and pass laws and approve the city budget. They also have staff members who help residents get support with issues they might be facing accessing citywide services.
To find your city council member, click here. Once you find who your City Council member is, you can visit their constituent services page to submit an inquiry or provide feedback on the work they are doing.
Understanding New York state elected officials
Governor
The Governor is an elected official who oversees the health, safety and wellbeing of a state. Their primary responsibilities include appointing heads of state agencies, proposing state budgets, and working with the state legislature to pass or veto laws. They also serve as the primary connection to the federal government on behalf of a state. Our current governor is Kathy Hochul. She is the 57th governor of New York and the first woman to hold this position.
You can contact the Governor’s office by submitting an online inquiry or calling 1-518-474-8390 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
You can send a message regarding a recent bill she signed, feedback on the work she’s doing, or general questions or concerns about the state of New York. You can also request a meeting with her, it is not guaranteed you will actually be able to meet her.
State Assembly
There are 150 state assembly members, each representing a different district in New York State. State Assembly members are responsible for introducing and passing state legislation, conducting hearings with state agencies, and helping negotiate state funding. They also help their constituents with issues or questions with state agencies and services.
To find your assembly member, click here.
State Senate
There are 63 state senators in New York. Their primary responsibility is to draft and approve legislation. To find your state senator, click here. You can reach out to your state senator to provide input on pending legislation and ask them for support by submitting an inquiry here.
