| Photo via NYC Racial Justice Commission Website
NEW YORK – The New York City Racial Justice Commission (NYC RJC) has approved on Dec. 27 three landmark ballot proposals intended to advance racial equity and dismantle structural racism in the City Charter. New York City residents will vote on these proposals in the November 2022 general election.
The Commission’s final report also outlines specific legal changes to the New York City Charter, which will take effect if voters approve the ballot measures. It includes a Roadmap for Racial Justice and offers recommendations to local, state, and federal governments the Commission believes could further advance racial equity.
The ballot proposals are:
- Proposal 1: Add a Statement of Values to Guide Government
Adding a preamble would allow New Yorkers to adopt a vision and statement of values, and it acknowledges past and continuing harms experienced by marginalized groups and individuals. The proposed preamble would be used to guide City agencies and officials in carrying out their duties. - Proposal 2: Establish a Racial Equity Office, Plan, and Commission
This proposal establishes a framework for planning and evaluating City government efforts to advance equity. It would create an Office of Racial Equity, require a citywide Racial Equity Plan every two years, and create a Commission on Racial Equity to represent communities’ needs and publicly review the citywide Racial Equity Plan. - Proposal 3: Measure the True Cost of Living
This proposal will require the City government to develop and report, beginning in 2024, an annual “true cost of living” measurement of what it costs to live in New York City without consideration of public, private, or informal assistance. The proposed measurement is intended to focus on dignity rather than poverty, by considering the cost of meeting essential needs.
“Today, my fellow Commissioners and I humbly and proudly put forth a set of charter revision ballot proposals that are aspirational and actionable, and which would hold City government accountable for catalyzing sustainable change to dismantle structural racism and advance racial equity here in New York City,” said Jennifer Jones Austin, Chair of the NYC Racial Justice Commission. “Let us all do our part in learning about and sharing with our neighbors these proposals that we believe will make our city a greater place to live for us all.”
The NYC Racial Justice Commission was established earlier this year and consisted of 11 Commissioners from all five boroughs. Following this report, the Commission will embark on a comprehensive public education campaign to ensure all New Yorkers are aware of and understand the impact of the ballot proposals ahead of the November election.
“As an Asian New Yorker, I am truly touched that we are finally being recognized as a part of the social fabric of the city. I look forward to working with other Commissioners and staff in the coming year to outreach to and educate the community to participate in the upcoming November election to vote on these ballot measures,” said Commissioner Christopher Kui, President RISE NOW INC, and Former Executive Director, Asian Americans for Equality.”
Commissioner Jo Ann Yoo, Executive Director of Asian American Federation, said the most moving moments were the testimonies of New Yorkers. They struggle against a system that leaves so many behind.
“Those stories will stay with me for a very long time and will continue to shape my own work to live the values of equity, justice and respect for all New Yorkers,” she said. “Now, we ask our fellow New Yorkers to read the report, learn about the proposals and vote in November 2022.”
The Commission will hold a march tomorrow, Dec. 28, at 10:30 a.m., from the Triumph of the Human Spirit Fountain in Foley Square to the Office of the City Clerk and deliver ballot measures for NYC Charter revisions. — With Ricky Rillera/PDM
