New York City’s voters could be asked tomorrow to do something about, say, murders on the subway or the pervasive reek of pot smoke. But no, at least in terms of citywide votes, we have instead Ballot Proposal 3. According to the city’s official voter guide, here’s what would happen if Ballot Proposal 3 passes:
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The city would create an Office of Racial Equity, led by a Chief Equity Officer appointed by the Mayor. This office would:
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Develop a citywide Racial Equity Plan every two years based on Racial Equity Plans produced by each city agency.
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Support city agencies in measuring and collecting data on wellbeing across racial, ethnic, and other communities.
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Identify “priority neighborhoods” to be highlighted in Racial Equity Plans.
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Establish a Citywide Access Design program to increase access and reduce barriers to city programs, services, communications, and decision-making.
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Help city agencies address marginalization of individuals and communities.
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Codify the Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity, which would provide policy advice to the Chief Equity Officer and coordinate governmental efforts to increase racial equity.
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Every two years the Mayor would create a citywide Racial Equity Plan and city agencies would create their own Racial Equity Plans. These plans would inform the city’s budget planning.
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The city would create a Commission on Racial Equity with 15 members appointed by the Mayor and City Council Speaker. The Commission would:
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Propose community priorities to inform the racial equity planning process.
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Review citywide Racial Equity Plans.
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Track agency compliance with racial equity planning.
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Receive public complaints about city agencies that are creating racial disparities.
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I’m surprised the chief equity officer responsible for producing multi-year plans isn’t literally referred to as a commissar.