Richard Briffault, Chair of the Conflicts of Interest Board, brings a long record of public service to his current position. A product of the City public school system, Briffault graduated from Columbia University and obtained his law degree from Harvard. He was broadly interested in government as a young man and quickly entered public service, working from 1980 to 1982 as an assistant counsel to Governor Hugh Carey. The position gave him broad opportunity to … <Read More>
Search Results for: Legislation
State Senate To Provide Exception to Floor Area Ratio Cap for City Residential Buildings
A proposed State bill seeks to give City broad flexibility to increase floor area ratio in residential developments. The New York Senate has introduced bill S6760 by including language in their budget resolution that will amend the State’s Multiple Dwelling Law to provide an exception for the floor area ratio (FAR) cap. Currently, the law provides for a floor area ratio not to exceed 12.0 in New York City. The amendment will introduce language to … <Read More>
Law Bans Employers From Asking Candidates About Salary History
New local law bans employers from asking applicants about past salaries. On October 31, 2017, the new city-wide Salary History Law took effect. Public Advocate Letitia James, introduced the legislation in August 2017 in response to a report that women in the City earned $5.8 billion less than men in annual wages. Women in City government suffered a wage gap two-to-three times larger than women working in the private sector, with women of color … <Read More>
The Right To Counsel For Tenants Who Face Eviction
On August 11, 2017, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signed legislation, the first of its kind in the nation, which guarantees legal representation for low-income tenants who face eviction. The new law has two major innovations with respect to eviction petitions brought in Housing Court.
New Laws Target Vacant Land as a Tool for Achieving Affordable Housing Goals
New laws focusing on vacant land throughout the City aims at identifying and reporting lots and buildings that could be used for affordable housing. On January 8, 2018, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed two bills into laws that focus on how vacant land, both public and private, across the city could be used to further accelerate the production of affordable housing. The new laws will advance the Mayor’s Housing New York 2.0 plan to build … <Read More>
City Council Appoints New Leadership to Committee on Land Use
The New Year brought new leadership to City Council committees and subcommittees. On January 11, 2018, new City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, announced the New York City Council committee chairs and leadership. City Council has 35 standing committees, which including the Committee on Land Use and Committee on Housing and Buildings.