About the Office of the Public Advocate

The job of the Public Advocate is, most fundamentally, that of a watchdog, ensuring that all New Yorkers receive the City services they deserve and have a voice in shaping the policies of their government.

As an ex-officio member of all Council committees with the power to introduce legislation, the Public Advocate is an important participant in the legislative process. Through the office's powers of appointment, the Public Advocate also influences City planning, the budget process, and the management of retirement funds.

My priorities as Public Advocate will reflect my values: providing public school parents a voice in the education system; making government more efficient and transparent; and helping New Yorkers in need.

As a public school parent and former Councilmember, I know that we need more independent oversight in our education system. As Public Advocate, I will build on the successes of Mayoral Control by ensuring parents have greater involvement in our public schools.

The Public Advocate is arguably the best-suited elected official in the City to help create key reforms that engage our residents in the democratic process and make our government more accountable to the people.  One of my central priorities will be to aggressively exercise the Public Advocate’s role in reviewing the performance of City agencies and developing proposals to improve vital services New Yorkers depend on.

The Public Advocate is also a voice for those too easily overlooked by City Hall -- our children, working families, and poor. I will fight to advance the needs of underserved New Yorkers and protect our most vulnerable residents who are bearing the brunt of the recession.

Government is often resistant to change, but the Public Advocate’s role is to push our bureaucracy to become more responsive and hold our elected leaders accountable to the needs of the people.

Public Advocate Bill de Blasio