How NYC comptroller candidates would support nonprofits

The New York City comptroller has a key role in approving city contracts and overseeing procurement – and that has important implications for many government-funded nonprofits that frequently have gripes with the contracting process. 

As they did with the city’s mayoral candidates, the Advocacy Institute, Human Services Council and Nonprofit New York released answers to a nonprofit-focused policy questionnaire sent to the city’s comptroller candidates. With the exception of Brian Benjamin, Michelle Caruso-Cabrera and David Weprin – who did not submit responses – all candidates pledged to improve upon contracting delays and communicate more with the sector. Here are a few of the proposals the candidates shared:

Supporting nonprofits led by women and people of color: Zach Iscol, who has founded a nonprofit, said he would review and audit the contracting process to ensure nonprofits led by women and people of color are considered for most contracts. City Council Member Brad Lander said he would look into developing a nonprofit version of the minority- and women-owned business enterprises designation. Meanwhile, City Council Speaker Corey Johnson said he would name a new Deputy Comptroller for Equity and Inclusion, and create a new office to “bring diverse perspectives on handling the City's finances.”

Creating a new advisory group: Lander said he would create a new Nonprofit Leadership Council that would be consulted when city agencies craft new requests for proposals and improve the contracting process. While state Sen. Kevin Parker didn’t propose a new nonprofit-specific group, he said he aims to start a Economic Justice Council made up of leaders across various sectors – including nonprofits – to evaluate needs in specific neighborhoods and organizations.