Office Of The Mayor Of New York City: Executive Order 80

Press release from Office of the Mayor of New York City:

September 13, 2021

Download Executive Order 80

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified long-standing racial disparities within New York City;

WHEREAS, the health, safety, and opportunity of certain neighborhoods and communities within the city have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic along racial lines;

WHEREAS, it is necessary to develop ongoing COVID-19 response strategies to support the fair and equitable promotion of health, safety, and opportunity within these neighborhoods and communities; and

WHEREAS, it is necessary to develop strategies to respond to future major events and emergencies that have the potential to exacerbate racial disparities.

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the power vested in me as Mayor of the City of New York, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1. Establishment of the Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity. There is hereby established a Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity (the “Taskforce”).

§ 2. Duties of the Taskforce.

(a) The Taskforce shall serve as an advisory group to the Mayor by proposing non-binding recommendations and reports regarding fairness and equity in neighborhoods with equity burdens that have been disproportionally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and/or have the potential to be disproportionately impacted by future major events and emergencies that could exacerbate racial disparities (“priority neighborhoods”). All Taskforce recommendations shall be reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget and the Law Department and approved by all Taskforce Chairpersons prior to issuance.

(b) The Taskforce shall establish a list of priority neighborhoods and review such list every six (6) months to adjust for changing COVID-19, health, and/or socioeconomic trends.

(c) The Taskforce shall issue a progress report no later than May 1 of each calendar year.

§ 3. Powers of the Taskforce.

(a) The Chairpersons are authorized to convene meetings and establish such committees of the Taskforce as may be deemed necessary for the performance and carrying out of its duties. (b) All agencies of the City of New York shall cooperate with the Taskforce in the performance of its duties and contribute to the Taskforce’s efforts. At the request of the Taskforce, an agency shall also designate at least one (1) agency leader to serve as a member.

§ 4. Effective Date. This Order shall take effect immediately and be retroactive to April 26, 2020. 

Bill de Blasio Mayor

This press release was produced by Office of the Mayor of New York City. The views expressed here are the author’s own.