Statement by New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer on Mayor’s Executive Order to Appoint Chief Diversity Officers in City Agencies
“Diversity and inclusion are more than buzzwords — systemic change requires action and accountability. One the best decisions I’ve made as New York City Comptroller was to create a Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) position within my office to break down barriers in City contracting, increase access and opportunities for the minority- and women-owned business community and guide our efforts toward equity and representation in all areas of our work. Over the years I have been proud to stand with civic and faith leaders and owners of M/WBEs calling for CDOs across City government, and today I applaud the Mayor’s decision to act on our call for change by ordering a CDO in each agency. This move clears a path for progress that will finally address the biases baked into our contracting processes and make sure our spending reflects our values.
“As we rebuild our economy after the devastation of COVID-19, the work of a CDO is needed more than ever. According to a survey by my office, 85 percent of City-certified M/WBEs report they cannot survive the next six months given their current cash on hand. New York City agencies spend almost $20 billion a year on everything from pens and paper to consulting services and construction, yet less than 5 percent of those contracts are awarded to M/WBEs. We must ensure that our recovery represents the full diversity of our city, our economy, and its people. Eighty percent of New Yorkers are either women or people of color and more than 600 languages are spoken on our streets; this city should never settle for an exclusionary status quo.
“I want to thank my Chief Diversity Officer Wendy Garcia for her tireless efforts on behalf New York City’s M/WBEs and the broad coalition who joined us, took up the cause, and carried the fight forward. This is a victory for all who believe that everyone deserves a fair and fighting chance to make it in our city.”
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