Blake Washington Named as NYS Budget Director

Governor Hochul announced the appointment of Blake G. Washington as New York State’s new Budget Director. He replaces Robert Megna, who served as Acting Budget Director after the departure of Robert Mujica. Washington currently works as Secretary to the NYS Assembly Ways and Means Committee, advising the Speaker on budget and fiscal matters. He has worked for the Ways and Means Committee since 2002.

NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation

Last Thursday, the NYC Council convened a Stated meeting, where they passed and introduced multiple pieces of legislation. The Council formalized a permanent outdoor dining program, allowing sidewalk dining for all 12 months of the year and roadway dining from April - November. Additionally, the Council approved legislation adding increased protection against lead contamination and established the Office of the Homeowner Advocate. Legislation was introduced increasing the civil penalties for operating an e-bike on sidewalks, and requiring DOT to install at least 100 solar-powered traffic control devices over the next 5 years. You can find all of the bills that were passed and introduced here.

City & State NY’s 2023 Brooklyn Power 100

Ken Fisher has been named to City & State NY’s Brooklyn Power 100. The list honors the changemakers in the borough. City & State NY describes Fisher as the “borough’s leading expert on zoning and land use matters,"