Commissioner Escamilla-Davies introduces herself and DYCD's organizational assessment
Escamilla-Davies shares her three-month listening tour findings, noting DYCD's growth in scale and complexity. She outlines her team's examination of procurement, contracting, payments, and performance management to ensure responsive, effective operations.
Good afternoon, Chair Stevens and Lee and members of the Finance and Children and Youth Committee.
I am Commissioner Sandra Escamilla-Davies and I am joined by Chief Financial Officer Navita Bailey and other DYC staff who are here and available to answer your questions today.
Thank you for the opportunity to discuss DYCD's fiscal year 2027 executive budget.
Since becoming commissioner, I have spent the past few, three months, listening and learning from staff, providers, and partners across the city.
What has become clear is that DYCD is powered by extraordinary dedicated workforce and a provider network that continues to deliver critical services for children, youth, and families every day.
As the agency has grown significantly over the years, both in scale and complexity, my team and I are taking a thoughtful look at how our internal infrastructures, staffing, operational systems support that work.
This includes examining areas such as procurement, contracting, payments, program operations, and performance management so that DYCD can continue to operate in a way that is responsive, effective, and aligned with the evolving needs of New Yorkers.
At the same time, we are engaging providers and community partners to better understand both operational challenges and opportunities for innovation.
across our programs and services.
These conversations are helpful to inform how we strengthen and broaden the ecosystem that supports young people and families across this great city.