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Q&A

Deputy Speaker questions DYCD racial equity plan budget implications

New York City Council · May 28, 2026 · starts 3:18:28 · 1 min 33 sec

Deputy Speaker Williams asks about budgetary actions for racial equity goals. Chief Equity Officer Denise Ramirez explains goals are incorporated into operations, including capacity building and equity methodology integrated into RFPs.

Althea V. Stevens

Great.

Althea V. Stevens

Okay, Deputy Speaker, followed by Councilmember Epstein.

Deputy Speaker

Thank you, Chair.

Deputy Speaker

Oh, wait.

Althea V. Stevens

Oh, Deputy Speaker first, followed by you.

Althea V. Stevens

Thank you.

Harvey D. Epstein

Thanks.

Harvey D. Epstein

Hi.

Harvey D. Epstein

I'm going to ask some questions about the racial equity plans.

Harvey D. Epstein

Recently, the administration released a preliminary report on the plan.

Harvey D. Epstein

The plan included input from many city agencies, including your own.

Harvey D. Epstein

Could you just share with us if any of the goals that you have identified have any budgetary actions?

Council Staff

Yes.

Council Staff

Do you affirm to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth before this committee and respond honestly to council member questions?

Denise Ramirez

Yes.

Council Staff

You may begin.

Denise Ramirez

Good afternoon.

Denise Ramirez

I'm Denise Ramirez, and I serve as the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer here at DYCD.

Denise Ramirez

Yes, there are budget implications for our

Denise Ramirez

goals and our strategies, but the way we've approached this is to incorporate it into our operations.

Denise Ramirez

We have a goal on capacity building that's part of the budget for this year.

Denise Ramirez

We have the equity methodology, which will be integrated into

Denise Ramirez

the RFPs as we move forward.

Denise Ramirez

So it is integrated into how we approach the work.