Farías questions Brown on housing supports, budget, and trainings

I would like to start off with some questions for the Office of LGBTQ Affairs.

What supports will be offered by the office around housing for LGBTQ plus individuals?

Thank you for the question.

So that is certainly still within our planning.

As you know, we're a new office.

We're about two months in.

We're also in the midst of budget season.

And so while our strategic planning has been ongoing, I want to stress that a big part of it will be based in agency partnerships.

And again, making sure they are abiding by the law, making sure that they have the best policies and practices.

But most importantly, I think what I have brought to this office is innovation.

And to me, that means doing more.

I think that's what's required.

And so some of the agencies you're planning to coordinate with are like DSS, HRA, DYCD around housing services for LGBTQ+.

Absolutely.

As I understand the mandates for this office, as informed by the mayor's agenda, we reach across all agencies in New York City and all agencies that touch the lives of LGBTQI New Yorkers.

Do you think there's any necessary budgetary items that your office will require in order to accomplish some of this?

So those negotiations are ongoing, and we have contacts with OMB.

We're housed within the Mayor's Office of Equity and Racial Justice, and so our budget is also tied to that as well.

And so right now I would defer to my OMB colleagues and contacts.

I remain hopeful.

Okay, we'll bother them.

We got it.

Are you planning on offering any specific trainings on serving LGBTQ plus individuals seeking housing services from the office itself?

Absolutely.

You know, I think one thing that I'm careful of in coming into this position is not, you know, being unnecessarily repetitive.

And so I want to make sure that I have a good assessment of what's available now.

There are trainings that are offered through CCHR.

Obviously, there are mandated trainings that are required by law.

There's trainings provided by DSS, as Commissioner Dalton mentioned.

I inherited ongoing work in compliance with Local Law 71 and 73, which also tie into rights and resources, and also as well as different kinds of campaigns, which include trainings focused on

rights and resources for TGNC and MB New Yorkers, as well as the unique needs of immigrant LGBTQI New Yorkers as well.

And so I certainly have the expertise and certainly can make that available.

And I think, again, I think it just takes an assessment of what's available, but would be happy to offer it.

That's great.