The Office of Mass Engagement (OME) has been officially established by the Mayor of New York City, aiming to enhance civic participation among New Yorkers. This executive order recognizes the importance of community engagement and outlines the steps necessary to create a more inclusive and effective civic engagement framework within the City.
New Yorkers have the right to exercise their agency by actively participating in their communities and local government. As stated in the executive order, when residents engage with their government, they shape meaningful outcomes that contribute to building a City that works for everyone. However, current barriers hinder this participation, making it challenging for many to engage with civic life. The newly established Office of Mass Engagement seeks to address these issues.
Currently, many New Yorkers find it difficult to participate in civic life due to complex structures that favor those with more time and resources. Long community meetings, confusing applications, and disorganized feedback processes often discourage engagement. The executive order highlights the need for a more structured and accessible approach to civic participation, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered.
The Community Affairs Unit (CAU), a vital component of civic engagement within the City, has been restructured and renamed as the Office of Mass Engagement. This unit is tasked with facilitating communication and participation between the City government and its residents, ensuring that civic engagement is not only transactional but also sustainable and impactful. The new structure aims to create long-term relationships between residents and government, fostering a culture of collaboration and trust.
To streamline public engagement, the executive order mandates that various entities responsible for civic engagement, including the Public Engagement Unit and the Mayor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships, report to the newly formed Office of Mass Engagement. This centralized leadership structure is designed to enhance coordination and effectiveness in engaging the public, ensuring that feedback is collected systematically and integrated into policymaking.
The Office of Mass Engagement is charged with several key responsibilities, including:
Leading mass engagement campaigns to encourage New Yorkers to participate actively in their City government. Creating accessible venues for residents to provide feedback, fostering an open and inspiring engagement environment. Conducting outreach to historically underrepresented communities to ensure their voices are included in government decision-making. Integrating public feedback into city policies and programs through strong feedback loops. Collaborating with the Civic Engagement Commission to enhance civic participation and build trust in democracy. Partnering with city agencies to develop quality public engagement materials and improve service delivery.The Office of Mass Engagement will also oversee the coordination of activities related to community boards, ensuring effective communication between city officials and community leaders. This includes assisting in the budget process and providing training and technical assistance to community boards and district managers.
The establishment of the Office of Mass Engagement signifies a renewed commitment to fostering civic participation in New York City. By addressing the barriers to engagement and creating a more inclusive framework, the City aims to empower all residents and ensure that their voices are heard in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.