Mayor Eric Adams appoints new head of New York Metropolis Mayor’s Workplace of Nonprofit
Companies.
File picture by Lloyd Mitchell.
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Mayor Eric Adams has appointed a brand new government director of the Mayor’s Workplace of Nonprofit Companies to enhance assist for nonprofit organizations which might be presently dealing with fee delays throughout town.
Michael Sedillo, who involves the place after being senior advisor from the workplace of first deputy mayor, will substitute Johnny Celestin as head of the MONS.
Together with the management change, Adams unveiled a collection of initiatives designed to expedite funds to nonprofit suppliers, making certain that important providers will be delivered with out hindrance. The initiatives come within the wake of heavy criticism directed on the mayor’s workplace for delays in funds to nonprofits, which have in some instances put their operations in danger.
“Nonprofit workers never hesitate to answer the call from our city, whether it’s an international humanitarian crisis, a global pandemic, or helping a neighbor in need. The last thing they should have to worry about is getting paid on time,” Adams stated in an announcement. “Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction, proving that reforms are working on cutting red tape and agencies are sprinting to unlock hundreds of millions for providers.”
Sedillo, who has a background in metropolis authorities as a former change administration analyst on the Mayor’s Workplace of Contract Companies, seems to be to steer the workplace in fostering a tradition that prioritizes customer support, data-driven efficiency administration and bettering communication and partnerships between town and nonprofit organizations.
“I grew up in Texas, a place that did not prioritize social services. Now that I live in a city that values its safety net, I want to ensure nonprofits can thrive while providing essential support to New Yorkers,” Sedillo informed New York News Metro.
He has beforehand led initiatives that addressed backlogged contracts and improved job creation for working-class New Yorkers. In an unique interview, Sedillo described his motivations for taking up this position.
“Long term goals can really on be achieved if we focus on getting folks paid. That is our number one goal. Making sure we are doing all we can to get nonprofits what they deserve,” he stated. “I plan to engage regularly with nonprofit leaders through formal advisory boards and informal meetings. It’s about creating partnerships and ensuring open lines of communication.”
Elevated metropolis efforts
Sedillo’s appointment comes at an important time as town is making strides to cut back bureaucratic delays.
Some key measures taken to pay organizations in a well timed method embody the implementation of Cost Backlog Initiative, which has efficiently disbursed over $1 billion to suppliers inside three months since launching in Oct. 2o24.
MOCS can also be addressing unregistered nonprofit contracts which have delayed funds and offering companies with further coaching, workplace hours and finest follow steering to assist stop future backlogs.
Most notably, a discretionary contract reform launched by Mayor Adams and New York Metropolis Comptroller Brad Lander eliminates 9 months of discretionary contracting course of time for nonprofits yearly, starting within the out-years for relevant contracts.
Discretionary contracts relate to the funds allotted by the New York Metropolis Council to non-profit organizations to satisfy native wants.
The Mayor’s reform permits nonprofit organizations to enter multi-year contracts, eliminating a cumbersome annual procurement course of that has traditionally delayed funds.
“The biggest challenge is aligning the numerous city agencies involved in managing the nearly $20 billion in human service contracts yearly,” Sedillo stated.
Historical past of delays
Nonprofit leaders not too long ago referred to as for elevated metropolis assist. Many organizations expertise a scarcity of funds, which hinders their means to offer their providers.
Mayor Adams beforehand downplayed their cries, saying the delays had been “not the worst it’s been.”
Shervon M. Small, government director of Authorized Companies NYC, stated that his group and others are in no place to attend one other second for fee, as their very livelihood is at stake, as beforehand reported by New York News Metro.
“While we acknowledge and appreciate the Mayor’s initial efforts to address long-standing payment backlog issues, the current fiscal reality for Legal Services NYC and other legal service providers remains dire,” Small stated in an announcement.
Whereas wanting on the frustration some nonprofits have skilled with fee methods, Sedillo stays optimistic. Past making certain well timed funds, he goals to advocate for systemic reforms that simplify processes for each nonprofits and metropolis employees.
“I want to foster a culture that celebrates the partnership between city administration and nonprofit providers. It’s vital that we view them as allies in delivering essential services to our residents,” he stated.
Sedillo plans to interact with senior metropolis officers from the Nonprofit FOCUS Working Group, a selected council representing nonprofits launched in April 2024, which goals to research efficiency knowledge and streamline fee processes.
Adams reiterated his dedication to supporting the nonprofit sector, having allotted $741 million to boost wages for roughly 80,000 human providers employees.
“I want to communicate our goals and successes more effectively, showing that we are here to champion nonprofits and the invaluable work they do,” he stated. “There needs to be a cultural change. I want our internal workforce to adopt a mindset and culture of service to our nonprofit providers.”
