It's That Time of the Year Again

No, we're not talking about Thanksgiving, Chanukah, or even Christmas. Yes, all of those holidays are coming soon but what we are really talking about is City Budget Season. If you follow the Independent Budget Office's Budget Roadmap, you will see that the Mayor will introduce his Preliminary Budget by January 16th. Already, the news for the city's Fiscal Year 2009 Budget (July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009) looks pretty grim. Mayor Bloomberg has asked his agency heads to prepare 2.5% cuts for the coming year and has imposed a hiring freeze on all agencies.

Given the relatively low priority enjoyed by the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) during the city's budget process, it is critical that preservation advocates, citywide, play a strong role in this coming year's "budget dance." As you may recall, earlier this year a group of advocates (including CECPP) worked with Council Member Jessica Lappin to secure a $1 Million increase in LPC's budget. Despite our best efforts, the City Council was only able to secure $300,000, in part thanks to some negative lobbying by LPC Chair John Tierney.

Unfortunately, things are only going to get more difficult. That's why it's time for all of us to put on our armor, sharpen our swords and get ready to fight hard to protect the gains we have already secured for LPC while advocating for additional, badly needed funds. Stay tuned to this blog for updates on the fight and for ways that you can participate.