New York Note – Chief Efficiency Officer, Asylum Seekers, Retirees’ Medicare

August 14, 2023

Denise C. Clay Named as Chief Efficiency Officer

Denise C. Clay has been named as the NYC’s new Chief Efficiency Officer. The Chief Efficiency Officer is tasked with monitoring city agencies, improving performance, and building a more productive public sector. She succeeds Melanie La Rocca, who was in the position since April 2022. Clay previously served as Chief Operating Officer to First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, and as Chief of Staff at the NYC Department of Finance.

Updated Costs to Asylum Seeker Crisis

Mayor Adams announced updated figures related to the cost of the asylum seeker crisis in the city. He estimates that the city has spent $1.45B in FY23, and could potentially spend over $12B in the next three fiscal years (FY23 – FY25) without increased support of the federal and state governments. Mayor Adams called for immediate assistance from state and federal partners, as over 100,000 asylum seekers have arrived since last spring.

Judge Strikes Down Municipal Retiree Plan

A New York State Supreme Court judge has blocked New York City from transferring municipal retirees to a Medicare Advantage plan. The switch, which the administration said would save $600M in health care costs, was highly controversial among retirees. A spokesperson for the Adams administration said that the city plans to appeal this decision.

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