In light of problems identified with the City Council’s distribution and designation of “member items,” Council Member Oliver Koppell reported major changes instituted by Speaker Christine Quinn in the Council’s budget allocation process. The “member items” or “initiatives” refer to approximately $200 million allocated by the Council to individual Council members to spend on projects and programs in their district at their discretion.

The highlights of the budget plan include the required screening of grants for more than $10,000 before the funds are issued, heightened disclosure requirements for organizations requesting certain types of funding, the establishment of a new searchable database that would allow the public to see how all “member items” are being used, and the appointment of an Independent Council Compliance Officer to make sure all involved follow the new allocation process rules.

“Although not perfect, the new budgetary practices significantly raise existing standards for legislative fiscal practices by strengthening governmental transparency and accountability,” Koppell said in a statement.