Council members press administration to explain limits on staff contact

Council members spent substantial time pressing the administration to explain a memorandum they say restricts city employees from responding directly to council members.

Council member Glombek urged the administration to send an official to the community development committee to explain the policy and its rationale. He said he has experienced constituents calling about urgent issues that were not addressed: "We were told... city employees were no longer allowed to respond to us," and asked that deputy mayors appear at block clubs so residents can get timely help.

Colleagues agreed the issue affects constituent services across districts and asked for follow-up in committee. The presiding officer said the item will be discussed at the next legislation committee meeting, and members requested a deputy mayor or the chief of staff attend to explain the change and provide the underlying guidance.