When you present your client’s projects to New York City government review entities, your testimony may be “lobbying” and subject to the NYC Lobbying Law.
Lobbying is defined as the attempt to influence decisions made by city government officials and is governed by a series of local laws, dating to 1987, and revised in 2013, that include requirements for architects to register as lobbyists. The City Clerk has prepared the pamphlet below with additional information on the registration requirements for architects and other professionals.
The City Clerk is interested in enforcing the law. Fines and penalties may be imposed on architects who fail to comply with the lobbying registration and reporting requirements.
Compliance training sessions are held by the City Clerk every Wednesday from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the office of the City Clerk. These sessions are open to anyone who has questions about the lobbying law, the amnesty program, or those who require assistance in filing the application. To learn more, contact the Lobbying Bureau at 212-669-8171 or lobbyist_helpdesk@cityclerk.nyc.gov or visit the Lobbying Bureau website at www.cityclerk.nyc.gov.
AIANY recommends that you or your counsel attend a training session. Carefully examine the NYC Lobbying Law and Rules to determine whether you engage in reportable lobbying. This is particularly relevant if you work for clients that require your participation in discretionary applications such as ULURP. In doubt, consult your attorney.
AIANY is working on additional programming to clarify and present this legislation to the membership. Until those sessions are developed, we recommend that all members become familiar with the requirements of the law and take advantage of the amnesty offered.