Overview<\/strong> The Office of Council Member Yusef Salaam is considering a legislative proposal that builds on this momentum\u2014encouraging companies that do business with the City or operate at scale within its borders to lead with transparency, integrity, and social responsibility.<\/p>\n Inspired by international best practices such as the European Union\u2019s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (2024\/1760), this proposal is thoughtfully tailored to New York City\u2019s local powers in procurement, land use, and consumer protection. It would support businesses in identifying and addressing risks in their supply chains\u2014helping ensure that the goods and services fueling our economy reflect the City\u2019s values of fairness, environmental stewardship, and human dignity.<\/p>\n By promoting accountability and supporting responsible business practices, New York City has the opportunity to set a new standard for what ethical, inclusive growth can look like in the 21st century.<\/p>\n The Challenge<\/strong> As a result, companies may receive taxpayer-funded contracts or land use benefits while engaging in or profiting from harmful practices elsewhere\u2014undermining our efforts on climate justice, wage equity, and responsible development.<\/p>\n Legislative Proposal at a Glance<\/strong> These \u201ccovered businesses\u201d would be required to:<\/p>\n \u2714 Conduct Annual Risk Assessments<\/strong> of human rights and environmental harms in their operations and direct suppliers Enforcement authority would include fines, corrective orders, and\u2014when necessary\u2014contract suspensions or debarment from future City work.<\/p>\n Status<\/strong> Overview<\/strong> The Office of Council Member Yusef Salaam is considering a legislative proposal that builds on this momentum\u2014encouraging companies that do business with the City or operate at scale within its borders to lead with transparency, integrity, and social responsibility.<\/p>\n …<\/p>\n
New York City has long been a global leader in commerce, culture, and progressive innovation. As the City continues to invest in infrastructure, development, and services, there is a growing opportunity to align economic growth with global standards for human rights, labor equity, and environmental sustainability.<\/p>\n
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While the City has made strong strides in addressing local labor standards and climate emissions, it lacks a legal mechanism to evaluate how corporations:<\/p>\n\n
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The Corporate Human Rights and Sustainability Due Diligence Act would apply to any company that:<\/p>\n\n
\u2714 Submit Public Due Diligence Reports<\/strong> to the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)
\u2714 Maintain a Grievance Mechanism<\/strong> for workers and communities to raise concerns confidentially and without retaliation
\u2714 Meet Due Diligence Conditions<\/strong> for receiving City contracts, subsidies, and land use approvals
\u2714 Appear in a Public Registry<\/strong> tracking compliance, transparency scores, and any violations
\u2714 Respect Whistleblower Protections<\/strong> for employees, subcontractors, and external watchdogs who report abuses<\/p>\n
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The proposal is currently under review and development. Council Member Salaam is actively consulting with labor leaders, environmental advocates, procurement experts, and business stakeholders to refine the framework and ensure effective implementation.<\/p>\n
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New York City has long been a global leader in commerce, culture, and progressive innovation. As the City continues to invest in infrastructure, development, and services, there is a growing opportunity to align economic growth with global standards for human rights, labor equity, and environmental sustainability.<\/p>\n