12:24 → 14:13(1m 49s)
DCP delivered a preliminary FY27 budget briefing: FY26 adopted budget was $56.8 million (35.9 million, or 63%, for personnel services), FY27 prelim shows a net $5.3 million decrease driven largely by expiration of about $7 million in temporary grant funding, offset by $1.7 million added for 2030 census work and implementation of the city map charter amendment. The department reported a total headcount of 370 and emphasized commitment to advancing planning priorities.
The City Council land use committee questioned Department of City Planning (DCP) officials about the department's FY27 preliminary budget, staffing shortages in borough offices, planning timelines, environmental-review reforms, battery energy storage siting, Sunnyside Yards proposals, and neighborhood rezonings. The hearing also included a separate Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) panel and public testimony urging preservation of Bushwick City Farm.
