Here’s everything journalists need to know about covering the NYC Council. How do I get press credentials for covering the Council?
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s everything journalists need to know about covering the NYC Council.
- How do I get press credentials for covering the Council?
You need to apply for press credentials at this NYPD link. Call the credentials office at (646) 610-6700. The NYPD can fax an application or one can be mailed. You must be a member of the press and be able to supply the NYPD with proof of your work. Please read application carefully!
- What is the application fee for press credentials?
There is no filing fee or any other fees for press credentials.
- How long is the application process?
A complete application takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks to process.
- What do I do if I don’t have official credentials?
Please email the Council’s Press Office at PNYCC@council.nyc.gov ahead of time to arrange for covering City Council events. You will need proof of your association with a news outlet.
- Where do Council proceedings take place?
Council hearings take place in the Council Chambers of City Hall and in the Committee Room adjacent to the Chambers. Both are on the second floor of City Hall. Some hearings take place in the hearing rooms on the 14th and 16th floors of 250 Broadway. Hearings are open to the public.
“Stated” meetings and special celebrations take place in the Council Chambers.
Council press conferences generally take place in the Red Room, on the main floor of City Hall, on the Council side of the building.
- What happens at Council hearings?
Most of the Council’s legislative work is done in committee hearings. Proposed legislation is initially debated and representatives of other government branches and the public have a chance to comment.
- How can I find out when hearings are taking place?
Please see the Council calendar. Council hearings are open to the public, meaning special permission or a press pass is not required to attend them. Inside the Council Chambers, there is a press riser for anyone taking video and there is an area for print media along with an audio mult-box for anyone that wishes to plug in. The Committee Room and the hearing rooms at 250 are also equipped with audio mult-boxes.
- What happens at a “Stated” meeting?
Every two weeks, the New York City Council meets for what is called the Stated Meeting to introduce and vote on legislation. A report on the meeting is posted the next morning. There is only one Stated Meeting a month during the summer.
A Pre-stated Press Conference takes place in the Red Room where the Speaker and Members go over the agenda for Stated and take questions from reporters. The pre-stated press conference is also always streamed online, and that in addition to live streaming our hearings, the archived video is posted to legistar.
- How can I find out when “Stated” meetings are taking place and what is on the agenda?
You can find the date at: legistar.council.nyc.gov/Calendar.aspx. Click on “agenda” tab to see what is being discussed.
- How do I find legislation?
Legislation is posted at legistar.council.nyc.gov/Legislation.aspx. Use search words such as: “housing”, “immigration”, “transportation” and select year(s) that interest you then click on search icon.
- How do I access hearings or “Stated” meetings online?
Go to legistar.council.nyc.gov/webcasts/ and click on “Chambers” or select the room where the hearing is taking place. Locations for hearings can be found at legistar.council.nyc.gov/Calendar.aspx. You can also access hearings online at council.nyc.gov/live
- When does the Speaker hold press conferences?
Each evening, the Council Press office sends out her public schedule, which typically notes any press events.
- Where does the Speaker hold press conferences at the Council?
Speaker press conferences are ordinarily held in the Red Room. Press conferences not involving the Speaker are held at City Hall steps.
- How do I get on the Council’s press list?
You can email PNYCC@council.nyc.gov or call the press office at 212 788-7116 to request that you be added to the press list.
- How do I get on an individual Council Member’s press list?
Call the Council Member’s district office and request to be placed on the list. Contact information for the district offices is available at council.nyc.gov. Click on the “Who We Are” tab to see a list of Council representatives.
- Is there space to work from if I need to file a story immediately?
Room 4 in the basement of City Hall has desks and WiFi. It operates on a first-come first-served basis. No reservations necessary.
- How can I request an available photo?
You can find available photographs at: www.flickr.com/photos/nyccouncil. Photographs of City Council events are posted soon after their conclusion. If you publish a photograph, please attribute it to William Alatriste/New York City Council.