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The office of Public Advocate of New York is a citywide elected position, first in line to the Mayor, which serves as a direct link between the electorate and city government, effectively acting as an ombudsman, or "watchdog," for New Yorkers.

The office was created in 1993, when the New York City Council voted to rename the position of President of the City Council. Following the City Charter revision of 1990 which eliminated the powerful New York City Board of Estimate on which the President held a seat, the post was seen as largely ceremonial; its only notable responsibility was to cast the deciding vote in the City Council in the unlikely event of a tie. At the time, it was thought likely that the post would be abolished altogether. [1]

The position nevertheless survived, and has thus far been held by two Democrats, Mark Green and Betsy Gotbaum.

The Public Advocate is the presiding officer on the City Council, and thus is an ex officio member of all committees in the Council and has the right to introduce and co-sponsor legislation. The Public Advocate also serves as an ombudsmen for city government, providing oversight for city agencies, investigating citizens' complaints about city services and making proposals to address perceived shortcomings or failures of those services. These duties, worded somewhat ambiguously, are laid out in Section 24 of the City Charter. The Public Advocate is also charged with appointing members to various boards and commissions, including one member of the New York City Planning Commission. The Public Advocate serves on the committee which selects the director of the Independent Budget Office.

The Public Advocate is limited to two four-year terms in office. Other than the Mayor and the Comptroller, it is the only citywide elected position, making it an attractive post for anyone wanting to become more well-known before seeking higher office.

• Public Advocate for the City of New York