The Office of Civil Justice will hold its seventh annual public hearing on New York City’s Universal Access to Legal Services program, a key initiative that supports tenants facing eviction.
Since its establishment under Local Law 136 of 2017, the Universal Access program has made New York the first U.S. city to guarantee legal support for all tenants in eviction cases, both in housing court and in termination proceedings with the public housing authority. This hearing offers a platform for tenants, attorneys, advocates, and other stakeholders to share their experiences and insights, informing the program’s ongoing development.
Hearing Details:
- Date: Wednesday, December 11, 2024
- Time: 6 PM to 9 PM
- Format: Remote via Zoom
Participation Options:
- Speak at the Hearing: Sign up by calling 929-221-5422 or emailing civiljustice@hra.nyc.gov by December 10, 2024. Each speaker has up to three minutes.
- Attend Online: Join via Zoom or use Meeting ID 161 773 8466.
- Join by Phone: Call 646-828-7666 and enter Meeting ID 161 773 8466.
- Submit Written Comments:
- Mail: Send comments to Office of Civil Justice, Attn: Hearing Comments, NYC DSS Office of Legal Affairs, 150 Greenwich St, 38th Floor, New York, NY 10007.
- Email: Send comments to civiljustice@hra.nyc.gov with “Hearing Comments” in the subject line.
Deadline for Written Comments: December 11, 2024
Additional Information:
- Assistance to Participate: If you need assistance, such as an interpreter or a reasonable accommodation for a disability, notify us by December 10, 2024. Call 929-221-5422, email civiljustice@hra.nyc.gov, or write to us at the address above.
- Transcript: A transcript will be available on the OCJ website, nyc.gov/civiljustice, a few weeks after the hearing.
- Notice of Hearing: Accessible here.
- More on OCJ and Tenant Legal Services: Learn more about OCJ’s programs here.
This hearing is an important opportunity to engage with the progress of the Universal Access program and contribute to its future.