IBO DIRECTOR TO DEPART

Douglas A. Criscitello has announced that he will step down as the director of the New York City Independent Budget Office (IBO) on March 3, 2000. Later that month he will start his new job as a principal consultant in the Washington D.C. management consulting services practice of PriceWaterhouseCoopers, the global professional services firm. IBO deputy director and chief economist Ronnie Lowenstein, who has been with the agency since its founding, will oversee IBO activities during the search for Mr. Criscitello's successor.

Established pursuant to the city charter reforms of 1989, IBO commenced operations four years ago when Mr. Criscitello was appointed as the agency's first director. IBO was created to democratize the city's budget process by leveling the informational playing field for elected officials and building opportunity for greater participation of all New Yorkers into policy debates and decisions.

Since its establishment, IBO has built a strong foundation allowing it to comment authoritatively on city budget issues, to empower non-mayoral elected officials to participate more effectively in the city's budget process, and to open up city government and make it more representative.

The agency's studies have focused on a wide range of topics including the city's annual budget, the economic benefits and costs of reducing certain local taxes, the effect on NYC of statewide bond referendums, and the fiscal consequences of subsidizing the construction of sports stadiums. The agency has a staff of about 30 professionals and an annual budget of nearly $3 million.

"IBO's staff, which has produced consistently high-quality work products under sometimes difficult and always challenging circumstances, deserves all of the credit for IBO's accomplishments," said Mr. Criscitello. "The agency is a tremendous innovation in municipal government; to be a part of its founding has truly been a privilege."

The city charter prescribes the manner in which a new director will be appointed. IBO's 10-member Advisory Committee will screen candidates and recommend one or more to a selection committee consisting of the City Comptroller, the Public Advocate, a representative of the City Council, and a representative of the Borough Presidents. The Advisory Committee has been chaired by Jack Krauskopf for the past two years, and will be chaired by Don Kummerfeld beginning April 1st.

# # #