MEMO IN SUPPORT A 1248 TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to teleworking programs PURPOSE OF BILL: This bill aims to reduce congestion in Manhattan by increasing teleworking in New York City agencies. SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS: The bill amends the New York City Administrative Code by adding section 12-140 to require New York City agencies to establish teleworking programs. STATEMENT IN SUPPORT: Traffic congestion takes a tremendous toll on the economy and environment of the New York City metropolitan area. Clogged highways mean higher shipping costs and reduced productivity. Air pollution results in serious respiratory illnesses and reduced quality of life. A 2008 New York State Department of Transportation study for the New York State Traffic Congestion Mitigation Commission found that teleworking “may contribute to congestion management as one of a larger set of transportation demand management strategies.” One effective response to the curse of congestion is to encourage teleworking. Forward thinking governments have been promoting teleworking. For example, the federal government requires its agencies to establish teleworking programs for its employees, and over 100,000 federal employees participate. New York City should be required to establish a teleworking program. FISCAL IMPACT: Minimal EFFECTIVE DATE: Ninety days after enactment.