NYC's Rulebook: What's Changed and Why It Matters

The New York City Charter, a foundational document from 1898, has only been officially updated five times. But here's something odd: around 25 years ago, someone made changes that weren't properly recorded. Chapter 12 of the charter, which talks about the city's duties, is where these unnoticed tweaks happened. The last official update was in 2020, but some changes seem to have slipped in after February 3, 2002.Why should anyone care? Because the charter is like the city's rulebook. It tells everyone how things should work. If changes are made secretly, it's hard to trust that the rules are fair and clear. This isn't just about boring paperwork. It's about making sure the city runs smoothly and people can rely on the rules. When changes happen in the shadows, it can cause confusion and doubt. So, what's the big deal? It's important to keep an eye on big documents like the city charter. They decide how the city works and how people are governed.