Doing Business Overview

As a result of recent legislation (Local Law 34 of 2007), individuals considered to have “business dealings with the City” are subject to lower contribution limits and their contributions are no longer matchable with public funds. The doing business contribution limits are:

Mayor/Public Advocate/Comptroller	$400
Borough President	$320
City Council	$250

These limits apply to both monetary and in-kind contributions and apply to both participants and non-participants.

Individuals considered to have business dealings with the City will be listed in the “Doing Business Database” along with the entities with which the individuals are associated. The law, and the database, are being implemented in phases.

“Doing business” contribution regulations are being implemented in phases. Phase 1, which became effective February 2, 2008, applies to entities that hold contracts, franchises, and concessions and certain individuals associated with those entities (the chief executive officer, the chief operating officer, and the chief financial officer, or their equivalents, and any owner who owns more than 10% of the entity), as well as lobbyists who are required to register with the City Clerk. Phase 2, which became effective July 31, 2008, applies to entities that obtain grants, pension investment agreements, and economic development agreements. Phase 2 also includes entities seeking or proposing to obtain contracts, franchises, and concessions, as well as cover senior managers. Phase 3, which became effective December 3, 2008, covers parties to real property transactions and land use actions.

For answers to questions about these new regulations, visit the Frequently Asked Questions About Doing Business Contributions. You can visit the City’s Doing Business Database to see if someone is doing business.

To assist candidates in complying with the new law, the CFB has created a sample Doing Business Contribution form. It is available in both single-sided and double-sided versions and includes instructions that will assist contributors in determining whether they are covered by the law. A third version contains the sample Doing Business Contribution form (without instructions) on the back of a regular sample contribution card.