Too Too Funny
Maine governor comes face to face with Canadian travel fears
Janet Mills insists her state is safe to visit during joint appearance with N.B. Premier Susan Holt
Maine's governor was confronted on Tuesday with the reality of how fearful some New Brunswickers are about visiting the United States while U.S. President Donald Trump is in the White House.
Janet Mills was in Fredericton for the second day of a tour through Atlantic Canada, hoping to reverse — or at least slow — a steep decline in the number of tourists crossing the border to visit Maine.
She and Premier Susan Holt delivered a joint ode to cross-border connections to a Fredericton Chamber of Commerce audience largely concerned about the impact of tariffs on their businesses.
But two questions from participants brought into sharp relief how immigration raids and the rolling back of trans rights is scaring some Canadians away from U.S. visits.
"A lot of members of the queer community — a lot of Canadians feel unsafe, Canadians who are 2SLGBTQI+ absolutely feel unsafe going there," said Vivian Myers-Jones, a member of the Saint John Pride board.
Vivian Myers-Jones, a member of the Saint John Pride board, shared concerns that 2SLGBTQ+ people have about crossing the border. (Silas Brown/CBC)
"It's a terrifying thing going down there right now."
Myers-Jones plans to travel to Bangor this weekend for Pride events there as part of a partnership between organizers in the two cities, but said many other members of the community are afraid to go.
Another member of the audience, business owner David Dennis, said his Venezuelan-born wife vetoed a planned trip to Maine this year despite his attempts to assure her that having Canadian citizenship would protect her at the border.
"Her fellow countrymen had been targeted for deportation and her comment was, 'I'm not going to the States this year,'" he told the two political leaders.
Travel fears intrude on N.B.-Maine co-operation effortsEven before the question-and-answer session, Holt herself used the U.S. political situation to encourage New Brunswickers to travel within the province this summer — as she has been since the Trump administration first announced tariffs on Canadian exports.
"Lots of people don't feel safe in the U.S. right now and for good reason, and until that changes I think the climate for visitors will be difficult," she said.
Mills said Maine has among the lowest crime rates in the U.S. and Canadians should feel secure hiking, skiing, swimming and shopping there.
"You can do that safely," she said.
She acknowledged as governor she has no control over how the U.S. Border Patrol or Immigration and Customs Enforcement operate in the state.
"But for the most part, they're busy in other places. They know that the relationships between Calais and St. Stephen, Madawaska and Edmundston, are sacred, and I don't think they want to damage those relationships either," she said.
David
Dennis attended the session that was scheduled to talk about tariff
impacts. Dennis shared with Mills and Holt that his family cancelled a
trip to Maine due to border safety concerns. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
After the 90-minute session wrapped up, Mills approached Dennis while he was speaking to reporters and hugged him.
"Tell your wife we'll keep her safe," she said.
The governor said she could understand Canadian angst "when you hear one or two stories on a 4,000-mile border. It can be scary and people have a right to feel anxiety. But tens of thousands of people are crossing the border every day."
She called New Brunswick's multiple border crossings with Maine "the safest places in the world to cross an international border."
Holt acknowledged that Mills opposes Trump's policies, even challenging them in court.
But she said the governor's assurances that federal immigration crackdowns are happening far from Maine won't persuade everyone.
"Not knowing where they're going to be next makes it a really uncertain environment for anyone who feels they might be targeted [by] ICE," Holt said.
Visits by New Brunswickers to Maine have been down by about one-third this year compared to last year.
Holt is spending this week travelling around New Brunswick with Tourism Minister Isabelle Thériault to promote various destinations within the province.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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Holt and New England governors at odds over tourism, talent recruitment at Boston meeting
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Thursday, 19 June 2025
Holt and New England governors at odds over tourism, talent recruitment at Boston meeting
Holt and New England governors at odds over tourism, talent recruitment at Boston meeting
N.B. premier stays the course on tourism boycott of U.S.
A meeting of northeastern U.S. governors and eastern Canadian premiers on Monday was mostly friendly as they spoke of developing closer ties during a Donald Trump-fuelled trade war.
But despite the amicable talk of cross-border connections, New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt did not waver as her American colleagues spoke of how a drop in Canadian tourism numbers was hurting their economies.
"We don't like to hear that," Holt said at a news conference in Boston after the premiers and governors met. "But what we want to say to that is, 'You've got to make noise, you've got to tell your leader that this is hurting the American economy, this is hurting jobs in the U.S. But I can't tell Canadians to come visit the U.S. right now.'
"I'm going to tell them to go visit my neighbours in Nova Scotia, I'm going to tell them to spend some time at home because the relationship has been challenged by leadership. And we need to get back to normal. That's what we all want."
Many Canadians, including New Brunswickers, have been cancelling plans to visit the U.S. since the Republican U.S. president announced his tariff plans, launching a trade war, and said he thought Canada should be the 51st state.
N.B. premier tells U.S. counterparts she’s telling Canadians to stay homeData shows that border crossings from New Brunswick to Maine are down nearly 40 per cent in recent months.
Most of Holt's comments throughout the news conference were in reference to Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey and Maine Gov. Janet Mills.
"It's not the tariffs that are affecting them so much as the hurt pride in Canadian citizenry, and boy, I understand that," Mills told reporters after saying that tourism numbers were down about 26 per cent in Maine so far this year.
She pointed to the welcome signs she had installed at border crossing from Canada but added that she's "only one governor."
Mills said that she understands Trump's rhetoric has hurt Canadians, but that Maine still wants Canadians to visit. She is going on a road trip herself to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia next week.
"Maine is almost hugged by Canada, by New Brunswick and Quebec, and we value that relationship more than anything," Mills said.
Gov. Janet Mills of Maine got signs installed at border crossings to welcome Canadians. (CBC)
Mills also spoke at length several times about intertwined cross-border families, ties to Canada through French Canadian heritage, and industry, naming how many Irving gas stations are in Maine and referring to J.D. Irving Ltd.'s prominence in the forestry industry there.
"Those things don't just end overnight because of some dangerous rhetoric coming from Washington," Mills said.
Healey echoed her fellow Democrat, saying all northeastern states had seen tourism numbers down.
"We have seen impacts that you can't quite put a price on, but are real," Healey said.
Another sticking point was with over Canadian recruitment from the U.S. for research and development as Trump's government slashes research funding.
Border crossings from New Brunswick into Maine are down dramatically
this year, according to data. (Robert F. Bukaty/Associated Press)
Healey had earlier highlighted the extensive work being done in her state in medical research, health care, and biotech, adding that Massachusetts universities received about 2,400 international students from Canada annually.
But Holt said that she wouldn't pretend that Canadians don't see this as an opportunity to attract "some of the brightest and best from here who are now seeing funding cut and challenges put in place."
"So maybe we'll borrow some of the folks, and be able to give them back and be able to build the kind of inter-connected partnerships between our research organizations that will stand through the test of time." Her remarks garnered awkward laughter from Mills and Healey.
Healey quickly followed that she "would like to not necessarily have anyone leave, although New Brunswick is a wonderful place to study and research, but if we can have more collaborations, that's what we want to do."
Healey, Mills and Holt all spoke of continuing discussions to further trade and connections between their regions, but did not offer specifics beyond mentioning how the two countries are currently connected through energy and trade.
"The northeast is open for business, is open for trade," Healey said. "We value and respect our Canadian neighbours and their businesses," Healey said.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
'We need to have things made right': Massachusetts Governor Healey on Canada-U.S. relations
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey talks about the impact that U.S. tariffs against Canada have had on her state's economy.
Energy, tourism among talking points during New England meeting, says Hogan
Eastern Canadian premiers and New England governors met in Boston to talk trade
Eastern Canadian premiers met with northeastern U.S. governors once again on Monday amid ongoing trade tension between the two countries.
But the meeting itself was amicable, according to Newfoundland and Labrador Premier John Hogan, who says there's still interest in economic co-operation.
U.S. President Donald Trump's trade policies and their impacts were topics of discussion, especially on the blow to tourism south of the border.
"You could really hear it in their voices and how they were talking," Hogan told CBC Radio's The St. John's Morning Show on Tuesday.
"They were just sort of asking us to recognize that it's one person doing this damage, that Americans still really much love Canadians. They want us to help them in their economic situation as well."
Hogan, along with Doug Ford of Ontario, Tim Houston of Nova Scotia, Susan Holt of New Brunswick and Rob Lantz of Prince Edward Island travelled to Boston for the meeting at the invitation of some northeastern U.S. governors in a bid to navigate Trump's trade war.
Hogan said other topics on the minds of governors were Canadian energy projects.
"There is an opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador to continue to work with their neighbours and in particular in the field of developing more energy in our province and transmitting it somehow," said Hogan.
He also spoke optimistically about the new Churchill Falls plan that would increase hydroelectric production and how it could supply the energy needs of the northeastern U.S. in the future.
"They will have an increased ability to get extra energy, not from Canada generally, but specifically from Newfoundland and Labrador," he said.
N.L. Premier John Hogan says energy and tourism were topics of discussion during Monday's meeting with U.S. governors. (CBC)
He said he would welcome talks about wind energy, as well as natural gas.
Earlier this month the province released its natural gas resources assessments.
Sending a message
Hogan said the Canadian premiers got the message that Americans still "love" Canadians, but they couldn't commit to encouraging more tourists to head to the U.S.
Since Trump instigated a trade war, Canadians have been boycotting travel down south. The provincial government has previously spoken about encouraging more travellers to visit Newfoundland and Labrador.
Hogan said the number of tourists coming to the province hasn't fallen like they have in the U.S.
"I think that we see Canadians from across the country traveling to Newfoundland and Labrador rather than coming down to the States," said Hogan.
"So certainly, we're happy that our tourism numbers are still as good or better than they have been in the past."
Of the governors who attended Monday's meeting, only one was a Republican — Vermont's Phil Scott — which raises the question on how effective the meeting could be in swaying Trump's mind.
Hogan said Canadians are sending a message to Americans, as well as Trump, by not travelling to the country or buying their products.
"I think they need to step up their messaging to their constituents here in New England if they want to make any change with regards to what's happening in Washington," he said.
Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Click here to visit our landing page.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from The St. John’s Morning Show
Coalition of Northeastern Governors
The Coalition of Northeastern Governors (CONEG) is a non-partisan organization of seven governors of the Northeastern United States. The organization was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. The organization deals with regional issues and provides a forum for intergovernmental cooperation.
Currently, the association comprises five Democrats and two Republicans. The current chairman is Republican Phil Scott of Vermont.
List of current northeast governors
| Governor | State | Past | Party | Assumed office | Seat up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ned Lamont | Connecticut | List | Dem | 2019 | 2027 |
| Janet Mills | Maine | List | Dem | 2019 | 2027 (term limited) |
| Maura Healey | Massachusetts | List | Dem | 2023 | 2027 |
| Daniel McKee | Rhode Island | List | Dem | 2021 | 2027 |
| Kelly Ayotte | New Hampshire | List | Rep | 2025 | 2027 |
| Kathy Hochul | New York | List | Dem | 2021 | 2026 |
| Phil Scott | Vermont | List | Rep | 2017 | 2025 |
External links
Executive Office of Governor Phil Scott
Pavilion Building, 109 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05609
Phone: 802-828-3333
TTY: 800-649-6825
Fax: 802-828-3339
Media Inquiries
Media Contact:
Amanda Wheeler
802-828-3333
https://www.facebook.com/GovernorJanetMills/
https://www.mass.gov/updates-from-the-healey-driscoll-administration
Strong Partnerships, Shared Future: Convening Northeastern Governors and Canadian Premiers
| Driscoll, Kim | Lieutenant Governor | Email Kim Driscoll | 617-725-4005 | |
| Healey, Maura | Governor | Email Maura Healey | 617-725-4005 |
Governor Mills Announces Visit to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia to Reaffirm Maine's Relationship with Canada
Boston, MASSACHUSETTS -- Governor Janet Mills announced today that she will travel to Atlantic Canada next week to promote Maine as a top destination for Canadian tourists and to strengthen cross-border relationships and economic ties.
The Governor made the announcement during today's summit between Northeastern Governors and Canadian Premiers at the Massachusetts State House in Boston. The convening was organized by Governor Mills and Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey to discuss the impact of the president's tariffs and how American and Canadian leaders can maintain economic relations that benefit local businesses and residents in energy, trade, tourism, and manufacturing.
Details regarding the Governor's trip to the Maritime Provinces -- which will include bilateral meetings with New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston -- will be released by the Governor's Office later this week.
"Maine has long enjoyed a special relationship with our Canadian neighbors," said Governor Mills. "As summer begins, I look forward to visiting New Brunswick and Nova Scotia to showcase everything Maine has to offer -- from our beautiful coastline and vibrant downtowns to our world-class food, outdoor recreation, and welcoming communities. We want Canadians to know: Maine is open and excited to welcome you."
"Maine, the Northeastern US and Eastern Canada share not just a border, but an economy as well," said Wade Merritt, President of Maine International Trade Center. "Our state is located the center of a dynamic, binational region, and we enjoy close linkages to our Canadian neighbors in natural resources, manufacturing, tourism, and energy. Today's meeting -- and next week's visit -- will give insights on how best to build on that strong foundation to the benefit of Maine's people and businesses."
In addition to Governor Mills and Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, participants in today's summit included Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, Vermont Governor Phil Scott, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt, and Newfoundland and Labrador Premier John Hogan.
Governor Mills has been a consistent champion of Maine's relationship with Canada. Since taking office, Governor Mills has worked closely with her fellow Governors and the Premiers of Eastern Canada. She has regularly attended the annual New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG-ECP) to discuss shared economic, energy and environmental priorities.
In the wake of the president's actions and rhetoric toward Canada, Governor Mills has worked to make sure Canadians are welcome in Maine. Last month, the Governor unveiled new signs welcoming Canadian visitors during a roundtable with York County business leaders impacted by declining visitation from Canada. She has brought Maine's message of welcome directly to the Canadian people through television appearances on CBC News Network's Rosemary Barton Live, CTV Atlantic News, and CBC New Brunswick.
Canadian visitors are an important part of Maine's tourism economy. In 2024, nearly 800,000 Canadian visitors spent approximately $497.7 million in Maine, according to the Maine Office of Tourism. Overall, the state welcomed 14.8 million visitors, who spent more than $9.2 billion, supporting 115,900 jobs and generating $5.4 billion in wages.
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governor@maine.gov
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To file a Consumer Complaint or to ask us a consumer related question, go to Consumer Complaints or Questions.
For all other matters or questions, contact us directly by emailing attorney.general@maine.gov.
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Contact Us By Phone:
1-518-474-8390 | Office hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Contact Us By Mail:
The Honorable Kathy Hochul
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Transcript & Photos: Governor Hochul Speaks Regarding the Arrest of Brad Lander
Governor Hochul: “This is a sorry day for New York and our country.
I was literally walking the streets of Little Haiti, to try and bring
some comfort to a community that's under siege with a travel ban and
losing their legal status. The streets were empty, people were scared,
businesses are concerned about their future, and that's when I got word
of what happened to my colleague in government, our comptroller Brad
Lander.”
Hochul: “We're also concerned about those—that are
walking out this courthouse, taken away from their families. They don't
have the attention, they don’t have the lawyers and that's why the State
of New York is providing fifty-million dollars to cover legal services
for people who are finding themselves in this situation. We continue to
do what we can to support the communities and the immigration coalitions
and thank them for their work they're doing at this time.”
Earlier today, Governor Hochul spoke at a press conference following the release of New York City Comptroller Brad Lander following his arrest earlier this afternoon. The Governor also highlighted the state’s investment of $50 million dollars to support immigrant legal services.
AUDIO: The Governor's remarks are available in audio form here.
PHOTOS: The Governor's Flickr page will post photos of the event here.
A rush transcript of the Governor's remarks is available below:
Good afternoon — this is a sorry day for New York. This is a sorry—excuse me, we need to deal with this — excuse me — please everyone, we need to deal with this situation.
This is a sorry day for New York and our country. I was literally walking the streets of Little Haiti, to try and bring some comfort to a community that's under siege with a travel ban and losing their legal status. The streets were empty, people were scared, businesses are concerned about their future, and that's when I got word of what happened to my colleague in government, our comptroller Brad Lander.
The video is shocking — I knew I needed to come down here immediately and check on his whereabouts, and do what I could to intervene. I'll let Brad speak about his experience, but to my knowledge the charges — there are no charges, the charges have been dropped. He walks out of there a free man. While that is a positive outcome in a very high profile case. We're also concerned about those — that are walking out this courthouse, taken away from their families.
They don't have the attention, they don’t have the lawyers and that's why the State of New York is providing fifty-million dollars to cover legal services for people who are finding themselves in this situation. We continue to do what we can to support the communities and the immigration coalitions and thank them for their work they're doing at this time.
It's hard to see these people, to know their stories, to hug them, to know they've been separated from loved ones. I just want to say — we're a better country than this. We are a far better country than what we’re experiencing.
This is New York–this is New York! The land of immigrants, we're proud of them. As I stood in the hallway upstairs from the ninth door waiting to know the whereabouts of my friend, almost everyone I spoke to who worked there, in security and otherwise — they came from other countries. They are immigrants themselves, don't forget that — don’t forget that. Ladies and gentleman, I present our Comptroller Brad Lander.
New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander was released from federal custody Tuesday afternoon, hours after he was arrested by officers at immigration court in Manhattan after he tried to escort a migrant whom officers were attempting to arrest.
His arrest is the latest involving a Democratic politician in an immigration-related incident.
Lander, who is running in a crowded Democratic mayoral primary set to take place next week, had been monitoring immigration court activity in the past few days, walking alongside migrants as they exited their court appointments in response to reports that the migrants were being taken into custody by federal agents following court appearances.
The arrest was seen in several videos recorded in the courthouse.
“Anyone can see from the video that I posed no danger to anyone,” Lander told CNN’s Laura Coates, following his Tuesday release.
Lander, an elected government official in New York City for more than a decade walked out of Federal Plaza, where the New York ICE field office is located, nearly four hours after his arrest accompanied by his wife and Gov. Kathy Hochul, who joined a throng of supporters – including several of the other mayoral candidates – gathered outside the complex as news of his arrest spread.
“I’m gonna sleep in my bed tonight, safe with my family,” Lander said to reporters and a crowd of supporters. “I’m grateful to hear that the charges are not being brought, but if they are, I’ve got a lawyer. I don’t have to worry about my due process rights.”
Lander’s arrest is the latest example of the national political unrest over the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
Last month, the Department of Justice charged Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver with assaulting federal law enforcement during a chaotic melee that erupted outside an ICE detention facility in New Jersey. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested but prosecutors dropped a federal trespassing charge.
Following his release, Lander said he wanted to bring attention to the dozens of migrants in New York City who are showing up to court proceedings only to be taken into custody by federal agents after their cases are dismissed.
Lander said migrants were being “stripped” of their due process rights, often appearing in court without legal representation and with limited understanding that they would be subject to arrest after their court hearing.
“Before today I had walked four families out – all of whom were afraid that they were going to be detained by ICE agents,” Lander said. “And yet they were able to walk out of the building, even though they had had their cases dismissed and are subject to expedited removal, but were nonetheless able to get out of that building and at least get back to their kids, get back to their families, try to figure out what’s next.”
The Department of Homeland Security’s assistant secretary accused Lander of blocking the work of law enforcement.
“New York City Comptroller Brad Lander was arrested for assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer. Our heroic ICE law enforcement officers face a 413% increase in assaults against them—it is wrong that politicians seeking higher office undermine law enforcement safety to get a viral moment. No one is above the law, and if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will face consequences,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement Tuesday afternoon.
Hochul, who was inside the federal court building while Lander remained in custody initially responded to news of his arrest, calling it “bullsh*t.”
“We’re a far better country than what we’re experiencing,” Hochul told reporters. “This is New York. This is New York, land of immigrants. We’re proud of them.”
In the lead up to his arrest, multiple videos show Lander standing next to a man locking arms with him as officers approached. After the officers asked Lander to step aside to arrest the man a scuffle broke out between the officers, Lander and other bystanders who tried to block the arrest.
“You don’t have a judicial warrant,” Lander can be heard saying to the officers.
The videos show Lander holding on to the man as officers struggled and ultimately moved in to arrest him. At one point, an officer puts his arm up to Lander’s neck, shoving him against a wall and placing him in handcuffs.
“While escorting a defendant out of immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza, Brad was taken by masked agents and detained by ICE,” Dora Pekec, Lander’s campaign spokesperson, said in a statement.
As he was placed in handcuffs, Lander could be heard telling federal officers: “You don’t have the authority to arrest US citizens, I’m not obstructing. I’m standing right here in the hallway. I asked to see the judicial warrant.”
A spokesperson for the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York said they are investigating.
“The safety and security of official proceedings, government officials, law enforcement officers, and all members of the public who participate in them is a core focus of our Office. The Department of Justice will prosecute violations of federal law.”
Federal law prohibits assaults on law enforcement and other public officials, destruction of property and obstruction of official proceedings, the spokesperson added.
When asked whether he was worried about the investigation, Lander said he was much more concerned about the man he attempted to escort out of the building, who he said is now in ICE detention in an unknown state.
State Attorney General Letitia James, an ally of Lander who has endorsed his mayoral campaign, told CNN Tuesday that Lander did not assault any officers and she believes officers are arresting migrants at courts because they are under pressure to meet arrest quotas.
“It wasn’t performative,” James said. “He had no intentions of getting arrested. All that he was doing as he has done in the past, was to escort an individual.”
Lander, who said he was not charged with any crime, said he would “let the case play out,” and denied the arrest was an orchestrated stunt in the last days before the election.
“I did not come today expecting to be arrested,” Lander said.
This story has been updated with additional details.
CNN’s Karina Tsui contributed to this report.
press@landerfornyc.com
brad@landerfornyc.com
About / About Brad Lander
About Brad Lander
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander
Comptroller Brad Lander serves as New York City’s chief financial officer, leading an office of roughly 800 public servants in their work to promote the financial health, integrity, and effectiveness of city government and secure a more thriving and sustainable future for all New Yorkers.
As investment advisor and custodian for the City’s public pension funds, Comptroller Lander stewards the retirement security of over 750,000 current and retired public sector workers, with a prudent, diversified, long-term approach to the City’s investments and obligations. Under Comptroller Lander’s leadership, three of the City’s funds have adopted a detailed plan to reach net zero emissions by 2040, among the most aggressive in the nation. The plan includes divesting from fossil fuels, engaging asset managers and portfolio companies toward decarbonization across the economy, and dramatically scaling up investments in climate solutions.
Comptroller Lander serves as the City’s budget watchdog and chief accountability officer. His audits revealed nearly a quarter of a billion dollars underreported in NYC Ferry expenditures, inadequate cost controls in Covid-19 emergency procurement, and the ineffectiveness of the City’s homeless sweeps.
Comptroller Lander’s team published the first detailed report on emergency shelter costs for asylum seekers and identified more effective strategies for addressing the humanitarian crisis. The office launched the Department of Correction Dashboard to provide much-needed transparency into City jails. And his initiative with Mayor Eric Adams to pay nonprofit human service providers on time has reduced nearly year-long payment delays.
As Comptroller, Lander has strengthened the office’s efforts to combat the climate crisis, create and preserve affordable housing, and protect workers. His Public Solar NYC plan includes an innovative “public option” to scale up rooftop solar and create good green jobs. Under his leadership, the NYC pension funds led shareholder advocacy through which most Starbucks investors voted for an independent review of the company’s labor and human rights policies and actions.
As part of his commitment to New York City’s thriving and sustainable future, Comptroller Lander is focused on improving the City’s public infrastructure. As of July 2023, Comptroller Lander has managed the issuance of a total of $7.8 billion in municipal bonds to invest in schools, parks, transportation, water and sewer, and climate resiliency projects. The office’s public finance work includes innovative social bonds and tender solicitations that have generated hundreds of millions of dollars in savings, even amid rising interest rates. Comptroller Lander also worked with the Adams Administration to improve the City’s capacity to ensure infrastructure projects are built on time and on-budget.
Prior to being elected Comptroller in 2021, Lander spent 12 years in the City Council, where he co-founded the Council’s Progressive Caucus and won transformative changes to expand workers’ rights, secure tenant protections, create affordable housing, integrate and strengthen the district’s public schools, and make streets safer. He served previously as the director of the Fifth Avenue Committee and the Pratt Center for Community Development.
Brad lives with his wife, Meg Barnette, in Brooklyn where they raised two children, Marek and Rosa, who still roll their eyes at his dad jokes.
One Centre Street
New York, NY 10007
(212) 669-3916
To find a contact for a specific bureau within the Office, please visit Overview of the Office.
Mission Statement and Office Overview
Mission Statement
Accountancy
The Bureau of Accountancy is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the City’s accounting and financial statements. It is also responsible for preparing the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), which provides transparency into the City of New York’s financial health and integrity. In addition to promoting fiscal stability through the production of the ACFR, the Bureau of Accountancy ensures that the City’s vendor database is accurate and up to date to allow for efficiency in the processing of payments for businesses and individuals who are in contract with the City, as well as claims, workers’ compensation, labor law, line of duty, certificate of residency and all vendor payments in general. These efforts gain the public’s trust and allow for continued assessment into the City’s financial transactions to identity opportunities for improvement and engage with City agencies to ensure results.
Administration
The Bureau of Administration is committed to delivering strategic support services to strengthen and empower Office of the New York City Comptroller employees as they work toward ensuring the City's fiscal health. We provide service and support in a manner that promotes communication, transparency, and collaboration. These services include Human Resources, Procurement, Payment, Facilities Management, and Budget Management.
Asset Management
The Bureau of Asset Management is responsible for oversight of the investment portfolios of the five New York City pension systems. Through a culture of collaboration, individual development, and teamwork that leverages diverse talent and strives for continuous improvement, the goal of the Bureau of Asset Management is to achieve exceptional investment outcomes for all stakeholders; to deliver outstanding support to plan Trustees; and to serve as a responsible steward of the resources of plan beneficiaries and the City of New York.
Audit and Investigations
The Audit Bureau conducts informative and meaningful audits, independent assessments, and objective reviews to examine and report on City operations and services. The Bureau strives to improve the City’s financial position, identify and mitigate risks, and ensure that services are provided efficiently, effectively and equitably. By reporting our findings to City officials, oversight bodies and the public, we increase transparency and accountability, promote integrity, and strengthen public trust.
Budget
The Bureau of Budget evaluates New York City’s fiscal, cash, and economic position by analyzing revenue collections, expenditures, the capital program, and the condition of the local economy. The Bureau uses its charter-mandated responsibilities to promote transparency and accountability in financial reporting and budgeting. In addition to reviewing and commenting on the City’s Financial Plan and issuing reports on the City’s cash balances and debt capacity, the Bureau oversees an independent actuarial audit to review the assumptions underlying the City’s pension contributions. The Bureau also conducts regular assessments of the City’s economic outlook and revenue performance and strives to lead the dialogue on the City’s fiscal state through reliable and thought-provoking economic and budget research.
Contract Administration
The Bureau of Contract Administration (BCA) is responsible for reviewing and approving City contracts and agreements before they are legally effective unless this authority has been delegated to city agencies or is otherwise not legally required. The City Charter gives BCA up to 30 calendar days to review contracts and agreements. During this period, BCA ensures that appropriate funds exist for the city to make payments to vendors, confirms that the contracting agency followed proper procurement rules, and that there was no corruption in the decision-making process. BCA also ensures that contracting agencies have checked vendors looking to do business with the City and that vendors are operating in good standing and eligible to be awarded a city contract. Through its collaborations with other city agencies, and analyses like the Annual Summary Contracts Report, BCA also works to increase efficiency and public value across the City’s procurement activities and to improve transparency around how public funds are spent.
Engineering
The Bureau of Engineering (BOE) investigates construction and construction related disputes and claims for and against the City of New York, and in collaboration with the Office of the General Counsel, adjudicates and negotiates fair and reasonable outcomes that are in the best interest of the City. BOE also provides technical expertise and assistance to the Office of the Comptroller in support of its oversight of City Agencies.
General Counsel
The Comptroller’s Office of General Counsel leverages the expertise of its diverse team of attorneys to provide high quality legal advice, counsel, and support to the Comptroller and the Agency’s various bureaus. OGC facilitates and advances the Office’s strategic objectives in advising on the various legal and operational opportunities and risks, while ensuring compliance with the Agency’s Charter mandate, as well as local, state, and federal laws.
Labor Law
The Bureau of Labor Law sets and enforces the prevailing and living wage, and benefit rates for workers, laborers, and mechanics employed on New York City Public Work projects as well as building service employees on City contracts and certain properties that receive tax exemptions, in accordance with its mandate under state law. The goal of the Worker’s Rights Bureau is to build upon the work that the BLL already does to combat wage theft to expand worker’s rights and enforcement through legislation, policy, procurement, and corporate shareholder engagement initiatives, while strengthening the office’s outreach strategies to educate New Yorkers on their labor rights.
Law and Adjustment
Authorized by the New York City Charter, the Comptroller, through the Bureau of Law and Adjustment (BLA), negotiates and approves all monetary settlement of claims and lawsuits involving the City of New York. BLA investigates and, when in the best interest of the city, settles pre-litigation claims for and against the City of New York. In resolving claims before litigation is commenced, BLA protects the fiscal interest of the City while ensuring that pre-litigation claims are resolved in a fair and just manner, and in accordance with applicable laws. BLA furthers this goal in its review, evaluation, and authorization of requests to settle litigated cases involving the City and through diligent administration of disputes arising out of City contracts. BLA manages City risk by holding agencies accountable, rooting out fraud, and identifying trends, as well as, coordinating with the Law Department and other City agencies on issues that impact the public fiscal and public safety.
Public Affairs
The Bureau of Public Affairs is the principal liaison between the New York City Comptroller’s office and the public, elected officials, and community-based organizations. The Bureau provides engagement, organizing, and event planning capacity to support the Comptroller’s strategic objectives and provide direct assistance to New Yorkers navigating City bureaucracy. Public Affairs is responsible for making the Comptroller’s Office more accessible to everyday New Yorkers, as well as collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to leverage the tools of the office in ways that improve the lives of New Yorkers across the five boroughs.
Public Finance
The Bureau of Public Finance manages all aspects of City-related borrowing for the Comptroller’s Office with the mission to arrange for timely, cost-effective financing of the City’s capital program and ,when appropriate, the refinancing of outstanding debt for savings. The Bureau promotes the City’s short-term and long-term financial health by establishing and enforcing fiscally responsible debt practices, monitoring the portfolio of outstanding bonds, and securing the lowest risk-appropriate borrowing cost on debt of the City and its affiliated entities.
Working with the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and other external partners, the Public Finance Bureau determines and approves the timing, structures, terms, and conditions for City General Obligation (GO) bonds, as well as debt of the New York City Transitional Finance Authority (TFA) and New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority (NYW). The Bureau of Public Finance also reviews and approves debt issued by TSASC, Inc. , Hudson Yards Infrastructure Corporation, the New York City Housing Development Corporation, Battery Park City Authority, the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, the New York City Educational Construction Fund, and the Trust for Cultural Resources of the City of New York.
Public Policy and Organizing
The Bureau of Public Policy and Organizing advises the Comptroller on public policy issues confronting New York City to build a more just, equitable, and resilient City. Based on the team’s policy analysis, original research, strategic organizing, and engagement of New Yorkers, the Bureau of Public Policy and Organizing develops innovative and data-driven public policy ideas, provides the public with the information needed for transparency on services and operations to make government work better, and organizes initiatives that reflect community voices. The Policy and Organizing team works closely in partnership with other bureaus to advise and support the Comptroller’s office in fulfilling its core duties and responsibilities.
Press Office
The Communications Team supports the work of the Comptroller’s office to secure a thriving future for all New Yorkers by disseminating information, highlighting key initiatives through digestible and multimedia content, growing the credibility of the office through relationships with the press and the public, and advancing the conversation locally and nationally on key policy objectives.
Contact the Governor's Office
Contact us by phone:
Contact us by email:
Press.Office@exec.ny.gov
Some of Canada's premiers are meeting U.S. governors in Boston to discuss Donald Trump's tariffs and improve economic relations. CBC's Mike Crawley breaks down what's at stake.
Political science professor Lori Turnball talks about the G7 meeting and the talks between Canadian premiers and U.S. governors.
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Forbes Breaking News Northeast Governors held a press event with Canadian premiers on Monday to discuss President Trump's tariffs.
Monitor Breakfast with Steve Bannon
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Coalition of Northeastern Governors
Information
Website: https://www.coneg.org/
Organization Description:
The Center’s staff works closely with CONEG members to support the work of the governors, Advisory Committee, Board of Directors and all program committees. Staff works with members to identify regional concerns, formulate regional perspectives, and carry out regional programs. They monitor, analyze and report on state, regional and national developments; conduct research and analyses; respond to members’ queries; host meetings and conferences, and represent CONEG at national and regional meetings.
Created in 1976, the Coalition of Northeastern Governors (CONEG) is a non-partisan association of the Governors of eight Northeastern states. Members include the Governors of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.
CONEG encourages intergovernmental cooperation in the Northeast on shared issues relating to the economic, environmental and social well-being of the Northeast states. The Governors identify priority interests in transportation and the economy, environment and energy which set the framework for CONEG's agenda. Working through CONEG, the Governors share information and experiences on common interests and, where appropriate, forge agreements and undertake cooperative actions on a wide range of regional and state-federal issues.
| Address: |
400 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 382
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| City: | Washington |
| State: | (DC 20001) |
| Telephone: | +1 (202) 624-8450 |
| Fax: | +1 (202) 624-8463 |
| Homepage: | Link to Homepage |
| Email: | coneg@sso.org |
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Phone: 202-624-8450
Main Office
400 N. Capitol St. NW
Suite 382
Washington, District of Columbia 20001
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Consulate General of Canada aaron.annable@international.gc.ca 617-247-5120
Transport Canada marc.aubin@tc.gc.ca 613-949-7283
Chittenden County MPO mboomhower@ccmpo.org 802-660-4071 x. 15
Senator Patrick Leahy's Office ted_brady@leahy.senate.gov 802 863-2512
U.S. Customs and Border Protection kevin.s.coy@dhs.gov 802-868-2778
Transport Canada carolyn.crook@tc.gc.ca 613-998-1918
FHWA christopher.dingman@dot.gov 517-702-1830
FHWA marc.dixon@dot.gov 302-734-5323
North Country Chamber of Commerce gfdoug@hotmail.com 518-563-1000
U.S. Customs and Border Protection casey.durst@dhs.gov 802-527-3301
Quebec Region, Canada Border Services Agencyguy.fortin@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca 450-246-5405
Transport Canada renee.gowing@tc.gc.ca 613-949-9192
Michigan Dept. of Transportation hoeffnert@michigan.gov 517-373-6672
RailAmerica, Inc. charles.hunter@railamerca.com 802-527-3434
FHWA christopher.jolly@dot.gov 802 828 4572
capital district transportation committee djukins@cdtcmpo.org 518-458-2161
Monteregie District, Canada Border Services AgencyNancy.Kelly@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca 450-246-4026
VIA Rail Canada gerry_kolaitis@viarail.ca 514 -871 -6169
Canada Border Services Agency Mike.Leahy@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca 613-954-1132
Federal Railroad Administration janet.lee@dot.gov 617-494-3990
Transport Canada bob.leore@tc.gc.ca 613-990-3829
Canada Border Services Agency eric.mccrossin@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca 001-613-954-7593
Whatcom Council of Governments melissa@wcog.org 360-676-6974
US Senator Bernard Sanders jeff_munger@sanders.senate.gov 802-862-6659
Vermont Agency of Transportation costa.pappis@state.vt.us 802-828-5790
I-95 Corridor Coalition i95mgp@ttlc.net 518-852-4083
Vermont Rail Action Network christopher@railvermont.org (802) 536-4607
Federal Highway Administration carlos.pena@dot.gov 207-622-8350
Northwest Regional Planning Commission bethany@nrpcvt.com 802-524-5958
Department of Transportation - New Brunswickkelly.rodgers-sturgeon@gnb.ca (506) 444-4356
NYSDOT jrondinaro@dot.state.ny.us 518-457-6700
Transports-QuÄbec serge.routhier@mtq.gouv.qc.ca 418 646-6416 - 2291
Vermont Agency of Transportation karen.songhurst@state.vt.us 802-828-1078
US Customs and Border Protection susan.spinella@dhs.gov 206-553-6944 x1903
Coalition of Northeastern Governors (CONEG)adsconeg@sso.org 202-624-8450
CN tamilia@cn.ca 204-235-2743
FHWA - Vermont roger.thompson@dot.gov 802-828-4575
U.S. Customs & Border Protection kevin.weeks@dhs.gov 617-565-6208
New York State Department of Transportationlweiskopf@dot.state.ny.us 518-457-2320
EBTC ebtc@att.ne 517-775-9520
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