N.Y. Executive Law § 152: General functions, powers and duties

§ 152. General functions, powers and duties. The department of state,

by and through the secretary of state or duly authorized officers or

employees, shall have the following functions, powers and duties:

1. To assist the governor in coordinating the activities and services

of those departments and agencies of the state having relationships with

municipalities to the end of providing more effective services to such

municipalities.

2. To keep the governor informed as to the problems of municipalities

and to advise and assist in formulating policies with respect thereto

and utilizing the resources of the state government for the benefit of

municipalities.

3. To serve as a clearinghouse, for the benefit of municipalities,

regarding information relating to their common problems and to the state

and federal services available to assist in the solution of those

problems.

4. To refer municipalities to the appropriate departments and agencies

of the state and federal governments for advice, assistance and

available services in connection with particular problems

5. To advise and assist municipalities in the solution of particular

problems.

6. To conduct studies and analyses of the problems of municipalities

and to make the results thereof available as the secretary may deem

appropriate.

7. To encourage and assist cooperative efforts among municipalities in

developing among themselves solutions of their common problems.

8. To encourage expansion and improvement of training made available

to municipal officials, in cooperation with municipalities and the

organizations representing them.

9. To consult with and cooperate with municipalities and officers,

organizations, groups and individuals representing them, to the end of

more effectively carrying out the functions, powers and duties of the

department.

10. To encourage and facilitate cooperation and collaboration among

agencies and levels of government, and between government and the

private sector, for the protection and development of human, natural and

man-made resources.

11. To advise and assist municipalities in the performance of their

planning and development activities.

12. To aid and assist, in the provision and coordination of state

technical assistance and services in connection with the planning and

development activities of municipalities.

13. To provide assistance and guidance to municipalities and, as

appropriate, to the private sector, through the compilation, formulation

and dissemination of necessary information, projections and techniques

relating to development of resources.

14. To undertake any studies, inquiries, surveys or analyses necessary

for performance of the functions, powers and duties of the department

through the personnel of the department or consultants, or in

cooperation with any public or private agencies.

15. To adopt, amend or rescind such rules, regulations and orders as

may be necessary or convenient for the performance of its functions,

powers and duties under this article.

16. To enter into contracts with any persons, firm, corporation or

governmental agency, and to do all other things necessary or convenient

to carry out the functions, powers and duties expressly set forth in

this article.

17. To effectuate the purposes of this article, and to enable the

department properly to carry out its functions, powers and duties, the

secretary of state may request from any state department or agency or

from any municipality, and the same are hereby authorized to provide,

appropriate assistance, services and data.

22. To prepare and recommend to the legislature and the governor

legislative proposals relating to municipalities.

23. With the approval of the governor, to accept and administer as

agent of the state any gift, grant, devise or bequest, whether

conditional or unconditional, including federal grants, for any of the

purposes of this article. Any moneys so received may be expended subject

to the same limitations as to approval of expenditures and audits as are

prescribed for state moneys.