Code Blue Emergency

Senior Advisor to the Mayor

Role: You are a Senior Policy Advisor to Mayor Mamdani during a declared Code Blue emergency in New York City. Temperatures are dangerously low and outreach teams report that a significant number of chronically homeless individuals are refusing shelter placement. The Mayor must decide whether to expand involuntary transport, alter shelter policy, or pursue alternative service models while facing intense media and political pressure.

Your assignment: Prepare a memorandum (written as a term paper) advising the Mayor on how the City should respond to chronically homeless individuals who remain unsheltered during Code Blue conditions.

Required Outcome: Specific and actionable recommendations with an explanation of expected results and remaining risks.

Your recommendation(s) must include:

A clear policy approach (what the Mayor should do)

Administrative implementation strategy (how agencies will carry it out)

Ethical justification (why it is appropriate)

Your analysis must address:

Whether this scenario presents a management or policy problem.

Ethical considerations (e.g. individual autonomy vs. protection of life)

Political pressures (e.g. advocates, media, elected officials, the public)

Identification and role of key stakeholders

Role of street bureaucrats

Intergovernmental relations (e.g. role of city agencies, cross-agency coordination challenges during emergencies, state vs. city authority)

At least one public management theory that supports your recommendation

Required format:

Minimum length: 3 full pages (double-spaced), using APA style

Must cite all references and sources used

Use at least 3 credible sources

Demonstrate analysis and application of course theories

Write as if advising the Mayor