[3][4] The office serves as a direct link between the electorate and city government, effectively acting as an ombudsman, or watchdog, for New Yorkers.

Green's successor, Betsy Gotbaum, thus had her role limited to being the city's de facto ombudsman.

The 2009 election to succeed Gotbaum was highly competitive and was won by Bill de Blasio, who later became the first public advocate to win the Mayor's office.

The public advocate is a non-voting member of the New York City Council with the right to introduce and co-sponsor legislation.

The public advocate serves on the committee which selects the director of the New York City Independent Budget Office and appoints members to several boards and commissions, including one member of the New York City Planning Commission.