August 4, 2025
The New York State Gaming Commission has selected NYSTEC to provide logistical support for the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) process, a prerequisite for Applicants competing for up to three licenses to develop and operate a commercial casino in New York State. NYSTEC’s services for eight separate CACs include organizing public events, accepting public comments from the applicable community, and coordinating communications with the Applicant.
The law establishing the siting process for up to three commercial casinos requires applicants to obtain the approval of a project-specific CAC as a prerequisite for Gaming Facility Location Board consideration. Each CAC consists of appointees of the elected officials representing the physical location of the proposal. Additionally, each CAC is subject to the provisions of New York State’s Open Meetings Law.
The statute allows the Commission to procure a consultant to “assist and manage the community advisory committee process [and] provide administrative support and technical assistance for the establishment and activities of [the] committees.”
“The Community Advisory Committee process ensures that only those casinos that are embraced by their community will be considered by the Gaming Facility Location Board,” said Commission Chairman Brian O’Dwyer. “NYSTEC has the expertise and experience necessary to usher these Committees through their statutory process, and we are proud to be working with them.”
“NYSTEC has a wealth of experience managing stakeholder and client engagement and is pleased to support the New York State Gaming Commission and the Community Advisory Committees in this important initiative, which will have a positive economic impact on New York communities,” said NYSTEC President and CEO Kevin M. Owens. “We’re focused on ensuring that each CAC operates with transparency and structure, with public access, so that all CAC members are empowered to meaningfully engage in this process.”
The Commission issued a Request for Proposals for the consultant on April 22, 2025. The proposal put forth by NYSTEC was selected over three other timely proposals received.
NYSTEC is providing logistical assistance to each CAC, including securing meeting locations, necessary technology, materials, and more to effectuate meetings and hearings. The consultant is also:
- Coordinating secure delivery of application materials to CAC members
- Serving as the Presiding Officer for initial organizational meetings and providing an overview of the CAC’s tasks
- Coordinating communications between CACs and Applicants
- Providing all necessary materials and support staff at each meeting and hearing.
The full scope of work for the CAC Consultant may be found online. Information about the casino siting process may be found on the Board’s website: nycasinos.ny.gov.