Chafee named head of New York City’s Independent Budget Office

Louisa Chafee has been appointed director of the New York City Independent Budget Office, the agency said Friday.

Formed in 1996, IBO is a publicly financed city agency that provides nonpartisan information about the city’s budget and economy. The IBO has no policymaking role.

Chafee’s selection was the culmination of a nine-month search conducted by IBO’s Advisory Board and Bridge Partners, a national search firm. Ronnie Lowenstein, IBO’s former director, retired in January 2022.

Chafee is currently the senior vice president for external relations and public policy at the UJA-Federation of New York, the largest local Jewish philanthropy in the world.

Previously she held leadership positions in the city and state government. She worked for New York City for more than a decade, most recently as the executive director for management innovation at the mayor’s office. She also served as deputy secretary for human services in New York State, with oversight over human services and veterans affairs.

Chafee’s appointment was approved unanimously by New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Comptroller Brad Lander, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine on behalf of the five borough presidents, under guidelines in the city charter. Their decision followed the Advisory Board’s recommendation.

“IBO was created to help New Yorkers understand the city’s budget and to provide unbiased information about its economy and policies,” Chafee said. “For many years, and with much admiration, I’ve watched the agency do just that. Former IBO Director Ronnie Lowenstein and Acting Director George Sweeting have shaped a New York City institution that I am quite plainly thrilled to be joining.”

Lander noted the IBO is an important institution for providing independent, transparent insights about the city’s budget and finances.

“Louisa brings a deep well of experience in city and state government, as well as with nonprofits who contract with the city, along with a keen intellect, a broad network of relationships, and a strong commitment to public service,” he said.

“Budget decisions are moral choices backed by informed analysis, and as director, I know that Louisa will consider each of these obligations,” said Williams. “She will be a vital voice for studying the economic actions of the city, and providing transparency to processes, policies, and their outcomes — including honest assessment of who is most helped and hurt by government decisions.”

Adams said Chafee was well equipped to lead the IBO.

“As our city recovers and prepares for future success, we need an IBO that can provide independent and insightful information about our city’s economy and financial outlook,” Adams said. “With more than two decades of leadership in government and the non-profit sector focused on human services and policy, Louisa is a great choice, and I am proud to support her appointment.”

Chafee received a B.A. from Macalester College and an M.P.A. from NYU’s Wagner School of Public Service. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and has two children. She will start her new job on March 1; her term expires Aug. 1, 2026.