Who must approve that services were satisfactory before payment?

The correct answer indicates that services must be approved by the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development before payment can be processed. This oversight function is crucial because it ensures that services provided align with the expectations and standards set forth in the contract. The Mayor's Office plays a significant role in the governance of housing initiatives, enforcing compliance with policies and guidelines. Their approval acts as a safeguard, confirming that quality and satisfactory outcomes have been achieved.

In contrast to this correct choice, other options suggest alternative approval mechanisms that don't align with the established process. Self-evaluation by the contractor may lead to bias, as they might not accurately assess their own work without an external perspective. Agreement from all project stakeholders, while cooperative, can complicate the payment process and may not offer a cohesive or streamlined approach. Lastly, a review by local government is less specific and does not guarantee involvement from the appropriate department that directly handles housing and community development matters. Thus, the role of the Mayor's Office is clearly defined and essential in ensuring accountability and quality assurance in housing-related agreements.