The City of New York has seen many worthy lawmakers in its history, and its current wave of public service leaders is no less impressive. We’d like to take this opportunity to introduce you to some of New York’s newest City Council members and dig deeper into why these civic leaders have been entrusted with keeping the city safe and thriving.
Who Are the Latest City Council Members?
On Jan. 1, 2020, New York City’s district elections for the City Council saw several new faces joining the ranks. These lawmakers bring experienced and diverse backgrounds to the job, offering invaluable perspective to the safety, growth, and culture of New York City. Here is a quick introduction to the new council members:
• District 1: Margaret Chin
• District 2: Carlina Rivera
• District 3: Corey Johnson
• District 4: Keith Powers
• District 5: Ben Kallos
• District 6: Helen Rosenthal
• District 7: Mark Levine
• District 8: Diana Ayala
• District 10: Ydanis Rodriguez
• District 11: Andrew Cohen
• District 16: Vanessa Gibson
• District 17: Rafael Salamanca, Jr.
What Vision Do These City Council Members Hold?
This new crop of City Council members offers a wide breadth of specialized knowledge and powerful perspectives needed to help drive decision-making in the city. Take a closer look at the visions each of these remarkable people has to contribute to their districts, as well as the city as a whole:
• Margaret Chin: As the first Asian-American woman to represent her district, Margaret Chin brings a unique and progressive vision for tenants’ rights, affordable housing and senior services.
• Carlina Rivera: Her experience as a former district leader and ten-year advocate for the city’s seniors has served her well in her current role. Rivera has a strong commitment to women’s issues, disabled and senior citizens’ rights, and improve public education.
• Corey Johnson: As the Speaker of the City Council, Johnson has brought with him a vision for smart and sustainable growth.
• Keith Powers: With an extensive background in public policy and public service, Powers advocates for an equitable and inclusive economy.
• Ben Kallos: Kallos is keen to reduce poverty and its impacts on NYC, and champion universal pre-K education in the city.
• Helen Rosenthal: An advocate for public health and environmental protection, Rosenthal is a champion of equal pay legislation and improving public transportation in the city.
• Mark Levine: With a special focus on healthcare and education, Levine has made sure his budgeting places a special emphasis on those two key areas.
• Diana Ayala: Ayala has made it her mission to reduce the homelessness crisis in her district and fight for tenants’ rights.
• Ydanis Rodriguez: This councilman has a long history of achieving results from his district, and he is now focusing his energy towards improving public transportation.
• Andrew Cohen: Cohen brings an ambitious agenda of education reform, from expanding after-school programs to ensuring that all schools are funded equitably.
• Vanessa Gibson: Gibson is focusing her energy on safety and civil rights, advocating for greater access to resources for the disadvantaged, victims of violence, and those with substance abuse issues.
• Rafael Salamanca, Jr.: His dedication to tenants’ rights and affordable housing attainment is both staunch and admirable, offering solutions anchored in the community’s interest.
How Are They Serving Their Districts?
These newly elected City Council members have already taken steps to protect, empower and develop their districts. Here are a few initiatives each of them has introduced to help their respective constituents and beyond:
• Margaret Chin: Chin has introduced legislation and secured city funding for health, safety, education and small businesses within her district.
• Carlina Rivera: Rivera has proposed a tax credit for families receiving public assistance, to encourage their pursuit of higher education.
• Corey Johnson: Johnson has taken steps to help homeless New Yorkers by increasing funding for shelters, outreach and housing.
• Keith Powers: Powers has introduced a plan to increase job training and opportunities specific to his district.
• Ben Kallos: Kallos has been tireless in his efforts to improve the public transportation system, and to support essential workers in his district.
• Helen Rosenthal: Rosenthal has crafted bills to increase the preservation of green spaces in her district, as well as help is combatting both oversized and outdoor vehicle storage.
• Mark Levine: Levine has helped secure affordable housing for families living in the district and has proposed an increase in lead abatement in older buildings.
• Diana Ayala: Ayala has proposed legislation that would create a youth desk at the city’s Youth & Community Development office to promote better attendance and dropout prevention for her district’s schools.
• Ydanis Rodriguez: Rodriguez proposed a plan to better connect Harlem’s busway with Long Island, to create a more accessible route for residents.
• Andrew Cohen: Cohen has been working with key leaders to increase funding for arts education in public schools throughout the city
• Vanessa Gibson: Gibson is continuing her work on the Steering Committee to bring a new state of the art NYPD precinct to the 169th district.
• Rafael Salamanca, Jr.: Salamanca is increasing the focus on environmental protection and public safety in the south Bronx, with an emphasis on removing illegal dumping sites in the district.
Reasons to Be Proud
New York City’s new City Council members hold amazing potential on the horizon, and it’s inspiring to watch their progress. Each one has a wonderful degree of respect for their constituents, and they display an unwavering commitment to the betterment of their districts. As well as the obvious values of the respect, accountability, and sustainability that these elected officials represent, more than ever, we are able to see true representation in our City Council. All of the new City Council members, regardless of backgrounds and points of view, bring real dedication and expertise to the table, and this is something that we should be proud to be part of and take home with us.
The election of the new City Council members serves to illustrate the spirit of democracy in action, as well as the opportunity for every citizen to have their voice heard and should be an inspiration to everyone. It is something that both unifies and celebrates the city’s diverse groups, and together, allows all of us to create a city that is safe, sustainable and thriving. We should continue to stand in support of the local public service leaders in New York City, and be proud of the progress they have already made.
New York City’s new City Council members represent the progress and progressiveness that the city’s citizens are striving for. Each of these esteemed public servants brings a new and varied perspective to the table, but all share a singular passion for the betterment of all New Yorkers. We applaud them for their tireless efforts, and we look forward to seeing the impact that their work has on the city for many years to come.
