Maria Baez
District Office Address
1831 Grand Concourse, Ste. A
Bronx, NY 10453

District Office Phone
718-294-3950

District Office Fax
718-294-3955

Legislative Office Address
250 Broadway
17th Floor
New York, NY 10007

Legislative Office Phone
212-788-7074

Legislative Office Fax
212-788-8849

E-mail Address
Maria Baez
Maria Baez
District 14 - Council Member - Democrat
Background Information

Council Member Maria Baez grew up in the 14th Council District and attended P.S. 109, J.H.S. 82 and Walton High School. She later studied at Monroe College and CUNY Lehman College.

Baez' education and presence in the community motivated her to form the 2300 Tenants Block Association. During her time with the Association, she created after school programs for the children in the community and sponsored voter registration drives.

Baez' worked as an administrator with Assemblyman Jose Rivera. When Assemblyman Rivera was elected to the New York City Council, she became his Chief of Staff. After years of working for better living conditions and quality affordable housing for the residents in her community, she joined the Housing Workshop, a not-for-profit affordable housing organization, as the bodys Executive Director.

After years of service to her community and political involvement, Baez was the first Latina appointed to the position of Chief Clerk of the Bronx Board of Elections. Over a period of approximately five years, she developed an in-depth understanding of the rules and regulations for citywide elections. Working at the Board of Elections increased her understanding of the electoral process, but her commitment remained with the community she had been actively involved in throughout her life.

In 2003, Baez was encouraged by the people in her community to run for the New York City Council. In her first year at the City Council, she became the first woman to chair the Committee on State and Federal Legislation. As chair of the committee, Baez held post 9/11 hearings and press conferences that ultimately led to federal economic aid to New York City. After stepping down as Chair of the Committee on State and Federal Legislation, she was appointed to Chair the Committee on Aging. As chair of this committee, Baez is responsible for overseeing senior centers, programs, and services for older adults throughout New York City.
General Information

Entered City Council: 01/01/2002
Current Term Expires: 12/31/2009

Represents: Fordham, Kingsbridge, Morris Heights, West Bronx

Committees: State & Federal Legislation (Chair); Finance; Health; Housing & Buildings; Land Use; Planning, Dispositions & Concessions; Rules, Privileges & Elections