Rafael Salamanca Jr. is the Council Member for the 17th District of the New York City Council, representing the South Bronx and serves as Chair of the Land Use Committee.
The son of first-generation Puerto Rican immigrants, Council Member Salamanca grew up in the Bronx understanding the value of hard work and the importance of giving back to the community.
Beginning his career working in healthcare to expand access for low-income and working families, Council Member Salamanca went on to serve as the District Manager for Bronx Community Board 2 for nearly six years. As former President of the 41st Precinct Council, he worked closely with the NYPD and other local leaders to help improve public safety in the community.
Since his special election in 2016, Council Member Salamanca has been a champion for affordable housing, approving more than 8,000-units of new 100% affordable housing and 2,000-units through preservation efforts, and focusing on ensuring residents of all incomes have access to new apartments. Driving more than $400 million in capital investments to his district, Council Member Salamanca has fought for job creation by requiring companies investing in the community to hire local residents, and has committed to providing children in the Bronx with access to a quality education.
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