Deputy Speaker Dr. Nantasha Williams represents New York City’s 27th District in Southeast Queens, including Cambria Heights, Hollis, Jamaica, St. Albans, Queens Village, Addisleigh Park, and Springfield Gardens.
As Deputy Speaker of the New York City Council, Nantasha plays a key leadership role in advancing policy and strengthening oversight across city government. She also chairs the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and International Relations, where she leads the Council’s oversight of New York City’s cultural institutions, libraries, museums, and cultural agencies and works to strengthen access to arts and culture across the five boroughs.
Since taking office, Deputy Speaker Williams has built a legislative record centered on protecting homeowners, strengthening communities, and making government more responsive to the people it serves. Her work has addressed some of the most pressing challenges facing New Yorkers, from housing security and neighborhood infrastructure to racial equity and the delivery of essential city services. She has advanced protections against deed and mortgage fraud, helping preserve homeownership and generational wealth, strengthened oversight of neighborhood infrastructure and city services, and championed measures designed to create greater fairness and accountability across government. Her approach to policymaking is shaped by a clear focus on how decisions made at City Hall translate into the everyday lives of New Yorkers.
Dr. Williams also led the successful passage of the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan, a community-driven roadmap for the future of Downtown Jamaica. The plan will deliver up to 12,000 new homes, new schools, infrastructure upgrades, open space improvements, and expanded opportunities for small businesses. Developed through years of engagement with residents, community organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders, the plan pairs new growth with significant investments in the infrastructure and resources needed to support both longtime and future residents. Dr. Williams continues to focus on the plan’s implementation and ensuring the commitments made to Jamaica translate into tangible improvements for the community.
A nationally recognized organizer, Deputy Speaker Williams is the founder and President Emeritus of the NYC Black Women’s Political Club and helped lead the historic Women’s March on Washington. She holds a PhD in Social Welfare, a Master’s in Public Administration, and remains deeply rooted in Southeast Queens, the community that raised her and that she is proud to serve.