City Hall ‒ Speaker Corey Johnson announced the New York City Council committee chairs and leadership today, citing an inclusive and democratic process to structure the City’s legislative body. In addition, the Speaker announced the Chairs of task forces and members of the Budget Negotiating Team.
In a statement, Speaker Johnson said: “After many active conversations with Council Members, stakeholders, city leaders and advocates, we are proud to appoint the leadership and committee chairs that reflect the diversity and priorities of New York City. These committees will be critical to strengthening oversight, negotiating the City budget, examining and debating legislation, engaging the public and asserting the Council’s independence. Our commitment is to empower committees and members to ensure all voices are heard within the Council.”
AGING
Chin, Chair
Ayala
Deutsch
Diaz, Sr.
Dromm
Eugene
Rose
Treyger
Vallone
“As Chair of the Committee on Aging, I joined advocates and community members across New York City to fight to give our City’s fastest growing demographic, our seniors, an opportunity to age with dignity in the very neighborhoods they helped to build. Together, we expanded the SCRIE and SCHE program, fought for transparency for Social Adult Daycares to provide relief to caregivers, started the dialogue about how to support and expand NORCs, and led the historic Year of the Senior campaign to secure the largest amount of permanent senior funding the City has seen in ten years. I am proud to begin a new term as Chair and build on the progress we have made together,” said Council Member Margaret Chin, Chair of the Committee on Aging.
CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Eugene, Chair
Dromm
Kallos
Lander
Perkins
Rodriguez
Rosenthal
CIVIL SERVICE AND LABOR
Miller, Chair
Adams
Dromm
King
Maisel
Ulrich
Williams
“I thank my fellow Members, especially Speaker Johnson, for affording me the opportunity to continue to serve as Chair of the Committee on Civil Service and Labor. More importantly, I thank the voters of the 27th District for having bestowed their trust in me as their Council Member for a second term. Through our work these past four years, we passed laws that regulate our City’s workplaces, protect employees from unjust practices and promote the upward mobility and security of working families,” said Council Member I. Daneek Miller. “We will continue to be vigilant in safeguarding these time-honored principles as we strive to build on the gains we’ve made, and look forward to working with organized labor throughout the city to ensure employers adhere to the basic tenets of organizing and collective bargaining.”
CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND BUSINESS LICENSING
Espinal, Chair
Chin
Koo
Koslowitz
Lander
“The Committee on Consumer Affairs and Business Licensing will allow us to have more oversight over businesses including the hospitality and nightlife industry and other commercial businesses so to better support our city’s entrepreneurs, workers and their consumers. As community boards also play a major role in recommending businesses for licenses, I look forward to having hearings to oversee the processes for making these recommendations. I also look to work on consumer and business related habits and issues that contribute to climate change and global warming. We will seek to raise awareness of issues that affect all communities, especially millennials; businesses who are struggling, and change our city’s consumer habits to fight climate change. I am extremely grateful to Speaker Johnson and look forward to working with him over the next four years,” said Council Member Rafael Espinal, Chair of the Committee on Consumer Affairs and Business Licensing.
CONTRACTS
Brannan, Chair
Barron
Perkins
Rosenthal
Yeger
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES
Powers, Chair
Ampry-Samuel
Holden
Lancman
Rivera
“I’m honored to be named the Chair of the Committee on Criminal Justice that will be tasked with big challenges in the coming years, including closing Rikers Island and instituting policies that ensure fairness in the system,” said Council Member Keith Powers, Chair of the Committee on Criminal Justice.
Cultural Affairs, Libraries AND International Intergroup Relations
Van Bramer, Chair
Borelli
Cumbo
Koslowitz
Moya
“I’m thrilled to be able to continue to serve as the Chair of the Cultural Affairs and Libraries Committee, the only committee I asked to chair when I was first elected eight years ago. I love this committee and am so proud to be the champion of culture, the Arts and libraries in this City. And it means so much to me that I will serve out all 12 years in the Council chairing this important committee. I look forward to working with Speaker Johnson and my colleagues to fight for culture, the arts, and public libraries in the City Council this term. I also am grateful to be serve the Speaker’s leadership team and the Budget Negotiating Team and I look forward to working with the Speaker and my colleagues to fight on behalf of all New Yorkers,” said Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Vallone, Chair
Adams
Barron
Cornegy
Koo
Lander
Levine
Menchaca
Powers
Richards
Rivera
Rosenthal
Williams
“I am excited to begin this legislative session as Chair of the Committee on Economic Development. It is a great honor to oversee a committee that has played a substantial and integral role in the New York City Budget. I look forward to working with our new Speaker and my fellow colleagues to sculpt NYCEDC’s vision to drive growth in our city and improve our quality of life. I’m also proud that the Queens Delegation is once again united and strongly represented in our Speaker’s vision for the upcoming legislative session. This will be a wonderful new opportunity for District 19 to finally have a seat at the table on true economic development for the City of New York,” said Council Member Paul Vallone, Chair of the Committee on Economic Development.
EDUCATION
Treyger, Chair
Ampry-Samuel
Barron
Borelli
Brannan
Cohen
Cornegy
Deutsch
Dromm
Grodenchik
Kallos
King
Lander
Levin
Levine
Rodriguez
Rose
Salamanca
Ulrich
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Constantinides, Chair
Espinal
Levin
Menchaca
Richards
Ulrich
Yeger
“I am excited to continue as Chair of the Council’s Environmental Protection Committee. Making our city greener and more environmentally-friendly will remain our priority. Climate change is perhaps one of our planet’s greatest dangers and I remain committed to implementing policies that will combat its effects. We will continue to be global leaders on sustainability by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, increasing use of renewable energy, and encouraging environmentally-friendly habits. I am proud of the legislative work we have done over the past few years to reduce our carbon emissions, expand solar and geothermal energy, and generate cleaner power. I look forward to working with Speaker Johnson and my Council colleagues on these issues throughout the next legislative session,” said Council Member Costa Constantinides, Chair of the Committee on Environmental Protection.”
FINANCE
Dromm, Chair
Adams
Cohen
Cornegy
Cumbo
Gibson
Grodenchik
Lancman
Matteo
Moya
Powers
Rosenthal
Van Bramer
“Being Finance Committee Chairperson gives me the opportunity to set priorities for the city using the vast resources that are available to us. I intend to use this position to move a progressive budget forward working closely with Speaker Corey Johnson who I thank for giving me this opportunity to serve,” said Council Member Daniel Dromm, Chair of the Committee on Finance.
FIRE
Borelli, Chair
Ampry-Samuel
Brannan
Cabrera
Maisel
FOR-HIRE VEHICLES
Diaz, Sr., Chair
Borelli
Constantinides
Moya
Rose
Rodriguez
Vallone
GENERAL WELFARE
Levin, Chair
Adams
Ayala
Gibson
Gjonaj
Grodenchik
Lander
Reynoso
Salamanca
Torres
Treyger
“It is my honor to continue building on the progress we have made strengthening the safety net that protects New Yorkers everywhere. Though our City is home to great wealth, it means nothing if we cannot feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and protect the vulnerable. Let’s renew our commitment to one another and address our most pressing challenges head-on. Serving on this committee has been one my life’s greatest privileges. I look forward to forging ahead with our new Speaker and my Council colleagues,” said Council Member Stephen Levin, Chair of the Committee on General Welfare.
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS
Cabrera, Chair
Kallos
Maisel
Perkins
Powers
Rodriguez
Yeger
“I’m proud and honored to continue serving the people of the 14th Council District and all New Yorkers. As chair of the Committee on Governmental Operations, I will be a dependable and constant voice for fairness, integrity, transparency, effectiveness and efficiency in City operations,” said Council Member Fernando Cabrera, Chair of the Committee on Governmental Operations.
HEALTH
Levine, Chair
Ampry-Samuel
Barron
Eugene
Powers
HIGHER EDUCATION
Barron, Chair
Cumbo
Holden
Kallos
Rodriguez
HOSPITAL SYSTEM
Rivera, Chair
Ayala
Eugene
Levine
Maisel
Moya
Reynoso
HOUSING AND BUILDINGS
Cornegy, Chair
Cabrera
Chin
Espinal
Gjonaj
Grodenchik
Perkins
Rivera
Rosenthal
Torres
Williams
“This Council truly embodies the strength and diversity of this city. It is an honor to be part of such a distinguished body, and I look forward to working alongside my colleagues in the term ahead. As Chair of the Housing & Buildings Committee, Democratic Conference Chair, Chair of the Council’s M/WBE Task Force, and member of the Budget Negotiating Team, I am excited at the opportunity to use these roles as platforms to amplify the voice of our minority community,” said Council Member Robert Cornegy. “There is much work to be done to ensure the needs of all New Yorkers are met, and I am confident that with the appointments voted on today, this Council is in a very strong position to get the job done.”
IMMIGRATION
Menchaca, Chair
Dromm
Eugene
Holden
Gjonaj
Miller
Yeger
“I am honored to continue for a second term as Chair of the City Council Committee on Immigration. I will work to keep New York the national leader upholding civil rights and supporting immigrant communities. I thank Speaker Johnson and my colleagues for entrusting me with leadership of the new special task force that will focus on transportation needs and solutions in the BQX corridor. Each of my committee assignments offers distinct opportunities to serve the residents of District 38 and the entire City. I look forward to using the next four years to promote better public housing, economic development, environmental justice and public safety,” said Council Member Carlos Menchaca, Chair of the Committee on Immigration.
JUSTICE SYSTEM
Lancman, Chair
Cohen
Maisel
Rose
Ulrich
“An equitable and efficient justice system is the cornerstone of civil society, and now more than ever New York City’s criminal and civil legal system deserves close scrutiny and serious reform. As Chair of the Committee on the Justice System, I look forward to working with the Mayor, our district attorneys, public defenders and civil legal services providers, and the Office of Court Administration to make our justice system fairer, more transparent, more efficient and more accountable,” said Council Member Rory Lancman, Chair of the Committee on the Justice System.
JUVENILE JUSTICE
King, Chair
Gjonaj
Holden
Levine
Perkins
Rose
Williams
“As city leaders, it’s vital that we have a system in place that works on behalf of our city’s children. The City Council’s Committee on Juvenile Justice plays an important role in ensuring justice for our city’s young people and their families. Knowing my work efforts for children and their development over the years, I wish to thank Speaker Johnson for choosing me to head this important committee. I am honored to serve in this new leadership position and I look forward to working diligently on behalf of our city’s youth as the chair of the Committee on Juvenile Justice,” said Council Member Andy King, Chair of the Committee on Juvenile Justice.
LAND USE
Salamanca, Chair
Adams
Barron
Constantinides
Deutsch
Diaz, Sr.
Gibson
Grodenchik
Kallos
King
Koo
Lancman
Levin
Miller
Moya
Reynoso
Richards
Rivera
Torres
Treyger
“I’m incredibly proud to have the confidence of the Speaker and my colleagues to serve as the Land Use Chair for this session. Our city is at a crossroads, including my community in the South Bronx. This body, led by a Speaker who understands the importance of having a strong, independent Council, should be on the front lines on shaping the planning, development and all other land use actions in a way that listens to and addresses the concerns of all New Yorkers. I believe we can and will do that. After seeing much development in my district and working to approve over 4,000 units of affordable housing in under two years, I believe I am ready to work with each and every member of the Council to ensure the needs of their constituents are met with any given land use action. With that said, I’m ready to roll up my sleeves, visit as many neighborhoods as I can and most importantly, listen on how I can help to shape land use for the five boroughs over the next four years. Let’s get to work,” said Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Chair of the Committee on Land Use.
Mental Health, developmental disability, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse AND Disability Services
Ayala, Chair
Ampry-Samuel
Cabrera
Holden
Van Bramer
“I want to thank Speaker Johnson for his trust and support in appointing me Chair of the Mental Health, Developmental Disability, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Disability Services Committee. This committee represents issues that are of great personal importance to me, and to my East Harlem / South Bronx district,” said Council Member Diana Ayala, Chair of the Mental Health, Developmental Disability, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Disability Services Committee. “I look forward to working collaboratively with my distinguished colleagues on these challenging issues; and together making impactful contributions.”
OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATIONS
Torres, Chair
Kallos
Lancman
Powers
Salamanca
Treyger
Yeger
PARKS AND RECREATION
Grodenchik, Chair
Borelli
Brannan
Cohen
Constantinides
Gjonaj
King
Koo
Moya
Ulrich
Van Bramer
“I am honored to have been elected by my colleagues as chair of the parks committee. As a lifelong New Yorker who grew up in city parks and the current representative of a district with over a thousand acres of parkland, I welcome the opportunity to work to improve the parks that are vital to every community in the city. I thank Speaker Corey Johnson for his support and look forward to working with my colleagues on the committee as well as with Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver and his staff,” said Council Member Barry Grodenchik, Chair of the Committee on Parks and Recreation.
PUBLIC HOUSING
Ampry-Samuel, Chair
Ayala
Cumbo
Diaz, Sr.
Gjonaj
Menchaca
Richards
Salamanca
Torres
Treyger
Van Bramer
PUBLIC SAFETY
Richards, Chair
Brannan
Cabrera
Cohen
Deutsch
Gibson
Lancman
Menchaca
Miller
Powers
Rodriguez
Vallone
Williams
RULES, PRIVILEGES AND ELECTIONS
Koslowitz, Chair
Adams
Chin
Cornegy
Espinal
Gibson
Johnson
Lancman
Matteo
Torres
Treyger
“I am so proud to become the Chair of the NYC Council Committee on Rules, Privileges and Elections. I am also very humbled that our great new Speaker Corey Johnson would consider me for this very important position. I pledge to work together, hand in hand with my committee members to improve, strengthen and enhance the Council’s internal structure for the benefit of the people of our great City, and work to create a more efficient and equitable workplace for all Council staff,” said Council Member Karen Koslowitz, Chair of the Committee on Rules, Privileges and Elections.
SANITATION AND SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Reynoso, Chair
Cabrera
Deutsch
Espinal
Vallone
“I would like to extend my gratitude to Speaker Johnson and his team on my re-appointment to the Sanitation and Solid Waste Committee at the City Council. As Chair in my last term, I took on issues such as waste equity, waste collection zones, working conditions at waste transfer stations, and reusable bags,” said Council Member Antonio Reynoso. “This Chairmanship is particularly important to me because I will once again highlight the overburden of waste transfer stations my district has historically endured along with other low income communities of color. I look forward to working with my committee to bring about more trash efficiency and equity to our City.”
SMALL BUSINESS
Gjonaj, Chair
Ayala
Levin
Perkins
Rivera
“I am looking forward to working with my colleagues and Speaker Corey Johnson, as I proudly represent the 13th Council District in the Bronx. I am excited to chair the Small Business Committee and be part of several other important committees. Coming from a background in small business, I am eager to get to work, so that we can fight for small business owners across our city, help them prosper, create more jobs and make our commercial corridors a viable part of our neighborhoods,” said Council Member Mark Gjonaj, Chair of the Committee on Small Business.
STANDARDS AND ETHICS
Matteo, Chair
Chin
Gibson
Koslowitz
Levin
STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATION
Cohen, Chair
Cornegy
Espinal
Koslowitz
Rodriguez
“I am honored to take over the chairmanship of the Committee on State and Federal Legislation. This committee gives us the ability to analyze how laws made in other legislative bodies will affect the city we all call home. I look forward to pushing back on any policies passed at the federal and state level that might harm New Yorkers,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen, Chair of the Committee on State and Federal Legislation.
TECHNOLOGY
Koo, Chair
Holden
Lander
Ulrich
Yeger
“I see endless potential in the Committee on Technology, and I look forward to maximizing this important resource to bring fresh ideas and innovation to the Council. There are many challenges facing New York City that can be addressed through technology ‒ from a lack of high speed internet in our schools to expanding access to Wi-Fi. Many thanks to Speaker Johnson for committing to work me on this effort,” said Council Member Peter Koo, Chair of the Committee on Technology.
TRANSPORTATION
Rodriguez, Chair
Cabrera
Constantinides
Deutsch
Diaz, Sr.
Espinal
Koo
Levin
Levine
Menchaca
Miller
Reynoso
Richards
Rose
Salamanca
VETERANS
Deutsch, Chair
Brannan
Eugene
Maisel
Vallone
WOMEN
Rosenthal, Chair
Ayala
Cumbo
Kallos
Lander
“It is an incredible honor to serve as Chair of the Committee on Women and I look forward to working with my colleagues to tackle some of the most pressing challenges for women in our city head-on. We are seeking to empower women at every level — in the workplace, in the economic arena, in social interactions, and in politics. This Committee’s priority will be to demonstrate that when ‘women’s issues’ are prioritized, society wins. By fighting for workplace protections, fair wages, putting assault survivors first, and more equitable representation in leadership and government, we will make this city a better place for all New Yorkers,” said Council Member Helen Rosenthal, Chair of the Committee on Women.
YOUTH SERVICES
Rose, Chair
Brannan
Chin
Eugene
King
FINANCE SUBCOMITTEEE
CAPITAL BUDGET
Gibson, Chair
Grodenchik
Matteo
Rosenthal
Powers
Land Use Subcommittees
Landmarks, Public Siting AND Maritime USES
Adams, Chair
Barron
Koo
Miller
Treyger
Planning, Dispositions and Concessions
Kallos, Chair
Deutsch
Diaz, Sr.
King
Gibson
“Affordable housing remains out of reach for too many New Yorkers. As the administration continues to announce progress preserving and building new housing, we will watch every deal closely to ensure New Yorkers are actually getting the affordable housing we need. I look forward to continuing to fight for affordable housing alongside our Speaker Corey Johnson in my new role by ensuring every hard-earned tax dollar is maximized to drive a hard bargain and generate significantly more affordable housing,” said Council Member Ben Kallos, Chair of the Subcommittee on Planning, Dispositions and Concessions.
ZONING AND FRANCHISES
Moya, Chair
Constantinides
Grodenchik
Lancman
Levin
Reynoso
Richards
Rivera
Torres
TASK FORCES
BQX
Menchaca, Chair
Constantinides
Levin
Reynoso
Van Bramer
CITY WORKFORCE EQUITY
Williams, Chair
MWBE
Cornegy, Chair
LEADERSHIP
Johnson (Speaker)
Cumbo (Majority Leader)
Cabrera (Majority Whip)
Cornegy (Democratic Conference Chair)
Espinal (Deputy Leader for Digital Communications)
Lander (Deputy Leader for Policy)
Matteo (Minority Leader)
Chin
Deutsch
Gibson
Koslowitz
Reynoso
Richards
Rivera
Rodriguez
Rose
Treyger
Torres
Van Bramer
Williams
“I’m looking very forward in continuing to serve as Deputy Leader for Policy & chairing New York City Council’s Policy Group under Speaker Johnson’s leadership. Last term, we advanced policy for workers, neighborhoods, the environment, affordability, and more. There’s still a lot more to do and I’m looking forward to working with the Speaker to continue to advance a progressive agenda,” said Council Member Brad Lander, Deputy Leader for Policy.
Council Member Menchaca will serve as the lead on Participatory Budgeting.
BUDGET NEGOTIATING TEAM
Adams
Cornegy
Constantinides
Cumbo
Deutsch
Dromm
Gibson
Grodenchik
Johnson
Koslowitz
Lancman
Levin
Matteo
Menchaca
Moya
Reynoso
Rose
Rosenthal
Salamanca
Van Bramer
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