(New York, NY) My heart is with the families of the crew members who tragically lost their lives in the Cuauhtémoc ship collision, as well as the dozens injured in this heartbreaking incident.

As Chair of the City Council’s Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I will be working closely with the Department of Transportation to ensure a full review of any potential damage to the Brooklyn Bridge, and that our critical infrastructure remains safe, resilient, and able to withstand future challenges.

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(New York, NY) The New York City Council has advanced legislation introduced by Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers that would significantly enhance public transparency around the City’s spending with minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs). The bill, Introduction 23, would require the Comptroller to publish an annual report on the City’s website detailing the share of procurement contracts awarded to MWBEs in the previous fiscal year.

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New York, NY — I welcome the FAA’s decision to ground New York Helicopter Tours following last week’s heartbreaking crash on the Hudson River. This tragic incident, which claimed the lives of an entire family and their pilot, underscores the urgent need for stronger oversight and accountability in the helicopter tourism industry.

This action must be just the beginning.

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New York, NY — I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Claudia Schrader on her official appointment as president of York College. 

As a longtime champion of CUNY and public higher education, I know how critical York College is to the fabric of Southeast Queens — and Dr. Schrader’s proven leadership, deep CUNY experience, and commitment to student success make her the right choice to lead the institution into its next chapter.

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Passage Includes Streets Master Plan Transparency Legislation, Flash Flood Preparedness Bill, and Resolution Calling for QueensLink Environmental Review

New York, NY — On Thursday, April 10, the New York City Council passed a trio of bills introduced by Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers that advance critical public safety, transparency, and transportation equity priorities for New Yorkers. The legislative package includes:

• Introduction 1105, which improves public transparency around the City’s implementation of its Streets Master Plan by requiring more frequent and detailed updates on capital projects from the Department of Transportation (DOT), including timelines, funding, and community board engagement;

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New York, NY — I am fighting alongside my colleagues in the Council to ensure that this budget delivers for Southeast Queens and communities across the city. We must invest in programs that make life more affordable and protect the essential services that New Yorkers rely on every day.

To begin, we are fighting to expand Fair Fares eligibility to 200% of the federal poverty level so that more working families can access affordable public transportation.

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Elected Officials and Community Advocates Call for Real Solutions to Illegal Truck Parking in Southeast Queens

(New York, NY) Today, New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers joined New York City Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams, community leaders, and advocates for a rally demanding increased truck enforcement in Southeast Queens and inclusion of the community in the City’s Overnight Truck Parking Pilot.

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(New York, NY) On Thursday, March 27th, Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers will join community leaders, elected officials, and advocates for a rally demanding that Southeast Queens be included in the City’s Overnight Truck Parking Pilot and that the administration take real action to increase truck enforcement in the area.

Last week, the City announced the Overnight Truck Parking Pilot without consulting stakeholders in Southeast Queens or including any Industrial Business Zones (IBZs) in the community.

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(New York, NY) On Thursday, March 27th, Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers will join community leaders, elected officials, and advocates for a rally demanding that Southeast Queens be included in the City’s Overnight Truck Parking Pilot and that the administration take real action to increase truck enforcement in the area.

Last week, the City announced the Overnight Truck Parking Pilot without consulting stakeholders in Southeast Queens or including any Industrial Business Zones (IBZs) in the community.

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New York, NY — The recent announcement by the Trump Administration rebutting the congestion pricing program is disingenuous at best. There is no offset for the $15 billion MTA capital plan nor any vision as to how we chart the path forward. Our city sorely needs resources to address these significant infrastructure issues, not symbolic gestures and political stunts that carry vast policy implications. 

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