Happy New Year! 🎆 Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2026!

It is unsurprising that this mayor is ending his term by demonstrating, once again, that protecting and supporting working-class New Yorkers is not his priority. His vetoes put special interests above greater affordability and opportunity for hardworking New Yorkers, and public safety.

During my time as Speaker, we didn’t just restore what was cut— we delivered new innovations and enhanced existing foundations.

Grateful to the Queens Daily Eagle for reflecting on my journey representing #TheGreat28 & serving as Speaker during a historic and consequential time. It's been an honor to lead with purpose and deliver for working people across our city, and fight for a more affordable and equitable city for all.

In 2022, the most diverse and first women-majority @council.nyc.gov in city history entered, and I became the first Black Council Speaker. Our representation reflected the full breadth of New Yorkers’ experiences, allowing us to unapologetically lead city government towards greater equity.

NYC’s affordability crisis does not fall equally on New Yorkers. Solutions to it by the next Mayor and Council must confront its underlying economic and racial inequities, because truly improving affordability requires advancing equity and justice.

New York just experienced the highest number of flu cases in a single week statewide. I encourage New Yorkers to take simple steps to protect one another: get your flu shot, wash hands often, cover coughs, wear a mask if you’re sick, and stay home when possible.

I’ll be joining Dr. Stacie NC Grant live on Irie Jam Radio this Sunday at 12:15 PM to reflect on my time as Speaker and what’s next. I hope you’ll tune in!  

Proud to celebrate Baisley Pond Park Residences, South Jamaica’s first hotel-to-affordable housing conversion. This permanent affordable housing is what’s possible when city & state governments work together to ensure New Yorkers have the stability & support they need. www.qchron.com/editions/eas...

JFK Hilton Hotel is now housing: Comrie

A ribbon cutting was held for the first hotel-to-affordable housing conversion in South Jamaica on Dec. 18.Several elected officials, along with leaders from city and state agencies, civics and commun...

qchron.com

For 70 years, Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens has been a beacon and a second home for young people. I was honored to mark this next chapter at their closing ceremony, as a Council investment helps plant the seeds of success for future generations in Queens. qns.com/2025/12/vari...

Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens holds closing ceremony ahead of major redevelopment project – QNS

Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens (VBGCQ) held a closing ceremony earlier in December as the youth club prepares to break ground on a state-of-the-art

qns.com

National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for New York City starting tonight. Expect heavy snow and travel impacts. Please take precautions to stay safe during the storm! Learn more: https://www.nyc.gov/site/em/about/press-releases/20251224_pr-NYCEM-Issues-Travel-Advisory-Snow.page

As Kwanzaa begins, this is an important time to reflect on the seven principles of Kwanzaa and honor the rich heritage and contributions of Black Americans. Wishing those celebrating a peaceful and joyous Kwanzaa!

Merry Christmas, NYC! Wishing everyone a joyful and peaceful holiday. 🎄

I’m proud to have sponsored the Aland Etienne Safety & Security Act, which was passed by the Council. This law honors Aland’s legacy by setting citywide standards for fair wages, benefits, and paid time off for private security officers who put their lives on the line to keep New Yorkers safe.

Last night, my office hosted D28 Honors, an award ceremony to uplift and celebrate the impact of our community leaders across #SoutheastQueens. Thank you for your selfless dedication and collaborative partnership to improve the lives of countless residents in #TheGreat28!

When we invest in young people, we’re investing in the future of our entire city. Guaranteed income programs open new pathways to self-sufficiency and stability, advancing the health, safety, and well-being of all New Yorkers.

New York City Council@council.nyc.gov · 8mo ago

The Council has launched a new guaranteed income program to help young New Yorkers experiencing homelessness gain stability. With $1.5M in the FY26 budget, we’re partnering with Covenant House NY to support 60 youth ages 18–24 with direct income assistance and care.

Ensuring our city’s public restrooms are clean and accessible is critical, but too many New Yorkers face closed facilities, unclean conditions, and missing amenities. The next administration must make restroom access and maintenance a real priority for our communities.

New York City Council@council.nyc.gov · 8mo ago

🚻 How many of NYC’s public restrooms are available, clean, and have basic amenities? A Council investigation of 172 restroom locations citywide uncovered major gaps across public restrooms in parks, libraries, and privately-owned public spaces.

NYC’s private sector nurses are fighting for fair contracts that protect care for patients and deliver safe staffing for our hardworking nurses. I’m proud to always support @nynurses.bsky.social in their efforts to reach fair contracts!

NYSNA@nynurses.bsky.social · 8mo ago

NYSNA New York City private sector nurses announced that they voted overwhelming – 97% – to authorize a strike! Nurses don't want to strike but are willing to do whatever it takes to win fair contracts.

I sat down with @nyamnews.bsky.social to reflect on my journey in public service, how our historically diverse @council.nyc.gov has confronted inequities, and what’s next. Proud of what we’ve delivered to expand opportunities, advance public health and safety, and confront the housing crisis.

My district office staff works hard to support our constituents and deliver services throughout #TheGreat28. I’m grateful for their strong commitment and dedication to public service. Happy holidays from our district team! 🎉

Civil service careers are a pathway to economic opportunity and stability. Apply now for the 2026 Civil Service Pathways Fellowship, which is open to @cuny.edu seniors and recent grads, to kickstart your career in NYC government! Learn more: www.nyc.gov/site/dcas/em...

I was touched to receive this plaque of recognition today from Caribbean-American community leaders in Queens, most of whom I've known and worked with for a long time.

During my time as Speaker, our historically diverse, women-majority New York City Council has focused on creating new opportunities for working families and communities of color. Recognizing The City University of New York as an engine of mobility, we’ve fiercely championed our public university.

To lead the first women-majority and most diverse City Council in our city’s history and use our experiences to address longstanding inequities to uplift all New Yorkers has been the journey of a lifetime.

Kindergarten applications for Fall 2026 are now open 🏫 If your child was born in 2021, they are eligible to be enrolled into a NYC Public Schools kindergarten! I encourage all families to apply early and on time. Learn more and apply by January 23, 2026: https://myschools.nyc/

Today was my final Stated Meeting and my heart is full. Serving as the first Black Speaker of our historic, women-majority New York City Council has been the honor of a lifetime.

Today, New York City Council voted to: 🏘️ Prioritize working families with expanded affordable homeownership and family sized housing 🤝 Preserve affordable homes through COPA and a City land bank 🧰 Expand benefits, licensing, and support for security guards and street vendors And more!


All across the walls of City Hall, you'll see portraits of Black women who made our city and nation a better place. As the first Black speaker, their stories hold a special place in my heart, and I spoke with Errol Louis about the importance of lifting up our shared history.

I spoke with Errol Louis about what an honor it has been to lead the first women-majority New York City Council. We put the needs of working-class New Yorkers at the center, like childcare and housing, and unified the most diverse Council in our city’s history to deliver real, tangible results.

I’m grateful to be honored by NHS of Queens for leading the most pro-housing New York City Council in generations, taking action to build more homes, support homeowners, and protect tenants. NHS has been a true partner in the work to strengthen the stability and success of our diverse communities.