NYC Council Votes to Approve Committee Assignments for New Term

Speaker Menin also marks first Stated Meeting as Speaker by unveiling new Leadership Team

City Hall, NY - Today, the New York City Council voted to approve new committee assignments and the Speaker's Leadership Team, which includes representation from all five boroughs.

"At a critical moment for New Yorkers, I am proud to announce Council leadership and committees that reflect the urgent need for serious governance, collaboration, and results," said Speaker Julie Menin. "Each committee is comprised of Members who bring immense drive, knowledge, and lived experience. I am grateful to my colleagues and look forward to working with them to bring down costs, build more affordable housing, enact universal child care, and grow our economy."

LEADERSHIP

Julie Menin (Speaker)

Dr. Nantasha Williams (Deputy Speaker)

"I'm grateful to Speaker Menin for her trust and partnership," said Deputy Speaker Dr. Nantasha Williams. "I'm honored to step into my new role as Deputy Speaker of the New York City Council, where I will help advance the Council's legislative and budget priorities while ensuring our work remains transparent, accountable, and responsive to New Yorkers. As Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and International Intergroup Organizations, I also look forward to uplifting artists, cultural institutions, and creative voices. I remain committed to carrying this work forward, strengthening the Council's oversight, advancing thoughtful legislation and budgets, and supporting communities across our city."

Shaun Abreu (Majority Leader)

"I am deeply honored by Speaker Menin's confidence in naming me Majority Leader," said Majority Leader Shaun Abreu. "I am ready to work alongside her to lead the City Council as we move our city forward and take on the affordability issues that matter most to New Yorkers. From building more housing, to tackling sky-high healthcare costs and delivering on universal childcare, we will fight tirelessly for working families."

Kamillah Hanks (Majority Whip)

"I am deeply grateful to Speaker Julie Menin for this incredible opportunity and for the trust she has placed in me," said Majority Whip Kamillah Hanks. "Being appointed Majority Whip-the first from Staten Island-is a historic moment that affirms our borough is no longer the forgotten borough. It reflects a commitment to true five-borough leadership, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to deliver real results for New Yorkers across our city."

Elsie Encarnacion (Deputy Whip)

"I am deeply honored to step into leadership within the New York City Council, and I thank Speaker Menin for recognizing the dedication I have given to this city and to my district, for being bold enough to place a freshman in leadership, and for believing in me," said Deputy Whip Elsie Encarnacion. "I come to this role as someone born and raised in my district, fighting every day for the people of East Harlem and the South Bronx. I understand the weight of what has been entrusted to me, and I step into this role fiercely humbled and deeply proud. I am ready to bring my experience, my perspective, and my urgency to this leadership team. Once again, District 8 has a seat in Council leadership! I will honor that responsibility by showing up and speaking up for the communities that raised me."

Sandra Ung (Deputy Leader)

"I am proud to accept the role of Deputy Leader in the New York City Council, and as the Chair of the Committee on Rules" said Deputy Leader Sandra Ung. "I look forward to working with Speaker Menin to advance an agenda that focuses on making the city livable for all New Yorkers. I have long admired Speaker Menin's career, and that admiration has only grown deeper during the last four years as colleagues in the City Council. I am honored by the trust she has placed in me, and I am ready to get to work."

Chris Banks (Deputy Leader)

"I would like to thank Speaker Menin for her confidence in appointing me as Deputy Leader of the New York City Council. This appointment carries significant responsibility-one that I am fully prepared to take on, especially for a district that has been historically left behind. At a time when affordability is at the forefront of every working New Yorker's mind, this Council is ready to deliver and ensure that every New Yorker has the opportunity to thrive and get ahead in the greatest city in the world.

Eric Dinowitz (Education Chair)

"I am honored to be on the leadership team to serve alongside Speaker Menin," said Council Member Eric Dinowitz. "We'll move forward as a proactive council to uplift all New Yorkers, ensure our neighbors have the opportunities they deserve, and build a fairer New York City."

Linda Lee (Finance Chair)

"I'm honored to be appointed by Speaker Menin to serve as the Chair of the Committee on Finance," said Council Member Linda Lee. "As families face financial pressures, managing the nation's largest municipal budget is a vital duty that must deliver a real, meaningful impact for our communities. I do not take the responsibility of this gavel lightly. From the rising cost of childcare, to the ongoing housing crisis, and looming fiscal cuts down the pipeline, this City Council must be responsive to the needs of the moment. I look forward to confronting these challenges head-on. I thank Speaker Menin for entrusting me with this incredible responsibility."

Kevin C. Riley (Land Use Chair)

"Today's committee assignments reaffirm the City Council's commitment to shaping a stronger, more equitable New York City, and I am proud to step into this new chapter of leadership and service," said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. "As Chair of the Committee on Land Use, I am honored to lead one of the Council's most critical bodies overseeing zoning decisions, land use policy, and the public review process that guides how our neighborhoods evolve and ensures community voices remain at the center of development. I am also proud to take on new committee assignments on Economic Development, Housing and Buildings, Oversight and Investigations, and Rules, Privileges, Elections, Standards and Ethics to strengthen our local economy, support stable and affordable housing, and uphold accountability in city government. I look forward to working with my colleagues to deliver real impact and advance the priorities of New Yorkers across every borough."

Shekar Krishnan (Oversight and Investigations Chair)

"It's time for our City Council to fight even harder for New Yorkers, using every tool at our disposal to hold accountable those who take advantage of New Yorkers," said Council Member Shekar Krishnan. "From taking on greedy corporations and bad landlords, to ensuring that the corruption we've seen in city government over the last four years never happens again, the Oversight Committee will be a fighter for the new era. I'm honored that Speaker Menin has trusted me to lead the oversight arm of our City Council and know that with a Speaker and Mayor dedicated to a more affordable city, we will fight for and defend everyday New Yorkers in every way we can."

David Carr (Minority Leader)

"As I have said in the past, Republicans have a vital role to play in this body and in this city, as a voice for conservative values and common sense policies," said Minority Leader David Carr. "I believe the positions of leadership in which our Republican Conference have been placed in this Council is a testament to that, and a hopeful signal that this Speaker intends to listen to our voices."

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

Committee on Aging

Zhuang, Chair

Aldebol

Brewer

Dinowitz

Hudson

Marte

Mealy

"I was raised by my grandparents and feel that it is a community's responsibility to care for the people who raised us," said Council Member Susan Zhuang. "While serving Council District 43, I've allocated millions to senior services and programming. Our seniors always call me, and I listen. Their issues, like park safety, are the reasons I introduced and passed Safer Parks for NYC. Seniors are in desperate need of affordable housing and services, and I vow to fight for these as the next Committee on Aging Chair."

Aging Subcommittee on Senior Centers and Food Security

Mealy, Chair

Brewer

Epstein

Gennaro

Thomas-Henry

Committee on Children & Youth

Stevens, Chair

Felder

Joseph

Osse

Williams

"I am honored to continue serving as Chair of the New York City Council's Committee on Children and Youth, and I remain deeply committed to advocating for the young people and families across our city," said Council Member Althea Stevens. "In this role, I will continue to center the voices and lived experiences of children, parents, and caregivers, while advancing policies that expand access to the resources, services, and opportunities families need to thrive."

Committee on Civil and Human Rights

Nurse, Chair

Abreu

Bottcher

Feliz

Hanif

Schulman

Stevens

"People are being illegally detained and racially profiled by law enforcement officers, peaceful demonstrations are being squashed unjustly, and discriminatory real estate practices are still in play in our city," said Council Member Sandy Nurse. "We're living through times where people's liberties are being trampled on, which is why I'm excited to be heading the New York City Council's Committee on Civil and Human Rights."

Committee on Civil Service and Labor

Aldebol, Chair

Caban

Gennaro

Hankerson

Hudson

Morano

Narcisse

"I am incredibly honored and proud to be named Chair of the NYC Council Committee on Civil Service and Labor," said Council Member Shirley Aldebol. "This is truly a full circle moment for me. Over the last 35 years, I have dedicated my life to the labor movement, building power among workers and working families, and leading fights for economic and social justice. Now, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve my community in the East Bronx and fight for workers across the five boroughs from the NYC Council. Thank you, Speaker Menin, for entrusting me with this important role. I look forward to working alongside my new colleagues on the Committee to continue to fight for NYC's working families."

Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection

Epstein, Chair

Aldebol

Ariola

Banks

Brewer

de la Rosa

Hanks

Krishnan

Osse

"I'm proud to chair the Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection," said Council Member Harvey Epstein. "Too many New Yorkers are struggling with rising costs, wage theft, predatory practices, fraud, and unsafe working conditions. This committee will play a critical role in advancing legislation and pursuing oversight hearings to empower workers and make New York a more equitable and affordable city. Thank you to Speaker Menin for entrusting me with this responsibility."

Committee on Contracts

Restler, Chair

Brewer

Gennaro

Hanks

Stevens

Vernikov

Won

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve as Chair of the Council Contracts Committee," said Council Member Lincoln Restler. "City agencies award over $40B in contracts every year and it is essential that our procurement process is efficient and vendors are paid swiftly - especially nonprofit providers. Thank you Speaker Menin for selecting me for this role."

Committee on Criminal Justice

Brooks-Powers, Chair

Brewer

Caban

Feliz

Morano

Narcisse

Salaam

"I'm honored to become the next Chair of the Committee on Criminal Justice," said Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers. "At its core, this work is about people-families seeking safety, workers demanding fairness, and New Yorkers who expect a system that treats everyone with dignity. I look forward to partnering with my colleagues to hold the Administration accountable to key deadlines, advance the permanent closure of Rikers, and ensure the borough-based jail plan moves forward swiftly and transparently. I step into this role committed to thoughtful oversight and results-because public safety and justice are not competing values, but shared promises we owe every neighborhood in New York City."

Committee on Cultural Affairs & Libraries

Williams, Chair

Hudson

Louis

Maloney

Osse

Stevens

Ung

Committee on Economic Development

Maloney, Chair

Aviles

Banks

Farias

Gutierrez

Riley

Thomas-Henry

"I am honored to serve as Chair of the City Council's Committee on Economic Development and grateful to Speaker Menin for her confidence," said Council Member Virginia Maloney. "At a moment of fiscal uncertainty and shifting federal priorities, our responsibility to protect jobs and expand opportunity for New Yorkers has never been more urgent. I am committed to advancing strategies supporting job creation, leveraging City-owned property for affordable housing, preparing our workforce in a rapidly shifting economy, and applying public-private partnerships to preserve the programs and services New Yorkers rely on. Looking forward to working with Speaker Menin and my Council colleagues to deliver disciplined, forward-looking policies that support workers, small businesses, and communities across all five boroughs."

Committee on Education

Dinowitz, Chair

Brewer

de la Rosa

Farias

Gutierrez

Krishnan

Joseph

Lee

Louis

Narcisse

Schulman

Wong

Zhuang

"Just as I did as a public school teacher, as Chair of the Committee on Education, I will fight for our city's students every day," said Council Member Eric Dinowitz. "Under my chairmanship, students will have a fierce advocate in the Council, and I will work to advance policies that support them and their families. I carry the stories of my students and their families with me into this new role, and their experiences, along with those of hundreds of thousands of other students in our city, will help shape the way our city provides our children what each and every one of them deserve: a world-class education. I'm grateful to Speaker Julie Menin for appointing me as Chair and for entrusting me with oversight of the largest school system in the country."

Subcommittee on Early Childhood Education

Gutiérrez, Chair

Brewer

Joseph

Santosuosso

Won

"I'm deeply grateful to Speaker Julie Menin for making child care a standalone committee this year and honored that she has tapped me to lead it," said Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez. "We've worked in close partnership on this issue for the past four years, and this decision reflects how seriously she understands both the urgency and the complexity of getting child care right. Here at the City Council, we've worked side by side to protect child care funding and center families in this work, and without the City Council's leadership, far more resources would have been lost. I'm honored to continue this work together to finally bring universal child care to New York City families."

Committee on Environmental Protection & Waterfronts

Gennaro, Chair

Epstein

Hanks

Restler

J. Sanchez

"I am deeply honored and most grateful to Speaker Julie Menin and my Council colleagues for entrusting me with this critically important committee role. Speaker Menin has articulated a clear and forward-looking vision for how the Council can continue to lead on environmental protection and environmental justice, while strengthening the City's ability to withstand the impacts of severe weather and climate change," said Council Member James F. Gennaro. "I thank the Speaker for her confidence, and I pledge to use my many decades of environmental policymaking experience to fulfill her vision to make our City a beacon to cities across the country on their respective journeys towards sustainability, climate justice, and prosperous green economies. I also look forward to working closely with my colleagues to advance these policies that will strengthen our neighborhoods."

Committee on Finance

Lee, Chair

Abreau

Aldebol

Aviles

Brooks-Powers

Feliz

Genarro

Hudson

Maloney

Marte

Mealy

Morano

Narcisse

Restler

J. Sanchez

Williams

Wong

Committee on Fire and Emergency Management

Ariola, Chair

De La Rosa

Felder

Hankerson

Maloney

Paladino

P. Sanchez

Schulman

Wong

"I am honored to have been appointed by Speaker Menin to serve as the Chair of the City Council's Committee on Fire and Emergency Management once again," said Council Member Joann Ariola. "Over the last four years, I have fought for safer gear, fair EMS pay, and additional resources so our first responders can continue to protect the people of New York City to the best of their abilities. I look forward to continuing this vital work, and to serving as the voice of New York's Bravest in the Council chambers for another term."

Committee on General Welfare

Hudson, Chair

Aviles

Morano

Narcisse

Nurse

Mealy

Ung

Committee on Governmental Operations, State & Federal Legislation

Brewer, Chair

Dinowitz

Feliz

Hankerson

Morano

Stevens

Zhuang

"I am thrilled to chair a committee that oversees agencies that are the guts of city government, that help other agencies to function, and that bring the public into contact with public servants at City Council hearings," said Council Member Gale Brewer. "I look forward to working with my colleagues and with the Administration to delve into any needed improvements, functional changes, and budget allocations."

Committee on Health

Schulman, Chair

Ariola

Brooks-Powers

Epstein

Felder

Genarro

Narcisse

"I am honored to be reappointed as Chair of the City Council Health Committee and grateful to Speaker Menin for her leadership and commitment to public health and equity," said Council Member Lynn Schulman. "Our shared focus on prevention and accessibility has driven landmark legislation-from the city's first diabetes prevention program to a long-term population health agenda-helping increase life expectancy five years ahead of schedule through HealthyNYC. I look forward to continuing this work with my colleagues to ensure New York City is the healthiest city in the nation."

Committee on Higher Education

Joseph, Chair

Ariola

Dinowitz

Epstein

Louis

Maloney

Restler

"As a forever educator serving as Chair of the Higher Education Committee is an honor and a responsibility I take on with deep purpose," said Council Member Rita Joseph. "CUNY is New York City's economic engine and one of the greatest drivers of social mobility in our city, opening doors for working-class, immigrant, and first-generation students like myself. I look forward to working in close partnership with educators, students, labor, and the entire CUNY community to deliver real progress on affordability, access, and innovation. Together, we will strengthen our public university system so it continues to meet the needs of today's students, prepares our workforce for the future, and ensures that higher education remains a powerful pathway to opportunity for all New Yorkers."

Committee on Hospitals

Narcisse, Chair

Aldebol

Brooks-Powers

Encarnacion

Farias

Gutierrez

P. Sanchez

"I am very grateful to Speaker Menin for the confidence she has placed in me by once again appointing me Chair of the Hospitals Committee," said Council Member Mercedes Narcisse. "This is a pivotal moment for our health care system, as nurses across our city are fighting for safe staffing, fair treatment, and the ability to provide the care patients deserve, while federal health care cuts threaten to further strain hospitals and frontline workers. As a nurse, I know how high the stakes are and I remain committed to strong oversight, accountability, and ensuring our hospitals put patient care and worker safety first."

Committee on Housing & Buildings

P. Sanchez, Chair

Abreu

Bottcher

Hudson

Feliz

Joseph

Maloney

Riley

Salaam

Williams

Zhuang

"It's an honor to continue serving as Chair of the Housing and Buildings Committee," said Council Member Pierina Sánchez. "My focus remains clear: protecting tenants living in the worst conditions, holding bad landlords accountable, and expanding fair, stable pathways to homes New Yorkers can afford and keep. This committee will lead with rigorous oversight and decisive action to confront our housing crisis head-on. I'm grateful to Speaker Menin for her trust and to my colleagues for our continued partnership in delivering safe, dignified housing for all."

Committee on Immigration

Encarnacion, Chair

Aviles

Brewer

Hanks

Joseph

"Chairing the Council's Committee on Immigration is a profound honor," said Deputy Whip Elsie Encarnacion. "From across every corner of the globe, people have come to New York City to find a better life and, in the process, built the city we know today. Yet, immigrant communities like those I represent in District 8 have been under attack, and the tactics used now are like nothing we have seen before. I promise to utilize my role as Chair of the Committee on Immigration to not just defend New Yorkers of all immigration backgrounds but to be proactive and inclusive in our legislative agenda. Because when a family is scared to send their child to school or a worker is afraid to clock-in to work, New York loses more than its economic strength - it loses the very fabric that makes us great."

Committee on Land Use

Riley, Chair

Abreu

Banks

Caban

Carr

Encarnacion

Lee

Louis

Osse

Salaam

J. Sanchez

Thomas-Henry

Zhuang

Land Use Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sitings, Resiliency, and Dispositions

Marte, Chair

Aviles

Feliz

Hanks

Nurse

Thomas-Henry

Osse

"I'm grateful to get to work with Speaker Menin as the Chair of the Landmarks, Public Sitings, Site Depositions, and Resiliency Committee," said Council Member Chris Marte. "Representing the oldest part of our city and one that's almost entirely coastal, I look forward to using this committee to shape our city's future while celebrating its past. We will also work to ensure that our public sites are used for public good - so that as our city continues to change, the Council is constantly required to address who these changes benefit."

Land Use Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises

Louis, Chair

Carr

Encarnacion

Farias

Felder

Salaam

J. Sanchez

Schulman

Thomas-Henry

"I am deeply honored to be appointed Chair of the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises, one of the most active and consequential bodies within the Council and a critical driver of how our city plans, builds, and grows. Decisions made through this subcommittee shape the future of housing affordability, neighborhood stability, public infrastructure, and economic opportunity for millions of New Yorkers, and the urgency of this work cannot be overstated," said Council Member Farah N. Louis. "At a time when communities are confronting a housing crisis and infrastructure challenges, this role carries both responsibility and resolve. I am grateful to Speaker Julie Menin for her confidence and trust, and I look forward to working with my colleagues, advocates, and community stakeholders to advance equitable, transparent, and community-centered development that strengthens our city and delivers lasting impact for New Yorkers across every borough."

Committee on Mental Health and Addiction

Cabán, Chair

Aldebol

Ariola

Felder

Hankerson

Lee

Stevens

"I am honored to be appointed by Speaker Julie Menin as Chair of the Committee on Mental Health and Addiction," said Council Member Tiffany Cabán. "As a public defender, I watched our city fail our neighbors by addressing mental illness and substance use disorders as "crimes" instead of what they are: public health challenges that must be addressed with care and support, not violence and punishment. Our commitment to mental healthcare and harm reduction must be unwavering. I look forward to working alongside advocates, peers, and professionals to scale effective programs and guarantee every New Yorker care and dignity. As Chair, I will dedicate myself to one principle: if it saves lives, it's worth doing."

Committee on Oversight and Investigations

Krishnan, Chair

Carr

Lee

Riley

Williams

Ung

Zhuang

Committee on Parks and Recreation

Hankerson, Chair

Krishnan

Lee

Marte

Morano

Narcisse

Nurse

Salaam

P. Sanchez

Santosousso

Ung

"It's a great honor to be appointed as Chair of the New York City Council Committee on Parks and Recreation," said Council Member Ty Hankerson. "This moment feels full circle for me, because my public service started with the Southern Queens Park Association at Roy Wilkins Park, supporting programs that brought young people, families, and seniors into our parks. That foundation will continue to guide my approach as we work to strengthen maintenance, expand community collaboration, and invest in upgrades that improve the quality of life for every New Yorker."

Committee on Public Housing

Banks, Chair

Encarnacion

Marte

Mealy

Osse

Restler

Won

"I'm grateful that Speaker Menin has given me the privilege to serve again as Chair of the Public Housing Committee," said Deputy Leader Chris Banks. "This decision reflects the strong work we've done over the past two years-holding NYCHA accountable, ensuring fairness for residents, and protecting the dignity of those who call our city's oldest affordable housing home. There is more work to be done-much more. When we talk about affordability in New York City, NYCHA must be a priority, not an afterthought. We must continue to invest in NYCHA's infrastructure, preserving and protecting Section 9."

Committee on Public Safety

Feliz, Chair

Ariola

Aviles

Bottcher

Encarnacion

Gutierrez

Hankerson

Hanks

Nurse

J. Sanchez

Wong

Committee on Rules, Privileges, Standards, Ethics & Elections

Ung, Chair

Abreu

Banks

Carr

Encarnacion

Krishnan

Lee

Riley

Williams

Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management

J. Sanchez, Chair

Hanif

Hankerson

Maloney

Satosousso

Thomas-Henry

Ung

Vernikov

Zhuang

"I'm proud to be named Chair of the New York City Council's Sanitation Committee, and I'm grateful to Speaker Julie Menin and my colleagues for placing their trust in me, just as my community has," said Council Member Justin Sanchez. "As Chair, and as a collective body, we're going to do what New Yorkers expect and deserve: Clean the Damn Streets!"

Committee on Small Business

Thomas-Henry, Chair

Brooks-Powers

Hanif

Maloney

Morano

Salaam

Santosuosso

"As a small business owner, I've seen firsthand the challenges neighborhood entrepreneurs face, which makes this moment and my partnership with Speaker Menin, especially meaningful," said Council Member Shanel Thomas-Henry. "As Chair of the Small Business Committee, I will fight for policies that invest in small businesses, strengthen neighborhood economies, and ensure entrepreneurs especially in District 21, have the resources they need to thrive."

Committee on Technology

De La Rosa, Chair

Farias

Gutierrez

Hanif

Won

"I'm honored to be appointed as the New York City Council's Committee on Technology Chair at a moment when innovation and equity must move hand in hand," said Council Member Carmen De La Rosa. "Technology touches every part of daily life in our city-from how families access services and students learn, to how small businesses grow, and communities stay connected. Through this committee, I look forward to advancing smart, responsible legislation that puts people first, closes the digital divide, and ensures New York City uses technology as a tool to empower neighborhoods, protect users, strengthen trust in government, and build a more inclusive technological environment for all New Yorkers. I thank Speaker Menin for entrusting me with this vital role and look forward to uplifting the Council's voice on these contemporary issues as New York City prepares for the future."

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

Abreu, Chair

Hanif

Krishnan

Louis

Marte

J. Sanchez

P. Sanchez

Won

Wong

"I am honored by Speaker Menin's confidence in naming me Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure," said Majority Leader Shaun Abreu. "I have worked hard these past few years to bring on-street trash containerization to Upper Manhattan, getting trash bags off our sidewalks and reducing the rat population. I will bring that same people-first approach to the Transportation Committee in using public space for public benefit. Our city has 6,300 miles of roadways and 12,000 miles of sidewalks. Every mile should be safe, well-maintained, and designed for the New Yorkers who use them every day. We've learned from our district what is important to people: streetlights being on, roads being paved, and infrastructure projects that were promised actually staying on schedule and being completed. These fixes matter for daily life.

"I especially look forward to partnering with communities and advocates citywide on reimagining public spaces in ways that will increase economic opportunity while making our neighborhoods safer and more welcoming," added Majority Leader Abreu. "People across the five boroughs are excited by ideas like fast and free buses because they speak to a pressing need for making our city more affordable and easier to get around. Solutions like that are ahead."

Committee on Veterans

Morano, Chair

de la Rosa

Gennaro

Paladino

Wong

"It is a profound honor to be appointed Chairman of the New York City Council's Committee on Veterans," said Council Member Frank Morano. "I am named for my grandfather, a World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient, and his service has always been a source of pride and responsibility for me. Staten Island is home to one of the largest veteran communities in New York City, and in my first eight months in office I have worked to serve those who have worn the uniform. This chairmanship is a citywide responsibility, and I am eager to advocate for veterans and servicemembers in every borough, whether that means better access to housing, health care, employment, or the respect they have earned. I am excited to work with Speaker Menin and my colleagues to make New York City a place that truly honors veterans and supports them and their families every day."

Committee on Women and Gender Equity

Farías, Chair

Aldebol

Gutierrez

Santosuosso

Schulman

"I am honored to serve as Chair of the Committee on Women and Gender Equity and grateful to Speaker Julie Menin for her trust in my leadership," said Council Member Amanda Farías. "As a woman of color and a lifelong Bronxite, I am proud to advance policies that strengthen protections, expand economic opportunity, and ensure dignity and safety for women, trans, and gender-nonconforming New Yorkers across our city-especially at a time when gender equity is under attack nationally."

Committee to Combat Hate

Salaam, Chair

Krishnan

Mealy

Narcisse

P. Sanchez

Schulman

Won

"The City of New York is a diverse metropolis, shaped by cultures from every corner of the world," said Council Member Yusef Salaam. "It is this diversity that strengthens our unity and defines who we are. Yet, there remain ill-intended ideologies that seek to divide us by exploiting our differences. As Chair of the Committee to Combat Hate, I am committed to confronting and dismantling the root causes of hate, while standing firmly against those who seek to sow division. We will protect and uplift the beautiful mosaic that is New York City."

Committee on Disabilities

Hanif, Chair

Caban

de la Rosa

Joseph

Nurse

Committee on Workforce Development

Won, Chair

Caban

Epstein

Hanif

Wong

"I'm honored to serve as the inaugural Chair of Workforce Development at a time when automation and artificial intelligence are reshaping our economy. As Chair, my priority is creating clear, equitable pathways to good-paying jobs, ensuring that New Yorkers can afford to stay in our city," said Council Member Julie Won. "This requires partnership with labor unions, apprenticeship programs, CUNY, NYCHA, and workforce centers to direct city investments and expand job access. We must also support worker-owned cooperative models, such as the Community Interpreter Bank, to put job ownership into workers' hands, supporting the local economy. Our advocacy in the city budget will ensure that workforce development centers dignity, longevity, and lasting opportunity for all New Yorkers."

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