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...

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...

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.

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.

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!

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.

When we address unresolved trauma left behind by violence, we can improve public safety. That’s why New York City Council funded New York’s first trauma recovery centers, including a new one slated for Jamaica, Queens. TRCs must remain a pillar of our public safety infrastructure.

For my final interview with Errol Louis as Speaker, we sat down inside City Hall to discuss what our historic women-majority New York City Council has delivered for New Yorkers, advice for the incoming Mayor and Speaker, and much more. 📺 Tune in tonight to Spectrum News NY1 at 7:15 PM!

I was proud to present a New York City Council proclamation to the New Majority! As the first Black Speaker leading our historic women-majority Council, our work wouldn't have been possible without their support. We must continue to advance women’s leadership that deliver for our communities!

Our historically diverse @council.nyc.gov is the most pro-housing Council in generations.   We confronted the housing crisis with holistic solutions and investments, unlocking the creation of 157,000 homes and prioritizing NYCHA residents, homeownership, and preventing evictions.

I was honored to return to and be recognized at Jazz at Lincoln Center where I delivered my State of the City address, for Big Band Holidays! New York City Council has prioritized investing in arts and cultural institutions, including nearly $14M for Jazz at Lincoln Center's Education Center.🎷

For too long, communities most impacted by violence have had the least access to the victim services needed to recover. With today’s opening of NYC’s fourth trauma recovery center, more survivors of crime will have access to vital services and communities will be safer.

Maternal mortality and its severe racial disparities have been dangerously overlooked. Our historically diverse, women-majority New York City Council made confronting this crisis a top priority. Year after year, we’ve taken consistent action to address these preventable deaths.

Today marks 54 years since Bangladesh won its independence. On Bangladesh Victory Day, we’re proud to celebrate the vibrant Bangladeshi communities who help make #TheGreat28 and New York City stronger every day 🇧🇩

I was honored to join my friend Costa Constantinides today at Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens' Closing Ceremony. In 2026, construction will begin on a new clubhouse serving 16,000 youth. New York City Council has supported this huge project with over $12M in funding. Congratulations!

Wishing Jewish families in New York City and around the world a Hanukkah filled with light, reflection, and joy. May this season bring peace to your homes and communities. Chag Hanukkah Sameach!

Anti-violence and victim services organizations play a critical role in keeping New Yorkers safe by interrupting cycles of harm. Trump’s cuts are forcing them to lay off staff and reduce services, jeopardizing progress made in our communities.

Our historic, women-majority @council.nyc.gov has consistently championed efforts to improve maternal health. This critical investment will support the work at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, an important safety net hospital, while advancing progress to end maternal mortality.

Grateful to join @dc37nyc.bsky.social retirees at their holiday party today. Every corner of our city has benefited from their hard work, from our schools to our parks and beyond. Their strength, sacrifice, and leadership uplifts all New Yorkers. Thank you, and happy holidays!

@council.nyc.gov's joint investigation with our state partners revealed that too many medical spas are openly disregarding the law and endangering customers. The systemic issues within this growing industry warrant stricter enforcement and further examination to protect New Yorkers.

While NYC Human Resources Administration's Benefits Access Centers are well-run, they can improve their tech and training programs to more effectively serve New Yorkers who receive public assistance benefits without issue or delay. Addressing these gaps will help both staff and residents.

New Yorkers visiting their loved ones on Rikers too often encounter hurdles and barriers that make their experiences frustrating. Reforms to this process are paramount, and we urge the Department of Corrections to take steps to ensure it is improved.

As flu, COVID, and RSV cases increase across New York, vaccination remains one of the most effective tools to protect public health, especially during the winter months. Stay up to date with vaccinations as we celebrate this holiday season! gothamist.com/news/flu-sea...

City Hall's proposed rules to legalize basement apartments would sabotage New Yorkers from being able to access the new Council-approved pilot program. It's another example of impossible bureaucracy by mayoral agencies that block housing in our city.

The next Mayor and Council will have what is needed for targeted investments to make our city more affordable, while confronting longstanding inequities. Protecting New Yorkers from threats that undermine our fiscal health and stability must remain a top priority.

When there was chaos on the other side of City Hall, New York City Council provided the steady leadership New Yorkers deserve from city government. From historic housing solutions to defending libraries and cultural institutions, this Council prioritized the needs of our communities.