Inside Government is a Q&A series that gives New Yorkers a glimpse inside the role of the elected officials who represent them. This edition of Inside Government with PoliticsNY, sponsored by AARP New York City, features New York City Council Member Mercedes Narcisse. Council Member Narcisse represents the 46th Council District in Brooklyn which includes Bergen Beach, Canarsie, Flatlands, Georgetown, Gerritsen Beach, Marine Park, Mill Basin, Mill Island and Sheepshead Bay.
What are your goals for 2026?
In 2026, my goal is simple: make sure government works for the people it serves. As a nurse, I learned you stay with the problem until it’s solved, and that’s how I approach public service. I will continue strengthening our schools, hospitals, parks and ensuring residents are heard. My focus is on accountability and delivering real results for working families.
How does your work in the City Council affect constituents in their daily lives?
Most people don’t think about the City Council in their daily lives, but they experience our work every day. It’s whether the park is clean, the school has resources, the hospital is properly staffed or a city agency actually works for them. My responsibility is to make sure services show up for our neighborhoods. When government does its job well, families feel it in their everyday lives.
What services does your office provide to constituents?
Our office is hands-on and accessible. We help residents navigate housing and city agency issues, provide free access to attorneys weekly, host two weekly food giveaways, and organize community forums so people can be heard. We offer dedicated services for veterans, immigration assistance for families, support for seniors and small businesses and more!
What is the top issue in your district and how are you working to resolve it?
The top issue in my district is everyday quality of life. Residents care about clean streets, abandoned cars being removed, parks being maintained and city services responding when they call. These may not sound dramatic, but they affect how people feel in their own neighborhoods. I work closely with city agencies to push for faster responses, stronger enforcement and the resources our community deserves.
From AARP New York City: Will you commit to raising the percentage of the overall NYC budget that goes to NYC Aging/DFTA to ensure older adults can age with dignity in the communities they helped build?
Yes. I believe older adults deserve the ability to age with dignity in the communities they helped build. I will continue advocating for increased investment in NYC Aging and the services seniors rely on, from meal programs and case management to transportation and older adult centers.
