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 Shahana Hanif. Council Member Hanif represents the 39th Council District in Brooklyn which includes Kensington, Windsor Terrace, Park Slope, Gowanus, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, the Columbia Waterfront and portions of Boerum Hill and Borough Park.
What are your goals for 2026?
In 2026, my goals are to make Brooklyn more affordable, accessible, and safe for everyone. As chair of the Committee on Disabilities, I’m advancing disability justice and pushing city agencies to center accessibility in their work. I’m protecting tenants, expanding access to public childcare, improving street and pedestrian safety and securing strong investments in our schools and parks. I’m also committed to defending immigrant neighbors and passing a city budget rooted in equity and care.
How does your work in the City Council affect constituents in their daily lives?
My work directly impacts daily life – whether it’s safer streets, stronger tenant protections, cleaner parks, better-funded schools or more accessible city services. After our office flagged hazardous conditions, DSNY crews went out and shoveled specific intersections and pedestrian ramps to improve accessibility following snowstorms. We’ve also supported neighbors with emergency warming resources and timely information during Con Edison outages. Through legislation, budget negotiations and oversight, I fight for the resources our district relies on every day.
What services does your office provide to constituents?
Our office helps connect constituents to city services, for issues big and small. We assist with housing concerns, including tenant advocacy and repairs; help families access public benefits and health care; address sanitation and street safety issues and coordinate with agencies to resolve quality-of-life concerns. We also host two free legal clinics in partnership with CUNY – one focused on housing and one through CUNY Citizenship Now for immigration support – and advocate directly on behalf of residents.
What is the top issue in your district and how are you working to resolve it?
Affordability remains the top issue in our district. Rising rents, childcare costs and everyday expenses are putting pressure on families. I’m working to strengthen tenant protections, invest in deeply affordable housing, expand access to childcare and food assistance and secure funding for community-based organizations. My office also works case-by-case – supporting NYCHA tenants, holding negligent landlords accountable and helping residents stay housed. Through the budget process and legislation, I’m fighting to keep longtime neighbors in their homes.
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?
Ensuring older adults can age in place with dignity is essential. I support increasing the share of the NYC budget allocated to NYC Aging/DFTA so providers can meet growing and evolving needs. I’m proud to fund Heights and Hills for engaging programming, caregiver support, case management, and other critical services that uplift older adults. I will continue advocating for investments that make our city more affordable, accessible and supportive for older New Yorkers.
