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 Christopher Marte. Council Member Marte represents the First Council District in Manhattan which includes the Lower East Side, Chinatown, the Financial District, Battery Park City, Tribeca, Governors Island, Little Italy, Soho and Hudson Square.
What are your goals for 2026?
My goals for 2026 are to advance affordable housing, protect public land for public good and strengthen neighborhood resiliency. I am focused on ensuring city agencies are responsive to community concerns, supporting small businesses and making Lower Manhattan more livable for working families. I also want to continue building transparent, community-driven processes that give residents real power in shaping their neighborhoods.
How does your work in the City Council affect constituents in their daily lives?
My work impacts everyday quality of life. Whether it is fighting for stronger tenant protections or better access to city services, we focus on practical outcomes people can feel. I push city agencies to respond quickly to issues like sanitation, traffic safety and construction impacts, while also advancing legislation that protects affordability, strengthens neighborhoods and ensures government decisions reflect community needs.
What services does your office provide to constituents?
Our office helps residents navigate city government and access services. We assist constituents with housing issues, benefits, immigration and language access, sanitation and street conditions, small business concerns, and quality-of-life issues. We speak seven different languages in our office and are located in the heart of Chinatown to be as accessible as possible. We also support community groups, schools, and local organizations, connect residents to city agencies and advocate directly when problems arise.
What is the top issue in your district and how are you working to resolve it?
My district needs more community-led rezonings like the Chinatown Working Group plan that puts affordability before the profits of real estate developers.
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?
Our budget is a statement of values, we have to support the people who built this city, who worked in our schools and in our agencies. For the past four years, I have been fighting on the front lines for our seniors and their health care, and I am hopeful this administration will heed the call and support our retirees.
