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 Sandy Nurse. Council Member Nurse represents the 37th Council District in Brooklyn which includes the neighborhoods of Bushwick, Brownsville, Cypress Hills, Cityline and East New York.
What are your goals for 2026?
In 2026, my focus remains clear: keep New Yorkers housed, employed, and protected, especially as we confront the worst impacts of the Trump administration. I’ll continue fighting for immigrant protections, housing justice, and stronger worker rights so families in Bushwick, Brownsville, Cypress Hills, City Line, and East New York can stay and thrive. Expect more big investments in our local infrastructure, more investments in social services and more policies that put working people first.
How does your work in the City Council affect constituents in their daily lives?
City Council decisions shape daily life for working New Yorkers. This year, I passed legislation protecting tenants from illegal rent overcharges and expanding protected leave so workers don’t have to choose between attending a benefits hearing and earning a paycheck. When we strengthen housing stability and worker protections, families gain breathing room. Good policy isn’t abstract, it means fewer evictions, steadier incomes and more security at home.
What services does your office provide to constituents?
Our office delivers hands-on support every day. We’ve closed hundreds of cases spanning housing, aging, public safety, health care, transportation, and more. We host monthly and bi-monthly clinics providing direct help with housing applications, immigration services, veterans benefits, and senior resources. Our team’s slogan is “Small, but Mighty” and constituents know when they connect with our office, they’ll get the support they need.
What is the top issue in your district and how are you working to resolve it?
The top issue in my district is housing, and I have worked to resolve it on multiple fronts. Whether that be through passing legislation to ensure that all city-funded housing have 50% of units set aside for extremely and very-low incomes or serving on a task force to replace the harmful tax lien sale with a city land bank. Our office also partners with Communities Resist to provide bi-weekly housing legal clinics to our constituents.
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! Our seniors deserve to have the funding necessary to age in their neighborhoods with dignity.
