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 Gale Brewer. Council Member Brewer represents the Sixth Council District in Manhattan which includes the Upper West Side, Lincoln Square, Hell’s Kitchen and Central Park.
What are your goals for 2026?
My focus is on affordable housing, public safety, owner operated stores and vacant storefronts, public schools, immigrants and figuring out the best use of streets and sidewalks for pedestrians, bikes, cars, delivery trucks and those who are disabled. I am also focused on ensuring a substantive agenda for the Committee on Governmental Operations, which I chair, and ensuring a robust agenda with outcomes for the Women’s Caucus, which I co-chair. We are hosting roundtables with women’s groups in every borough.
How does your work in the City Council affect constituents in their daily lives?
We answer the requests of hundreds of emails, calls and walk-ins every day. The questions are diverse; some want a tree pit filled, others want to remove the scaffolding, and get the e-bikes to follow the rules of the road. We use participatory budgeting to address smaller budget issues, and we passed legislation to mandate that the apps identify bike operators with a number and buy them lights, vests and other safety equipment.
What services does your office provide to constituents?
We have a storefront office in the district and hundreds of people come in for services. We also have weekly and monthly sessions from organizations that come to the office to work with constituents who ask about SCRIE/DRIE, veteran benefits, food stamps/SNAP, cash assistance, immigration, housing (legal) and OATH. Staff and interns address every case that comes in by email, phone call or walk-in. This work helps individuals and groups in their daily lives.
What is the top issue in your district and how are you working to resolve it?
The top issue is that ABC television left their 2.4-acre facility on West 67-66 Streets and now it is owned by a private developer. The issue for us is to agree on a development that includes a maximum amount of affordable housing and a building that is not taller than the others in the neighborhood. I am also working to save West-Park Presbyterian Church, a church/cultural center that I landmarked, from demolition.
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 support allocating more funding to DFTA. As of 2023-24, 16%-19% of NYC’s population is aged 65 or older. The number is 1,36-1.55 million people, and it grew 17 times faster than the city’s total population between 2000 and 2023. We work with NYC Grow to sponsor $10 bags ($20 value) of fresh fruits and vegetables for older adults during the growing season and we deliver to centers, block associations and buildings for them.
