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 Phil Wong. Council Member Wong represents the 30th Council District in Queens which includes the neighborhoods of Middle Village, Maspeth, Elmhurst, Ridgewood, Glendale and Rego Park.
What are your goals for 2026?
My focus is improving quality of life across District 30. That means safer streets, better enforcement, cleaner neighborhoods and real accountability from city agencies. I’m pushing for infrastructure upgrades, addressing overdevelopment, and making sure our schools and parks get the resources they deserve. Above all, I want residents to see real results when they reach out to my office.
How does your work in the City Council affect constituents in their daily lives?
Everything we do comes back to daily life. Whether it’s fixing potholes, restoring street lights, improving public safety or fighting unfair property tax burdens, my job is to cut through bureaucracy and deliver results. I bring district concerns directly into hearings and work with agencies to make sure issues are addressed quickly and responsibly.
What services does your office provide to constituents?
My office helps residents navigate city government and get results. We assist with issues like sanitation, transportation, housing, permits and quality of life concerns. We also help resolve problems with agencies, connect people to services, and advocate on their behalf. Whether it’s a missed pickup or a major infrastructure issue, we make sure constituents are heard.
What is the top issue in your district and how are you working to resolve it?
Quality of life and overdevelopment remain top concerns. Residents are seeing more strain on infrastructure, parking and services. I’m actively pushing back against policies that allow unchecked development while advocating for investments in infrastructure, enforcement and planning. I’m also working closely with agencies and the community to ensure growth is responsible and respects neighborhood character.
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 built these communities, and they deserve to age with dignity. I support increasing funding for NYC Aging to expand senior centers, home care, transportation and social services. We need to ensure older adults can stay in their homes, remain connected and access the support they need without being pushed out of the neighborhoods they helped create.
