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 Virginia Maloney. Council Member Maloney represents the Fourth Council District in Manhattan which includes the Upper East Side, East Midtown, Kips Bay, Turtle Bay, Murray Hill, Sutton Place, Tudor City, Peter Cooper Village and Stuyvesant Town.
What are your goals for 2026?
My goal is to make government work better for New Yorkers in ways they can actually see: clean and safe streets, reliable services, and a city that’s more affordable. I hope to pass legislation to expand housing options and to address rising hate, all while delivering excellent constituent services. As Chair of the Economic Development Committee, I’m focused on supporting small businesses, investing in workforce development initiatives, and growing the economy for all New Yorkers.
How does your work in the City Council affect constituents in their daily lives?
My office is a resource to the residents in my district, with the goal of improving street conditions, commutes, and access to city services. No issue is too small! My job is also to represent the voice of the community in my legislative work and fight for laws that will improve the lives of New Yorkers. Lastly, through oversight and budget conversations, I hold government agencies accountable for their work and results for my constituents.
What services does your office provide to constituents?
I’m committed to delivering excellent constituent services to residents of District 4. My team is here to help with housing issues, access to public and aging-related benefits, public safety concerns, and transit challenges. We work directly with City agencies to help navigate bureaucracy and resolve issues quickly and effectively. In addition, I’m always looking to leverage what we hear from constituents to inform our legislative work and address the root cause behind problems.
What is the top issue in your district and how are you working to resolve it?
People are worried about street safety and quality of life. I work every day with NYPD, DSNY, DSS, and DOT to respond to quality-of-life concerns, from street lighting and sanitation to homelessness, staying engaged until issues are resolved. I’m working on legislation to address e-bike safety, and I also passed Local Law 297 to strengthen emergency preparedness for houses of worship. Public safety requires strong on-the-ground coordination and effective policy. I am focused on both.
From AARP NYC: 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?
District Four has a large senior population, and I often hear how difficult it’s become to remain in the city. Older New Yorkers rely on DFTA-funded programs, senior centers, and support services to age in place with dignity. Throughout this budget process, I’m working to protect and strengthen those resources so they remain accessible and reliable. Older New Yorkers built this city, and they should be able to remain in it with stability and support.
