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 features Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman Sigal. Borough President Hoylman-Sigal serves as an advocate for Manhattan in city government, working alongside the mayor on the city budget while also playing a role in land use decisions within the borough and appointing community board members.
What is one of the lesser-known roles of a borough president that you believe constituents should know more about?
Many Manhattanites don’t realize the borough president directs significant tax dollars into public and nonprofit capital initiatives. This year, amid cuts and attacks on free expression from the Trump administration, I dedicated our entire $50 million capital allotment to the Arts. As Joseph Papp said, art is a public good belonging to everyone. It’s also smart economics — creative industries employ a quarter million Manhattanites and contribute $116 billion annually to the city’s economy alone.
How do you advocate on behalf of your borough in citywide affairs?
Advocating for Manhattan means building relationships at every level of government. I work closely with the mayor, council speaker, council members, state legislators and members of Congress. My role gives me a 360-degree view of Manhattan as its only elected official and sole appointer of community board members. That’s why I’ve brought in an independent review panel of nonprofits to help select the best applicants, ensuring our boards get the serious consideration they deserve.
What are your current priorities for the borough?
My agenda as borough president rests on three pillars: housing, culture, and community. Manhattan needs 400,000 more housing units; I approved every proposal on my desk, over 1,800 units, 676 affordable, and created a director for borough organizing to protect tenants. Our Manhattan Multiplier turned taxpayer capital into $85 million for 55 cultural institutions and 28 schools. I’m strengthening community boards, launching neighborhood report cards, and fostering dialogue through townhalls and our borough book club.
Is there a current or upcoming project that you are excited to see completed in your borough?
It used to be said a real New Yorker knew the Second Avenue Subway would never be completed. No longer! I’m thrilled four of the nation’s most important infrastructure projects – the new Port Authority Bus Terminal, Gateway, a new Penn Station, and the Second Avenue Subway – are happening in Manhattan. I’m elated by new housing too, especially converting the former Bayview facility in Chelsea into 131 permanently affordable units, over half supportive housing.
If you could plan the perfect day out in your borough, what would you do?
The perfect day for me in Manhattan would be with my husband, David, and daughters Silvia and Lucy. We’d begin with a morning walk through a farmers market – Union Square Greenmarket turns 50 this year – then a Broadway matinee, and dinner at a favorite restaurant, assuming we agree on a venue. What’s wonderful about Manhattan: you do not always need to plan – just step outside and the borough’s attractions await.
