Over the past several weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to spend time throughout District 13 meeting with students, seniors, tenants, community leaders, and neighbors. Whether attending local events, visiting schools, participating in environmental initiatives, or hearing directly from residents at community meetings, these experiences continue to remind me why I chose to serve our community. 

One of the highlights of the past month was attending several Memorial Day events across the district. I was honored to participate in the Edgewater Park Volunteer Fire Department Memorial Day ceremony at the Shaw Memorial, where we joined together to remember and honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. It was also a privilege to recognize the Edgewater Park Ladies Auxiliary as they celebrated 100 years of service to the community. I would also like to thank the Morris Park and Van Nest communities for welcoming me to their Memorial Day commemorations, as well as the organizers of the City Island Memorial Day Parade. These events serve as important reminders of the sacrifices made by those who have served our country and the responsibility we share to honor their legacy. 

I was also fortunate to spend time with students participating in hands-on environmental education programs throughout the district. Alongside NYC H2O, I joined a shoreline cleanup at Turtle Cove with participants from the Department of Youth and Community Development’s Young Men’s Initiative and DYCD Commissioner Rattray. Together, volunteers removed more than 500 pounds of trash from the shoreline. I also visited Orchard Beach with students from P.S. 108, where they learned about our local ecosystem and observed horseshoe crabs in their natural habitat. These experiences not only connect young people to the environment but also help them develop a deeper appreciation for the natural resources that exist right here in our community. 



Programs like these are exactly why I am proud to support organizations such as NYC H2O and the City Island Oyster Reef through discretionary funding. As someone who has always loved science and learning about the natural world, I am especially inspired by opportunities that bring students closer to environmental education and discovery. Their work provides students with meaningful educational experiences while fostering environmental stewardship and community engagement, and I look forward to continuing to support and fund organizations that make this important work possible. 

On another visit, I stopped by Pelham Lab High School, where students showcased the knowledge they gained through GrowNYC’s Farmstand Business Curriculum. Through the program, students learn about urban agriculture, food justice, climate change, entrepreneurship, and community health. It was inspiring to see their hard work come to life through a community food distribution event and to hear firsthand about what they had learned. 

In addition to attending events throughout the district, I continue to participate in community meetings and engage directly with residents about issues affecting their neighborhoods. Quality-of-life concerns remain a top priority. Residents deserve clean and safe streets, healthy environments, and communities where families can thrive. My office remains committed to addressing environmental concerns, monitoring the impacts of development, and supporting the institutions and public spaces that strengthen our neighborhoods. 



Since taking office in January, one of my goals has been to build a responsive and effective team that reflects the community we serve. Today, our office is fully staffed and focused on improving communication with city agencies, expanding community outreach, and responding to constituent concerns as quickly and effectively as possible. Whether you are organizing an event, coordinating a community initiative, or seeking assistance with a city agency, my office is here to be a partner and resource. 

Sanitation remains one of the most frequent concerns we hear from residents. From overflowing litter baskets and illegal dumping to rodent issues and inconsistent collection services, these challenges affect quality of life across our neighborhoods. My team works closely with the Department of Sanitation to elevate complaints, advocate for stronger enforcement, and improve responsiveness. In addition, our office supports supplemental cleaning efforts through partnerships with organizations such as ACE, NYC H2O, and DSNY. If you encounter sanitation or graffiti issues, I encourage you to first submit a 311 report and then contact our office so we can help follow up with the appropriate agency. 



As always, I remain committed to supporting the organizations, institutions, and community partners that make District 13 such a special place to live. By working together, listening to one another, and investing in our neighborhoods, we can continue building a stronger community for everyone.

While much of my time is spent in our neighborhoods meeting with residents and local organizations, I am also working at City Hall to advance policies and secure resources that benefit District 13. The concerns I hear from constituents directly shape my priorities, whether that means advocating for quality-of-life improvements, fighting for critical funding, or supporting legislation that strengthens our communities. 

One of the most important responsibilities of the City Council is negotiating the City's budget. This budget determines how resources are allocated to the services New Yorkers rely on every day - from public safety and sanitation to senior services, parks, and education. Throughout this budget season, I have worked alongside my Council colleagues to advocate for investments that support working families, older adults, homeowners, and neighborhoods across our city. 



I was encouraged to see that the Mayor's Executive Budget does not include a property tax increase. At a time when many families continue to face rising costs, protecting homeowners from additional financial burdens while maintaining essential city services remains a priority. The Executive Budget also includes continued investments in programs that support older adults, students, public safety, and neighborhood quality of life. 

As a member of the Council's Finance Committee, I have participated in Executive Budget hearings and questioned agency leaders about how taxpayer dollars are being spent and whether agencies are meeting the needs of our communities. These hearings are an important opportunity to hold city government accountable and ensure residents receive the services they deserve. 

As a member of the Committee on Aging, I am proud to support efforts that help restore funding for older adult services. These investments help ensure seniors can continue accessing meals, wellness programs, social activities, case management, and other critical services that allow them to remain active, healthy, and connected to their communities. 



I have also continued advocating for improvements at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi. During Health Committee discussions, concerns were raised regarding the Pediatric Fluoroscopy System and the Radiology equipment which has reportedly been out of service for more than two years. This specialized equipment plays an important role in diagnosing and treating pediatric patients, and I have joined colleagues in calling attention to the issue and advocating for the resources necessary to address both this and other pressing needs at Jacobi Hospital. 

Beyond the budget process, I remain committed to advancing policies that improve quality of life across District 13 and New York City. I have supported legislation addressing illegal dumping, sanitation enforcement, older adult services, public health, consumer protections, caregiver support, and neighborhood safety. These proposals reflect concerns I hear directly from residents and represent practical steps toward building cleaner, safer, and more responsive communities. 

As a member of the Progressive Caucus, I was proud to support the launch of Rentals Within Reach, a FY27 initiative focused on restoring public housing as a cornerstone of affordable housing in New York City. The proposal calls for significant investments to repair and bring vacant NYCHA apartments back online, helping thousands of families access safe and affordable housing more quickly. With more than 6,000 NYCHA units currently vacant, we must do everything possible to make these homes available to New Yorkers who need them. Every apartment restored represents an opportunity to provide stability, affordability, and dignity to a family seeking a place to call home. 



Lastly, I had the honor of joining Council Members David Carr and Kamila Hanks in presenting a proclamation to Ambassador Blerim Reka, Representative of the Republic of Kosovo to the United Nations. While this year's Kosovo Independence celebration at City Hall was cancelled due to snowstorms, it was a privilege to recognize Ambassador Reka's service and celebrate the contributions of the Kosovar community.