New York City Council Progressive Caucus

Last updated
New York City Council
Progressive Caucus
Co-chairs Sandy Nurse
Shahana Hanif
Vice chairs Jennifer Gutiérrez
Carmen De La Rosa
Founded2009;16 years ago (2009)
Ideology Progressivism
Political position Left-wing
National affiliation Democratic Party
Seats in the New York City Council Democratic Caucus
18 / 44
Seats in the New York City Council
18 / 51
Website
Council website
Caucus website

The Progressive Caucus of the New York City Council is a bloc of progressive New York City Council members that was formed in 2009. [1] In 2010, the Caucus consisted of 12 members, nearly 25% of the 51-member New York City Council. [2] The caucus grew to 35 members following the 2021 city council elections, before narrowing to 20 members in February 2023 following new bylaws requiring members to sign on to their Statement of Principles. [3] It is co-chaired by Shahana Hanif (D-Brooklyn) and Lincoln Restler (D-Brooklyn). Jennifer Gutierrez (D-Brooklyn) and Carmen De La Rosa (D-Manhattan) are Vice Co-Chairs. [1] [4]

Contents

Statement of principles

The Progressive Caucus's stated objective is to create a "more just and equal New York City, combating all forms of discrimination, and advancing policies that offer genuine opportunities to all New Yorkers, especially those who have been left out of our society's prosperity." [5] The Caucus's stated principles prioritize:

Legislative agenda

The Progressive Caucus website shares 7 issue areas with related bills that they are prioritizing. They are:

  1. Banning Solitary Confinement
  2. Prohibiting housing discrimination on the basis of arrest record or criminal history
  3. The "Public Bank Package"
  4. Police Transparency
  5. The "Zero Waste Package"
  6. Creating Permanently Affordable Housing
  7. The Earned Safe and Sick Time Act Expansion for Gig Workers [6]

History

The Progressive Caucus was formed in 2009 order to promote policies focused on building "a more just and equal New York City." [7] The Caucus initially consisted of 12 members, co-chaired by Brad Lander (D-Brooklyn) and Melissa Mark-Viverito (D-Manhattan/Bronx). [8]

In July 2016, the caucus encouraged New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to sign an anti-Airbnb bill into law. [9] This bill, the first of its kind as it pertained to regulation of Airbnb, [9] was signed into law in the state of New York on October 21, 2016. [10] Also, in November 2016, the caucus endorsed Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison for chairman of the Democratic National Committee. [11]

The caucus launched the Progressive Caucus Alliance as a campaign arm for the group ahead of the 2017 election, endorsing a slate of incumbent members and idealogically aligned challengers. [12] The group was inactive until 2025, when it endorsed a slate of incumbent members for the 2025 election. [13]

Members

Current membership includes the following members: [1] [4]

Membership during the 2018-2021 term included the following members: [7]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "About Us". 2011-02-08. Retrieved 2023-01-12.
  2. ↑ Chen, David W. (2010-03-23). "12 New York City Council Members Form Liberal Bloc". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 2017-01-23.
  3. ↑ Mays, Jeffery C.; Fitzsimmons, Emma G. (2023-02-17). "What Does It Mean to Be a Progressive in New York City?". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 2023-02-21.
  4. 1 2 "Council Members & Districts". New York City Council. Retrieved 2023-01-12.
  5. 1 2 "Statement of Principles". 2011-02-18. Retrieved 2017-01-23.
  6. ↑ "The Progressive Agenda". Progressive Caucus of the New York City Council. 2019-02-21. Retrieved 2023-02-21.
  7. 1 2 "About Us". 2011-02-08. Retrieved 2017-01-23.
  8. ↑ "Why We Are Launching the New York City Council Progressive Caucus | Brad Lander". bradlander.nyc. Retrieved 2017-01-23.
  9. 1 2 "NYC Council progressive caucus pushes for anti-Airbnb law". NY Daily News. Retrieved 2017-01-23.
  10. ↑ Conley, Kirstan; Fredericks, Bob (2016-10-21). "Cuomo signs bill that deals huge blow to Airbnb". New York Post. Retrieved 2017-01-23.
  11. ↑ "NYC Council Progressive Caucus Backs Keith Ellison for DNC Chair". Observer. 2016-11-22. Retrieved 2017-01-23.
  12. ↑ Trangle, Sarina (March 21, 2021). "Primed for the primaries: Political organizations stake out their candidates for the 2017 New York City Council election". City & State . Retrieved March 8, 2025.
  13. ↑ Krichevsky, Sophie (March 7, 2025). "City Council Progressive Caucus Alliance backs Jumaane Williams – and themselves – in first endorsements". City & State . Retrieved March 8, 2025.
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