New York City Council | Government Profile

New York City's legislative body

About New York City Council

The New York City Council is the city’s legislative branch, made up of 51 elected Council Members representing districts across the five boroughs. It passes local laws, negotiates and approves the city budget, oversees municipal agencies, and reviews land-use decisions. The supplied Rafael Salamanca page appears outdated: the Council’s current 2026 roster lists Justin E. Sanchez for District 17, while Kevin C. Riley chairs the Land Use Committee. council.nyc.gov

What they do

The Council introduces and votes on local legislation, conducts oversight hearings on city agencies, participates in the annual budget process, and makes decisions on zoning, landmark designations, city-owned land, and public facilities. Its Land Use Committee reviews applications involving zoning actions, landmarks, and other city land-use matters before full-Council votes. council.nyc.gov

Who they serve

The Council serves New York City residents through district-level representation and citywide policymaking. Its 51 districts cover the five boroughs, and Council Members address constituent concerns while shaping laws, funding priorities, agency oversight, and neighborhood development decisions. council.nyc.gov

Recent signals

The Council’s official roster, identified as current as of August 29, 2026, lists Justin E. Sanchez as the representative for District 17 in the Bronx. council.nyc.gov
The current Land Use Committee page lists Kevin C. Riley as chair and assigns the committee jurisdiction over zoning, landmark designations, city land, and public facilities. council.nyc.gov
In April 2026, the Council reported passing 111 bills, introducing more than 1,200 legislative items, and holding 84 oversight hearings during the first 100 days of the term. council.nyc.gov
The Council’s current land-use materials describe a process involving subcommittee review, Land Use Committee action, a full-Council vote, and possible mayoral approval or veto. council.nyc.gov

Reasons to get in touch

District 17’s representation has changed: the Council’s current roster lists Justin E. Sanchez rather than Rafael Salamanca, creating a basis for discussing continuity of South Bronx priorities and constituent services. council.nyc.gov
The Land Use Committee now operates under Chair Kevin C. Riley and handles zoning, landmark, city-land, and public-facility actions—relevant to specialists working on housing, development, preservation, or public planning. council.nyc.gov
The 2026 Council reported 111 bills passed, more than 1,200 pieces of legislation introduced, and 84 oversight hearings during its first 100 days, indicating a particularly active legislative and oversight agenda. council.nyc.gov
The Council’s land-use process includes subcommittee review, Land Use Committee action, a full 51-member vote, and possible mayoral approval or veto, making procedural and community-engagement expertise potentially relevant. council.nyc.gov

Questions worth asking them

How is District 17’s transition from Rafael Salamanca to Justin E. Sanchez affecting the continuity of South Bronx housing, infrastructure, and development priorities? council.nyc.gov
Which types of zoning or land-use applications are currently creating the greatest need for community input or technical review? council.nyc.gov
What oversight areas are receiving the greatest attention from the Council during the 2026 term? council.nyc.gov