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Council Members Retreat

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City & State is hosting our New York City Council Members Retreat. Esteemed speakers, officials and public policy leaders discuss a broad array of topics new and long time Council Members are usually expected to learn, operate and implement on the job. We are inviting all Council Members (and other levels of NYC government), with previous Council Members and more joining the discussions.

This is a closed event not open to the public. It will be only for new and existing councilmembers, invited speakers and sponsors of the event.

For more information, please email events@cityandstateny.com.

Attend the Event

Friday December 5, 2025

Friday December 5, 2025

9:00 am - 3:30 pm

9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Museum of Jewish Heritage

36 Battery Place

New York, NY 

Museum of Jewish Heritage

36 Battery Place

New York, NY 

Dress Code:

Parking Information

Additional Information: 

Agenda

Times are subject to change.

9:00 AM EST Friday, December 05

9:30 AM EST Friday, December 05

9:35 AM EST Friday, December 05

Adrienne Adams
Adrienne Adams
Speaker
New York City Council
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9:50 AM EST Friday, December 05

The NYC budget is a key tool for advancing policy, funding services, and addressing
district needs. This panel offers a practical overview of the Council Member’s role in
the budget process—from securing funding in negotiations, advocating for priorities,
navigating discretionary and capital funding, and working with community partners
to deliver results.

The NYC budget is a key tool for advancing policy, funding services, and addressing
district needs. This panel offers a practical overview of the Council Member’s role in
the budget process—from securing funding in negotiations, advocating for priorities,
navigating discretionary and capital funding, and working with community partners
to deliver results.

Council Member Justin Brannan
Council Member Justin Brannan
Chair
Finance Committee
Louisa Chafee
Louisa Chafee
Director
NYC Independent Budget Office
Debbie Brown
Debbie Brown
Director for Intergovernmental Affairs
New York City Mayor's Office of Management and Budget
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10:35 AM EST Friday, December 05

10:50 AM EST Friday, December 05

Brad Lander
Brad Lander
Comptroller
City of New York
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11:05 AM EST Friday, December 05

From public schools to CUNY, education at all levels is central to the city’s future.
This panel will highlight major issues in K–12 and higher education, including school
funding, class size, special education, CUNY access and affordability, and the
Council’s role in shaping education policy and oversight. Learn how to advocate
effectively for students across the system.

From public schools to CUNY, education at all levels is central to the city’s future.
This panel will highlight major issues in K–12 and higher education, including school
funding, class size, special education, CUNY access and affordability, and the
Council’s role in shaping education policy and oversight. Learn how to advocate
effectively for students across the system.

Council Member Rita Joseph
Council Member Rita Joseph
Chair
Education Committee
Council Member Eric Dinowitz
Council Member Eric Dinowitz
Chair
Higher Education Committee
Lara	Lai
Lara Lai
Senior Policy Analyst and Strategic Organizer for Education
Office of the NYC Comptroller
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11:50 AM EST Friday, December 05

Access to quality healthcare remains a critical issue across New York City. This panel
will explore key healthcare priorities for Council Members, including public hospital
funding, mental health services, healthcare access for uninsured and immigrant
populations, and the intersection of health and housing. Learn how the Council can
shape policy, allocate resources, and advocate for a healthier NYC.

Access to quality healthcare remains a critical issue across New York City. This panel
will explore key healthcare priorities for Council Members, including public hospital
funding, mental health services, healthcare access for uninsured and immigrant
populations, and the intersection of health and housing. Learn how the Council can
shape policy, allocate resources, and advocate for a healthier NYC.

Council Member Lynn Schulman
Council Member Lynn Schulman
Chair
Health Committee
Sara W. Gardner
Sara W. Gardner
Chief Executive Officer
Fund for Public Health NYC
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse
Chair
Hospitals Committee
Karen Ignagni
Karen Ignagni
Executive Chair
EmblemHealth
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12:35 PM EST Friday, December 05

1:30 PM EST Friday, December 05

This panel explores how Council Members can advance inclusive growth by
connecting job training, small business support, and affordable housing.
Learn how aligned investments in workforce and housing can drive
economic opportunity across the city.

This panel explores how Council Members can advance inclusive growth by
connecting job training, small business support, and affordable housing.
Learn how aligned investments in workforce and housing can drive
economic opportunity across the city.

Cecilia Kushner
Cecilia Kushner
Chief Strategy Officer, President Office
New York City Economic Development Corporation
Alicka Ampry-Samuel
Alicka Ampry-Samuel
Former New York City Councilmember
Former Regional HUD Administrator
Dynishal Gross
Dynishal Gross
Commissioner
NYC Department of Small Business Services
Read More
2:15 PM EST Friday, December 05

This panel explores how Council Members can advance inclusive growth by connecting job training, small business support, and affordable housing. Learn how aligned investments in workforce and housing can drive economic opportunity across the city.

This panel explores how Council Members can advance inclusive growth by connecting job training, small business support, and affordable housing. Learn how aligned investments in workforce and housing can drive economic opportunity across the city.

Ahmed Tigani
Ahmed Tigani
Acting Commissioner
New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development
David Do
David Do
Commissioner
New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission
Council Member Selvena N.Brooks-Powers
Council Member Selvena N.Brooks-Powers
Chair
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
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3:00 PM EST Friday, December 05

Participating candidates will debate all major issues surrounding the City Council Speaker election to be held in December.

Participating candidates will debate all major issues surrounding the City Council Speaker election to be held in December.

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3:40 PM EST Friday, December 05

Underwriters

PLATINUM

GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE