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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
Dress Code:
Business Casual
Parking Information
Discounted parking is available at GGMC Parking (8 2nd PL) parking garage. Present your parking ticket at the welcome desk for discount validation.
Additional Information:
For more information, contact Lissa Blake at lblake@cityandstateny.com
Agenda
Times are subject to change.
Adrienne Adams
SpeakerNew York City Council
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.
Beth Finkel (Moderator)
State Director, New York State OfficeAARP
Council Member Justin Brannan
ChairFinance Committee
Louisa Chafee
DirectorNYC Independent Budget Office
Debbie Brown
Director for Intergovernmental AffairsNew York City Mayor's Office of Management and Budget
Marian Guerra
SVP, NonProfitsKasirer
Bob Harding
ShareholderGreenberg Traurig
Carlina Rivera
President and CEONYSAFAH
Kyle Markland
Chief Executive OfficerMunicipal Credit Union
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.
Sahalie Donaldson (Moderator)
City Hall reporterCity & State New York
Council Member Rita Joseph
ChairEducation Committee
Council Member Eric Dinowitz
ChairHigher Education Committee
Lara Lai
Senior Policy Analyst and Strategic Organizer for EducationOffice of the NYC Comptroller
Carolyne Quintana
CEOTeaching Matters
Arlen Benjamin-Gomez
Executive DirectorEdTrust-New York
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.
Yaritza Holguin (Moderator)
PrincipalEve & Co.
Council Member Lynn Schulman
ChairHealth Committee
Sara W. Gardner
Chief Executive OfficerFund for Public Health NYC
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse
ChairHospitals Committee
Karen Ignagni
Executive ChairEmblemHealth
Zach Hennessey
Chief Strategy Officer & EVP, WholeYouNYCPublic Health Solutions
Jessica Walker
President and CEOManhattan Chamber of Commerce
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.
Greg Morris (Moderator)
CEONYCETC
Alicka Ampry-Samuel
Former New York City CouncilmemberFormer Regional HUD Administrator
Dr. Jeffrey R. Ginsburg
President and CEOVolunteers of America (Greater New York)
Dynishal Gross
CommissionerNYC Department of Small Business Services
Cecilia Kushner
Chief Strategy OfficerNew York City Economic Development Corporation
Richard Izquierdo Arroyo
Chief Operating OfficerNeighborhood Association for Inter-Cultural Affairs
Abdullah Younus
Vice President, Advocacy & Government RelationsUnited Way of New York City
New York City is undertaking major transportation and construction projects that shape neighborhoods and impact daily life. This panel will highlight key initiatives—including transit expansions, road improvements, and large-scale developments—while exploring funding, community engagement, and the Council’s role in oversight and advocacy.
New York City is undertaking major transportation and construction projects that shape neighborhoods and impact daily life. This panel will highlight key initiatives—including transit expansions, road improvements, and large-scale developments—while exploring funding, community engagement, and the Council’s role in oversight and advocacy.
Sharon Lee (Moderator)
PartnerEve & Co.
Ahmed Tigani
Acting CommissionerNew York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development
David Do
CommissionerNew York City Taxi & Limousine Commission
Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers
ChairCommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Patrick B. Jenkins
PresidentPatrick B. Jenkins & Associates
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.
Jonathan Bing (Moderator)
Shareholder, Government Law & Policy PracticeGreenberg Traurig
Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers
ChairCommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Majority Leader Amanda Farías
District 18New York City Council
Council Member Christopher Marte
District 1New York City Council
Council Member Julie Menin
District 5New York City Council
Council Member Crystal Hudson
District 35New York City Council
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