Heard Around Town
Selvena Brooks-Powers pitches new subcommittee focused on federal government
The New York City Council speaker candidate said the committee is necessary amid federal funding threats.
Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers William Alatriste/NYC Council Media Unit
City Council speaker candidate Selvena Brooks-Powers is pitching a new City Council Subcommittee on Federal Affairs to focus on federal funding threats, Brooks-Powers exclusively told City & State. The pitch is part of her platform to succeed Speaker Adrienne Adams and lead the body starting next year.
The subcommittee would be focused on preparing for possible cuts, chronicling impact to the city from cuts and from possible escalated immigration enforcement, and coordinating with other local governments. In 2024, the current speaker combined the Committee on State and Federal Legislation and the Committee on Governmental Operations to create the existing Committee on Governmental Operations, State and Federal Legislation. Brooks-Powers’ proposed subcommittee would fall under that committee.
“We must prepare for further federal service cuts, attacks on immigrant communities, interference with public safety measures, and efforts to strip billions from much-needed infrastructure projects,” Brooks-Powers said in a letter to fellow council members. “Given the scale of the threat from Washington, federal affairs now require exclusive attention, expanded oversight, and a full-time Council response.”
Though it’s an internal vote, candidates for speaker are each handling the inside game and the outside game in a different way. Like Brooks-Powers, Council Members Amanda Farías and Chris Marte have made public policy pitches. Farías wants to provide child care for council members and staff, and Marte has published a website with a detailed speaker platform. Crystal Hudson and Julie Menin have both rolled out high-profile congressional validators, with Rep. Greg Meeks stumping for Menin and Reps. Nydia Velázquez and Yvette Clarke backing Hudson. All the candidates have appeared at at least one public forum. The council has also held closed-door members-only forums with candidates. Several candidates have also sent “Dear Colleague” letters outlining their leadership approach.