Donovan Richards

Donovan Richards is an American politician serving as the Borough President of Queens, the largest borough in New York City. A member of the Democratic Party, he was elected in a 2020 special election and subsequently won a full term in the 2021 citywide elections. His tenure has focused on equitable economic recovery, affordable housing, and climate resilience, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City.

Early life and education

Born and raised in the Far Rockaway section of Queens, his upbringing in a working-class community deeply influenced his later policy focus. He attended local public schools before pursuing higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Politics from the State University of New York at Old Westbury. He later obtained a Master of Public Administration from the Metropolitan College of New York, solidifying his academic foundation in public service and policy analysis.

Political career

His political career began as a community organizer, advocating for environmental justice and affordable housing in Southeast Queens. He served as a senior aide to then-City Council Member James Sanders Jr., focusing on district issues. In 2013, he was elected to represent the 31st District in the New York City Council, succeeding Sanders. During his nearly seven-year tenure on the Council, he chaired the influential Committee on Environmental Protection and served on the Committee on Public Safety and the Committee on Land Use.

Queens Borough President

He assumed the office of Borough President in December 2020 following a special election victory, becoming the first African American to hold the position. His administration quickly launched the "Queens Recovery Task Force" to address the multifaceted crises stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant early initiative was the "Blueprint for Queens," a comprehensive plan focusing on economic development, public health, and infrastructure. In 2021, he was elected to a full four-year term, defeating Republican candidate Thomas Zmich.

Policy positions and initiatives

A central pillar of his agenda has been advancing climate resilience, particularly for coastal neighborhoods like Far Rockaway vulnerable to sea-level rise and storms like Hurricane Sandy. He has been a vocal proponent of the "Climate Resiliency Plan" for the Rockaway Peninsula. On housing, he has advocated for mandatory inclusionary zoning and the preservation of public housing. He has also championed equitable economic development through support for small businesses, workforce training programs, and investments in cultural institutions like the Queens Museum and the New York Hall of Science.

Personal life

He resides in Far Rockaway with his wife, Leanne, and their two children. He is a member of the First Baptist Church of Far Rockaway and has been open about the personal impact of gun violence, which has shaped his advocacy for community-based violence interruption programs. An avid runner, he has participated in several New York Road Runners events.

Category:1983 births Category:American city council members Category:Borough presidents of Queens Category:Living people Category:New York (state) Democrats