Selvena Brooks-Powers

Selvena Brooks-Powers is an American politician and community advocate serving as a member of the New York City Council for the 31st District, which encompasses neighborhoods in southeastern Queens including Arverne, Brookville, Edgemere, Far Rockaway, Laurelton, Rosedale, and Springfield Gardens. A member of the Democratic Party, she assumed office in March 2021 following a special election to succeed Donovan Richards, who was elected Queens Borough President. Her career prior to elected office was rooted in public service, including roles in the offices of former State Senator James Sanders Jr. and former City Council Member Donovan Richards.

Early life and education

Born and raised in Queens, her formative years were spent in the Rockaway community, an experience that deeply informed her commitment to local advocacy. She pursued her higher education at Medgar Evers College, a senior college of the City University of New York, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She later obtained a Master of Science in Leadership from Touro College, further equipping her for roles in public administration and community organizing. Her early professional experiences included work with non-profit organizations focused on youth development and social services within New York City.

Career

Before her election to the New York City Council, she built a substantial career in government and community relations. She served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Community Outreach for State Senator James Sanders Jr., where she worked on issues affecting the 10th Senate District, including economic development, housing, and education. Following that role, she became the Chief of Staff to then-City Council Member Donovan Richards, managing constituent services, legislative affairs, and district operations for the 31st Council District. Her tenure in these positions involved close collaboration with city agencies like the Department of Transportation, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to address local needs.

New York City Council

She won a special election on February 23, 2021, and was sworn into the New York City Council on March 20, 2021, to represent the 31st District. In the Council, she serves as the Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, a pivotal role overseeing the DOT, the Staten Island Ferry, and matters related to streets, bridges, and ferries. She is also a member of several other committees, including the Committees on Hospitals, Justice System, and Land Use. Key legislative focuses have included advocating for coastal resilience projects for the Rockaway Peninsula, improving public transit access, addressing affordable housing shortages, and securing funding for infrastructure repairs following events like Hurricane Sandy. She was elected to a full term in the November 2021 general election.

Political positions

Her policy agenda is centered on equity and resilience for her district, which faces unique challenges as a coastal community. She has been a vocal proponent of major investments in storm surge protection and beach nourishment projects in partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers. On transportation, she advocates for enhanced bus service and Access-A-Ride accessibility, and has scrutinized the MTA's performance. Regarding public safety, she supports community-based violence intervention programs and increased funding for social services. On housing, she has pushed for the preservation of existing affordable housing stock and tenant protections, while carefully evaluating new land use applications. She aligns with the Council's progressive bloc on many issues but emphasizes district-specific priorities.

Personal life

She resides in the district she represents, maintaining deep roots in the communities of southeastern Queens. Her personal experiences, including navigating the recovery of her own neighborhood after Hurricane Sandy, continue to motivate her policy work. She is actively involved in local civic and religious organizations.

Category:New York City Council members Category:Medgar Evers College alumni Category:Touro College alumni Category:21st-century American politicians