BPHA CAUCUS MEETS WITH MAYOR MAMDANI TO DISCUSS SHARED PRIORITIES, LEGISLATIVE AGENDA, AND SUPPORT FOR WORKING NEW YORKERS
The New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus met Friday with Mayor Zohran Mamdani at New York City Hall to discuss shared priorities impacting both New York State and New York City, including housing, affordability, public safety, and support for working class communities.
Led by Caucus Chair Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages, the meeting brought together members of the caucus – many of whom represent New York City districts – to highlight legislative priorities as well as constituent issues for Mayor Mamdani.
“Our conversation at City Hall today was a productive meeting and a heartening start to the partnership between City Hall and the BPHA Caucus,” said Caucus Chair Micaelle Solages. “Both we and Mayor Mamdani agree about the necessity of state and city leaders working together to deliver for every New Yorker, and we greatly appreciate the interest that he took in learning about our foremost priorities. The BPHA Caucus remains committed to advocating for constituent concerns and advancing solutions around housing, healthcare, public safety, youth opportunity, and economic justice for historically marginalized communities.”
“Our conversation today was rooted in the shared belief that the government must deliver for working people,” said Mayor Mamdani. “At a moment when too many New Yorkers are being priced out of the city they built, we need every level of government aligned around affordability. I’m thankful to the members of the caucus for their partnership in advancing housing justice, protecting essential services, and investing in communities that have too often been left behind.”
During the meeting, lawmakers discussed a range of legislative priorities and community concerns, including fair transit access, youth justice protections, housing construction, and tenant rights.
Mayor Mamdani also raised concerns about the impact of cuts to programs such as SNAP and the Essential Plan on working class New Yorkers, and emphasized the importance of continued coordination between the city and state on legislation and policy implementation.
Members additionally stressed the importance of strengthening engagement between state agencies and legislators outside of session to improve responsiveness and coordination on constituent concerns.
The meeting served as the first of many between the Mayor’s Office and the BPHA Caucus to discuss legislative priorities, and opportunities for future collaboration in support of communities across New York.
Other lawmakers present included Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest, Senator Julia Salazar, Assemblymember Diana Moreno, Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman, Assemblymember Tony Simone, Assemblymember Grace Lee, Assemblymember Gabriella Romero, Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, Assemblymember Brian Cunningham, Assemblymember Chantel Jackson, Senator Nathalia Fernandez, Assemblymember Emerita Torres, Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia, and Assemblymember Steven Raga.