Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Elizabeth Lewinsohn for City Council District 1

Candidate Name: Elizabeth Lewinsohn

Office Seeking Election for: New York City Council District 1

Campaign Website: https://www.elizabethlewinsohn.com/

1. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why do you believe you are best qualified to represent your district?

I believe I’m the best qualified to represent City Council District 1 because I’ve spent my career bringing people together to solve problems and deliver results for our community. As a proud Lower Manhattan resident for 15 years, I know firsthand the challenges our neighborhoods face

— from rising costs to public safety concerns — and I’ve dedicated myself to addressing them.

As Chair of Gotham Park, I worked with community leaders and elected officials to transform public space at the Manhattan landing of the Brooklyn Bridge. By building coalitions and listening to residents, I was able to secure millions in funding from private and public partners across various levels of government, successfully opening the park’s first segment in 2023. This project responded directly to our community’s urgent need for accessible green space and showed how meaningful progress happens when we work together.

My 12 years of service on Community Board 1 has also given me deep experience working on the issues that matter most to our district. Whether as Chair of the Tribeca Committee, Secretary of the Board, or Chair of the Personnel Committee, I’ve worked closely with residents and city agencies to ensure our community’s voice is heard when it comes to land use, zoning, budget priorities, and service delivery.

Earlier in my career, I served as Director of Policy and Plans for the NYPD's Counterterrorism Bureau, where I developed policies to keep our city safe. That experience taught me how to address complex safety challenges while working with diverse communities — an important skill I’ll bring to the City Council.

I’m running because I believe every neighborhood in Lower Manhattan deserves a City Council member who listens, builds coalitions, and gets things done. I’m committed to ensuring our streets are safe, our housing is more affordable, and our city government is responsive to the needs of every resident.

2. What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally? What LGBTQ candidates have you endorsed?

I support policies that ensure equality, protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination, and advance their rights. I’ve supported LGBTQ+ candidates who share these values and worked to help candidates and organizations that support the community. As a City Council member, I will prioritize the protection and inclusion of LGBTQ+ New Yorkers and push for policies that promote justice and equality for all.

3. If you receive our endorsement, do you agree to identify the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club on all literature and electronic materials?

Absolutely! 100% yes.

4. What press conferences, demonstrations, rallies and protests in support of LGBT issues, pro-choice legislation, racial justice, criminal justice have you attended, including rallies specifically against Donald Trump?

I have supported Democrats on the front lines fighting against Donald Trump's policies, especially those that threaten LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedoms, and racial justice. I am open to engaging in future demonstrations that advocate for these issues. Standing up for vulnerable communities is essential, and I am committed to actively supporting efforts for justice, equality, and progress.

5. In light of the upcoming Trump Administration’s war on women, the LGBTQ+ community, racial minorities and immigrants, what are your plans to organize and combat the Trump agenda?

Under President Trump, New Yorkers' rights have been under direct attack, and the fight to protect our democracy has never been more urgent. In the City Council, I will defend the rights of all New Yorkers—women, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, people of color, and other vulnerable groups. I will work with local organizations to resist federal attacks and ensure marginalized voices are heard.

I will fight for stronger protections for immigrants, ensuring access to legal resources and preventing unjust deportations. I will safeguard reproductive rights and access to healthcare. I will push for legislation to support the homeless, those struggling with mental health, and individuals in need of social safety nets. I will push for election reforms to increase voter access and participation.

6. Will you seek or accept endorsements of individuals who oppose LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights, such as Ruben Diaz Sr., Fernando Cabrera or Erick Salgado? Will you pledge to denounce their homophobia and anti-choice positions in the event you receive an endorsement from such individuals?

I will not seek their endorsements and I emphatically denounce their positions.

7. In light of the upcoming Trump Administration’s war on women, the LGBTQ+ community, racial minorities and immigrants, what are your plans to organize and combat the Trump agenda?

8. Do you support the unrestricted right to reproductive care and abortion?

I fully support the unrestricted right to reproductive care and abortion. I am deeply concerned about the harmful environment Trump’s White House is creating by attacking women’s rights. Every person has the right to make decisions about their own body, and I will fight to ensure that access to abortion remains protected for all New Yorkers.

9. Have you hosted, funded or otherwise supported Drag Story Hours in your community?

I strongly support Drag Story Hour in my community. These events are important in providing safe, welcoming spaces for children to learn about self-expression and acceptance. I believe it is crucial to support all forms of creative expression and ensure that everyone, regardless of their identity, feels valued and respected. I hope to attend or host one soon!

10. What proposals will do you support to increase the protection of immigrants and cement New York City’s status as a Sanctuary City?

In the face of the White House’s shameful immigration policies, City Hall must take the lead in defending our vulnerable immigrant communities. We must ensure our immigrant neighbors are safe as the federal government encroaches on our schools, workplaces, and homes. I’ll support laws that protect immigrant families from Trump’s deportation agenda and ensure they have access to the legal resources they need.

11. How will you represent the most vulnerable, including individuals experiencing homelessness and asylum seekers? Have you ever opposed any shelter in your district?

New Yorkers deserve more than just a roof over their heads—they deserve the stability and dignity that come with having a home. Homelessness is a crisis that impacts real people, and we need real solutions.

I am committed to addressing both the immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness and the systemic issues that cause it—such as the lack of affordable housing, inadequate mental health support, and rising living costs. I will fight for expanded shelters and better access to housing, along with long-term solutions like permanent affordable housing, mental health services, and job training programs.

We must also recognize the needs of asylum seekers who are arriving in our city, seeking safety and a better life. I will advocate for policies that ensure they receive the support and resources they need to rebuild their lives and integrate into our communities, including access to shelter, healthcare, and legal aid.

I’ll push for better coordination between city agencies to ensure continuous care and hold City Hall accountable for vacant supportive housing units. I will also fight for more mental health services and programs like Assisted Outpatient Treatment to support people with serious mental illness.

In addition to preventing homelessness, I’ll fight for job training, addiction treatment, and healthcare to ensure long-term stability. I’ll work to increase public safety and mental health outreach to connect vulnerable individuals to resources.

12. If incumbent, are you a co-sponsor of Resolution 2970, introduced by Council Member Shahana Hanif? If not yet elected, will you promise to co-sponsor the resolution? The text urges the NYS Legislature to pass the New York for All Act, which would ensure state and local resources are not used to facilitate federal immigration enforcement. If not, please explain.

NA / Yes

13. If incumbent, are you a co-sponsor of Resolution 2917, introduced by Council Member Crystal Hudson? If not yet elected, will you promise to co-sponsor the resolution? The text endorses the Access to Representation Act, which would establish a “universal right to counsel” for indigent New Yorkers who are subject to removal proceedings under federal immigration law. If not, please explain.

NA / Yes

Yes

14.

Will you join our efforts to pass legislation mandating the review of sentences of incarcerated individuals over the age of 55 who have served in excess of 15 years to determine if they warrant release? The legislation is commonly known as the New York Elder Parole Bill.

15. Do you oppose the death penalty?

Yes

16. Do you support outlawing solitary confinement?

Yes

17. Do you commit to visit constituents who are incarcerated? Will you work to secure the release of individuals who have demonstrated sincere remorse, worked toward rehabilitation and are not deemed a threat to society?

Yes / Yes

18. Do you commit to working to change our penal system toward a restorative rather than a retributive model of justice?

Yes

19. Do you commit to make applications for clemencies available to your constituency including a link to an application in a constituent newsletter? Will you submit it to our club?

Yes / Yes

20. Who did you support for mayor in the 2021 Democratic primary election?

Kathryn Garcia

21. Which 2025 Democratic candidates have you removed from your consideration? Have you endorsed anyone? If so, who?

I have removed Eric Adams from consideration and have strong reservations about a few other candidates. I have not made any endorsements.

Yes

22.

Do you support the renaming of the Ed Koch bridge and will you work towards the renaming including sponsoring such legislation?

23. What are your plans to address rent affordability in NYC? Did you vote for “City of Yes”? If not, please explain.

New Yorkers deserve homes they can afford, and I am committed to making that a reality. Our city is in the middle of an affordability crisis that is pushing families, seniors, and essential workers out of the neighborhoods that make New York so vibrant. The heart of this city is in our district, and we must protect the people who make it thrive—those who live and work here every day.

We can’t let rent prices keep skyrocketing while public housing deteriorates and affordable options vanish. We need to build more affordable housing and preserve the ones we have, because more units mean more choices for New Yorkers at every income level. As your City Councilmember, I will fight for bold, transformative solutions to restore affordability, protect tenants, and ensure New York City remains a place where everyone can live, work, and thrive.

I’ll work to expand tenant protections and secure just-cause eviction laws to ensure renters aren’t vulnerable to unjust rent hikes or harassment from landlords. I will push for increased funding to repair and maintain public housing, ensuring that all New Yorkers—especially those in NYCHA developments—have modern, safe, and habitable homes.

I will advocate for the use of publicly owned land to build affordable housing for seniors, families, and essential workers, and I’ll fight for more affordable senior housing options. I will work to secure investment from initiatives like "City of Yes" to fund affordable housing projects.

Additionally, I will push to expand the Department of Buildings by securing both city and state funding to prioritize and fast-track affordable housing projects.

Finally, I will engage with residents, local organizations, and business owners to create a community-driven vision for affordable housing, ensuring that new developments reflect the needs and priorities of the people who call our neighborhoods home.

24. What are your plans regarding short-term housing?

I support regulating Airbnb to protect affordable housing and neighborhood stability.

25. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why should we believe you would be a dynamic and progressive voice in elected office?

As a lawyer, mother of two, and longtime community advocate, I have spent years working to improve our city. As Chair of Gotham Park, I led efforts to transform the underutilized space at the Manhattan landing of the Brooklyn Bridge into a vibrant public park, securing funding and opening its first segment in 2023. During my 12 years on Community Board 1, I held leadership roles — including Chair of the Tribeca Committee, Secretary of the Board, and Chair of the Personnel Committee — where I worked to address local challenges and deliver results for our neighborhoods.

I’m committed to championing YIMBY values and advancing policies that create more housing, expand opportunities, and make New York City more affordable for everyone. Our city’s housing crisis demands bold action — we must build new affordable developments to meet the needs of families, seniors, and essential workers. For too long, progress has been blocked by resistance to new development and a failure to deliver meaningful solutions. I believe we must embrace forward-thinking ideas to ensure our neighborhoods remain accessible and inclusive.

I’m proud to have the endorsements of former Council Member Margaret Chin and former State Senator Daniel Squadron — two proven leaders who have dedicated their careers to advancing progressive housing policies.

26. What additional information would you like the Jim Owles club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision?

The door will always be open for the Jim Owles Club, and I will always value the opportunity to engage in open and honest conversations with its members. Thank you for taking the time to interview me!

27. Are you a potential candidate for City Council speaker in the upcoming term? If so, what is your platform?

questionnaireJim Owles Liberal Democratic ClubApril 27, 2025nyc 2025