Dear John,

Wishing a Happy Purim and Happy Holi to all those celebrating!

Communications Blackout Period

Please note: Starting on 3/26, we will enter the formal "communications blackout" period, less than 90 days before the June 2025 primary election. To comply with election law, we will be restricted in the content we can share through mass communications until Election Day. However, we will continue to send out a weekly newsletter to keep our community informed. Please bear with us as we adjust our content to ensure compliance with election regulations. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

The Access to IDNYC Act

This week, the City Council voted to pass my seventh local law, the Access to IDNYC Act (Intro 216A), which will streamline the process for obtaining an IDNYC, the City’s free municipal ID card.

Since its launch in 2015, the IDNYC program has issued over 2.3 million cards, providing New Yorkers with access to government services, the ability to open bank accounts, apply for work permits, and much more. The card is available to all residents, regardless of immigration status, housing situation, or prior incarceration. However, due to operational challenges and budget cuts, the process of obtaining an IDNYC has become unnecessarily difficult—especially as demand has surged. For more than a year, scheduling an appointment has been a complicated and frustrating task, with no same-day appointments available and a confusing online system. When individuals do secure an appointment, they often face arbitrary rejections due to unclear guidelines.

The Access to IDNYC Act will address these challenges by reintroducing walk-in appointments on a pilot basis, improving the online appointment scheduling system, providing additional training for staff, creating a denial review process, and including an issue date on the cards. Additionally, the IDNYC remains a vital resource for gender-diverse New Yorkers. Applicants can choose M, F, X, or "Not Designated” as their gender marker, in contrast to the recent federal restrictions on passport gender markers imposed by the Trump administration.

You can find coverage of the bill’s passage in Gothamist and City & State.

I was proud to host a press conference with advocates in support of the bill prior to the City Council vote on Tuesday. We gathered in front of the Central Brooklyn Public Library, one of the City’s 11 IDNYC enrollment centers, where former Mayor Bill de Blasio first announced the program in 2014. After passing the Council by a 39-7 vote, the bill is now headed to the Mayor’s office for signature, and my team and I are excited to see it fully implemented later this year. You can sign up for an appointment on the newly revamped IDNYC website here.

Caption: Council Member Shahana and advocates hold a press conference in front of the Central Brooklyn Public Library, rallying support for the Access to IDNYC Act.

Calling on New York State to Pass New York For All - Resolution 714A

In addition to the Access to IDNYC Act, the City Council also passed my Resolution 714A, urging the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, the New York for All Act. This important piece of the legislation, carried by State Senator Gounardes and Assembly Member Reyes, would expand sanctuary protections across New York State and prevent state resources from being used to support Trump’s harmful family separation agenda.

Immigrant New Yorkers must be able to interact with state employees—whether from the MTA, the Department of Labor, or the CUNY and SUNY systems—without fear of deportation. This legislation is essential to ensuring their safety and dignity.

On Wednesday, I had the privilege of helping organize a rally that brought together faith leaders from the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities in support of our immigrant neighbors. A big thank you to the Interfaith Center of New York, the Synagogue Coalition, Central Synagogue, the New York Jewish Agenda, Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, Masjid Nur Al Islam, and Baitul Jannah Zame Masjid for their leadership and participation.

Caption: Council Member Shahana stands on the steps of Tweed Courthouse with faith leaders, elected officials, and advocates, united in support of immigrant New Yorkers.

Constituent Services Corner

A constituent contacted us to report that the Tesla dealership on 2nd Avenue between 9th and 10th Streets was repeatedly and illegally parking vehicles on the sidewalk. The trucks fully or partially blocked the sidewalk, creating hazardous conditions for pedestrians and openly breaking the law. Our office stepped in and reached out to the precinct to address the issue. We’re pleased to report that the sidewalk is now clear!

SAVE THE DATE: Participatory Budgeting Vote Week – March 29 to April 6

Participatory Budgeting Vote Week is just around the corner, and we need your help to get out the vote! Sign up to volunteer at a poll site and help us make this year’s voting week a success.

Curious about the projects on this year’s ballot? Explore this Zine made by this year’s Participatory Budgeting Delegates for all the project details and get ready to cast your vote.

Community Bulletin

• Construction on the handball courts and a portion of the multipurpose play area at Greenwood Playground will begin this week, 3/17 - 3/21, and will take roughly one year to complete. Learn more about the construction design and the proposed timeline here.

• Join me for a community event on the proposed Brooklyn Marine Terminal transformation project on Thursday, 3/20, at 6 PM at Cabrini Hall of Sacred Heart Church on 125 Summit Street (entrance on Hicks). NYCEDC will present their proposal for the space, followed by an audience Q&A. RSVP to attend.

• In continuing our Light the Way BK series, my office is hosting a Bystander Training session led by Right to Be on Sunday, 3/23 at 2 PM at Camp Friendship. Join us for a training session where you'll learn various methods for supporting individuals experiencing harassment in public spaces. This session will include a presentation along with interactive exercises, so please wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Registration is required!

• My office is organizing volunteers with Brooklyn for Reproductive and Gender Equity (BKForge) from District 39 to join Planned Parenthood of Greater New York (PPGNY) at the Preliminary Health Budget Hearing on Monday, 3/24 at 1:30 PM. This is an important opportunity to show support for PPGNY during the public testimony period. Sign up to volunteer!

• My office, in collaboration with Council Member Lincoln Restler, Steven Winter Associates, Inc., and Building Energy Exchange (BEEX), is hosting a workshop for small building owners, co-op and condo board members, managers, and operators to learn from experts about building decarbonization and electrification strategies on Monday, 3/24 from 6 PM to 8 PM at PS 261, 314 Pacific Street. RSVP to attend!

• Practice your English at Kensington Library (4207 18th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11218) on Thursdays from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM!

In Solidarity,

Council Member Shahana