Email from New York City Council- District 18 January recap, community leadership, and what’s ahead in February.     Dear Neighbor, Even after the holidays, the work continued. In January, our office addressed worker safety concerns, stood in solidarity with frontline healthcare workers, honored community leaders, and took the first steps in our participatory budgeting process. Each of these efforts reflects our commitment to showing up for the issues that matter most to our neighborhoods. This issue recaps that work and highlights how community voices continue to shape our priorities. You’ll also find recognition of individuals who went above and beyond in service, along with a list of free events, programs, and resources available to residents throughout February. In Community, Hon. Amanda Farías Council Member, District 18   🌟 FEATURED 🌟   Appointed Chair of the Committee on Women & Gender Equity At the January City Council Stated Meeting, I was appointed Chair of the Committee on Women & Gender Equity. I’ve spent my career fighting for policies that strengthen workplace protections, expand economic opportunity, and improve safety and access to care for women and gender-diverse New Yorkers. As Chair, I will lead legislation and oversight focused on closing equity gaps and holding city agencies accountable for results. This role is an extension of the work—and the fight—already underway. Your Newly Elected NYC Council Bronx Delegation Co-Chairs! The New York City Council Bronx Delegation just elected NEW co-chairs, District 18 Council Member Amanda Farías (@cmamandafarias) and District 17 Council Member Justin Sanchez (@councilmembersanchez). We were proud to be unanimously elected and thank you to our colleagues for the trust and confidence they placed with us to lead this Delegation. We look forward to working alongside our colleagues to advance shared priorities and advocate for our borough with one strong, unified voice. 📍 ON THE GROUND Amazon Last-Mile Facility Visit In District 18 and across New York City, we want to see subcontracting models take worker safety seriously—so neighborhoods aren’t left shouldering congestion, pollution, and safety concerns as a result of misaligned practices. Visiting Amazon’s last-mile facility in the Bronx gave me a clearer view of how these operations function day to day: the pace of work, the flow of deliveries, the safety protocols in place, and the workforce that keeps the site running. Seeing this firsthand allowed for direct questions and real conversations—so our policy decisions are informed by lived impact and on-the-ground conditions, not assumptions. That kind of visibility matters as we push for stronger accountability and protections through efforts like the Delivery Protection Act. Solidarity with NYSNA Nurses Nearly 15,000 nurses in New York City have been on strike since January 12, 2026, over issues regarding staffing and working conditions. Nurses show up for our communities every day, and hospitals rely on them to deliver critical care and keep patients safe. As negotiations continue, it’s important that all parties remain focused on reaching fair agreements that support safe staffing, patient care, and a stable healthcare workforce. I stand with NYSNA nurses in their call for contracts that reflect the essential role they play in our healthcare system. Additional news related to the NYSNA strike is available at NYSNA.org 🏛️ YOUR CITY, YOUR VOICE Participatory Budgeting Cycle 15: First Budget Delegate Meeting Accomplished! PB only works when residents have a direct role in shaping decisions that affect their daily lives. This section focuses on opportunities for community members to participate, lead, and influence how public resources are allocated. We Hosted our first delegate meeting, launching a community-led process that empowers residents to help decide how public funds are spent. Get Involved Attention Non-Profit Business Owners:  The FY2027 CapGrants Portal is officially open for nonprofits seeking capital funding. For organizations seeking capital funding from both the City Council and the Bronx Borough President's Office, applications must be submitted by Thursday, February 19 at 5:00 PM. For organizations seeking capital funding from the City Council only, applications are due by Thursday, March 19 at 5:00 PM. CapGrants Portal The Discretionary Funding application is also open and available through the New York City Council website. All applications must be submitted by Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM. Organizations that do not apply by the deadline will not be considered for discretionary expense funding during this funding cycle. Apply Now 🤝 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT 43rd Precinct Community Council Officers Recognized with City Council Citations Our community is strengthened by people who step up—often in critical moments—to protect, serve, and care for others. This section recognizes individuals whose actions reflect that commitment. Officer of the Month Steven Rodriguez — Recognized for removing an illegal firearm from the street, contributing to community safety. Community Service Awards: Megan Ficken and Freddy Cerpa — Recognized for life-saving actions that helped save a child. 🔎 PUBLIC PROGRAMS & BENEFITS New York Historical Society Constituents can receive 50% off admission to The New York Historical using discount code FAMILY26. Upcoming Programs: Little New-Yorkers: Follow Chester! Tuesday, February 10 | 3:30–4:30 PM (Ages 3–6) A read-aloud and craft program exploring the true story of Chester Pierce, the first Black college football player to compete at a southern school, highlighting courage, teamwork, and history. Living History: Clothing of Enslaved Women and Reclaiming Black Humanity Saturday, February 28 | 11:00 AM–5:00 PM (All Ages) Join clothing historian Brooke Wellborn for a live demonstration on 18th-century dressmaking and the history of Mantuamakers, exploring craft, labor, and Black humanity in early New York. For a full list of programs, visit nyhistory.org/childrens-museum Bronx Community Board 9 Now Accepting Yankee Youth Leadership Award Applications High school students making a difference in their community are encouraged to apply for the Yankee Youth Leadership Award, recognizing leadership, service, and community impact. Eligibility: Must be a high school student Completed 50+ hours of volunteer service (e.g., tutoring, mentoring, promoting unity, anti-violence or drug advocacy) Demonstrated leadership and community involvement Deadline: March 10 at 5:00 PM Apply: Online Form Questions: [email protected] Apply to Become a Member of Your Bronx Community Board Why Serve: Advisory groups that address local neighborhood issues Help shape changes in your community Open to anyone 16+ who lives or works in the district No experience required What to Expect: Monthly meetings (except July & August) Up to 50 volunteer members per board Two-year staggered terms Members appointed by the Borough President Boards that reflect the residents they serve Deadline: February 23 Apply: Online Form 📅 COMING UP Lunar New Year Celebration Monday, February 9, 2026 | 5pm Join us at City Hall for our Year of the Horse Lunar New Year Celebration! Black Girl Magic Celebration  Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 5pm Join us at City Hall for our 3rd Annual Black Girl Magic Celebration! 🔗 STAY CONNECTED My office is here to help you navigate city services and access resources. We are accepting appointments for the services below. Call our office to schedule a day and time that works for you. For questions please call my office at 718-792-1140 New York City Council- District 18 | 778 Castle Hill Avenue | Bronx, NY 10473 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice