New York City Council Member Ben Kallos was praised by the New York Times for his “fresh ideas” and elected in 2013 to represent the Upper East Side, Midtown East, Roosevelt Island and East Harlem along with all 8.4 million New Yorkers in the New York City Council. He grew up on the Upper East Side with his mother, who still lives in the neighborhood, and his grandparents, who fled anti-Semitism in Europe. As Vice-Chair of the Jewish Caucus he has been an ardent advocate for Israel and supporter of Jewish causes. As Chair of the Governmental Operations Committee where he has sought to root out patronage, de-privatize government, eliminate billions in waste, expand elections, and to use technology to improve access to government. He has become a leading advocate for education, affordable housing, public health, sustainable development and transportation improvements and safety. His office is open and transparent, with constituents invited to decide on how to spend one million dollars on local projects in the district as well as to join him in a conversation on the First Friday of each month, or he will go to them for “Ben In Your Building.”

50+ Messages / Page

  Ben Kallos, Former Council Member via ActionNetwork.org · [email protected]
August 23, 2022 at 6:08 PM

Go Vote! Polls Are Open Until 9PM

Polls are Open Today from 6AM to 9PM Dear John, Today, is election day, with a primary on the ballot for Congress and State Senate. Vote Today, Tuesday, August 23rd from 6AM to 9PM: Vote in person at your local poll site. Please note that your poll site may have changed, so sa…
  Ben Kallos, Former Council Member via ActionNetwork.org · [email protected]
August 12, 2022 at 12:01 PM

What’s Next?

The White House, Executive Office of the President, United States Digital Service Dear John, Thank you for your partnership fighting for more than 140 issues over my 8 years in the Council (most of it is in our full 175-page report). Over the past months, many have reached out …
  Ben Kallos, Council Member via ActionNetwork.org · [email protected]
December 31, 2021 at 3:05 PM

Final Report: Looking Back on Eight Years As Your Council Member

Dear John, I wanted to take this last opportunity to thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime and send one final report on what we’ve been able to accomplish together over these past 8 years. As New York City faces Omicron, our top priority is a recovery from this pandemic…
  Ben Kallos, NYC Council Member via ActionNetwork.org · [email protected]
December 1, 2021 at 7:20 PM

December News: Blood Center/Longfellow Commercial Tower, Schools & Parks Investments Take Shape, and Final First Friday

Dear John, December marks my last month as your City Council Member, our last monthly newsletter, and final First Friday. Representing you over the past 8 years has been the honor and opportunity of a lifetime. In the neighborhood we won pre-kindergarten for 4-year-olds and 3…
  Ben Kallos, NYC Council Member via ActionNetwork.org · [email protected]
November 1, 2021 at 4:15 PM

November News: Election Day Tomorrow, Blood Center/Longfellow Commercial Tower Final Hearing & Internet as a Utility

Dear John, Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 2nd, is Election Day, your last chance to drop off your absentee ballot or vote in person on everything from Mayor to City Council and even our State Constitution. Polls are open 6am–9pm. Find your poll site and go vote! It’s been a ye…
  Ben Kallos, NYC Council Member via ActionNetwork.org · [email protected]
September 30, 2021 at 5:25 PM

October News: Final Hearing on Blood Center, General Election, Fighting Illegal Short Term Rentals, Music and Bouncy Houses in Our Parks

Dear John, These next few months are going to be busier than you would expect as the Council seeks to pass a flurry of legislation and the Mayor seeks to push through rezonings. The Blood Center's 334-foot Commercial Tower proposal is coming to a final hearing at the Council…
  Ben Kallos, NYC Council Member via ActionNetwork.org · [email protected]
August 31, 2021 at 3:33 PM

September News: Taking on Loud Vehicles, Movies and Jazz in the Park, Skate Night, and Tango Fridays

Dear Neighbor, As we celebrate Labor Day this weekend, I want to thank New Yorkers who work hard both from home and in-person to keep our city running as we continue to fight Covid-19 and its variants. Noise has been the top complaint since I took office in 2014 and we remai…
  Ben Kallos, NYC Council Member via ActionNetwork.org · [email protected]
August 3, 2021 at 2:01 PM

August News: $9M for a Ruppert New Park, Blood Center Hearings, Sinkhole, Bill & Ted, Wonder Woman, and Welcome Home Concert in Central Park

Dear Neighbor, In July, we announced nearly $9 million to rebuild a new Ruppert Park. When a 20-foot sinkhole opened up I was on the scene and repairs are complete as work to prevent it from happening again. Legislation I authored would help communities like ours build new …
  Ben Kallos, New York City Council Member via ActionNetwork.org · [email protected]
June 29, 2021 at 4:11 PM

July News: $80M for John Finley Walk, Shakespeare in the Park Returns, Bike Helmet Giveaway

Dear John, Last month, we announced another $80 million for the Esplanade, this time for John Finley Walk, after fighting for this funding alongside Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney as co-chairs of the East River Esplanade. This brings the total funding we’ve secured to well over…
  New York City Council Member Ben Kallos via ActionNetwork.org · [email protected]
June 3, 2021 at 7:55 PM

Tonight: Tenants' Rights Town Hall

There's a new program in New York for tenants who As a current elected official seeking higher office, I am prohibited from sending mass mailings including digital newsletters to residents, even those subscribed to receive them every month, under the New York City Charter. Th…
  New York City Council Member Ben Kallos via ActionNetwork.org · [email protected]
June 1, 2021 at 8:36 PM

June: Events & Health Emergency-related Announcements

As a current elected official seeking higher office, I am prohibited from sending mass mailings including digital newsletters to residents, even those subscribed to receive them every month, under the New York City Charter. This blackout period is mandated to begin 90 days ah…
  Council Member Ben Kallos via ActionNetwork.org · [email protected]
May 25, 2021 at 3:20 PM

6pm Tonight, Hearing on Blood Center Tower + Ranked Choice Voting Training Session 5/26

The Community Board 8 vote on the Blood Center Community Board 8 Special Hearing on Blood Center Tower Tonight, Community Board 8 will be hosting a meeting to discuss the Blood Center’s proposal for a development project on East 67th Street. Community Board Hearing on Blood…
  Council Member Ben Kallos via ActionNetwork.org · [email protected]
May 20, 2021 at 3:24 PM

TONIGHT @ 6pm: Ruppert Park Redesign Meeting + Ranked Choice Voting Training

Do you think Ruppert Park should Ruppert Park Redesign Community Visioning Session Join me tonight, May 20th, at the virtual Ruppert Park Community Visioning Session, beginning at 6pm. Ruppert Park is set for a full redesign, and the New York City Parks Department and I want to …
  Council Member Ben Kallos via ActionNetwork.org · [email protected]
May 19, 2021 at 7:42 PM

TONIGHT @ 6pm: Info Session on New Affordable Housing on York Ave + Apply for Section 8 Waitlist

Tonight's virtual info session will give you the tools you need to apply for Affordable Homeownership Opportunity Info Session Today You are invited to an info session for an affordable homeownership opportunity at 1402 York Ave on the Upper East Side. Today Wednesday, May …
  Council District 5 · [email protected]
January 11, 2021 at 3:29 PM

Covid-19 Vaccine: Eligibility Opens for Over 75 and Essential Workers, How to Get the Vaccine

Covid-19 Vaccine: Eligibility Opens for Over 75 and Essential Workers, How to Get the Vaccine  View this email in your browser Dear Friend, Governor Cuomo has expanded Covid-19 vaccine eligibility. Beginning today, millions more New Y…
  City Council Member Ben Kallos · [email protected]
December 29, 2020 at 12:03 PM

Covid-19 Vaccine, Victory Against Tower on Stilts, Blood Center, and an App for Government

Covid-19 Vaccine, Victory Against Tower on Stilts, Blood Center, and an App for Government Here's what's coming up in the new year View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor, We've almost made it through 2020 and have so much to l…
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
December 14, 2020 at 5:00 PM

You're Invited to Our Virtual Holiday Party

You're Invited to Our Virtual Holiday Party View this email in your browser On Tuesday, December 15, my office will host a virtual holiday party starting at 6:30 pm.  The event will feature a reunion performance of A Christmas Carol by t…
  City Council Member Ben Kallos · [email protected]
December 7, 2020 at 11:32 PM

New meeting scheduled

New meeting scheduled Since my newsletter went out, the community board scheduled an additional meeting on the Blood Center, and I wanted to make sure you were aware. Since my newsletter went out, the community board scheduled an additional meeting on the Blood Center, and …
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
December 2, 2020 at 2:05 PM

December News: House Homeless Families, Insufficient N95 Stockpile, Reopening Schools, New Playground, Blood Center Expansion

December News: House Homeless Families, Insufficient N95 Stockpile, Reopening Schools, New Playground, Blood Center Expansion I hope you were able to celebrate Thanksgiving with loved ones in person or virtually. View this email in your browser …
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
November 25, 2020 at 9:59 PM

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! The holiday is different this year.  Dear neighbor, Every year on Thanksgiving, I am grateful for the opportunity to represent you and to work together with you to make our community and our city a better place to live for all. This…
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
November 2, 2020 at 2:33 PM

November News: VOTE Tomorrow 11/3, PPE Stockpile, Worker-led Recovery, Laptops Guarantee, Remote Learning Sites Needed, and Reusable Bag Distribution

November News: VOTE Tomorrow 11/3, PPE Stockpile, Worker-led Recovery, Laptops Guarantee, Remote Learning Sites Needed, and Reusable Bag Distribution View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor, Election Day is tomorrow, Tuesday…
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
October 24, 2020 at 2:01 PM

Early Voting Starts Today, Go Vote!

Early Voting Starts Today, Go Vote! View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor, Early voting starts today, Saturday, October 24th and runs through next Sunday, November 1st. You can only vote early at your designated early voting …
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
October 14, 2020 at 8:45 PM

Supreme Court Orders Census to End FRIDAY 5:59AM + 🗳 Your Election Questions Answered Tonight

Supreme Court Orders Census to End FRIDAY 5:59AM + 🗳 Your Election Questions Answered Tonight View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor, I have some bad news. Manhattan has some of the lowest response rates in New York City in th…
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
October 9, 2020 at 7:00 PM

Elections: Registration Deadline TODAY, 🗳Vote by Mail & Early Voting Instructions, Plus Information Session on 10/14

Elections: Registration Deadline TODAY, 🗳Vote by Mail & Early Voting Instructions, Plus Information Session on 10/14 View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor, Please join us next week on Wednesday, 10/14, for an information s…
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
October 8, 2020 at 1:30 PM

Elections: Registration Deadline TOMORROW, Vote by Mail NOW, Vote Early & Information Session on 10/14

Elections: Registration Deadline TOMORROW, Vote by Mail NOW, Vote Early & Information Session on 10/14 View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor, Please join us next week on Wednesday, 10/14, for an information session on all …
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
September 30, 2020 at 2:06 PM

October News: Elections, Census, Small Business & Indoor Dining, Reopening Schools

October News: Elections, Census, Small Business & Indoor Dining, Reopening Schools View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor, The most important election in our lifetime is just over a month away. Please make a plan to vot…
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
September 8, 2020 at 3:16 PM

TONIGHT: Get Answers from DOE on School Reopening, NEXT WEEK: Emergency Prep & Go Bag Giveaway & "Reports of My Death Are Greatly Exaggerated" - NYC

TONIGHT: Get Answers from DOE on School Reopening, NEXT WEEK: Emergency Prep & Go Bag Giveaway & "Reports of My Death Are Greatly Exaggerated" - NYC 6PM Tonight, Back to School Town Hall. 9/14 @ 6PM, Emergency Prep and Go Bag Giveaway, and a post on Medium on Why Our City Isn't Dead,…
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
September 2, 2020 at 3:46 PM

September News: In-Person Learning Delayed, Fighting Millions in Waste and Mismanagement, Fresh Food Box, Back to School Town Hall, & Go-Bag Giveaway

September News: In-Person Learning Delayed, Fighting Millions in Waste and Mismanagement, Fresh Food Box, Back to School Town Hall, & Go-Bag Giveaway View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor, As we celebrate Labor Day I w…
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
August 3, 2020 at 1:03 PM

August News + COVID-19 Update #15: Phase 4, Reopening Schools, Scaffolding, Esplanade, Graffiti, Affordable Housing, and First Friday

August News + COVID-19 Update #15: Phase 4, Reopening Schools, Scaffolding, Esplanade, Graffiti, Affordable Housing, and First Friday View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor, Last month, we continued to be accountable to you in …
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
July 21, 2020 at 3:30 PM

Annual Report: 6 and a Half Years as Your Council Member

Annual Report: 6 and a Half Years as Your Council Member View this email in your browser Dear John, Now more than ever, government must be accountable. Throughout this year’s global pandemic, we have continued to make our office avail…
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
July 20, 2020 at 1:01 PM

Annual Report: 6 and a Half Years as Your Council Member

Annual Report: 6 and a Half Years as Your Council Member View this email in your browser Dear John, Now more than ever, government must be accountable. Throughout this year’s global pandemic, we have continued to make our office avail…
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
July 3, 2020 at 2:57 PM

July News + COVID-19 Update #14: Phase 3 Reopening, Apply for 300 Affordable Apts, Chokeholds Outlawed, $15 Billion in Waste & Voted NO on the Budget

July News + COVID-19 Update #14: Phase 3 Reopening, Apply for 300 Affordable Apts, Chokeholds Outlawed, $15 Billion in Waste & Voted NO on the Budget View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor, As we celebrate our nation’s inde…
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
July 2, 2020 at 1:56 PM

July News + COVID-19 Update #14: Phase 3 Reopening, Apply for 300 Affordable Apts, Chokeholds Outlawed, $15 Billion in Waste & Voted NO on the Budget

July News + COVID-19 Update #14: Phase 3 Reopening, Apply for 300 Affordable Apts, Chokeholds Outlawed, $15 Billion in Waste & Voted NO on the Budget View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor, As we celebrate our nation’s inde…
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
June 29, 2020 at 11:34 PM

Announcing 300 New Affordable Homes in the Neighborhood -- Applications Due Next Week -- Learn More TOMORROW, 6/30 at 6:30PM

Announcing 300 New Affordable Homes in the Neighborhood -- Applications Due Next Week -- Learn More TOMORROW, 6/30 at 6:30PM Info session on 300+ new units of affordable housing on Roosevelt Island will be held on Zoom at 6pm, Tuesday, June 30 View this email in your browse…
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
June 23, 2020 at 9:15 PM

Polls close in 4 hours

Polls close in 4 hours Please make sure you get to your polling site by 9pm. View this email in your browser Dear John,  You've got only 4 hours left to join thousands of others who voted by mail, early, and in person today. Polls cl…
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
June 23, 2020 at 10:01 AM

Polls Are Open, If You Haven't Already, Go Vote! ✅

Polls Are Open, If You Haven't Already, Go Vote! ✅ Polling places are open 6AM to 9PM View this email in your browser Dear John,  Polls are open today from 6am until 9pm. If you didn't vote by mail or early, today is your last chanc…
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
June 20, 2020 at 5:29 PM

Covid-19 Update #13: Phase 2 Reopening Begins Monday, Police Reform, and Reminder to Vote by Mail 📨 or Vote Early ✅

Covid-19 Update #13: Phase 2 Reopening Begins Monday, Police Reform, and Reminder to Vote by Mail 📨 or Vote Early ✅ View this email in your browser Dear John,  This coming week New York City is entering Phase 2 of the reopening thanks…
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
June 15, 2020 at 8:15 PM

TOMORROW: Parenting During the Pandemic & Vote by Mail Deadline. THURSDAY: Community Conversation with Speaker Johnson

TOMORROW: Parenting During the Pandemic & Vote by Mail Deadline. THURSDAY: Community Conversation with Speaker Johnson View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor, It is a busy week and here's a reminder to join us tomorrow nigh…
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
June 3, 2020 at 2:31 PM

June News + Covid-19 Update #12: Curfew, Floyd, Get Tested, Billions in Waste, Town Halls for Tenants & Parents, Meet the Speaker, Vote in June

June News + Covid-19 Update #12: Curfew, Floyd, Get Tested, Billions in Waste, Town Halls for Tenants & Parents, Meet the Speaker, Vote in June View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor, It’s been a rough year and we aren’t…
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
May 13, 2020 at 8:49 PM

COVID-19 Update #11: Face Covering Distribution, Testing Now Available, Eviction Moratorium, ASP Coming Back, Helping Small Business, and Reopening

COVID-19 Update #11: Face Covering Distribution, Testing Now Available, Eviction Moratorium, ASP Coming Back, Helping Small Business, and Reopening View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor, As of Wednesday afternoon, New York Cit…
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
May 11, 2020 at 3:17 PM

Tomorrow, Tuesday, 5/12, Assistance for Small Business with Congresswoman Maloney and Small Business Services

Tomorrow, Tuesday, 5/12, Assistance for Small Business with Congresswoman Maloney and Small Business Services Submit your questions when you RSVP View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor,  Many residents have reached out asking …
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
May 1, 2020 at 10:44 PM

COVID-19 Update #10: Free Face Coverings, Opening Streets to Social Distancing, MTA Suspended Overnight, Protecting Essential Workers & Small Biz Help

COVID-19 Update #10: Free Face Coverings, Opening Streets to Social Distancing, MTA Suspended Overnight, Protecting Essential Workers & Small Biz Help View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor,    As of Friday afternoon, New Yo…
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
April 29, 2020 at 1:01 PM

May News + COVID-19 Update #9: New Testing Lab, Protect Essential Workers, Online Ballot Request, Jobs, First Friday and Small Business Town Hall

May News + COVID-19 Update #9: New Testing Lab, Protect Essential Workers, Online Ballot Request, Jobs, First Friday and Small Business Town Hall View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor, After more than a month and a half of sta…
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
April 24, 2020 at 8:52 PM

COVID-19 Update #8: New Relief Package Signed into Law, Absentee Ballot Applications for All NYers, and New Essential Worker Protection Legislation

COVID-19 Update #8: New Relief Package Signed into Law, Absentee Ballot Applications for All NYers, and New Essential Worker Protection Legislation View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor,   As of Friday afternoon, New York State…
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
April 15, 2020 at 12:38 AM

COVID-19 Update #7: Vote by Mail, Answers from Health Commissioner, Enrichment Centers Now Open to Children of Service Industry Workers

COVID-19 Update #7: Vote by Mail, Answers from Health Commissioner, Enrichment Centers Now Open to Children of Service Industry Workers View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor,   As we celebrate Easter and conclude the Passover …
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
April 3, 2020 at 9:29 PM

COVID-19 Update #6 & Tele-Town Hall with Health Official Tuesday, 4/7, 6pm

COVID-19 Update #6 & Tele-Town Hall with Health Official Tuesday, 4/7, 6pm Register to get your question answered by NYC Health's Director of Epidemiology & Surveillance View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor,   You are…
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
April 1, 2020 at 8:33 PM

Join Us for Virtual First Friday, 4/3, 8am-10am & Today Is Census Day

Join Us for Virtual First Friday, 4/3, 8am-10am & Today Is Census Day View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor,   First Friday, my office’s regular monthly meeting, will be virtual this month.    You can tune in on Facebook Li…
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
March 28, 2020 at 7:31 PM

April News + COVID-19 Update #5: $2 Trillion Relief Package, 550 New Beds, PPEs, SHSAT, New H.S. Library, and First Friday Online

April News + COVID-19 Update #5: $2 Trillion Relief Package, 550 New Beds, PPEs, SHSAT, New H.S. Library, and First Friday Online View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor,   The beginning of March feels like a lifetime ago, before…
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
March 22, 2020 at 4:14 PM

COVID-19 Update #4: Cuomo Orders PAUSE Effective 8pm TONIGHT

COVID-19 Update #4: Cuomo Orders PAUSE Effective 8pm TONIGHT All non-essential businesses must close and New Yorkers 70 years and older or with compromised immune systems to follow "Matilda's Law" View this email in your browser Dear …
  Ben Kallos, City Council Member · [email protected]
March 19, 2020 at 11:02 PM

COVID-19 Update #3: New Numbers, Testing, More Beds, Online Classes, Alternate Side Parking Suspended, and Protections for Tenants and Home Owners

COVID-19 Update #3: New Numbers, Testing, More Beds, Online Classes, Alternate Side Parking Suspended, and Protections for Tenants and Home Owners View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor, As of this afternoon there were more tha…