District 18 - Amanda Farías

Amanda Farías - The New York City Council

Amanda is from the Bronx. She has a bachelor of arts and master of arts in government and politics from St. John’s University. She currently resides in Parkchester with her dog and cat.

Amanda has worked as Assistant Director at The Consortium for Worker Education, where she managed workforce development programming in the Bronx. She previously worked for the New York City Council from 2013 to 2017 in several different roles, including Director of Special Projects, where she managed the Women's Caucus and a districtwide Participatory Budgeting process. 

Amanda is currently the Majority Leader of the New York City Council and the Council Member for District 18. She was first elected in 2021 and won re-election in 2023. She has served in multiple leadership roles, including as Chair of the Committee on Economic Development and Co-Chair of the Women's Caucus.

Secured over $200,000 for District 18's Business Improvement Districts and enacted legislation to promote salary transparency and new revenue streams for workers.

- Secured over $200,000 for District 18's Business Improvement Districts and enacted legislation to promote salary transparency and new revenue streams for workers.

Economy

As a city council member, established teen centers in 3 of the district's 5 libraries (Soundview, Parkchester, and Castle Hill) and secured full funding for renovations at the remaining two libraries, including $6M restored for Westchester Square Library.

Organized over 100 service-oriented events, including silent discos, skate parties, and family days.

As a city council member, organized over 100 service-oriented events, including silent discos, skate parties, and family days.

Offered free services, including bi-weekly family law clinics, weekly immigration legal assistance, and annual tax preparation services.

As a city council member, introduced free services, including bi-weekly family law clinics, weekly immigration legal assistance, and annual tax preparation services.

- As a city council member, established teen centers in 3 of the district's 5 libraries (Soundview, Parkchester, and Castle Hill) and secured full funding for renovations at the remaining two libraries, including $6M restored for Westchester Square Library.
- As a city council member, organized over 100 service-oriented events, including silent discos, skate parties, and family days.
- As a city council member, introduced free services, including bi-weekly family law clinics, weekly immigration legal assistance, and annual tax preparation services.

Public Services

Supports investing in affordable housing developments, such as Stevenson Square and Casa Celina.

- Supports investing in affordable housing developments, such as Stevenson Square and Casa Celina.

Housing & Urban Development

Sponsored legislation requiring a training program for first responders and an awareness campaign regarding domestic violence-related traumatic brain injuries.

As a City Council member, enacted oversight of the police department's use of surveillance technology by the Department of Investigation.

As a city council member, enacted oversight of the police department's use of surveillance technology by the Department of Investigation.

- Sponsored legislation requiring a training program for first responders and an awareness campaign regarding domestic violence-related traumatic brain injuries.
- As a city council member, enacted oversight of the police department's use of surveillance technology by the Department of Investigation.

Public Safety

As a city council member, established discounted NYC Ferry fares for seniors, students, and low-income residents.

Secured over $34.5 million in funding for infrastructure upgrades, affordable housing, and vital services in District 18.

As a city council member, supported the Metro North expansion and protections for industrial zones.

- As a city council member, established discounted NYC Ferry fares for seniors, students, and low-income residents.
- Secured over $34.5 million in funding for infrastructure upgrades, affordable housing, and vital services in District 18.
- As a city council member, supported the Metro North expansion and protections for industrial zones.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Partnered with GrowNYC to revitalize green spaces and community gardens.

Allocated over $805,000 for sanitation and park clean-up efforts.

- Partnered with GrowNYC to revitalize green spaces and community gardens.
- Allocated over $805,000 for sanitation and park clean-up efforts.

Energy & the Environment

As co-chair of the Women's Caucus, supported the NYC Abortion Rights Act.

- As co-chair of the Women's Caucus, supported the NYC Abortion Rights Act.

Healthcare

Invested over $10 million in schools, after-school programs, and STEAM initiatives.

- Invested over $10 million in schools, after-school programs, and STEAM initiatives.

Education

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Amanda Farias

- As a city council member, established teen centers in 3 of the district's 5 libraries (Soundview, Parkchester, and Castle Hill) and secured full funding for renovations at the remaining two libraries, including $6M restored for Westchester Square Library.
- As a city council member, organized over 100 service-oriented events, including silent discos, skate parties, and family days.

Amanda Farías is from the Bronx. She has a bachelor of arts and master of arts in government and politics from St. John’s University. She currently resides in Parkchester with her dog and cat.

Amanda is an Assistant Director at The Consortium for Worker Education, where she managed workforce development programming in the Bronx. She previously worked for the New York City Council from 2013 to 2017 in several different roles, including Director of Special Projects, where she managed the Women's Caucus and a districtwide Participatory Budgeting process. 

Buket Urgen

Shuvonkar Saha, Ballotpedia

Shuvonkar Saha's campaign for New York City Council Member, District 18 is their first entry into politics. 

As of September 15, 2025, Shuvonkar Saha did not have a website or any information online.

Shuvonkar Saha

Shuvonkar Saha's campaign for New York City Council Member, District 18 is his first entry into politics. 

Worked with GrowNYC to improve green spaces and community gardens.

Distributed 2,200 turkeys and 1,500 bags of produce in 2024 alone.

Provided free services, including bi-weekly family law clinics, weekly immigration legal assistance, and annual tax preparation services.

Passed the Industrial Business Strategic Action Plan, supporting local jobs and stabilizing manufacturing growth in NYC.

Supports investing in school upgrades, technology, and after-school programs.

Wilfredo Hierrezuelo - Ballotpedia

Wilfredo Hierrezuelo's campaign for New York City Council Member District 18 is his first run for public office. 

Supports policies that aim to support job training and economic growth.

- Supports policies that aim to support job training and economic growth.

As of August 22, 2025, Wilfredo Hierrezuelo did not have a website or any information online.

Wants to create more opportunities for youth in trade programs, mentoring, and workforce readiness in the Bronx.

- Wants to create more opportunities for youth in trade programs, mentoring, and workforce readiness in the Bronx.

Wilfredo Hierrezuelo

Wilfredo Hierrezuelo's campaign for New York City Council Member, District 18 is his first entry into politics.

Zenobia earned a bachelor's degree in behavioral sciences from Mercy University. 

Zenobia previously worked as the director of recreation for Amazing Home Care and as an educational paraprofessional at the Vida Bogart School for All Children. 

Zenobia Merced-Bonilla - Ballotpedia

Zenobia Merced-Bonilla's campaign for New York City Council Member, District 18 is her first entry into politics. 

As of August 22, 2025, Zenobia Merced-Bonilla did not have a website or any information online.

Zenobia Merced-Bonilla

- City Council Members work together to enact local laws, approve the city budget, and oversee land use and zoning regulations. ​
- Council Members oversee city agencies, ensuring they effectively serve the public and address community needs. ​

Passes laws and regulations for your city

New York City City Council Member, District 18

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