Yusef Salaam

Yusef Salaam is a lifelong resident of Harlem. He is a father, poet, activist, and inspirational speaker.

Yusef is currently a member of the New York City Council representing District 9. He was elected in 2023 and is serving his first term. He is chair of the Committee on Public Safety. 

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District 9 - Yusef Salaam

Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Yusef Salaam for City Council District 9

Yusef Salaam Legislation

Supports direct payments to low-income residents in the form of "baby bonds."

Supports legislation that protects and incentivizes small businesses that hire locally.

Economy

Opposes the disproportionate placement of substance abuse treatment centers and homeless shelters in Harlem, advocating for equitable distribution of such facilities in other neighborhoods.

Public Services

Supports establishing a universal application and recertification system for the senior citizen rent increase exemption program and disability rent increase exemption program.

Supports requiring the department of homeless services to designate eligibility specialists at shelters.

Supports expanding the definition of tenant harassment to include unlawful evictions and expanding the certificate of no harassment program to include unlawful evictions.

Supports increasing penalties for unlawful evictions.

Supports hosting roundtables and working groups with experts from City agencies to create a comprehensive housing plan for Harlem addressing gentrification, displacement, development, and homelessness.

Believes in addressing the disproportionate placement of substance abuse treatment centers and homeless shelters in Harlem by ensuring other neighborhoods "accept their fair share of such facilities."

Plans to prioritize developments that create affordable housing for current residents and expand community-centered social services.

Housing & Urban Development

Supports reducing the size and scope of the New York Police Department (NYPD) to better align with community safety needs.

Supports ending qualified immunity for police officers.

Supports providing more funding for public defenders to ensure that all defendants have competent and adequate counsel.

Supports the passage of the "Challenging Wrongful Convictions Act" to ensure innocent people are given adequate legal representation and a chance to clear their records.

Public Safety

Supports the Zero Waste Bill Package to enhance community cleanliness and improve street safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transportation users.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Supports working with government to provide subsidies for clean energy.

Energy & the Environment

Supports access to gender-affirming medical treatment and facilities that match an individual's gender identity.

Healthcare

Supports requiring the New York City Department of Education to report the number of students diagnosed with sickle cell disease or trait.

Supports requiring the city to report on the impact of social media on the mental health of young people.

Supports requiring the department of health and mental hygiene to conduct hearing screenings for school-aged children and develop an outreach campaign.

Supports annual reporting on racial and gender disparities in STEM education for high school students.

Supports requiring the New York City Department of Education to report information on career and technical education programs in New York City public schools.

Education

- 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 9

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