The Borough Presidents are the executive officials of each borough. The City Charter gives them authority to: work with the Mayor in preparing the annual executive budget submitted to the City Council and to propose borough budget priorities directly to the council; review and comment on major land use decisions and propose sites for city facilities within their respective boroughs; monitor and modify the delivery of city services within their boroughs; and engage in strategic planning for their boroughs. Mark Levine, Manhattan’s 28th Borough President, has leveraged decades of public service experience to advance a vision for a more equitable, resilient, and healthier New York. Since taking office in January 2022, he has been a pioneering voice in the housing movement, advocating for solutions to the affordability crisis through the construction of more housing, especially affordable units. His legislative achievements include spearheading the nation’s first Right to Counsel law, which ensures tenants facing eviction have legal representation, significantly reducing homelessness and housing insecurity in NYC. Mark’s leadership extends to environmental and public health initiatives. He launched the Million More Trees plan to expand Manhattan’s urban canopy, focusing on underserved neighborhoods. He has also been a key advocate for pedestrianization efforts in Manhattan, pushing for more car-free zones and safer streets for pedestrians. Additionally, Mark is leading the charge for municipal AI legislation, aiming to establish guidelines that ensure ethical AI use in city governance, education and the workforce. Mark's background as a public school teacher, community organizer, and City Council member has shaped his approach to leadership, rooted in compassion and cultural understanding. He lives with his family in Washington Heights and is fluent in Spanish and Hebrew. Show more Show less