Sunset Park council member defends her record and looks ahead

Council Member Alexa Avilés is running for re-election in Brooklyn’s 38th Council District, which includes Sunset Park, Red Hook, and parts of Borough Park and Windsor Terrace. With her primary faceoff against challenger Ling Ye rapidly approaching, Avilés reflected on her first term, defended her record, and outlined her priorities if elected to a second.

Housing and Affordability

Avilés named affordable housing as her top concern, describing it as the number one issue in the district and across the city. She noted that many so-called "affordable" units are priced for families making up to 130% of the Area Median Income—over $165,000 a year in NYC—putting them out of reach for most working-class residents.

"Our residents, who are working class folks who are not making $70,000 or $50,000, should get access to new housing," she said.

Under her tenure, District 38 ranked tenth among the top ten city districts in affordable housing production. She pointed to a community land-use framework her office helped create, which outlines priorities for developers. The goal, she said, is to ensure new development addresses local needs rather than maximizing profit.

Avilés also cited her work with the Progressive Caucus to secure subsidies through the "City of Yes" initiative, supporting deeper affordability and tenant protections. While she supports maximizing affordability in every project, she acknowledged that 100% affordability is generally only feasible on public land, which is scarce in Sunset Park. Community Institutions and Displacement

Avilés spoke passionately about supporting local institutions threatened by gentrification and rising rents, such as the United Senior Center and Mixteca, a nonprofit that recently secured its own building with funding support from Avilés and the borough president.

The senior center faces a steep 70% rent hike, and Avilés emphasized that her office has been deeply involved in ongoing negotiations between the landlord and United's executive director, Grisel Amador.

Avilés, in accordance with the wishes of Amador and the seniors, also helped to organize rallies to raise community awareness about the issue, calling out the landlord by name—a tactic Ye, criticizes as "landlord shaming." "Sometimes you have to use multiple tactics to get to where you need to go," Avilés said.

She expressed a desire to help more nonprofits become building owners to shield them from displacement, noting the impact of rising commercial rents on services and small businesses.

Public Safety and Police Budgeting

Avilés supports reallocating a large portion of NYPD funds to social services, citing inefficiencies in current spending. She pointed to the department's $1 billion annual overtime budget and questioned the practice of assigning police to address social problems like mental health crises and youth behavior in schools.

She argued that focusing on root causes would yield better public safety outcomes and noted the NYPD's low case closure rate (39% in 2023) as evidence that the current approach is not working.

Budget Advocacy and Education

Avilés, who voted against the last three city budgets, framed herself as a budget negotiator rather than a rubber stamp. She said she fought to restore cuts to education, youth programs, and community services despite mayoral opposition. Her future priorities include securing city and federal funding for afterschool grants like COMPASS and 21st Century Community Learning Centers, which serve over a dozen schools in Sunset Park.

She also mentioned her support for capital projects including playground renovations along Third Avenue and investments in immigrant services, particularly as chair of the City Council’s Immigration Committee.

Governance Style and Constituent Services

Avilés said she is proud of her constituent services team, which has assisted over 4,000 residents during her term. She described this work as "rebuilding democracy," explaining that when residents see that government can help, they are more likely to participate.

Avilés also stressed the limitations of her role, clarifying that she does not control agencies like the NYPD or DOT, but often acts as a connector and advocate. She said much of her time is spent following up with agencies to ensure they fulfill their responsibilities.

Looking Ahead

If re-elected, Avilés said she will focus on completing ongoing capital projects, expanding affordable housing, protecting schools and afterschool programs, fighting for environmental justice, and securing funding for community organizations. She acknowledged the job can be exhausting but said small moments of appreciation from residents make it worthwhile. "Some days are unrelenting," Avilés said. "But when I get a bendición from someone on the street or they just say thanks, it feels like we've been able to make some impact. I'm really proud of that and it fuels me."

The primary election will be held on Tuesday, June 24, with early voting starting Saturday, June 14.