Shahana Hanif
NYC Council Member · Since 2022
What This Office Can Do
- Proposes and votes on city laws
- Approves or rejects the city budget
- Holds agencies accountable through public hearings
- Directs discretionary funds to local projects
Background
Council Member Shahana Hanif represents New York City's 39th Council District, encompassing parts of Kensington, Borough Park, Windsor Terrace, Park Slope, Gowanus, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill, and the Columbia Waterfront. Born and raised in the district to Bangladeshi immigrant parents, she is the first Bangladeshi and Muslim woman elected to the New York City Council and the first woman to represent the 39th District. Her personal battle with Lupus, diagnosed at age 17, and her experiences navigating the healthcare system inspired her commitment to public service.
- Career
- Director of Organizing and Community Engagement in the office of former District 39 Council Member Brad Lander
Policy Priorities
- Lupus Awareness — Led the passage of a resolution designating May as Lupus Awareness Month in New York City during her first term.
- Participatory Budgeting — Spearheaded Participatory Budgeting in the 39th District and continues to champion it to enhance civic engagement and strengthen local democracy.
- Advocacy for Working-Class Families — Has dedicated her career to advocating for working-class families and advancing a city built on care, equity, and safety.
- Healthcare Access — Committed to public service informed by personal experience with challenging healthcare systems and City services.
Issue Stances
Sourced from public statements, council votes, and news coverage via AI research. Verify with primary sources.
Issue Stances
Documented Positions
Sourced from public statements, votes, and news coverage. Only documented positions are listed.
Hanif has been an outspoken supporter of the Palestinian cause. In October 2023 she was arrested at a Gaza ceasefire rally, has described Israel's actions as "genocide," voiced support for campus divestment protesters, voted against a "End Jew Hatred" day resolution in 2023, and endorsed the Leave It Blank campaign protesting U.S. military support for Israel.
Source →Hanif led a Progressive Caucus effort to reduce NYPD funding, requesting members commit to "do everything we can to reduce the size and scope of the NYPD," which led 15 members to leave the caucus. Her office has stated that involving police in public safety situations would "only escalate."
Source →Hanif sponsored and passed the NYC Abortion Rights Act during her tenure on the City Council.
Source →Legislative Record
A public outreach and education program regarding Hajj and Umrah-related scams
Resolution recognizing animals as sentient beings and calling on the New York State Assembly to pass, the New York State Senate to introduce and pass companion legislation, and the Governor to sign, A.107, recognizing animals as sentient beings statewide and establishing that animals can be victims of a crime
Requiring food service establishments to permit the use of reusable cups provided by customers
Dog bite incidents
Requiring each police precinct to train and designate at least one uniformed officer as an animal cruelty liaison
An outreach and education campaign on dog licensing
A publicly accessible animal abuse registry
Regulating the police department’s response to first amendment events
Conduct & Ethics
A March 2025 report alleged Hanif directed over $149,000 in discretionary taxpayer funds to nonprofits where her husband held board positions, raising conflict of interest questions. Hanif denied the allegations, stating her relationships with the organizations predated her marriage.
Source →Data sourced from NYC Legistar, NYC Campaign Finance Board, NYC Conflicts of Interest Board, and curated public records. This page is a permanent record of Shahana Hanif's service in District 39.