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Shanel Thomas-Henry
District 21QueensDemocrat

Shanel Thomas-Henry

NYC Council Member · Since 2022

District profile →Legistar Official site

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 Shanel Thomas-Henry is a lifelong resident of Corona/East Elmhurst representing New York City's 21st Council District, serving Corona, East Elmhurst, Lefrak, and Jackson Heights. She chairs the NYC Council Committee on Small Business, focused on local entrepreneurship, access to opportunity, and policies supporting working families and community-based economic growth. With more than two decades of experience in community development and public engagement, she has led initiatives connecting residents to jobs, scholarships, workforce development, and public resources.

Career
Community development and public engagement professional

Policy Priorities

  • Small Business Support — Chairs the NYC Council Committee on Small Business, focused on strengthening local entrepreneurship and expanding access to opportunity
  • Economic Development — Long-standing commitment to economic development shaped by experience with family businesses along Northern Boulevard
  • Workforce Development — Led initiatives connecting residents to jobs and workforce development resources
  • Community Investment — Connects residents to scholarships and public resources through community engagement initiatives
  • Working Family Policies — Advancing policies that support working families and community-based economic growth

Issue Stances

Sourced from public statements, council votes, and news coverage via AI research. Verify with primary sources.

Issue Stances

💰
Budget & FiscalEconomic opportunity and small business growthAs Chair of the Committee on Small Business, she prioritizes strengthening local entrepreneurship and community-based economic growth, with a focus on expanding access to opportunity for working families.
📚
EducationCommunity-focused education investmentThomas-Henry cites education as a long-standing commitment alongside economic development, and has led initiatives connecting residents to scholarships and public resources.
🕊️
Israel & GazaPro-ceasefire; supports Palestinian statehoodShanel Thomas-Henry took office January 1, 2026. Her congressional campaign website advocates for an immediate ceasefire, a ban on U.S. weapons funding to Israel, and international recognition of Palestinian statehood.

Legislative Record

28Bills Sponsored
3Introduced
Res 0424-2026

Resolution declaring January 5 as Kappa Alpha Psi Day in the City of New York to recognize the fraternity’s long-standing tradition of fostering brotherhood, academic achievement, leadership development, and community service

Apr 16, 2026In Committee
Int 0844-2026Introduced

Licensing massage therapy businesses

Apr 16, 2026In Committee
Int 0811-2026

Requiring the department of sanitation to clean and maintain all city-owned vacant lots

Apr 16, 2026In Committee
Int 0846-2026Introduced

Ferry service to Willets Point

Apr 16, 2026In Committee
Int 0822-2026

A Local Law in relation to the naming of two thoroughfares and public places, Thierry Henry Way, Borough of Manhattan and Pelé Way, Borough of Queens, and the repeal of this local law upon the expiration thereof

Apr 16, 2026Enacted
Int 0845-2026Introduced

Requiring the department of transportation to install lighting under elevated train lines

Apr 16, 2026In Committee
Res 0396-2026

Resolution declaring May 15 through June 15 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month and June 7 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day in the City of New York

Mar 26, 2026In Committee
Int 0796-2026

Regulating the police department’s response to first amendment events

Mar 26, 2026In Committee
Track all NYC legislation →View voting history →

Conduct & Ethics

✓No conduct or ethics incidents on record

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 Shanel Thomas-Henry's service in District 21.