New York City Council member representing District 1 in lower Manhattan since 2022, covering the Lower East Side, Chinatown, SoHo, Tribeca, and the Financial District. Child of immigrants from the Dominican Republic who grew up on the Lower East Side. His father owned a bodega and his mother worked in a factory. Previously worked in finance at IBM.
CM
Serving
Christopher Marte
City CouncilDemocrat
NY-NYC Council District 1 City Council
About
Family & Heritage
Child of immigrants from the Dominican Republic who grew up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. His father owned a bodega that eventually had to close due to rent hikes, and his mother worked in a garment factory before becoming a home attendant. Attended local public schools and after-school programs in his neighborhood.
Political Career
Before Politics
Managed IBM's retirement funds in finance; Served on the Young Professionals Board of Defy Ventures guiding formerly incarcerated people in starting small businesses; Legal researcher at an immigration law firm; New York State Director at Arena, training candidates and campaign staffers; Co-founded two community gardens in NYCHA housing; Volunteered at the Bowery Mission
Education
St. Agnes Boys High School; B.A. in International Economics and Politics, LIU Global (studied abroad in China for two years)
Key Issues & Priorities
Affordable housing and anti-gentrification
Small business protection
Opposition to luxury high-rise development
Community gardens and public space
Participatory budgeting and civic engagement