Political Action Fund Candidate Forum: Justin Brannan and Marjorie Velazquez

The 2023 City Council General Election is quickly approaching, and two of AIA New York Political Action Fund’s “Highly Rated” Candidates are running in competitive races to retain their seats. Marjorie Velazquez and Justin Brannan are joining AIANY PAF for a Q&A on October 3, 2023 for architects and the design community to get to know the candidates, hear about their districts’ priorities, and learn about the work the candidates are doing to support the built environment.

This year’s City Council elections are unusual. An idiosyncrasy in the City Charter states that every 20 years, following the redistricting process, a City Council election must be held after two years rather than four, with candidates then elected for only a two-year term (see Section 25 of the City Charter). After this adjustment, candidates can then run for a regular four-year term in 2025. This provision is meant to accomodate any challenges resulting from new district lines.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 7 (Polls open from 6am—9pm)
Early Voting Period is October 28 to November 5 (See Poll Site Hours)
Find your polling location here.

AIA New York Political Action Fund greatly appreciates a contribution of any size. You can donate $250+, $500+, or $1,000+ with the link here.

Speakers:
Marjorie Velazquez, Council Member, New York City Council District 13
Justin Brannan, Council Member, New York City Council District 43 

About the Speakers:
Marjorie Velazquez represents District 13, which covers parts of the eastern Bronx. Velazquez was born and raised in the Bronx and currently lives in Throggs Neck. Previously, she worked in corporate finance, budgeting, and accounting after graduating from NYU. Prior to her election to the City Council, Velazquez served on Community Board 10 as treasurer and Municipal Services Committee chair. Currently, Velazquez is the chair of the Consumer and Worker Protection Committee, and she has focused on passing legislation to create good paying union jobs, appropriate funding for schools, improve access to healthcare, and increase transit options throughout her district. Velazquez championed the Open Restaurants legislation, which AIANY, along with the ALFRESSCO coalition, strongly advocated for. (Donate to Marjorie Velazquez.)

Justin Brannan was born and raised in Brooklyn. After attending PS 185, McKinley JHS and Xaverian High School, Brannan studied journalism at Fordham, before embarking on a career as a professional musician in two hardcore punk bands. His bands released several albums and toured the world – traveling to over fifty countries across five continents. While working at a New York City radio station, Brannan got involved in union organizing and fought to recover unpaid wages for his co-workers. He then served as Chief of Staff to his predecessor Councilmember Gentile and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the Department of Education where he helped oversee the expansion of Universal Pre-K. Brannan was elected in 2017 from a crowded field of ten candidates to represent southwest Brooklyn's 43rd Council District. The 43rd Council District might be a subway ride away from the skyscrapers and luxury apartment buildings of Manhattan, but Brannan knows that his district is the backbone of the City and deserves the same respect, resources and results as everyone else. As Chair of the Committee on Finance, he's made it his mission to make life just a little bit easier for working New Yorkers and out most vulnerable. Due to redistricting, Brannan will be running in the newly created NYC Council District 47 against former Democrat Ari Kagan who recently switched to the Republican party. (Donate to Justin Brannan.)

This event is offered virtually. If you register for a virtual ticket, you will receive an email with a Zoom link to access the program.