By Chris Tobias | Photo courtesy: Crystal for Brooklyn
In an interview with our Editor-in-Chief and Host of People Power & Politics, Pearl Phillip, New York City Council Member Crystal Hudson sat down to reflect on her trailblazing tenure and ambitious vision for the future. Representing the diverse and culturally rich 35th District—which includes Fort Greene, Prospect Heights, Clinton Hill, and parts of Crown Heights—Hudson is not only one of the first out gay Black women to serve on the City Council but also a bold advocate for equity, affordability, and dignity for all New Yorkers.
Pioneering Leadership Rooted in Justice
A commitment to transformative and inclusive governance has defined Council Member Hudson’s first term. Two of her cornerstone initiatives—the Black Agenda and the Marsha and Sylvia Plan—reflect her deep dedication to social justice. The Black Agenda aims to repair decades of harm to Black communities by investing in economic justice, education, housing, and healthcare. Meanwhile, the Marsha and Sylvia Plan, honored by transgender rights pioneers Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, is a comprehensive legislative framework advancing LGBTQIA+ equity across the five boroughs.
These initiatives are more than policy—they are a moral imperative. “Equity and justice are not buzzwords in my office,” Hudson stated in the interview. “They’re the foundation of everything we do.”
Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan: A Landmark Victory
One of Hudson’s proudest achievements is the Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan, a groundbreaking rezoning effort that will shape Brooklyn’s future. This initiative will bring 4,600 new housing units to the area—40% of which will be designated as affordable housing—backed by $215 million in public investment.
But it’s not just about housing. The plan also includes critical investments in infrastructure, parks, and public safety improvements, such as redesigning Atlantic Avenue to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists. As Hudson describes, it is “a community-centered plan that balances growth with the needs of long-time residents.”
A Vision for a Safer, More Affordable New York
Looking ahead to her second term, Hudson is laser-focused on affordability, community safety, and aging—three issues that she says are vital to the well-being of her constituents.
Hudson explained that affordability isn’t just about rent—it’s about a holistic approach to living in New York City. “We have to make sure that folks can afford not just to live here but to thrive here,” she said. Her platform includes access to housing, quality healthcare, expanded public transit, and wage increases that reflect the true cost of city living.
Reimagining Public Safety Through a Public Health Lens
Council Member Hudson is also a leading voice in the effort to reimagine public safety in New York City. Rather than defaulting to traditional policing, she supports non-carceral and public health-based approaches to reducing harm and violence.
Her endorsement of the Council’s Crisis to Care budget initiative marks a bold step in this direction. The initiative calls for trained mental health professionals—not police officers—to respond to mental health crises and includes significant investments in mental health infrastructure, supportive housing, and wraparound services. “When someone is in crisis, they need care, not cuffs,” Hudson said.
Championing the Rights of Older Adults
Hudson’s commitment to aging in place is personal. Having served as a caregiver for her mother, she understands the issue of elder care firsthand. Through legislation and budget advocacy, she seeks to ensure that older New Yorkers can remain in their homes and communities with the dignity and support they deserve.
Her proposals include expanding home care services, improving senior centers, and increasing funding for aging-related programs. “Aging is not a problem to be solved; it’s a reality to be respected.”
Defender of LGBTQIA+ Rights in a Time of Backlash
As LGBTQIA+ communities across the country face increasing hostility and legislative attacks, Hudson is working to make New York City a true sanctuary. Her legislative victories include protecting access to gender-affirming healthcare and shielding individuals from out-of-state legal threats.
In her words: “This city must be a safe haven for queer and trans people, for immigrants, for anyone targeted simply for being who they are.”
Building Trust and Accountability
Hudson recognizes that trust in government is at an all-time low, especially in marginalized communities. She’s working to restore that trust through initiatives like the Black Agenda and increased transparency around budget allocations.
“We can’t just show up during election season,” she said. “We need to be in constant conversation with our communities—listening, learning, and being held accountable.”
A Re-Election Campaign Fueled by Community and Conviction
Crystal Hudson is not resting on her laurels as she gears up for re-election. She’s hitting the ground running with a campaign rooted in grassroots organizing, coalition-building, and progressive policy. Her vision is clear: a city where everyone—regardless of race, gender, income, or immigration status—can live with dignity, opportunity, and peace of mind.
In a political climate often defined by division and rhetoric, Hudson offers something rare: an authentic, community-driven approach to governance. Her leadership is not just a symbol of representation—it’s a force for structural change.
For voters in the 35th District, the choice is clear. Crystal Hudson isn’t just running for re-election—she’s running to continue a movement. One that’s been built block by block, voice by voice, and policy by policy. And if her first term is any indication, the best is yet to come.
For more information about her campaign, visit www.crystalforbk.com
Click here to listen to interview.
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