Jacky Wong's Priorities for District 65

Keep Lower Manhattan Affordable

Build More Affordable Housing

Increase housing supply through mid-density, mid-rise development in appropriate locations
Push affordability requirements beyond the current 25% under the 485X tax credit program, and explore stackable programs to deepen affordability
Advance 100% affordable housing on public land to serve very low- and moderate-income New Yorkers
Convert underutilized hotels and office spaces into permanent affordable housing rather than luxury redevelopment

Protect Affordable Housing Tenants

Protect NYCHA residents by adopting a “NYCHA Tenants First” approach to RAD/PACT conversions, including requiring full tenant disclosure, a formal vote, and a clear approval threshold before conversion
Stand with tenants in Mitchell-Lama and other HPD/DHCR-regulated housing to prevent unreasonable rent increases, and advocate for transparent, predictable, income-sensitive adjustments instead of sharp spikes.
Expand access to SCRIE and DRIE for rent-burdened households and seniors on fixed incomes, with culturally competent outreach so immigrant tenants can fully utilize these programs

Protect Co-ops from Rising Costs

Recognize co-ops as a primary path to stable homeownership in AD65, not speculative investment, and protect their long-term affordability
Fight for property tax stability and transparency to prevent sudden cost increases on working families and seniors
Secure funding, incentives, and technical support so buildings can comply with Local Law 97 and other climate mandates without shifting excessive costs onto residents
Oppose punitive enforcement approaches that disproportionately burden moderate-income homeowners

Safeguard Healthcare Access

Ensure Affordable and Accessible Care

Affirm that healthcare is a basic right and keep coverage affordable and accessible for all New Yorkers
Maintain coverage amid federal cuts by strengthening the New York State of Health marketplace and protecting affordable options like the Essential Plan
Protect and expand funding for hospitals, community health centers, and preventive care programs to prevent closures and ensure stable access in underserved communities
Reduce coverage loss by improving enrollment and renewal processes so eligible residents can access and keep their insurance

Strengthen Aging Care

Streamline Medicaid recertification for seniors through automatic renewals and simplified paperwork to prevent eligible seniors from losing coverage
Strengthen oversight of home care programs by auditing providers, enforcing service verification, and reducing fraud while ensuring seniors can access reliable care
Prioritize home and community-based care over institutional care to reduce costs and allow seniors to age in place
Expand training and support for home care workers to address workforce shortages and improve quality of care

Protect LGBTQ Community

Protect access to medically necessary gender-affirming care for transgender adults under state law, regardless of federal policy changes
Maintain funding and access to LGBTQ health programs, including mental health, HIV prevention and treatment, and supportive services, despite federal funding changes

Expand Mental Health Care

Restore mental health bed capacity reduced by NYS over the past two decades and advocate to strengthen Medicaid funding for behavioral health services
Reduce the cycle between emergency rooms and the criminal justice system through better long-term care and intervention
Invest in proven, culturally competent grassroots organizations to expand outreach and connect individuals to treatment, with care delivered in coordination with major social service providers to ensure continuity, accountability, and quality of care

Support and Protect Immigrant Communities

Protect Families and Strengthen Stability

Protect NYCHA and Section 8 residents, including mixed-status families, from displacement and eviction pressures driven by federal policy changes
Expand Know-Your-Rights education and legal outreach for concerned groups in the district and other part of the State
Advance legislation to expand judicial warrant requirements from residential to commercial spaces to uphold due process, prevent unlawful ICE enforcement, and ensure accountability and transparency

Expand Language Access and Civic Participation

Expand and standardize language access across government agencies so limited-English speakers can fully access services and programs
Strengthen outreach and engagement to address gaps that leave immigrant residents unable to fully participate in government decision-making or mis-represented

Invest in Local Community Infrastructure

Invest in proven grassroots and community-based organizations, including tenant associations and civic groups, as trusted first points of contact for immigrant and vulnerable individuals
Direct public funding to grassroots organizations and strengthen coordination with major service providers to ensure individuals are connected to professional support through trusted local networks

Keep Communities Safe and Stable

Strengthen Community-Based Public Safety

Invest in neighborhood policing that improves responsiveness, maintains consistent presence in high-need areas, and supports small business corridors and residential streets
Expand language access and cultural competency while improving coordination between law enforcement and community partners to address local safety concerns
Ensure adequate staffing and deployment planning so citywide events, protests, and major gatherings do not reduce routine neighborhood policing and crime deterrence

Remove illegal guns

Strengthen enforcement against illegal gun trafficking and invest in interagency task forces to remove illegal guns from the streets
Expand use of gun tracing and data-sharing to identify trafficking patterns and hold repeat offenders accountable

Fix the Shelter System with Fairness and Accountability

Ensure shelters are fairly distributed across the city so no single neighborhood carries a disproportionate share
Require transparent siting decisions with clear criteria, advance notice, and meaningful community input
Strengthen oversight and accountability to ensure funding is used effectively and services are properly delivered, with a focus on measurable outcomes including placement into permanent housing

Improve Transportation Access

Expand Transit Access and Reliability

Improve transit access in underserved areas of far eastern AD65
Ensure fair reinvestment of congestion pricing revenue into impacted communities
Improve bus reliability and increase service frequency on key routes
Include underserved neighborhoods such as LES in future free bus pilot programs
Accelerate installation of elevators at Essex Street and other high-ridership, underserved stations

Modernize and Secure Essential Benefits (SNAP)

Upgrade SNAP cards with secure chip technology to prevent fraud and theft
Restore reimbursement for victims of benefit theft and strengthen consumer protections
Support local programs that help families recover lost assistance and maintain food security
Improve coordination and oversight to prevent fraud while ensuring timely access to benefits

Build a Stronger Local Economy

Support Small Businesses and Workers

Stand up for workers' rights by strengthening enforcement against wage theft, supporting safe working conditions, and protecting fair wages under New York labor law
Support small businesses by expanding access to state financing, tax credits, and technical assistance, while advocating for relief from excessive regulatory burdens
Invest in workforce development and apprenticeship programs to connect residents to stable, good-paying jobs in growing industries