Carlina Rivera officially steps down from her City Council seat

Photo from April by Stacie Joy 

Last Wednesday marked the last day in office for District 2 City Council Member Carlina Rivera. 

As previously reported, the term-limited Rivera was stepping down before the end of the year to lead the New York State Association for Affordable Housing, the trade association for New York's affordable housing industry. 

Here's part of Rivera's message in her final District 2 newsletter (read the full report here) from last week:

This month, I was proud to pass legislation to change our City's supportive housing rules so that New Yorkers who experience homelessness and then incarceration no longer lose their eligibility for housing due to "time homeless" requirements. Supportive housing, offering stable homes and wraparound services, has been proven to reduce recidivism, improve health, and restore dignity, and this change will help thousands rebuild their lives. I also passed a bill improving safety and accountability on NYC rooftops and celebrated the rollout of the first citywide greenway plan in nearly 30 years, which will connect neighborhoods with safe, beautiful, and climate-resilient walking and biking paths.

It's been the honor of my life to represent this district, and I'm deeply grateful for the trust you've placed in me. Born and raised on the Lower East Side, the daughter of a mother who came to New York from Puerto Rico for opportunity, I have carried that same drive into public service, advocating for the same community members I organized alongside long before holding office ... Thank you for the privilege of serving our community. 

The newsletter also offers an overview of her accomplishments over the past eight years, including sections titled "Funding and Budget Wins," "Health and Reproductive Rights," and "Housing and Tenant Protections." This link goes to the full newsletter. 

According to the New York City Charter, "If a vacancy occurs less than ninety days before the date of the primary election in the last year of the term, the person elected at the general election in such year for the next succeeding term shall take office immediately upon qualification and fill the vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term."

In November, Harvey Epstein will face Republican nominee Jason Murillo in the District 2 Council race.

Epstein, the presumptive favorite, confirmed that he can be seated in the City Council after the election is certified. 

District 2 includes the East Village, Gramercy Park, Kips Bay, Murray Hill, as well as parts of the Lower East Side and Greenwich Village. 

Despite her departure, Rivera's constituent services department and staff will continue to work and answer messages through the fall.

With reporting by Stacie Joy