With Borough in Crisis, Salamanca’s Unique Experience Gives Him Edge on Housing, Economic Recovery
Rafael Salamanca Jr., the City Councilmember for The Bronx’s 17th District and Chairperson of the City Council’s Committee on Land Use, is kicking off his campaign for Bronx Borough President today. In the midst of record levels of homelessness and housing insecurity, Salamanca will bring a strong record of creating truly affordable housing, including building over 7,000 units and securing designated units for the homeless.
“We are in a crisis. All of the growth and improvement we’ve seen under the current Borough President is at risk right now, and we need a proven leader with the experience and skills to tackle these issues,” said Salamanca. “We’re all in pain; I lost my dad in April to COVID-19 like so many others, and on top of that we see the job loss, the housing crisis, the small businesses closing, and our health system on the verge of getting overwhelmed again. Too many Bronx families have needlessly suffered because leaders at all levels — from Washington down to the City-level — have failed us. We need experienced leaders to take on our most critical challenges: the COVID-19 pandemic; a recession; housing and food insecurity; economic inequity; and overdue reforms to our criminal justice system. From the Community Board to the Council, I’ve fought for these issues and I am ready to build our communities back better -- to be more equitable for all.”
A proud product of the South Bronx, Salamanca has had the honor of representing the people of the 17th Council District since 2016. Beyond his leadership on affordable housing, Salamanca has been a stalwart advocate and champion for his constituents, prioritizing access to quality healthcare, employment, education and improved quality of life. Salamanca has allocated over $100 million in critical funding for capital investments and social programming. As Chairperson of the Committee on Land Use, Salamanca is a champion for smart development across the Bronx and New York City that prioritizes the needs of all New Yorkers. He has fought for deeply affordable housing, housing for the homeless, senior housing, and housing for working families, and secured over 7,000 units of 100% affordable housing.
Before being elected to the City Council, Salamanca served as District Manager of Bronx Community Board 2, where he was a member for more than a decade. Salamanca has long been committed to helping his community, serving as President of the 41st Precinct Community Council and on the boards of the Community Healthcare Network and the Hunts Point Economic Development Corporation. In addition to all of his community work and activism, Salamanca spent over a dozen years working in healthcare to expand access for low-income and working families throughout the Bronx.
“The Bronx is tough and resilient, and I know we will get through these challenges and come back stronger. I am proud every day to serve our community and it would be an honor to serve as our next Borough President,” concluded Salamanca.
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