Chris Banks: Public Appearances and Media
Television Appearances
Banks appeared live on PIX11's morning show to discuss his work as Chair of the Committee on Public Housing, detailing his oversight agenda and priorities for NYCHA residents . He also appeared on PIX11 following a police-involved shooting at the Sutter Avenue L train station near the Brownsville-East New York border, speaking about the released body camera footage and calling for transparency .
Banks was featured on WNYC in January 2024 as part of a segment profiling the four newly elected members of the New York City Council .
Council Floor Statements
Banks delivered remarks on the Council floor on December 5, 2024, opposing the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity zoning reform plan. His speech centered on affordability, homeownership, parking, and the disapproval of all four community boards in his district 3.
In March 2025, Banks delivered a statement at a Stated Meeting expressing outrage over a Department of Investigation report on security and fire safety failures at NYCHA buildings. He cited specific findings regarding unsecured lobby doors, inoperable cameras, and absent fire guards, and called for accountability from NYCHA and its vendor Allied Universal 4.
Press Conferences and Rallies
In November 2024, Banks joined Speaker Adrienne Adams and Finance Committee Chair Justin Brannan at a press conference celebrating the restoration of $6.8 million in budget funding for NYCHA's security guard program at senior developments .
In October 2025, Banks participated in a rally with Speaker Adams and other Council members at Essex Crossing Park opposing three housing-related ballot proposals submitted by former Mayor Eric Adams. He characterized the proposals as an insult to democracy and argued they would strip communities of their voice in the development process .
In February 2026, Banks joined Council Member Chi Osse and the People's Coalition to Stop Deed Theft at an event urging Governor Hochul to enforce existing statutes to protect homeowners from displacement .
In April 2026, Banks stood with Speaker Menin and other Council members at a rally supporting Intro 685, proposed legislation to establish an Office of Insurance Accountability .
Print and Digital Media
Banks was profiled by BKReader in December 2023 following his election, in an article that detailed his community organizing background, his decade-long rivalry with the Barrons, and his priorities for the 42nd District . THE CITY published an in-depth profile in June 2023 examining how Banks toppled the Barron political dynasty in East New York . The Brooklyn Paper covered his primary victory and his vote on the City of Yes plan .
PoliticsNY published a question-and-answer feature with Banks in April 2026 as part of its Inside Government series, in which he discussed his office's constituent services, his district's most pressing challenges, and his legislative priorities for the year .
Community Events
Banks hosted emergency town halls for residents of the Carter G. Woodson NYCHA senior housing development to raise awareness about proposed cuts to the security officer program . He conducted compliance education visits alongside the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection to businesses along the New Lots Avenue commercial corridor in District 42 .
In 2026, Banks hosted a district reception for Speaker Julie Menin at the Theater at Food Bazaar in East New York, described as the first visit by a Council Speaker to the 42nd District in recent history .
Social Media Presence
Banks maintains active social media accounts under the handle @CMCHRISBANKS42 on X (formerly Twitter) and @nyc_councilman_chrisbanks on Instagram, where he posts updates on committee hearings, legislative action, community events, and constituent services .