Julie Menin: Public Appearances and Media
Television and Media Commentary
Prior to entering government, Menin had a notable media presence as a political television commentator . She appeared on CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News Channel, with appearances on programs including The Today Show, The CBS Early Show, CBS Evening News, CNN American Morning, CNN Situation Room, Hardball, and Larry King . She also hosted and co-produced Give and Take, a national show on politics airing on NBC cable . Her media background contributed to a public profile that distinguished her from typical community board leaders and positioned her as a recognizable figure in New York political commentary .
Op-Ed Writing
Menin has been a frequent op-ed contributor to New York publications, with pieces published in the New York Times, Crain's New York Business, the New York Daily News, the New York Post, the West Side Spirit, Our Town, and the Downtown Express . Her op-ed writing has covered topics ranging from Lower Manhattan recovery to consumer protection policy to small business regulation .
ABNY Power Breakfast Address
In February 2026, Menin delivered a major address at the Association for a Better New York Power Breakfast, one of her first high-profile public appearances as Speaker . In her remarks, she outlined her vision for the Council and recounted her personal journey into public service, from opening a restaurant near the New York Stock Exchange to founding Wall Street Rising after the September 11 attacks . She discussed the Council's legislative agenda, including plans for childcare expansion, healthcare accountability, and fiscal responsibility .
State Legislative Testimony
Menin testified before a joint session of the New York State Legislature during hearings on the proposed fiscal year 2027 executive budget in February 2026 . Her testimony focused on the city's need for state partnership on affordability, healthcare cost reduction, childcare investment, and census funding . She addressed federal threats to SNAP administration funding and called for increased state investment in census operations ahead of the 2030 count .
Press Conferences and Public Events
As Speaker, Menin has held regular press conferences on legislative actions, budget proposals, and emergency responses . She convened an emergency press conference on January 12, 2026, after learning that Council employee Rafael Rubio had been detained by ICE, and continued to issue public statements and hold events related to his case throughout his five-month detention .
She held an interfaith rally at City Hall in February 2026 with Council Member Yusef Salaam and faith leaders from across the city ahead of a Council hearing on anti-hate legislation . She announced the results of the fiscal year 2027 participatory budgeting process and held press conferences on the Council's economic forecast projections .
In June 2026, Menin announced plans to build new libraries that would include 100 percent affordable housing and held a press conference with Council members and community leaders to address the city's response to a Legionnaires' disease outbreak . She also announced support for Romanch's Law, legislation to end horse-drawn carriage operations in Central Park .
Social Media Presence
Menin maintains active social media accounts under the handle @SpeakerMenin on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook . Her social media activity focuses on legislative announcements, constituent services updates, budget developments, and public advocacy on issues such as immigration enforcement, hate crime prevention, and small business support .
Academic and Professional Speaking
As an adjunct professor at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, Menin taught courses on city and state government, including topics such as preemption, home rule, and instances where municipal leaders addressed voids left by federal inaction . Her academic work informed her public policy positions and reinforced her credentials as a policy-oriented leader . She also co-founded She Should Run, a nationwide initiative that has encouraged thousands of women to seek elected office .
Awards and Recognition
Menin received the John Jay Award from the Columbia College Alumni Association in 2018, recognizing her distinguished professional achievement and public service contributions . She has received additional awards recognizing her leadership in consumer protection, gender equity in media, and Lower Manhattan recovery, though specific details of these recognitions vary across sources .
FIFA World Cup Related Activities
Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup events hosted in New York, Menin called for public education and enforcement against tourism scams following a Council investigation into unlicensed taxis, pedicabs, and ferry ticket vendors .