Chris Banks: Quotes and Statements

Following his primary victory over longtime incumbent Charles Barron in June 2023, Banks told reporters that the district had grown weary of the status quo. He described the result as the culmination of a long effort to bring new leadership to East New York, noting that he had been challenging the Barron political family since 2012 . He characterized the voters as frustrated with what he described as the ineffectiveness of the Barrons and their inability to work with colleagues at the state and city levels .

Speaking to BKReader after his election, Banks described himself as an authentic East New Yorker prepared to tackle the neighborhood's challenges. He acknowledged that East New York is one of the city's most rapidly expanding neighborhoods but emphasized the need for sensible development, noting that any new construction should serve the community rather than external interests .

After voting to pass the city's $112 billion budget in June 2024, Banks highlighted the historic nature of the vote, noting that it was the first time in over 20 years that a Council member from the 42nd District had supported passage of the city budget. He described the vote as a reflection of the productive relationship he had built with the Council's leadership .

When the Council restored $6.8 million in budget funding for NYCHA's unarmed security guard program at senior developments, Banks stated that the safety and security of NYCHA residents should not be reduced to a bottom-line number on a balance sheet. He emphasized that the protection of seniors and the livelihoods of the workers who keep them safe would always be a priority .

Banks stated on the Council floor that the real housing crisis concerned the lack of affordability and pathways to homeownership, not merely the construction of new units ⁵. He noted that his district had seen an increase in affordable housing over the previous 15 years but that it remained nearly impossible for his constituents to become homeowners ⁵. He emphasized that all four community boards in his district disapproved of the proposal and that his vote reflected the wishes of the people he represents .

In a March 2025 Stated Meeting, Banks expressed outrage over a Department of Investigation report revealing that security guards had abandoned posts, failed to report for shifts, and falsified time sheets at NYCHA buildings. He noted that 32 percent of lobby doors were unsecured and 70 percent of CCTV cameras in senior housing were inoperable ⁷. He stated that the findings represented neglect and called for a new vendor if NYCHA and its contractor Allied Universal could not meet basic safety standards ⁷.

Upon being named Deputy Leader and reappointed as Public Housing Committee Chair under Speaker Menin, Banks stated that the decision reflected the strong work done over the previous two years in holding NYCHA accountable, ensuring fairness for residents, and protecting the dignity of those who call the city's oldest affordable housing home. He emphasized that when the city discusses affordability, NYCHA must be treated as a priority rather than an afterthought .

Banks stated that too many victims of deed theft never learn that paperwork has been filed against their property until it is too late. He described his work on legislation to strengthen early-notification requirements and ensure homeowners receive real-time alerts when any deed-related action is taken .

Banks stated that New Yorkers have been forced to navigate skyrocketing insurance costs and opaque industry practices with little transparency and even less recourse, and identified himself personally as one of those affected. He expressed support for Speaker Menin's Intro 685 to establish an Office of Insurance Accountability .

In an interview with PoliticsNY, Banks outlined his 2026 goals as strengthening NYCHA by preserving and protecting Section 9 housing, investing in critical infrastructure, advocating for seniors by increasing the DFTA budget, expanding access to affordable homeownership, and addressing quality-of-life issues including illegal dumping, street lighting, and traffic safety .