From spending to stopping Trump, each New York City Council member previews their top 2017 priorities

The process of lawmaking is always a little bit different in an election year.

In the New York City Council, some members are gearing up for re-election and want to enact legislation that will energize their voter base while avoiding controversy. Some veteran City Council members who are term-limited have one last shot to pass legislation they’re passionate about before exiting the chamber. Others are eyeing runs for higher office at the city, state or even federal level – while at least a few have set their sights on becoming the next City Council speaker in 2018.

But before the campaigning really heats up, there’s plenty of work to be done. In this 2017 New York City Council preview, City & State reached out to every single council member and asked them to identify their top priorities for the new year.

The responses touch on such hot-button issues as the homelessness crisis, neighborhood rezonings and criminal justice reform. They include perennial matters like improving mass transit options, funding programs for youth and senior citizens, and protecting tenants. And with President-elect Donald Trump set to take office in a matter of days, a number of legislators emphasized the need to hold the line on issues like immigration, housing and climate change.

Whatever happens, it’s sure to be another busy year at City Hall.