Melissa Rosenberg

Melissa Rosenberg is a candidate for the New York State Assembly, specifically for Assembly District 69, which encompasses parts of Manhattan's Upper West Side, Morningside Heights, and Manhattan Valley. She is currently a vice president at the lobbying firm Kasirer and has a background in real estate advocacy, having worked on significant projects like the $2 billion Innovation QNS development in Astoria.12

Political Focus and Campaign Themes:

Rosenberg's campaign is heavily centered on housing issues, reflecting her frustration with what she perceives as Albany's failure to adequately address the housing crisis. She advocates for financial incentives to encourage affordable housing development and supports strengthening tenant protections, albeit with a nuanced approach that considers the concerns of property owners.1 Her stance aligns her with YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) politics, emphasizing the need for more housing as a moral imperative while also addressing safety and antisemitism in her platform.13

Community Involvement:

In addition to her professional background, Rosenberg has been actively involved in her community, serving on the Upper West Side's Community Board 7 for seven years. This local engagement complements her campaign's focus on improving neighborhood conditions and responsiveness to resident needs.5

Electoral Context:

Rosenberg is running in a competitive Democratic primary, following the announcement that incumbent Assembly Member Daniel O'Donnell will not seek reelection. She faces other candidates, including Eli Northrup, who is focusing on criminal justice reform.14 Her campaign strategy includes leveraging endorsements from influential groups like Run for Something and aligning with local political figures to bolster her chances in the primary.3

Overall, Melissa Rosenberg presents herself as a candidate committed to addressing pressing local issues through a combination of advocacy experience and community involvement.