Chris Banks is a dedicated public servant representing the 42nd Council District of New York City, encompassing the diverse communities of East New York, Starrett City, Brownsville, Canarsie, Remsen Village, and East Flatbush. A lifelong resident of Brooklyn, Chris Banks embodies the spirit of his district, having been born and raised in the heart of East New York. His deep roots and unwavering commitment make him a powerful voice for the residents he serves.
Growing up as the son of an immigrant mother from Trinidad and Tobago and a father from Houston, Texas, Chris Banks was instilled with strong values of hard work, collaboration, and mutual respect. His upbringing in an entrepreneurial and labor-focused household shaped his understanding of community and the importance of collective action. These early lessons have been the bedrock of his career as a community advocate and public servant.
From his very first role as an education group leader and adolescent coordinator at the local Police Athletic League, Chris Banks demonstrated a profound commitment to giving back to the community that nurtured him. He further solidified this dedication by running after-school and summer youth programs for the East New York Local Development Corporation. In these roles, Chris Banks directly impacted the lives of hundreds of young people in the area, consistently focusing his efforts on strengthening the fabric of his community from the ground up.
Chris Banks views his community through a grassroots perspective, firmly believing in the power of partnership and collaboration to drive positive change. His core philosophy centers on amplifying the voices of those traditionally marginalized, ensuring that their concerns are heard and addressed. For Chris Banks, strong advocacy is not just a principle; it is an essential tool in the ongoing fight to meet the diverse needs of his community.
Known for being results-oriented and a man of action, Chris Banks has consistently leveraged his extensive relationships to achieve tangible victories for his constituents. His proven track record includes successfully organizing Starrett City residents against a proposed significant rent increase, a move that protected affordable housing for countless families. He also rallied seniors to prevent the closures of the Theresa Moore Senior Center and the Penn Wortman Senior Center in Pink Houses, ensuring the continuation of vital services for the area’s elderly population. Further demonstrating his dedication, Chris Banks united community members and collaborated with local elected officials to keep the NYPD Community Center in the community open, preserving a crucial resource.
Chris Banks has been a tireless advocate for improved living conditions, fighting for essential repairs, access to clean drinking water, and the restoration of gas and heat services in numerous NYCHA buildings. He has also worked alongside homeowners and community residents as part of the East New York Coalition to oppose the creation of additional shelters within East New York, prioritizing community balance and resident concerns. When it comes to defending the rights and well-being of his community, Chris Banks is known for his unwavering resolve and willingness to take on any challenge.
Building upon his philosophy of community empowerment, Chris Banks has been instrumental in founding and co-founding impactful community-based programs. Notably, he established the East New York United Concerned Citizens Inc. (ENYUCC), an anti-poverty organization that has provided extensive senior and youth services to thousands of residents in East New York and surrounding areas. ENYUCC offers critical housing advocacy, youth mentoring, support services for seniors, and manages a youth scholarship fund, making a significant difference in the lives of many. Furthermore, Chris Banks co-founded the East New York Collaborative with Rabbi Avrohom Hecht and community activist Nikki Lucas, an organization dedicated to fostering community cohesion through collaborative initiatives.
His extensive public service also includes his tenure as President of the 75th Precinct Council. In this role, Chris Banks effectively merged his advocacy and deep love for his community with efforts to enhance police-community relations in an area historically marked by over-policing. He also revitalized the Van Siclen Block Association, serving as its president and leading the organization in a range of events and initiatives designed to build community spirit and address quality-of-life issues. These initiatives included recreational and social events, block clean-ups, snow removal, green thumb planting projects, graffiti removal, and public art beautification projects, all contributing to a stronger, more vibrant neighborhood. Additionally, Chris Banks is a former member of Community Board 5, where he co-chaired the Aging, Transportation, and Education committees and served as Sergeant at Arms on the Executive Committee. His commitment to early childhood education is evident in his service as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Boulevard Houses Nursery Day Care, where he oversaw City contracts exceeding $1 million. Demonstrating his diverse skill set, Chris Banks also authored the green jobs curriculum and conducted community outreach for the Italian American Civil Rights Group in Starrett City and East New York.
Chris Banks firmly believes in the importance of a strong spiritual and educational foundation. A dedicated member of East New York’s Changing Lives Christian Center since 2008, Chris Banks pursued higher education at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. His educational journey began in East New York at PS 213, PS 273, and Anointed Minds Christian Academy, culminating in his graduation from Leadership Public Service High School in Manhattan.
Councilmember Chris Banks remains a proud resident of East New York, deeply committed to making his community “bigger, better, and brighter” through continued dedicated service. His life’s work exemplifies a profound and lasting impact on the communities within Brooklyn’s 42nd Council District.
