Council Member Steve Levin with 2016 Hope Fund Fellows Albert Cohen, Rachel Zhao, Amanda Morales, Rosy Tavares, and Kayla Madridejos (from left to right)

On a day when Pride flags hung from NY City Hall, activists lined the steps to advocate for better public education, and the Council gathered to finalize the 2016 budget, the Hope Fund Fellows met with Council Member Steve Levin and his staff to learn more about the inner workings of policy making in NYC.

The day began with a tour led by the Council Member’s staff focussing on the history of the building and the work that goes on there. The Fellows were able to learn more about what goes on in the typical day at a Council Member’s office, from interacting with lobbyists to fielding phone calls from constituents.

Inside City Hall with the Hope Fund Fellows and Steve Levin’s staff

Sitting in on the Council meeting to pass the budget gave the Fellows insight into the process of decision-making at the city level. Also since several of the budget items involved money apportioned to not-for-profits and other social services, the Fellows had a direct connection and context for the proceedings through their internships. It will be interesting to follow how they incorporate this new understanding of city politics into their work both this summer and beyond!