Gabriella A. Romero is the 6th Ward representative on Albany’s Common Council, covering Park South, Hudson/Park, Center Square, and Washington Park neighborhoods. As the first Latina and the first public defender to serve on the council, Gabriella brings a unique perspective to her role. Born in Albany, she graduated from Union College in 2014 and Albany Law School in 2018.
In her work as a felony trial attorney and public defender in Albany County, Gabriella represents clients in misdemeanor and felony cases, witnessing firsthand the impact of poverty, housing, and food insecurity. Her experiences drive her legislative focus on tenant rights, criminal justice reform, youth advocacy, environmental conservation, and addressing food apartheid. Gabriella’s goal is to create a city government that serves all residents equitably, beyond wealth and status.
Property Taxes and Cost of Living
• What specific policies would you advocate to balance the need for essential public services with keeping property taxes affordable?
During my tenure, I will support policies like tax equity to protect homeowners, particularly those on fixed incomes.
• How do you plan to address the rising cost of living in your district?
Too many New Yorkers are being pushed out of the state due to the rising cost of living. We must increase the stock of affordable housing, expand childcare slots, and reform our tax system to make it more equitable.
Affordable Housing
• How do you propose to expand access to affordable housing in your area?
When elected, one of my first priorities will be to engage with Chair Rosenthal. I plan to advocate for adequate funding for the Housing Access Voucher Program in the FY 2026 budget. Furthermore, I will push to bring new homes to the 109th district by finding creative avenues to spur new construction.
• What is your stance on rent control or other measures to ensure that housing remains attainable for low- and middle-income families?
I support good cause eviction protections (A4454), a strong housing voucher program (A4021A), and opportunities for tenants to purchase their homes (A3353). In the city of Albany, we are currently conducting a study to determine if we are in a housing crisis. If this turns out to be the case, I would support opting into the Emergency Tenant Protection Act.
Public Safety and Policing
• What is your vision for public safety?
I support common sense and well-studied investments in public safety that address the root causes of criminal behavior for a longer-lasting change. On the Albany Common Council, I helped establish a proactive street team that directly reaches out to people facing mental health challenges, addiction, and homelessness.
• Bail Reform and Raise the Age are “dinner table” talking points for your constituents. Is this recent legislation working or do you see room for improvement?
As a public defender and elected official, I see firsthand the poverty that my clients and constituents face. The recent reforms have brought more fairness so there is not one justice system for the rich and another for the poor. However, I remain open-minded if there needs to be changes. Specifically, I believe there must be increased funding to establish programs to support our Raise the Age system.
Education and School Funding
• What are your priorities for K-12 education?
I will support protecting students from harmful social media (SAFE Act), expand and maintain universal pre-k statewide, support universal afterschool efforts, and reduce class sizes.
• What plans do you have for addressing mental health services and school safety?
I will support efforts to implement social-emotional learning strategies and prioritize funding to support hiring essential staff, such as counselors and social workers in schools.
Job Creation and Economic Development
• How do you plan to stimulate job creation, particularly in high-growth sectors like technology and green energy?
As New York State faces the daunting task of combating climate change, the continued creation of green union jobs is incredibly important for the advancement of our state’s economy. However, without adequate access to proper education, companies promoting careers in green energy may struggle to fill said positions. Thus, I was encouraged to see the legislature adopt the creation of the Timbuctoo Summer Pipeline and Careers Program at SUNY ESF and CUNY Medgar Evers College in the FY 2023 budget. If sufficiently funded, this program will continue to educate and incentivize students from every region to pursue careers in green energy that will not only stimulate and grow our State’s economy but will also inspire the next generation of climate activists.
• What role should local government play in attracting new businesses and supporting small businesses?
Coming from local government, I know that there is a lot we can do. Local governments should provide economic incentives, business support services, and workforce development programs.
Health Care Access
• What initiatives would you support to improve access to quality health care, particularly in underserved areas?
Our healthcare system is broken and inequitable. I support a universal system because I believe healthcare is a human right. It is the function and obligation of the government to ensure everyone has access to high-quality healthcare. It should not be limited or controlled at the whim of the health insurance industry. If elected, I will cosponsor the NY Health Act.
• How would you address the mental health crisis and ensure that services are accessible and affordable?
In addition to passing the NY Health Act, the legislature must support measures to increase access and funding for telehealth services, community outreach programs, and crisis intervention services.
Transportation and Infrastructure
• How do you plan to address transportation issues, including public transit options, road maintenance, and infrastructure upgrades?
The legislature must continue/increase our investments in CHIPS, EWR, PAVE-NY, POP, and the touring route budget.
• What is your stance on building sustainable transportation options, such as bike lanes or electric vehicle infrastructure?
I support these measures as they are in line with the standards established by the CLCPA.
Environmental Concerns
• What actions will you take to combat climate change at the local level?
I have demonstrated my dedication to environmental stewardship through regular engagement with my community. During warmer months, I organize and participate in weekly community cleanups, helping to maintain the cleanliness of public spaces and prevent pollution. Additionally, I organize annual Earth Day events to raise awareness about environmental issues and distribute free recycling and composting bins, empowering residents to adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily lives. Recognizing the value of green spaces in urban environments, I actively fought for grant funding for the Washington Park Conservancy. Through persistent advocacy efforts and collaboration with stakeholders, The Conservancy received grant funding from NYS. This funding will support the preservation and enhancement of Washington Park, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy its natural beauty and environmental benefits. These experiences highlight my unwavering commitment to advancing a pro-environment agenda, both professionally and personally. I remain dedicated to promoting sustainability, fostering community involvement, and preserving our natural resources for the well-being of current and future generations.
• How do you plan to promote clean energy projects and ensure environmental justice in communities disproportionately affected by pollution or climate change?
The promotion of clean energy projects begins with job training and workforce development. Green energy jobs are the future and ensuring that New York’s workforce, especially in underserved communities. I also strongly support the decarbonization of Empire State Plaza, which would ameliorate the devastating effects the ANSWERS incinerator plant and the Sheridan Hollow Stream Plant have had on the Sheridan Hollow neighborhood.
Opioid Crisis and Addiction Services
• What policies would you implement to combat the opioid crisis?
I will support enhanced access to treatment, education and awareness campaigns, naloxone distribution, law enforcement training, and community-based initiatives.
• How would you improve access to addiction treatment and support services for affected individuals and their families?
Overdose Prevention Centers (OPCs) enhance Syringe Services Programs’ by creating a controlled setting for people to use pre-obtained drugs under the supervision of trained professionals who can intervene in case of an overdose or other medical events, as well as link people to additional services and treatment. The first recognized OPCs in New York City have saved over 1,200 lives in their two years of operation. If elected, I will support the implementation of these centers in high-need areas.
Equity and Social Justice
• How do you plan to promote equity and inclusion?
If elected, I will be the first Latina to hold this seat. One area where New York State can improve is in educator diversity. When young people have instructors that speak their language and look like them, they tend to perform better. I will continue to advocate for a more robust teacher diversity pipeline in New York.
• What specific policies would you advocate for to address systemic inequalities in areas such as housing, education, and criminal justice?
As someone who celebrated the passage and adoption of the Clean Slate Act, I am happy to support any additional measure to reduce barriers to successful and productive reentry for those returning from incarceration or facing criminal convictions. These policies will, in turn, significantly reduce recidivism in our criminal justice system. New York State must prioritize the inclusion of our formerly incarcerated people by creating affordable housing, workforce training programs, and job opportunities so that individuals can transition back into society as easily as possible. Studies have shown this kind of support leads to a decrease in criminal behavior, and recidivism which saves our state money in the long term.
