Who is Brad Lander?

Brad Lander is a prominent progressive American politician, urban planner, and community organizer, currently serving as the 45th New York City Comptroller (since January 1, 2022)

Career Highlights

Comptroller of New York City

• Acts as the city’s chief financial officer and independent auditor, leading an office of ~800 staff
• Oversees investments and pension funds for 750,000+ city retirees, pushing a net‑zero emissions strategy by 2040 and climate-conscious investing
• Conducted high-impact audits—including NYC Ferry costs, emergency procurement, and shelter spending—and implemented transparency tools like the Department of Correction Dashboard

New York City Council Member (2009–2021)

• Represented Brooklyn’s 39th district (Park Slope and nearby areas), co‑founded the Council’s Progressive Caucus, and served as Deputy Leader for Policy
• Championed participatory budgeting, paid sick leave, tenant protections, and landmark worker rights legislation such as the Freelance Isn’t Free Act

Community Organizer & Urban Planning Advocate

• From 1993 to 2003, led Brooklyn’s Fifth Avenue Committee to create affordable housing—earning civic honors like NY Magazine’s Civics Award
• Later directed the Pratt Center for Community Development and influenced inclusionary housing policies in Greenpoint‑Williamsburg

Political Position & Mayoral Run

• A progressive Democrat affiliated with the Working Families Party and Democratic Socialists of America, endorsed by figures like AOC and Elizabeth Warren
• Declared a 2025 candidacy for NYC Mayor, launching a progressive platform focused on affordability, workers’ rights, equity, public safety, homelessness, and climate .

Recent News: ICE Arrest

Today, during an immigration court visit in Manhattan, Lander was detained by ICE agents. He intervened to support an immigrant after their case concluded—asking officers for a judicial warrant and linking arms with the individual—before being handcuffed on suspicion of obstructing a federal officer The arrest sparked criticism from politicians including Cuomo, AOC, and Zohran Mamdani, who condemned the move as political intimidation

Background & Education

• Born in 1969 in St. Louis, Missouri, to a Reform Jewish family; holds a BA from the University of Chicago, an MSc from University College London, and an MS in Urban Planning from Pratt Institute, funded by Truman and Marshall scholarships