Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Mark Levine (New York politician)

Discover the career path of Mark Levine (New York politician), from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Mark D. Levine is an American politician currently serving as the Manhattan Borough President since 2022. Prior to this role, he was a New York City Council member from 2014 to 2021, representing the 7th district in Manhattan, which included neighborhoods like Morningside Heights, West Harlem, Washington Heights, and a section of the Upper West Side. His career reflects a commitment to public service and community representation within New York City.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1991: Taught at Junior High School 149

In 1991, Mark Levine began teaching bilingual math and science at Junior High School 149 in the South Bronx as a Teach For America corps member.

1993: Finished teaching at Junior High School 149

In 1993, Mark Levine finished teaching bilingual math and science at Junior High School 149 in the South Bronx.

1994: Founded Neighborhood Trust Federal Credit Union

In 1994, Mark Levine founded Neighborhood Trust Federal Credit Union, a cooperatively-owned financial institution serving low-income families in the Washington Heights section of Northern Manhattan.

1995: Graduated from Harvard University

In 1995, Mark Levine received a Masters in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

2001: Ran for New York City Council

In 2001, Mark Levine ran for the New York City Council, finishing second in a ten-way Democratic field.

2007: Elected Democratic District Leader

In 2007, Mark Levine was elected Democratic District Leader in the 71st Assembly District, Part A, representing parts of Hamilton Heights/West Harlem and Washington Heights.

2008: Supported Barack Obama

In 2008, Mark Levine was an early supporter of Barack Obama in the presidential primary, and ran on Obama’s delegate slate that year in New York’s 15th Congressional District.

2009: Founded Barack Obama Democratic Club

In 2009, Mark Levine founded the Barack Obama Democratic Club of Upper Manhattan, a progressive, reform-oriented local political club.

2010: Ran for New York State Senate

In 2010, Mark Levine ran for New York State Senate in the 31st District, finishing second in a four-way race with 39% of the vote.

2014: Took office as City Council member

In January 2014, Mark Levine took office as a member of the New York City Council. During his first term he served as chair of the City Council's Parks Committee, chair of the Council's Jewish Caucus, and founder and co-chair of the Council's Affordable Housing Preservation Taskforce.

2017: Candidate for City Council Speaker

In 2017, Mark Levine was a candidate for City Council Speaker.

2017: Won Democratic Primary

In 2017, Mark Levine won the Democratic primary to remain in his council seat with 75% of the vote over closest competitor Thomas Lopez-Pierre with 25%.

2017: Legislation Passed

In 2017, legislation sponsored by Mark Levine established a right to counsel for low-income tenants facing eviction in housing court, making New York City the first place in the nation to grant such a right.