Mercedes Narcisse: City Council for Canarsie

For residents of Canarsie and surrounding Southeast Brooklyn neighborhoods, Council Member Mercedes Narcisse is one of the local elected officials representing the community at City Hall and advocating on issues ranging from healthcare and public safety to parks, schools, and neighborhood services.

Narcisse has represented Brooklyn’s 46th City Council District since January 2022. The district includes Canarsie, Flatlands, Bergen Beach, Georgetown, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, Mill Basin, Mill Island, and portions of Sheepshead Bay.

Born in Saint-Marc, Haiti, Narcisse immigrated to Brooklyn as a teenager and attended public school in the borough before becoming a registered nurse. Prior to being elected to the City Council, she worked in healthcare for more than 30 years and also operated her own medical practice.

Today, Narcisse serves as Chair of the New York City Council’s Committee on Hospitals and is also a member of committees focused on health, education, parks and recreation, transportation, finance, and criminal justice.

Securing Funding for Community Improvements

Since taking office, Narcisse has helped secure millions of dollars in city funding for projects throughout the district, including upgrades and renovations for parks, schools, and libraries serving Southeast Brooklyn residents. She has also supported funding for after-school programs, senior centers, and neighborhood community initiatives.

Healthcare and Hospital Advocacy

With her background as a nurse, healthcare has remained one of Narcisse’s major focuses in office. She has introduced and supported legislation related to hospital funding, organ transplant equity, sickle cell disease awareness, mental health support, healthcare transparency, and public health outreach.

She has also publicly advocated for nurses and healthcare workers, particularly during staffing and labor disputes affecting hospitals across New York City.

Legislation Impacting Southeast Brooklyn

Among the local issues Narcisse has worked on are illegal dumping enforcement, shared driveway disputes, healthcare access, small business support, school air quality, and transportation improvements. One proposal introduced by Narcisse calls for ferry service at Canarsie Pier.

She has also supported legislation tied to autism awareness, youth mental health, diabetes prevention, senior services, and neighborhood public safety initiatives.

Representing the Community at City Hall

Narcisse won election to the City Council in 2021 and was re-elected in 2023.

Her district office regularly assists residents with city-related issues including sanitation complaints, housing concerns, benefits assistance, neighborhood conditions, and quality-of-life matters affecting Southeast Brooklyn communities.

While many residents may be familiar with state and federal elected officials, city council members often play a direct role in local services, funding decisions, and neighborhood improvements. Since 2022, Council Member Mercedes Narcisse has served as the City Council representative for Canarsie and much of Southeast Brooklyn.