Jessica Lappin's Profile Council Member Jessica Lappin, Chair of the Land Use Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Siting and Maritime Uses, was elected to the City Council in November 2005. She represents the 5th District of Manhattan, which includes the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island.

Praised by the New York Times for her "steely resolve, dedication and energy," Lappin is recognized as a strong advocate for education reform, affordable housing, and equal rights for all New Yorkers. In January 2006, Council Member Lappin was elected by her colleagues to Chair the Land Use Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Siting, and Maritime Uses, where she leads the Council's efforts to protect the historic fabric of our city, encourage the creation of new affordable housing, and promote sensible development. In addition to serving on the Land Use Committee, Council Member Lappin is a member of the following Council Committees: Education, Sanitation, Transportation, General Welfare, Standards & Ethics, and Oversight and Investigations. Jessica Lappin is a lifelong New Yorker with an extensive background in public service and government. She joined the New York City Council staff in 1998 and served until 2005 as a Senior Advisor and the District Chief of Staff to former Council Speaker Gifford Miller. Working for Speaker Miller, she fought to improve public schools, protect funding for the arts, and expand transportation options on the East Side. She served as the Speaker's representative to a number of cultural institutions, including the New York Botanical Garden, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design. Lappin received a Regents Diploma from Stuyvesant High School. She earned her B.A. in Government from Georgetown University, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude. Jessica Lappin is married to Andrew Wuertele and lives in East Midtown.

(1) How's the job?

On January 1, 2006, I took office as the Council Member for Manhattan's 5th District, which includes the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island.

My first hundred days in office have been challenging and exciting. Casting my first vote in January, I felt a great deal of responsibility. I am honored to have this opportunity to serve the East Side and the city.

I spent seven years working for my predecessor and ultimately became his Chief of Staff. During that time I worked with countless constituents to solve local problems and to make government more responsive to the neighborhood concerns.

I enjoy cooking and hiking.

Kite Runner

I will continue to work to improve public education and child welfare, and to enhance transportation options on the East Side.

I am also urging my colleagues to support a sensible long term solid waste management plan. And, as Chair of the Land Use subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Siting, and Maritime Uses, I will work with my colleagues to protect the historic fabric of our city, encourage the creation of new affordable housing, and promote sensible development.