In 2020, Democrat Donovan Richards assumed the role of Queens Borough President. He has made significant efforts to improve the quality of life for borough residents, addressing crime reduction, disaster protection, affordable housing development, and financial support for local businesses during crises. Read more about the borough leader on queensyes.com.
Early Years
Donovan Richards was born on April 9, 1983, in Queens. He studied communications, radio, and television at Alliance University (formerly Nyack College) and later earned a degree in aviation management from Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology.
After the tragic killing of a close friend during his teenage years, Donovan joined the fight against gun violence. His drive for justice led him to connect with numerous officials and community leaders, realizing the powerful societal impact held by those in public office. He decided to pursue a path where he could enact progressive political change.
In his early years, Donovan served briefly on a mission from St. Alban’s Congregational Church in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He and other missionaries focused on religious outreach among the local population.
Political Career
From 2003 to 2013, Donovan Richards worked in various roles within the New York City Council, gaining deep insights into his community. Over these 10 years, he developed a hands-on approach to assisting constituents.
From 2013 to 2020, Richards represented the 31st District in the council, chairing committees on environmental protection and public safety and heading the zoning and franchises subcommittee. He helped secure funding to protect vulnerable coastal areas from flooding—a crucial move after Hurricane Sandy devastated the East Coast of the U.S. from October 29–30, 2012.
Richards became known as a staunch critic of the NYPD, conducting numerous hearings on police misconduct, treatment of protestors, and advocating for a public disciplinary system for corrupt officers. Tirelessly defending those affected by police brutality, he secured $70 million for a new police precinct, although these funds were later reallocated by city officials to meet other New York City needs.
Richards also helped drive city investments in affordable housing, clean energy, and infrastructure. For instance, New York allocated $2 billion for sewer and water systems to combat chronic flooding in Southeast Queens.
In 2020, the U.S. Democratic Party nominated Richards as their candidate for Queens Borough President. Defeating a Republican and an independent candidate, Richards became the head of Queens. Notably, the Democratic Party, alongside the Republican Party, forms the American two-party system. The Democratic Party, which originated during America’s independence struggle, emerged before the Republican Party, founded by abolitionists in 1854.
The Democratic Party promotes national social programs, equality, and collective responsibility, while the Republican Party advocates for limited government intervention in national policy, supports the military, business, and religion, and generally holds more conservative views.
Achievements as Borough President
As Queens Borough President, Donovan Richards has allocated hundreds of millions of dollars toward schools, cultural institutions, hospitals, libraries, parks, and more. After Hurricane Ida struck Louisiana in August–September 2021, he launched Operation Urban Sustainability to combat climate change. He also contributed to developing infrastructure that protects Queens from natural disasters. Additionally, the borough leader empowered the Solid Waste Advisory Board to advance environmental justice initiatives.
Within Queens Borough Hall, Richards established an Immigrant Welcome Center. Queens is renowned for being the most ethnically diverse area in the U.S., home to residents who speak over 130 languages and come from more than 120 countries, including large populations from the Dominican Republic, China, Jamaica, and India.
To help the borough recover economically after the COVID-19 pandemic, Richards launched a small business grant program, enabling entrepreneurs to resume their activities. He also facilitated rapid vaccination access for residents by opening Citi Field stadium as a vaccination site.
Richards has been a constant advocate for Queens’ underserved communities. Under his leadership, numerous free food distribution events were organized for those in need. The borough president has overseen the construction of hundreds of affordable housing units, ensuring that everyone can find a home without it costing a fortune.