Lynn Schulman, a former lawyer, has held various leadership positions in government, the private sector, and the nonprofit sphere. With decades of experience advocating for healthcare and progressive causes, Schulman was elected to the New York City Council, where she focuses on key issues such as affordable healthcare, public safety, senior services, education access, and small business support. Read more about this dedicated public servant on queensyes.com.
Early Career
Lynn Schulman was born on November 4, 1957, in Queens. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Political Science from New York University and a Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School. After completing her education, Schulman worked as a lawyer for various nonprofit organizations before transitioning to public service and healthcare advocacy. She held positions in New York City government under Mayor Ed Koch and in the offices of City Council Members Carol Greitzer and Sara M. González. Additionally, Schulman worked in state government as an aide to New York State Assembly Member William F. Passannante.
A well-respected healthcare advocate in her community, Schulman worked for a time at GMHC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic and improving the lives of those affected by it. She then spent over a decade managing business affairs at Woodhull Medical Center before returning to city government, where she worked in the Office of the New York City Council Speaker. In this role, she championed better healthcare services, affordable housing, and improved school access.
New York City Council
Schulman was actively engaged in the Queens community and ran unsuccessfully for the City Council in 2001 and 2009. However, on January 1, 2022, she assumed office as a New York City Council Member, representing District 29, which includes the Queens neighborhoods of Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens, and Richmond Hill. She was also appointed Chair of the Health Committee and serves on additional committees addressing education, criminal justice, and governmental operations.
During her tenure, Schulman has worked to expand hospital capacity, advocate for maternal health rights, secure investments in green spaces, and improve the city’s response to public health crises such as COVID-19 and the monkeypox outbreak. She has played a key role in passing legislation related to diabetes care, women’s health, and elder healthcare services.
Schulman believes that the most pressing issue in District 29 is the “affordability crisis,” as many residents struggle with access to housing, transportation, and healthcare. She is also committed to inclusivity, striving to make Queens more accessible for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, she has supported animal protection initiatives, advocated for veterans, and expanded both healthcare and social services for senior citizens.
In December 2024, Schulman voted against the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity bill, though the New York City Council ultimately passed it. The legislation aims to build 80,000 new legal housing units across all five boroughs to provide homes for middle- and low-income families. For decades, New Yorkers have faced a housing shortage due to restrictive zoning laws. Schulman was one of 20 council members, including Sandra Ung of District 20 (Flushing), who opposed the measure. Community boards across the city also expressed mixed reactions to the proposal, citing concerns over parking availability and other factors.
Active Community Member
For over 20 years, Schulman served as Vice Chair of Queens Community Board 6, which represents Forest Hills and Rego Park. She was also a member of the 112th Precinct Community Council and the board of directors for the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, she was appointed to the Community Education Council for District 28, where she worked to combat bullying in schools, expand student access to music and arts programs, and increase educational opportunities for youth in New York City’s public school system.
Lynn Schulman is a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. As one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., New York City has played a pivotal role in the fight for equality. The city has some of the strongest human rights protections in the nation, and since 2002, both sexual orientation and gender identity have been safeguarded under its Human Rights Law. Schulman is among the public officials working to ensure that every resident feels safe and free from discrimination. New York City remains a beacon of diversity and freedom, setting an example for municipalities worldwide.