NYC Council Member Chi Ossé Faces Scrutiny for Lowest Attendance Record
Records show Council Member Chi Ossé has the highest number of unexcused absences from legislative meetings this session, drawing criticism from a colleague.
New York City Council Member Chi Ossé, an ally of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, has the lowest attendance record among the 51 council members for legislative meetings this session, according to available records. Ossé has missed four out of 18 required meetings due to unexcused absences, while most of his colleagues have maintained perfect attendance.
The attendance issue was publicly highlighted by Council member Oswald Feliz, who criticized Ossé for his low attendance and for leaving virtual meetings early. Feliz's remarks came after Ossé accused him of blocking legislation aimed at disbanding the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group.
"It’s unfortunate that you are more interested in doing the performative stuff for social media attention, rather than doing the difficult work to resolve this important issue," Feliz stated.
Other council members with notable absences include Darlene Mealy, who missed three of 15 meetings; Rita C. Joseph, who missed three of 18; and Alexa Avilés, who missed two of 18. Ossé and Avilés were among several members who reportedly missed a Sept. 24 meeting to protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's appearance at the United Nations General Assembly.
The council's 2026 attendance policy, obtained by The Post, emphasizes that regular attendance is a "core responsibility." While the policy does not specify disciplinary actions for a set number of absences, it notes that members must appear in person unless authorized for remote participation due to unforeseen circumstances.
Absences are more common in committee meetings, where legislation is initially discussed. Among committee meetings, Council members James Gennaro, Ty Hankerson, and Althea Stevens had the lowest attendance rates, with 52.3%, 60%, and 62.1% respectively. A spokesperson for Gennaro attributed his absences to a series of health challenges.
Council Member Chi Ossé delivers remarks as New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani launches the Deed Theft Prevention Office inside The Brooklyn Bank in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of the Brooklyn borough of New York on Friday, April 24, 2026.