A NEW YORK THAT WORKS WHERE YOU LIVE:
HOME, SCHOOL,
AND THE COMMUTE.
I’m Layla Law‐Gisiko. I’ve turned neighborhood fights into wins, on housing, public safety, and Penn Station. I’m forming an exploratory committee for 2026 to serve where I can do the most good for the West Side. What drives me is the commitment to serve my community and challenge the status quo, so that our government puts its residents at the heart of decisions. I am running for City Council to represent District 3, the West Village, Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen.
/ A Fighting Heart For The Community
“MY LIFE’S WORK HAS BEEN FIGHTING FOR COMMUNITIES”
For years, we’ve shown what shared advocacy can do. As neighbors, small business owners, tenants, parents, seniors, and students, we’ve built coalitions that put people, not special interests, at the center of ev- ery decision. Together we’ve fought for affordable and public housing, safer streets, strong schools, and a fairer city. I’m running to carry that work forward with you—so our West Side wins practical, measurable results and representation that reflects all of us.
/ Why I’m Running
“YOUR VOICE
IS MY
COMMITMENT.”
Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen deserve a representative who listens before deciding and who turns plans into results. I’m exploring a run for City Council in District 3 (West Village, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen) to help guide the big changes ahead with clear information, careful planning, and deep respect for the people who live here. After years working on land use, housing, and transit, I understand how the system works, and how to make it work for us.
/ Meet Layla Law-Gisko
A THRIVING CAREER
I was born in Paris, France, to a French father and a Tunisian mother. After graduating from high school, I entered La Sorbonne (Université Paris-Sorbonne), where I earned a master’s in French literature and a master’s in journalism. I began my career in France as a journalist and documentary filmmaker. At 25, I moved to New York. I traveled across the United States to produce and direct documentaries on current affairs for French and international outlets.
Over the years, my work shifted from telling New York’s story to helping shape it. I’ve spent the last decade deep in the details of land use, housing, affordability, and transit, listening to neighbors, reading the fine print, and turning complex policy into clear choices. I’m exploring a run to bring that same rigor and respect for community to elected office: practical solutions, steady leadership, and outcomes that match our values.
Leadership & Service
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President, The City Club of New York: leading a civic organization focused on good government, urban planning, civil rand accountability.
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District Leader, Assembly District 75 Part A: elected neighborhood representative and community organizer.
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Former Chair, Manhattan Community Board 5 Land Use Committee: stewarded major land-use and zoning reviews with public, transparent process.
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Author & civic educator: creator of the weekly Four-Corners Wednesday newsletter and frequent presenter on housing policy, land use, Penn Station, and through-running rail.
Recognitions
Women of Influence Crain’s Award (2024): honored for leadership in community and advocacy.