No one works harder for all 2.6 million Brooklynites than Marty Markowitz. Since entering Borough Hall in January 2002, Marty has reinvigorated the office of borough president, serving as the tireless chief advocate for Brooklyn’s economic, social and cultural interests, while initiating and promoting efforts to improve Brooklynites’ quality of life. Born and raised in Crown Heights, Marty graduated from Wingate High School in 1962. He received his B.A. in Political Science after attending evening sessions at Brooklyn College from 1962 to 1970.
Marty’s efforts to stimulate and grow Brooklyn’s economy include revitalizing Coney Island, re-zoning Greenpoint-Williamsburg and Downtown Brooklyn, lowering auto insurance rates, cleaning up Newtown Creek, encouraging development of the Brooklyn Cruise Ship Terminal, wooing regional corporate headquarters, large manufacturers and retailers, startups and green businesses, and lobbying on behalf of Brooklynites for the affordable housing and jobs attached to the Atlantic Yards project. Just as important are programs like Shop Brooklyn, the Lighten Up Brooklyn and Take Your Man to the Doctor campaigns, Camp Brooklyn, the jobs-for-youth Summer HEAT program, Dine in Brooklyn restaurant week, the Brooklyn Book Festival, the smART Brooklyn Gallery Hop and Brooklyn Tourism, all of which have helped make Brooklyn a better place to live, work, and raise a family.