Chi Ossé ’16: Championing Renters’ Rights and Activating Quaker Values in New York City

At just 26, Chi Ossé ’16 has already made a profound impact on New York City politics, representing the 36th District, which includes Bedford-Stuyvesant and North Crown Heights. As the youngest member of the City Council and the first from Gen Z, Ossé has become a voice for the city’s working-class residents, taking bold steps to address housing affordability—a crisis gripping millions of New Yorkers.

Ossé recently spearheaded legislation to shift the burden of broker fees from renters to landlords, a move designed to alleviate one of the steepest barriers to housing in an increasingly expensive city. For decades, renters have been saddled with broker fees that often exceed one month’s rent, compounding the already high costs of moving. In Ossé’s words, “A cruel and unfair system that has persisted for decades will end.” His leadership underscores the urgency of tackling affordability issues and demonstrates how government can work for everyday people.

The bill, which passed the City Council with a veto-proof majority, represents a seismic shift in New York City’s housing policy. It challenges entrenched industry practices while highlighting Ossé’s ability to navigate complex negotiations and rally public support. Despite pushback from the powerful Real Estate Board of New York, Ossé remained resolute, using his own experience to advocate for meaningful change.

Head of School Bo Lauder reflected on Ossé’s accomplishments, saying, “Chi’s work is a beacon of hope in a city grappling with inequity. He embodies the Quaker values of integrity, equity, and community, proving that one determined individual can ignite meaningful change. I could not be prouder of the impact he’s making for everyday New Yorkers.”

Ossé’s connection to Friends Seminary is deeply personal. Speaking at the School last January, he recounted the challenges and growth he experienced as one of the few Black students in the community. Meeting for Worship, he shared, gave him a platform to voice concerns and grapple with issues of racial equity—skills that now inform his leadership style. “I credit Friends Seminary for so much of who I am,” he said, acknowledging how the School shaped his commitment to social justice and his ability to confront adversity. Chi Ossé reflected on his time at Friends Seminary, sharing how it shaped his path: “I always felt empowered to fight injustices, but Friends Seminary taught me how to channel that empowerment into action. The School gave me the tools, the voice, and the courage to take on obstacles that once felt insurmountable. I carry those lessons with me every day as I work to make New York City a more equitable place for everyone.”

Since joining the Council, Ossé has tackled a wide array of issues: combating gentrification, ensuring every bar in the city has access to Narcan to prevent overdoses, and implementing participatory budgeting to empower local residents. These initiatives align closely with Friends Seminary’s Quaker values, emphasizing community, stewardship, and equality.

Chi Ossé’s journey from an impassioned student at Friends to a trailblazing city leader serves as a testament to the transformative power of education, activism, and the enduring impact of Quaker values. His work reminds us that integrity, equality, and community are not just ideals but guiding principles that can inspire real, lasting change. As he continues to fight for a fairer and more just New York City, Ossé exemplifies the courage to speak truth to power and the commitment to uplifting others—a living embodiment of the School’s mission to empower individuals to make a difference in the world.