About Council Beat

Council Beat covers the votes, the hearings, and the decisions that shape everyday life in New York City, and soon, other American cities.

City councils control local budgets, zoning, public safety, housing and schools. Most of what they decide never makes the front page. I started Council Beat to shift that focus.

Who's behind it

Frank Navarrete is the founder and editor of Council Beat. He covers developments out of city council meetings, with a focus on the decisions locals rarely hear about until it's too late.

Before journalism, Frank spent 15 years researching Chicago land records. He holds a master's degree from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY, with a concentration in business and economics.

He also plays drums.

Council Beat is an independent publication. It is not affiliated with any government body, political party, or outside organization.