Dion Ashman - Ballotpedia

Dion is originally from Brooklyn, New York. He earned an associate’s degree in liberal arts from New York City Technical College and a bachelor’s degree in speech communications from Pace University. He lives in Crown Heights.

Dion currently runs Our Gang Productions of NY, a communications company he founded. He previously worked as athletic director at two juvenile detention centers, youth coordinator for Brooklyn Community Board 9, and volunteer counselor for the Crown Heights Youth Collective.

Dion Ashman’s campaign for New York City Council is his first run for public office.

As a City Council member, Dion will champion legislation to create an Equitable Procurement and Contracting Framework that guarantees fair access to government contracts for all businesses, with a focus on minority- and women-owned firms. This initiative will break down long-standing barriers and foster inclusive participation in our city’s economic opportunities. He will also advocate for bi-annual Disparity Studies to monitor contracting practices and uncover any exclusionary trends. Cities like Boston have successfully boosted minority participation through similar efforts—it's time for New York City to follow suit and build a fairer, more inclusive procurement process.

Plans to introduce legislation to create an Equitable Procurement and Contracting Framework that guarantees fair access to government contracts for all businesses, with a focus on minority- and women-owned firms.

- Plans to introduce legislation to create an Equitable Procurement and Contracting Framework that guarantees fair access to government contracts for all businesses, with a focus on minority- and women-owned firms.

Economy

Opposes developments that harm natural greenery, such as the proposed skateboard complex in Mount Prospect Park.

- Opposes developments that harm natural greenery, such as the proposed skateboard complex in Mount Prospect Park.

Public Services

Plans to address New York City's childcare crisis by advocating for affordable, high-quality childcare solutions.

- Plans to address New York City's childcare crisis by advocating for affordable, high-quality childcare solutions.

Education

Proposes legislation to establish a housing linkage policy in New York City, which will charge developers for new market-rate construction, with the funds being used to support affordable housing.

Plans to introduce legislation establishing a framework for Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) in New York City, empowering residents and community groups to negotiate with developers for affordable housing, local hiring, and living wages.

- Proposes legislation to establish a housing linkage policy in New York City, which will charge developers for new market-rate construction, with the funds being used to support affordable housing.
- Plans to introduce legislation establishing a framework for Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) in New York City, empowering residents and community groups to negotiate with developers for affordable housing, local hiring, and living wages.

Housing & Urban Development

As of May 5, 2025, Dion Ashman’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Public Safety

Plans to modify the Open Streets program to better reflect community needs.

- Plans to modify the Open Streets program to better reflect community needs.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Supports legislation to address racial health disparities in New York City, including hospital equity reporting, environmental justice mandates, and nonprofit hospital accountability.

- Supports legislation to address racial health disparities in New York City, including hospital equity reporting, environmental justice mandates, and nonprofit hospital accountability.

Healthcare

Supports environmental justice mandates to assess and mitigate health impacts on affected communities.

- Supports environmental justice mandates to assess and mitigate health impacts on affected communities.

Energy & the Environment

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Dion Ashman

As a City Council member, Dion will introduce legislation to establish a clear framework for Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) in New York City. This will empower residents and community groups to negotiate directly with developers, ensuring projects deliver benefits like affordable housing, local hiring, and living wages
even for low-income communities and communities of color. With eight U.S. municipalities and 41 states already enacting CBA legislation, it’s time for New York City to ensure that development benefits everyone, not just a select few.

Advocates for innovative solutions to address New York City's childcare crisis, which impacts families and the economy.

- City Council Members work together to enact local laws, approve the city budget, and oversee land use and zoning regulations. ​
- Council Members oversee city agencies, ensuring they effectively serve the public and address community needs. ​

Passes laws and regulations for your city

New York

City Council Member

Buket Urgen

Proposes introducing legislation to establish a clear framework for Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) in New York City.