Biography

Steven H. Cymbrowitz represents the 45th Assembly District in Brooklyn as a full-time Assemblyman. He was first elected to the Assembly in November 2000. Assemblyman Cymbrowitz' district includes parts of the following communities: Sheepshead Bay, Midwood, Manhattan Beach, Gravesend and Brighton Beach. Preparing himself for public service, Assemblyman Cymbrowitz earned a bachelor's degree from C.W. Post College, a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from Adelphi University and a law degree from Brooklyn Law School.

Assemblyman Cymbrowitz has worked to improve housing and protect neighborhoods throughout his professional career. He began his community work in Brighton Beach where he organized the businesses to assure the survival of the shopping strip and provided the technical assistance that led to the creation of neighborhood groups. After several years of grassroots community work, Assemblyman Cymbrowitz assumed leadership positions including Executive Director of the North Brooklyn Development Corporation, Director of Housing and Community Development for the Metropolitan New York Coordinating Council on Jewish Poverty, Assistant Commissioner of the Division of Homeless Housing Development for the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Assistant Commissioner of the Division of Housing Production and Finance for HPD and Deputy Commissioner of Development at HPD. Assemblyman Cymbrowitz also served as the New York City Housing Authority's Director of Intergovernmental Relations. In this capacity, he was responsible for developing the Housing Authority's legislative initiative and worked closely with elected officials in both Albany and New York City.

Assemblyman Cymbrowitz, representing a shorefront community, has been in the forefront of issues involving safeguarding his district from natural disasters. His efforts prompted New York City to greatly improve its Evacuation Plan. He has also held hearings on protecting Sheepshead Bay to focus attention on this beautiful and sensitive natural resource. Assemblyman Cymbrowitz channels his concern for the health of New Yorkers into both his work on the Health Committee and activities in his own district including regular free health screenings, health seminars and health fairs. He was the catalyst responsible for Maimonides Medical Center opening Brooklyn’s first and only Cancer Center.

Assemblyman Cymbrowitz prides himself on having an effective district office. Hundreds of constituents turn to the Sheepshead Bay office, each year, to ask questions, give opinions and get help with community and personal problems. The office staff includes a bilingual aide to assist Russian-speaking constituents with problems and answer their questions. Assemblyman Cymbrowitz also operates a “mobile office” that regularly reaches out to constituents at various locations in his district.

Communicating with his constituents is high on Assemblyman Cymbrowitz’ agenda. Assemblyman Cymbrowitz stays in touch with his constituents through community meetings, as well as sending out newsletters (both paper and email) and other mailings on important topics, and appearing on local radio and television programs.

Assemblyman Cymbrowitz is the Chair of the Assembly’s Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, and a member of the following Standing Committees: Codes; Environmental Conservation; Health; Insurance; Steering.

Assemblyman Cymbrowitz and his wife Vilma reside in Brighton Beach.

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