Stephen Levin (politician)

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Stephen Levin (born 1980/1981) is an American non-profit leader and politician. He is the CEO of Solar One, a green energy nonprofit, and he previously served as a New York City Council member for the 33rd district from 2010 to 2021. He grew up in Plainfield, New Jersey, and is related to former U.S. senator Carl Levin and former congressman Sander Levin. He earned a BA from Brown University in Classics and Comparative Literature.

Levin moved to Brooklyn and started his career with the Lead Safe House Program at the Ridgewood Bushwick Senior Citizens Council. In 2006 he became chief of staff to New York State Assembly member Vito López. He was arrested in a protest over the closing of Long Island College Hospital, delivering thousands of petitions to SUNY to keep the hospital open.

In 2010, Levin was elected to the City Council in a seven-candidate race with endorsements from teachers, unions, and city leaders, helped by López. While in office, he introduced participatory budgeting, letting residents decide how some public funds are spent. He initially opposed the Rose Plaza development on the Williamsburg waterfront but voted for it after more affordable housing was added. He worked on the Domino Sugar redevelopment project and pursued federal funds for public housing in Brooklyn. He also sponsored a bill to reduce fines for street food vendors for procedural violations, which passed in 2013.

Levin was term-limited and could not run again in 2021; his council term ended January 1, 2022. After leaving office, he became the CEO of Solar One.