Government and Community Affairs

Government and Community Affairs (GCA), within the Office of Public Affairs, is Columbia University’s primary liaison with federal, state, and local government, as well as with residents, community leaders, and civic organizations in our surrounding neighborhoods. The office has special responsibilities with regard to development of the University's Manhattanville Campus and the associated West Harlem Community Benefits Agreement.

GCA also manages the A'Lelia Bundles Community Scholars program, which gives local residents access to campus resources while they work on a project or skill that relates to or benefits their community; and the Community Advisory Council, which works with local residents and organizations to support and expand community partnerships.

Questions? Email [email protected].

We support an equitable ecosystem in Harlem and Upper Manhattan with mutually beneficial outcomes for the University and the community by fostering collaboration among Columbia stakeholders, local residents, business owners, community organizations, and schools. We implement actions that address structural inequality with a focus on populations that have been affected by racism. We are also the University's liaison to the West Harlem Development Corporation, which implements deliverables outlined in the West Harlem Community Benefits Agreement. 

We liaise with the federal, state, and city government and advocate in support of all aspects of Columbia’s educational, research, and public-service missions. We monitor policy developments relevant to the University community to develop and articulate positions and priorities. We assure institutional compliance on governmental reporting obligations and represent the University in New York State and federal associations. We also inform the University community of regulatory developments and communicate the contributions made by Columbia and its peers to officials and decision-makers.

Columbia University's Morningside campus is situated in the 10th Congressional District, 69th Assembly District, 30th State Senate District, and 7th City Council District. We work in partnership with our Government and Community Affairs colleagues at Columbia University Medical Center, which is situated in the 13th Congressional District, 72nd Assembly District, 31st State Senate District, and 10th City Council District. Here is a list of elected officials representing Upper Manhattan.