Staten Island has always been a bit different than the rest of New York City. Geographically, it’s in closer proximity to New Jersey. Politically, it’s the city’s most conservative borough, exemplified by its rejection of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in November. And it’s arguably the most suburban borough, with a much higher rate of homeownership than the city as a whole. These and other factors have even fuelled periodic calls to secede from the rest of the city, however unlikely that outcome may be.

Of course, Staten Islanders are dealing with many more pressing issues than secession. Business leaders are spurring economic growth. Hospitals and health care organizations are expanding access to care. Nonprofit organizations are serving an increasingly diverse populace. Real estate develop

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