City Hall, NY – Today, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams unveiled her Fair Housing Framework legislation alongside Council Members, housing advocates, and labor unions. The Speaker’s bill would require the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and Department of City Planning (DCP) to establish targeted housing production goals for each Community District to ensure each New York City neighborhood plays an equitable role in addressing the city’s housing crisis while accounting for unique community needs. The framework would help address housing production and investment disparities that have kept high-opportunity neighborhoods from equitably contributing to affordable housing development and communities experiencing underinvestment without sufficient resources. The bill represents the next step in Speaker Adams’ Housing Agenda and is a cornerstone alongside her Planning & Land Guidelines and Toolkit.

A brief on the legislation can be found here.

“To deliver real relief for New Yorkers, we must prioritize equitable and affordable housing development that matches the need in our city,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “This Fair Housing Framework legislation will not just advance the goal of building truly affordable housing for New Yorkers, but also build stronger and healthier neighborhoods. Permanent housing is the key to safety and stability, and by investing in equitable affordable housing production, we can ease the stressors that exacerbate other citywide challenges. I look forward to working in partnership with all stakeholders to give working families across the five boroughs a real chance at building their legacy in this city. thank my Council colleagues for their support, housing advocates for their leadership, and our partners in labor for their commitment to uplifting all New Yorkers.”

The Fair Housing Framework legislation includes:

A Strategic Equity Framework specifying policy goals and strategies to:

  • Increase low-income affordable housing production and preservation and voucher utilization in high opportunity community districts;
  • Increase the number of low-income affordable housing units that are preserved and the availability and effectiveness of anti-displacement resources in high displacement-risk community districts;
  • Increasing the amount of neighborhood equity investments in underserved community districts, especially those that have experienced significant housing development

A Citywide Housing Needs Assessment to determine the total number and type of housing units that need to be produced or preserved citywide to achieve affordable access to housing for all households of all socio-economic backgrounds

  • The assessment will consider criteria including rent burden, demographic trends and the previous and projected growth of population, jobs and housing for 10 years

Citywide housing production targets for a five-year period for:

  • Total housing units
  • Low-income Affordable housing
  • Supportive Housing
  • Units to accommodate aging households
  • Affordable Housing Preservation

Citywide housing targets for the Community Districts that include the above metrics and consider the following criteria:

Public Engagement

  • HPD and DCP will consult with stakeholders, advocates and policy experts and hold at least 1 public meeting in each borough at least six months before submission of the plan

Housing production in New York City has significantly fallen behind population growth – only 200,000 new units were created compared to over 600,000 new residents. From 2014-2021, 23 Council Districts produced over 1,000 units of housing with only five Districts producing more than 3,000 units.

“In 2018, 81.6 percent of white or Black New Yorkers would have had to move to a new neighborhood to achieve a more equal racial distribution in our city, highlighting an uncomfortable truth. New York City is one of the most segregated metropolitan areas in America, following a history of government and private sector practices – like redlining, blockbusting, unequal access to financing, real estate steering and exclusionary zoning – that served to exclude Black and Brown New Yorkers and low-income people from certain neighborhoods,” said Council Member Pierina Sanchez, Chair of the Committee on Housing & Buildings. “I am proud to stand with Speaker Adrienne Adams today in announcing landmark legislation that will require the production of a Citywide Fair Housing Plan every five years. The Speaker’s bill thrusts our City once again into leadership on policy seeking to end systems of discrimination and blocked opportunities. A citywide Fair Housing plan that includes targets for low-income and supportive affordable housing at the community district level and calls for anti-displacement resources and investments in underserved communities, will lead us to a fairer, more just city for all.”

“New York City is in the midst of a housing crisis unlike anything we’ve ever experienced,” said Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Chair of the Committee on Land Use. “At a time when more than 70,000 New Yorkers are sleeping in homeless shelters, and the city’s population growth far exceeds the number of new units produced each year, the time is now for the New York City Council to take bold legislative action that will create affordable housing across New York City; Speaker Adrienne Adams’ Fair Housing Framework does just that. In the South Bronx, I’ve approved over 8,000 units of affordable housing, including 6,000 units of new construction since being elected to office. The reality, though, is the South Bronx can’t solve the housing crisis alone. It takes a true citywide approach and buy-in from all 51 districts. I commend Speaker Adams for her leadership on this issue and look forward to working with my colleagues to implement this meaningful legislation.”

“For a long time, New Yorkers have decried our affordable housing system, and rightfully so,” said Council Member Kevin C. Riley, Chair of the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises. “The methodology utilized to determine what is affordable is outdated, and does not account for the everyday person’s experiences, such as those that are technically housed but are overcrowded in units because the available housing stock is not affordable enough. Also, this Fair Housing Framework ensures that when new developments are considered, we must consider the impact on existing residents with regards to current infrastructure. Most importantly, it is vital that our City actively endeavors to prevent displacement. We cannot beneficially produce new housing if we are displacing people. This is an opportunity for us to define our future as a city, and I thank Speaker Adams and my colleagues in the Council for committing to our shared success.”

“Today marks a defining moment for New York City as we take a bold leap forward in addressing our pervasive housing crisis,” said Council Member Farah Louis, Chair of the Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sitings, and Dispositions. “With the introduction of the ‘Fair Housing Framework’ legislation, we are one step closer towards ensuring equitable access to housing for all New Yorkers. This legislation will not only deepen affordability and improve living conditions, but it will also pave the way for a citywide plan that prioritizes fair housing and community contributions. By creating a plan guided by equity, we will unlock greater access to affordable housing, safeguard existing affordable units, and make vital neighborhood investments. Together, let us forge a path toward a more inclusive New York City where we all have a place to call home.”

“New York City is in a dire housing crisis, and we must act urgently to address it,” said Majority Leader Keith Powers. “The Fair Housing Framework is an important first step in identifying solutions and I look forward to advancing this pro-housing legislation.”

“As our city’s housing crisis continues to grow it exacerbates other issues our families are facing like rates of poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, and more,” said Council Member Amanda Farías. “The Council is committed to putting the people of New York City over everything, which means we have to ensure our housing market keeps pace with New Yorker’s need for homes. I am proud to be working alongside Speaker Adams and supporting her legislation for a Fair Housing Framework.”

“We cannot solve our housing crisis by shouting into the void and waiting on developers to show up and do the right thing. Our city needs a strategy with concrete targets for producing more affordable housing units, especially in underserved communities. That is exactly what this Fair Housing Plan does—it gives us the tools to set goals and hold ourselves accountable for meeting them,” said Council Member Shaun Abreu. “I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this thoughtful piece of legislation, and I look forward to working closely with housing leaders to deepen affordability for our renting households in the near and long-term future.”

“The housing crisis and shortage present an existential threat to the future of New York City,” said Council Member Erik Bottcher. “If bold policies aren’t developed immediately, our working class will be completely decimated. I want to commend Speaker Adams for her leadership in tackling this politically thorny issue that few others have been willing to address.”

“The housing crisis in our city has affected working families, seniors, and those facing mental health challenges, amongst others; everyday New Yorkers are feeling those effects on a daily basis. Our city has become practically unlivable with rising costs and families just trying to make ends meet,” said Council Member Carmen De La Rosa. “We need real data to meet the needs of our residents where they are so that we can develop comprehensive plans that deliver effective solutions. I thank Speaker Adams for prioritizing the housing needs of our New Yorkers, centering equity and affordability to ease the strain that is currently felt.”

“Cities and their residents thrive only when housing is accessible, affordable, and available to everyone. Unfortunately, for too long, New York City has failed to produce enough housing that aligns with both our population growth and equity needs. These factors have led us to the severe housing crisis we are currently experiencing, which creates other serious affordability and livability challenges for New Yorkers,” said Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez. “This legislation will help deepen affordability, increase the preservation of affordable housing, and invest in underserved communities. I am honored to be part of a City Council that is working to create a city that is built on principles of fairness, equity, and opportunity for all.”

“Our city is facing a monumental housing crisis and today, I am proud to stand with Speaker Adams to support a critical framework for real housing solutions in New York City,” said Council Member Shahana Hanif. “The Speaker’s framework is exactly what our communities have been calling for – a plan grounded in equity and ensuring those most affected by the housing crisis aren’t left behind. I’m proud to be standing with Speaker Adams and so many of my colleagues to proudly share this plan to address our city’s housing crisis and ensure affordable and high-quality housing for all New Yorkers.”

“The ‘Fair Housing Framework’ legislation is not just a bill; it is a beacon of hope for those who have been marginalized and overlooked by our housing system for far too long,” said Council Member Rita Joseph. “By working together and prioritizing equitable solutions, we can create a city where everyone has access to safe, healthy, and affordable housing, regardless of their zip code or income level.”

“New York City is in the midst of a housing crisis. And we will not get out of this crisis if our city continues to perpetuate segregation while simultaneously displacing low-income New Yorkers from their homes and neighborhoods,” said Council Member Shekar Krishnan. “If New York City is to be a city of housing justice, then we must work to affirmatively further fair housing and eliminate residential segregation from our city. These are requirements under the federal Fair Housing Act, and New York must follow them. I am proud to fight alongside Speaker Adams and fellow co-sponsors of the Fair Housing legislative framework for this critical measure to advance housing justice in our city.”

“As a City Council Member in one of the densest populated districts in Manhattan, our city needs a comprehensive plan to tackle New York City’s housing and affordability crisis. Our population is rapidly increasing but the housing supply is not meeting the needs of New Yorkers,” said Council Member Julie Menin. “We must make equitable investments in housing now to serve all populations. I thank Speaker Adams for this legislation to create a framework that would increase housing supply, deepen affordability and improve living conditions for tenants across New York City.”

“In communities like mine where the need for housing is evident, I am working to identify opportunities that will alleviate the stress associated with the housing crisis,” said Council Member Marjorie Velázquez. “Through the ‘Fair Housing Framework,’ we will address the housing disparities and identify solutions that support our city by planning for a stronger future. A fair housing plan ensures all residents have access to a safe and affordable place to live.”

“The Fair Housing Framework legislation is a crucial step towards addressing New York City’s housing crisis by promoting equitable housing growth, preserving affordable housing, and combating discrimination,” said Council Member Nantasha Williams. “We must ensure that all residents have access to safe, decent, and affordable homes. Quite frankly, this framework is long overdue it is time to embrace this transformative effort that will build a city where fairness and opportunity thrive for all. I would like to thank Speaker Adams for her leadership on this salient issue of housing and putting forth a bold agenda to better the lives of New Yorkers.”

“My district is bearing the brunt of the housing crisis with 30 shelters serving our unhoused and migrant neighbors. We hear from residents facing eviction and those who have to choose between paying rent and feeding their family. Since taking office, I have approved 1,622 units of affordable housing, among the most of any Council district in the city. But our residents need more affordable housing to survive in our fast-growing city,” said Council Member Julie Won. “This legislation will continue our work by creating a framework for our city to create affordable housing that will be equitably distributed across our city and accessible to more of our neighbors.”

“ANHD has long called for a more equitable and intentional planning system in New York City, because we have seen how the status quo approach reinforces longstanding patterns of racial and economic inequality. This bill is an important step towards that goal, implementing a nuanced analysis of community and citywide housing needs, and pairing that with planning rooted in explicit equity goals,” said Emily Goldstein, Director of Organizing & Advocacy at Association for Neighborhood & Housing Development (ANHD). “We look forward to working with Speaker Adams and the City Council to advance this legislation and will continue to organize alongside our members and allies to transform the City’s planning systems into tools that empower BIPOC communities and secure affordable and thriving neighborhoods for all New Yorkers.”

“Every neighborhood must do its part and help solve the housing crisis. For too long some communities have opposed housing development and tried to keep their neighborhoods exclusive. This needs to change,” said Rachel Fee, Executive Director of New York Housing Conference. “We applaud Speaker Adrienne Adams’s proposal that would set housing targets for each community and we look forward to working with her and Mayor Eric Adams to promote housing and affordable housing in all parts of our city.”

“Speaker Adams’ ‘Fair Housing Framework’ legislation is a much-needed plan that will provide access to affordable homes all across New York City,” said Joe Azzopardi, Business Manager and Secretary Treasury of District Council 9. “While New York City is contending with a severe affordable housing crisis, legislation like the ‘Fair Housing Framework’ that clearly lays out a pathway to increase access to affordable housing is what we need to ensure New Yorkers, such as members of District Council 9, can continue calling this city home for decades to come.”

“New York’s deep affordability housing crisis demands bold, dynamic proposals like Speaker Adams’ ‘Fair Housing Framework’ legislation.,” said Manny Pastreich, President of 32BJ SEIU. “Crucially, this bill maps out an overarching strategy to increase the city’s housing needs that prioritizes both sustainability and equity. To fully realize Speaker Adam’s vision for a more equitable New York, this growth in housing must come with good paying, family-sustaining jobs. 32BJ looks forward to working with Speaker Adams as we build a New York in which working people can finally realize the full benefits of this city.”

“The Fair Housing Framework is a common-sense solution to one of New York’s perennial problems. Supply-and-demand is one of the basic tenets of economics,” said Mike Prohaska, Business Manager of the Mason Tenders’ District Council of Greater New York and Laborers Local 79. “This Framework addresses these two most pressing issues. New York City—being the greatest city in the world—is always in demand. To end our housing crisis, supply must meet demand. And every neighborhood in the city needs to be open to more housing. It’s reprehensible that a certain segment of our population considers affordable housing as something to be shunned. I applaud Speaker Adams for her courage, vision for the greater good of all New Yorkers!”

“Perhaps the best word to characterize our current housing system in New York would be unfair,” said David R. Jones, President and CEO of the Community Service Society of New York. “It’s unfair to low-income people and it’s unfair to people of color, and that means it’s unfair to most New Yorkers. It’s time for that to change, and we commend Speaker Adams for wholeheartedly embracing the cause of fair housing.”

“Ensuring fair housing and equity are institutionalized into our city charters is the right thing to do – and Speaker Adams’ Fair Housing Framework legislation complements and furthers the work that we started with the Racial Impact Study Bill,” said Rob Solano, Executive Director of Churches United for Fair Housing. “It’s time our city gets serious about creating truly affordable housing for poor and working class New Yorkers and work to protect our communities from displacement. CUFFH, our members, and church partners are thankful to Speaker Adams for prioritizing the affordable housing crisis today.”

“Inwood Legal Action applauds Speaker Adams for taking the fair housing initiative by introducing a bill that intends to center equity in planning to meet the city’s housing needs, address racial and economic inequities across neighborhoods, and make future development sustainable by considering climate vulnerability and infrastructure capacity in planning. We are encouraged that information from the Equitable Development Data Explorer and other sources will be used to produce policy goals, strategies, and targets aimed at increasing affordable housing while reducing displacement risk, increasing access to opportunity, and increasing investment in underserved communities,” said Paul Epstein and Cheryl Pahaham, Co-chairs of Inwood Legal Action.

“The Municipal Art Society is a longtime advocate of a comprehensive plan for New York, to facilitate future decision-making and long-term citywide goals such as affordable housing. This type of planning is critical to confronting our city’s increasing inequities and a worsening housing crisis. A comprehensive plan must utilize active community engagement and create a shared citywide vision for an equitable distribution of affordable housing. We look forward to working with Speaker Adams on the specifics of the Fair Housing bill,” said Elizabeth Goldstein, President of Municipal Art Society.

“New York City’s housing crisis will continue to get worse unless all communities do their part,” said Maulin Mehta, New York Director of Regional Plan Association. “A statewide framework to help open up exclusionary districts did not succeed in budget negotiations. So, the City must now do what it can to build much-needed housing within the five boroughs to address the issue. The bill to require a Fair Housing Plan is a critical first step in assessing housing and opportunity needs across the city and establishing metrics for each community district to be measured. This information will be vital to adapt local plans to a statewide framework for implementation so that we can realize new affordable housing units citywide to alleviate housing burden for the most vulnerable New Yorkers. We thank Speaker Adams and look forward to working with the council and administration to put forward a housing plan that reflects the true needs of New Yorkers.”

“Since its inception and as members of the Thriving Communities Coalition, Chhaya CDC has been fighting for equitable housing and land use initiatives for the South Asian and Indo Caribbean communities, who are often marginalized from conversations about affordable housing development. We commend Speaker Adams for creating a plan that doesn’t seek to solve the city housing crisis with a one-size fits all plan. Instead, it conceives a more nuanced, community specific approach that we hope will respond to our communities’ unique needs and in turn build a thriving NYC. We look forward to working with the Speaker and the Council to strengthen this bill to ensure that fair housing is realized through comprehensive planning and zoning reform,” said Annetta Seecharran, Executive Director of Chhaya CDC.

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