EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
As New York City begins to envision its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the movement for racial justice captures our national attention, the need for safe, healthy, and affordable housing for all New Yorkers has never been more dire. Yet over the last seven years, Mayor de Blasio’s siloed approach to housing planning, with separate and unequal treatment of private housing, public housing, and homelessness, has failed to reduce racial and economic disparities and serve the needs of the lowest-income New Yorkers.
This year, we will elect new local leadership. The challenges of this moment require bold leaders who will shake up the systems that have failed us and implement creative programs and priorities that acknowledge housing as a human right. This document provides guidance on how the next administration can ensure the right to a roof for all by rejecting austerity, ending homelessness, promoting racial equity, and prioritizing housing opportunities for those who need them most.
This report is a joint effort between: Association for Neighborhood & Housing Development, Center for NYC Neighborhoods, Community Service Society, Mutual Housing Association of NY, Make the Road New York, Vocal-NY, New York Communities for Change, RiseBoro Community Partnership, and Community Voices Heard.