New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development has been making significant strides in its Where We Live NYC fair housing initiative, as showcased in a recent progress report. This ambitious initiative, launched in 2020, aims to promote housing equity, combat systemic inequality, and address various housing-related challenges in the city.
**Key Achievements in the Where We Live NYC Initiative**
The progress report highlights several key achievements that demonstrate the department’s commitment to creating a more equitable housing landscape in New York City:
1. **Expansion of Homeowner Help Desk**: The department has expanded the Homeowner Help Desk, providing assistance to 25,000 low-income homeowners at risk of displacement. This initiative offers financial and legal counseling to address issues like deed theft and foreclosure, ensuring that vulnerable homeowners have access to the support they need.
2. **Passage of “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity”**: The initiative aims to eliminate exclusionary zoning practices and facilitate the construction of an additional 80,000 new homes over the next 15 years. This move is a significant step towards increasing affordable housing options and creating a more inclusive housing market in the city.
3. **Introduction of Affordable Neighborhoods for New Yorkers Tax Incentive**: The New York State legislature passed this incentive in April 2024 to promote the inclusion of affordable and rent-stabilized housing in high-cost neighborhoods. This measure is crucial in ensuring that individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds have access to affordable housing options in desirable areas.
4. **Upgrades of Apartment Facilities**: Over 142,000 residents have benefited from upgrades to apartment facilities, enhancing their quality of life and living conditions. These improvements contribute to creating a more comfortable and sustainable housing environment for residents across the city.
**Commissioner Adolfo Carrion Jr.’s Perspective**
Adolfo Carrion Jr., commissioner of HPD, expressed pride in the progress made through the Where We Live NYC initiative. He emphasized the importance of community engagement and transparency in shaping the department’s initiatives and ensuring that every New Yorker has access to safe and affordable housing options.
As the department looks towards the future, plans are underway to release an updated fair housing plan in 2025. Community stakeholders will be engaged through public workshops to review achievements and challenges, with a draft of the updated plan expected in the summer and a final plan in the fall of 2025.
Commissioner Carrion reaffirmed the department’s commitment to creating a more equitable city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, welcoming home. The journey ahead may be challenging, but with a shared commitment to progress, the department is poised to continue its efforts towards a more inclusive and equitable housing landscape in New York City.