NYC Mayor Adams Announces Citywide Day of Action to Educate New Yorkers on Historic Affordable Housing Proposal

Over 100 Senior Administration Officials and Government Staffers Visit All Five Boroughs to Educate New Yorkers on City of Yes for Housing Opportunity

Our Bureau
New York, NY

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced a citywide day of action to educate everyday New Yorkers on the “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity,” a historic zoning proposal to enable the creation of a “little more housing in every neighborhood.” Over 100 senior administration officials and staffers across city government distributed educational materials, answered questions, and informed New Yorkers on the City of Yes for Opportunity proposal across all five boroughs. As New York City faces a generational housing crisis with just a 1.4 percent rental vacancy rate, the proposal would allow for the creation of up to 108,850 new homes over the next 15 years.

“All throughout the five boroughs, New Yorkers are experiencing firsthand the impact of a generational housing crisis. However, there is relief in sight, thanks to our ‘City of Yes for Housing Opportunity’ proposal,” said Mayor Adams. “To spread the word and help educate New Yorkers, our dedicated public servants are hitting the streets to explain how a little more housing in every neighborhood can play a crucial role in making a difference. Together, we can build our way out of the housing crisis — and that starts with saying ‘yes’ to City of Yes.”

“Our dedicated civil servants have fanned out citywide during this day of action to educate New Yorkers about the City of Yes and the vital role it will play in creating affordability citywide,” said First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer. “We believe that through this effort, even more New Yorkers will join the four borough presidents, the City Planning Commission, nearly 150 advocacy groups in the ‘Yes to Housing’ coalition, the AARP, more than 20 LGBTQ+ organizations, 18 Community Boards, and 72 percent of New York voters who approve of City of Yes.”

“Inclusive engagement means ensuring that New Yorkers are equipped with the information they need to understand the policy changes that affect them, especially on the pressing challenges of housing,” said Acting New York City Chief Engagement Officer Crystal Price. “‘City of Yes for Housing Opportunity’ is a collaborative effort to remove the barriers that are holding back housing growth. I am excited to support this initiative that brings together city agencies to inform New Yorkers of our plans to tackle the housing crisis and build a New York where everyone can thrive.”

The Adams administration has prioritized educating New Yorkers and answering questions on the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity during every step of the approval process. Last month, the CPC approved the proposal following an extensive public review process, including over 175 Community Board meetings, 10 public information sessions, a CPC hearing in which a majority of speakers testified in favor of the proposal, and more. The proposal also received favorable recommendations from Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. 

Since the start of his administration, Mayor Adams has made record investments toward creating and preserving affordable housing. In July, Mayor Adams announced back-to-back record breaking years in both creating and connecting New Yorkers to affordable housing.