We all know there is a perpetual shortage of affordable housing. The vacancy rate is extremely low, falling below 1% for apartments priced under $2,400 per month as of 2023 and rents continue to  rise across NYC and the district. Regulation alone cannot solve the crisis, especially when there is no rent regulation for market rate apartments.

Addressing the affordability crisis requires a multi-faceted approach. We must expand the housing supply at every level. More inventory lowers building costs and vacancy pressure.  Adding new units frees up more affordable housing.

We need to use all the tools we have to make it happen:

• Accelerating the development of permanently affordable homes, particularly through subsidized housing programs.

• Building on city and state owned sites.

• Speeding up the conversion of vacant offices into apartments.

We know how to do this from the Midtown South (MSMX) Plan, which I helped advance.  And all of this will happen as we work to strengthen tenant protections and ensure that new development benefits — and doesn’t displace — the people who live and work in District 3.

As your Council Member, I will fight for the housing and affordability District 3 residents deserve and have historically enjoyed while ensuring they have a voice to inform how the neighborhood grows. I’ll also make sure that those who have a home in our community get to stay in that home by helping tenants know their rights, have continued access to legal clinics and representation, and ensure the city works to hold bad landlords accountable.