NEWYORK: New York City Mayor Eric Adams marked Veterans Day by announcing the official launch of the expanded Municipal Employee Housing Preference, which now includes military veterans as well.
Starting on November 15, 2025, all new affordable housing lotteries listed on the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s (HPD) Housing Connect Website will include a 10 percent preference for eligible city employees and military veterans.
Previously, city employees only received a preference on 5 percent of newly constructed affordable homes financed by HPD or the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and listed on the city’s Housing Connect lottery.
But, earlier this summer, Mayor Adams announced the city’s intention to expand the housing preference for city employees and veterans as part of “Housing Week.”
By expanding this preference to include military veterans — and increasing the overall share to 10 percent — the city is strengthening its commitment to the workforce that keeps New York City running, while also honoring those who serve the country.
“Municipal workers and veterans should be able to live in the city they love. With this new policy, we’ll make it easier for city employees and veterans to live, raise a family, and retire in the five boroughs,” said Mayor Adams.
“This Veterans Day, we’re not only honoring our veterans and public servants with our words; we’re honoring them with our actions, too, and giving back to the people who give their all every day for their city and country.”
“New York City runs on the dedication of over 300,000 municipal workers, the people who keep us safe, clean our streets, deliver clean water, and keep this city moving forward every single day,” said HPD Acting Commissioner Ahmed Tigani.
“Today, as we celebrate Veterans Day, we are proud to expand this long-standing preference to include those who have served our country as well. This effort is about recognizing service, whether to our city or our nation, and ensuring that those who give so much to others have a secure, affordable place to call home.”
“Service to city and country deserves the dignity of a stable home,” said New York City Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner James Hendon.
“By expanding the preference to 10 percent of new Housing Connect opportunities for municipal workers and military veterans, we’re turning gratitude into access — so the people who keep New York running, and those who wore the uniform, can find an affordable home in the city they serve.”
Expanding the Municipal Employee Preference to include military veterans supports both the city’s recruitment and retention goals of municipal employees and addresses the unique housing challenges faced by veterans.
The initiative also reflects the city’s broader strategy of removing barriers to affordable housing and promoting stability and well-being among New Yorkers who serve their communities and country. The 10 percent preference applies to all HPD- and HDC-financed new construction projects listed on the Housing Connect lottery moving forward.
Applicants must meet one of the following eligibility criteria to qualify:
Municipal Employees: Applicants currently employed by the City of New York can qualify by answering “yes” to the Housing Connect question about city employment and submitting proof, such as a recent paystub or a tax document
Military Veterans: Applicants who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard, or Reserves can qualify by answering “yes” to the Housing Connect question about military service and providing supporting documentation, such as a DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), or a Statement of Service.
This expansion is part of the city’s ongoing effort to improve access to affordable housing and promote equity within the Housing Connect system.
