NEWYORK: Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani released Block by Block: The housing plan for a new era, a sweeping blueprint to tackle New York City’s deepening housing crisis with the urgency and scale the moment demands.
Spanning the full breadth of housing policy, from new construction to tenant protections to public housing, homeownership and worker protections, the plan lays out a comprehensive strategy to make New York City more affordable for working people.
“At a moment when working people are being pushed out of the city they built, New York cannot afford half-measures or delays,” said Mayor Mamdani. “This plan meets the housing crisis with the urgency it demands. We are setting the most ambitious housing production and preservation targets in the city’s modern history – and backing them up with investments to match – while also protecting tenants and homeowners, investing in public housing and ensuring the workers building that housing have good-paying, safe jobs. We must fight for both the tenants of today and the tenants of tomorrow. Block by Block shows how New York City can do exactly that.”
“Block by Block meets the housing crisis with the ambition and urgency that New Yorkers deserve. This plan will deliver a fairer, more affordable city for everyone – whether you are a renter seeking repairs, a growing family seeking a new apartment, or a would-be homeowner,” said Leila Bozorg, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning.
“From building 200,000 new affordable homes and preserving 200,000 more, overhauling how we enforce housing codes, investing in public housing, and making sure the workers building our city’s future earn a fair wage, this administration is using every tool at its disposal to meet the moment.”
Block by Block details how the City will build 200,000 new affordable homes and preserve another 200,000 affordable homes over the next decade, backed by a historic $22 billion capital investment in housing over the next five years. This investment is paired with an ambitious land use agenda to boost housing production across the five boroughs and innovative new financing tools to build and preserve affordable housing more quickly and efficiently.
The Mamdani administration will also double the size of the Open Door program to expand affordable homeownership opportunities and launch a new program, “Our Home,” to create permanently affordable co-ops for working class New Yorkers.
The plan includes a major overhaul of the City’s responds to code and heat complaints, including allowing tenants to schedule some HPD inspections and coordinating “roof-to-cellar” inspection days at buildings with organized tenants. The City will also launch an interagency planning effort in the Bronx to proactively address persistent issues around housing quality, public health and economic inequality in the borough.
Block by Block also lays out the administration’s vision for NYCHA, including the largest City capital investment in NYCHA in recent history. The plan expands resident participation in decision-making through stronger participation in Resident Associations, “NYCHA in Your Neighborhood” events and deeper tenant involvement following conversion to the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program.
The administration will also pursue a renewed role for NYCHA as a public developer, using new financing and development tools to bring in revenue, improve campuses and build new housing across the city.
The plan also centers the workers building New York’s future. The Mamdani administration will implement the Construction Justice Act to establish a $40 per hour minimum wage and benefit standard for construction workers on City-financed projects and explore project labor agreements (PLAs) for targeted affordable housing developments. The administration will also establish the City’s first Mayor’s Committee on Construction Safety.
In addition, Block by Block includes policies to help move New Yorkers out of shelter and into permanent housing, improve government efficiency and public excellence, support for operating affordable housing, advance innovation in construction and expand opportunities for homeowners to add accessory dwelling units and legalize basement apartments safely.
“New York doesn’t work without housing that’s affordable,” said Housing Commissioner Dina Levy.
“Block by Block is an ambitious vision for a more affordable city — balancing multiple priorities including production, preservation, and targeted enforcement — so New Yorkers can access the housing they deserve.”
“Block by Block is a bold roadmap for meeting the urgency of our housing crisis and building a fairer, more affordable, more livable New York City. At the Department of City Planning, we will help deliver on this plan by using new tools to advance affordable housing, working with communities to develop ambitious neighborhood plans, and updating zoning to unlock transit-accessible housing across the city. I’m proud to work with Mayor Mamdani, government partners, and communities across the boroughs to create a city where all New Yorkers can stay, grow, and thrive,” said Sideya Sherman, Director of the Department of City Planning.
“Mayor Mamdani’s housing plan places renewed emphasis on the vital role of NYCHA in our city and the residents we serve,” said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt.
“The administration’s plan, which represents one of the largest city investments in NYCHA in recent history, will directly support our shared commitment to strengthening resident engagement, improving service delivery, and accelerating long-needed repairs and improvements across our portfolio. We are grateful to the administration for its dedication to improving the lives of NYCHA residents and for advancing bold solutions that protect and expand housing affordability for New Yorkers.”
“A stronger, more affordable New York requires a housing strategy that matches the scale and urgency of the challenges facing our city today,” said Housing Development Corporation (HDC) President Eric Enderlin.
“Block by Block lays out an ambitious plan to expand housing opportunity, strengthen public housing, and make our city more affordable for New Yorkers. HDC looks forward to working with our partners to deliver the housing and community investments envisioned in the Mayor’s housing plan.”
“The Mayor’s Block by Block Housing Plan is a dynamic new approach to building and preserving more housing faster while proving that ambitious growth and strong safety standards can go hand in hand,” said Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani.
“Importantly, this plan calls for a targeted code reform effort aimed at lowering construction costs and reducing development timelines, which will make a real difference in getting shovels in the ground on more residential projects citywide. We are grateful to be led by a Mayor and Deputy Mayor whose unwavering commitment to protecting tenants, construction workers, and the public is foundational to the plan to build the housing our city needs. DOB is excited to move forward and get to work!”
“The Mamdani Administration’s historic housing plan will tackle the urgency of the housing crisis from multiple angles, all while unlocking and preserving hundreds of thousands of units of housing across New York City,” said NYCEDC Interim President & CEO Jeanny Pak.
“From utilizing our assets to launching new programs, NYCEDC is tapping into every tool in our toolbox to deliver affordable housing across the five boroughs and make the city a more affordable place to live.”
“As part of Block by Block, Mayor Mamdani’s housing plan, LPC will support housing creation in historic districts with a range of tools to encourage the creation of ADUs and help property owners unlock opportunities for individual landmarks — work that will help advance the administration’s bold vision to deliver both additional housing and a more affordable city,” said Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair Lisa Kersavage.
“Reducing homelessness requires more than temporary shelter — it requires permanent homes. This plan charts the course for creating housing at the speed and scale that meets the urgency of the moment,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Erin Dalton.
“By dedicating unprecedented numbers of housing units for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness, cutting red tape, and accelerating placements into those units, this plan will expand and strengthen access to deeply affordable housing, reduce supportive housing vacancies, and help New Yorkers move out of shelter more quickly while keeping at-risk New Yorkers from losing their homes.”
“New Yorkers are facing a housing crisis that is pushing families out of their neighborhoods, straining working people, and making it harder for too many to see a future in the city they love,” said Comptroller Mark Levine.
“Setting a goal of 200,000 new affordable homes and 200,000 preserved homes over the next decade, while making major investments in NYCHA, affordable homeownership, homelessness prevention, and faster, more cost-effective housing production, reflects the kind of comprehensive approach our city needs. I am committed to using the resources and powers of my office to address our housing crisis, and I applaud Mayor Mamdani’s commitment to tackling this crisis block by block.”
“In the midst of our city’s unprecedented housing crisis, we must mobilize an unprecedented response in order put — and keep — roofs over the heads of as many New Yorkers as possible. This plan represents an incredible and intentional investment in exactly that,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.
“Queens residents in every corner of our borough deserve affordable rent, opportunities at homeownership and to live with dignity in their NYCHA apartment. This administration not only recognizes that, but has put forth a proposal to achieve it. I couldn’t be more excited to work with the Mamdani Administration in delivering on the promise of the Block by Block plan and delivering for the countless New Yorkers in need of high-quality affordable housing.”
“New York City’s housing crisis requires a crisis-level response, and that’s precisely what Mayor Mamdani’s Block by Block delivers. From the Affordable & Efficient Code Reform Task Force which aims to drive down construction costs to a massive $5.6 billion commitment to improve conditions at NYCHA developments, Block by Block is set to harnesses all levers of government to ease pressure on the housing market and lower costs for New Yorkers,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
“At a time when we are experiencing a major housing crisis in our city, I am grateful to Mayor Mamdani for prioritizing the construction of new affordable housing, the preservation of public housing, and the expansion of homeownership opportunities for New Yorkers,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson.
“His Block by Block: The Housing Plan for a New Era is a positive step toward ensuring our residents have the tools to live comfortably in our city as the cost of living rises for many in our communities. I also look forward to continuing to work with the Mamdani administration to support investments in affordable homeownership, especially for first-time buyers, affordable co-ops, and the creation of larger 2- and 3-bedroom apartments that allow families to stay and grow in their neighborhoods.”
“Since becoming Chair of the Housing and Buildings Committee, I have called for New York to confront the housing crisis in its full complexity — not only as a crisis of affordability, but as one of housing quality, safety, and survival. Mayor Mamdani’s first housing plan reflects that reality, embracing the all-of-the-above approach this moment demands: building new housing, preserving existing homes, protecting tenants — including in NYCHA — and confronting distressed buildings where neglect is putting lives at risk,” said Council Member Pierina Sanchez.
“New Yorkers are facing a deep housing affordability and displacement crisis, and we need bold action that matches the urgency of this moment,” said Council Member Shahana Hanif.
“I’m encouraged by the Mayor’s commitment to expanding affordable housing, investing in NYCHA, strengthening tenant protections, and preventing homelessness. As this plan moves forward, the City must ensure real accountability for negligent landlords and a stronger commitment to accessible, affordable housing for New Yorkers with disabilities. I look forward to partnering with the administration to deliver housing that keeps working-class New Yorkers in the communities they call home.”
“With this new ambitious housing plan, Mayor Mamdani and Deputy Mayor Bozorg set forth a concrete path to preserving affordable housing, protecting tenants, supporting homeowners, and building new housing for all New Yorkers. As chair of the Committee on General Welfare, I am particularly proud to partner with this administration on a targeted approach to preventing homelessness and creating affordable housing for our lowest income neighbors,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson.
“Every New Yorker deserves a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home. For far too many families, rising rents and a lack of housing options have made it harder to stay in the communities they helped build. Mayor Mamdani’s Block by Block housing plan recognizes the scale of the crisis and meets it with an ambitious vision rooted in affordability, preservation, and opportunity,” said Council Member Rita Joseph.
“The commitment to creating and preserving 400,000 housing units over the next decade, making historic investments in NYCHA, strengthening housing code enforcement, and creating stronger pathways out of homelessness reflects an understanding that housing policy must be comprehensive and people-centered. I am particularly encouraged by the focus on expanding homeownership opportunities and finding ways to build affordable housing more efficiently without compromising safety. I look forward to partnering with the Mamdani administration and my colleagues in the Council to help deliver solutions that keep our city affordable and equitable for generations to come.”
“Congratulations to the Mamdani Administration on producing a housing roadmap that includes building and preserving affordable and market housing, and includes NYCHA, rental and homeownership,” said Council Member Gale A. Brewer.
“In an effort to keep tenants in their homes, the plan focuses on better code enforcement and inspections, heat complaints, and transfer to alternate management if needed. To build faster, taking time off the process and leasing up will be a game changer. I look forward to implementing this plan.”
“Addressing New York’s housing crisis requires a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach that works to subsidize and incentivize new housing construction, preserve the habitability and safety of our existing housing, and ensure tenants and homeowners have the protections and resources that they need to thrive. I am excited that Mayor Mamdani is putting forth this very ambitious plan, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Mayor and his administration on the wide range of policies and tools we need to ensure that every New Yorker has stable access to a sustainable, livable, and affordable home,” said Senator Brian Kavanagh, Chair of the Senate Housing Committee.
“At a time when rising costs, aging buildings, and growing service needs continue to strain affordable housing providers, the administration’s focus on speeding up approvals, expanding preservation tools, and making significant capital investments is a meaningful step toward addressing our housing crisis. Sustained investment in production and preservation is essential, and this plan addresses that by balancing public resources and private investment to help deliver and protect units across the five boroughs. We look forward to continuing to work with the mayor and our housing sector partners to deliver and maintain high-quality, affordable housing that meets the needs of all New Yorkers,” said Carlina Rivera, President and CEO, New York State Association for Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH).
“We thank Mayor Mamdani for his unprecedented commitment to housing – doubling the City’s capital budget, increasing preservation funds in his first Executive Budget, and advancing an ambitious plan to SPEED new construction. The administration’s housing plan builds on that momentum with a suite of tools and resources to build and preserve 400,000 affordable homes. The new stabilization solutions to ensure the long-term preservation of our at-risk rent-stabilized housing could not come a moment too soon. CPC stands ready to partner with the Administration on this ambitious vision for the future of our city’s housing,” said Rafael E. Cestero, CEO, The Community Preservation Corporation.
