Build Housing. I will fight for both affordability and availability by tackling our housing supply crisis head-on. I will support new housing, prioritize 100% affordable housing on government-owned land and focus on building coalitions statewide.

I support the following statewide zoning reforms to increase housing production and permit:

1. Transit-oriented development near rail and bus hubs – with minimum density or unit count, mid-rise apartments and mixed-use as of right within ½ mile of transit stations.

2. Multifamily housing statewide permitting to include duplexes, triplexes and 4-6 unit multi-family buildings statewide.

3. Additional density bonuses for affordable housing coupled with state funding. 

4. Basement apartments combined with safety upgrades.

5. Accessory Dwelling Units combined with funds for sewer and stormwater infrastructure that will address flooding from increased lot coverage and storm surge flooding.

I have a strong track record of success on housing during my 14 years on Manhattan Community Board 2, including as Chair. My community wins include achieving 100% affordable housing at 388 Hudson Street. I supported the "win-win solution" that saved Elizabeth Street Garden while supporting the construction of over 620 affordable units nearby.

In addition, I want to expand and develop statewide programs to:

1. Stop Displacement. Our neighbors deserve better. In Albany, I will support a comprehensive set of anti-displacement tools, defend our most vulnerable residents and keep people in their homes. Key priorities include expanding and improving the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) with annual inflation indexes and auto-enrollment. Furthermore, I will advocate for a Statewide Right to Counsel, expanding the Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP) pilot, strengthening Good Cause Eviction protections to ensure predictable rents and passing Net Loss Provision legislation that would require replacement of rent-stabilized units demolished, converted, or lost through redevelopment.

2. Fund Social Housing. In the 1950s, the Mitchell-Lama program created over 130,000 units of social housing in New York City, plus many more across New York State. However, as 35,000 units have been privatized, and demand for housing has only grown in New York City, we must renew our commitment to social housing. In the Assembly, I will fight to expand permanently affordable, resident-controlled housing, and increase oversight in existing buildings. 

3. Create and fund a dedicated Deeply Affordable Housing Program in New York State. New Yorkers are experiencing a crisis of deep affordability, where over half of all rent-burdened households earn under 30% Area Median Income (AMI). This program would commit at least 25-40% of units in funded projects to households below 30% AMI for 50-99 years, with funding potentially coming from increases to high-end real estate transfer taxes, a portion of cannabis tax revenue, and Deeply Affordable Housing Bonds.