New York Ballot Proposals Could Spur a Housing Revolution
This week, New Yorkers have a chance to vote on more than just their next mayor.
By approving a series of ballot proposals, they can help spur a housing revolution in the city, paving the way for desperately needed supply-side reforms that will boost housing construction and, ultimately, affordability.
Key Proposals
- Proposals 2, 3, and 4 aim to accelerate the approval process for affordable and mixed-income housing construction
- Proposal 5 modernizes and consolidates city mapping functions
Through a mix of fast-track initiatives, ending the customary veto city council members enjoy over land-use projects in their districts (“member deference”), and the creation of an Affordable Housing Appeals Board, the measures will streamline decisions on where and what kind of housing can be built—in some cases cutting a seven-month approval process down to 90 days.
Author's summary: New York voters can support housing revolution.