Pause- We need to Rethink

For context, the Section 610 program, introduced in 2022, allowed landlords of affordable housing projects to collect the full value of federal rent vouchers, even if it exceeded the legal rent, without increasing tenant costs. This initiative provided financial relief to landlords and helped maintain the viability of affordable housing units. (Help more people like my grandma!)

However, due to uncertainties in federal funding, the program was paused in March 2025. :/ (My honest reaction haha)

The New York State Housing Department ceased authorizations for landlords to collect the full voucher amount, citing limited federal resources. Affordable housing developers, such as Bronx Pro Group, have expressed concerns that the suspension of Section 610 could lead to increased financial strain and potential rent arrears, jeopardizing the stability of affordable housing projects.

Full article: The Real Deal

Advocates are urging both federal and local authorities to reinstate the program or introduce alternative solutions, such as increased Section 8 funding or state-level pilot programs, to support the sustainability of affordable housing in New York City.

Kathy Hochul for Socialism?

Governor Kathy Hochul has officially endorsed Zohran Mamdani in the upcoming New York City mayoral race.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know who Mamdani is and wants. A self-described socialist and wanting to bring many policies into the city that is hearing him fans (like min wage increases. free public transportation, RENT FREEZE ON RENT STABILIZED UNITS (big fan :)) and more...

Mamdani has proposed policies aimed at increasing housing affordability, such as freezing rent and a revamp of the NYC justice and criminal system. Hochul's support signals a shift towards progressive leadership in addressing the city's housing challenges.

Side note: Also wants to "Stand up to Trump"- (I'll let you be the judge on if thats good or bad)

Full article here:

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/15/nyc-mayoral-election-kathy-hochul-zohran-mamdani-endorsement?utm

Mayor Adams Breaks Ground on 385-Unit Affordable Housing Project in Brooklyn

Mayor Eric Adams recently initiated construction on Phase 1A of the "Innovative Urban Village" in East New York, Brooklyn.

This $270 million development will provide 385 affordable and supportive housing units, including commercial space for a fresh food grocery store. (Something that affordable or low-income housing has been missing for a while now in many US cities)

The project is part of a broader initiative to address the city's housing crisis and support vulnerable populations, part of the City of Yes program.

Overall, I am a big fan of this, since they also seem to be trying to solve the issue of lack of access to fresh food and combat the reliance on fast or ultra processed food for low income communities.

Read the rest of the article here:

https://hcr.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-construction-underway-270-million-385-unit-affordable-and-supportive?utm_source=chatgpt.com