Mayor Adams launches Charter Revision drive to combat housing crisis

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced the establishment of a new Charter Revision Commission (CRC), signaling a bold initiative to tackle the city’s generational housing crisis.

The commission will review the city’s governing charter to ensure municipal processes are more transparent and responsive, particularly in promoting fair housing and affordability for working-class New Yorkers.

Leading the effort is Richard R. Buery, Jr., CEO of Robin Hood, who will chair the CRC. “Our city is in the midst of a profound affordability crisis,” Buery said. “For millions of low-income New Yorkers, housing costs are the central struggle of their lives. Our task is to examine the charter to see how we can better meet this generational challenge.” Sharon Greenberger, president and CEO of YMCA of Greater New York, will serve as vice chair, with Leila Bozorg, the city’s executive director of housing, as secretary.

The CRC’s formation comes on the heels of the passage of Mayor Adams’ “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” proposal, which aims to create 80,000 new homes over the next 15 years and allocate $5 billion for housing and infrastructure improvements. “Housing proposals and land use measures are complex but critical to ensuring our city remains affordable,” said Adams. “New Yorkers need housing, and we will do everything in our power to deliver it to them.”

The commission brings together a diverse group of leaders in housing, urban planning, and community advocacy, including Rev. A.R. Bernard, Shams DaBaron, and Anita Laremont. The members reflect expertise ranging from grassroots activism to city planning, with a shared focus on addressing systemic inequities in housing access.

Alec Schierenbeck, general counsel to First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer, has been proposed as the commission’s executive director. Schierenbeck highlighted the historical significance of the initiative, noting, “As our city celebrates its 400th anniversary next year, it is fitting that we take stock of our city’s charter and examine how it can be improved.”

This ambitious effort underscores Mayor Adams’ commitment to reshaping New York City’s housing landscape to ensure affordability and fairness for all residents.