NYC approves “City of Yes” to build 80,000 homes
New York City celebrated a landmark moment as Mayor Eric Adams, Governor Kathy Hochul, and Speaker Adrienne Adams announced the passage of the “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity,” the most ambitious pro-housing reform in the city’s history.
New York City celebrated a landmark moment as Mayor Eric Adams, Governor Kathy Hochul, and Speaker Adrienne Adams announced the passage of the “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity,” the most ambitious pro-housing reform in the city’s history.
This groundbreaking initiative will add 80,000 new homes over the next 15 years, while channeling $5 billion into essential infrastructure upgrades and affordable housing.
“Today is a historic day for New York City and working-class New Yorkers,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “We’ve passed the most pro-housing legislation in our city’s history, paving the way for lower rents and more homes. A home is more than four walls—it’s the key to the American Dream. And today, that dream becomes a reality for more New Yorkers.”
Governor Hochul underscored the importance of housing reform in tackling the affordability crisis. “I’m committing $1 billion to ensure the success of ‘City of Yes,’ because the only way to solve New York’s housing crisis is by building more homes,” she stated.
Speaker Adrienne Adams hailed the collaboration behind the initiative: “This marks a monumental step toward creating a safer, stronger, and more affordable city. By addressing housing shortages and investing in infrastructure, we are transforming New York into a city for all.”
The sweeping reforms address New York’s housing shortage with measures such as transit-oriented development, legalization of accessory dwelling units, and incentives for affordable housing in high-demand areas. These changes also include rolling back parking mandates and making it easier to convert offices into housing.
The proposal garnered support from advocates, labor unions, and public leaders, including Dan Garodnick, Chair of the City Planning Commission, who said, “Today, we’re choosing a new path—one that tackles our housing shortage while respecting neighborhood diversity.”
With its passage, “City of Yes” not only reshapes zoning laws but also lays a foundation for a more inclusive New York, making housing a right, not a privilege.
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