Land Use Justice

About

New York City’s land use and zoning regulations are key levers in the development and preservation of our city’s communities. Unfortunately, however, the needs and interests of low- and moderate-income New Yorkers, people of color, immigrants, and other marginalized populations are not often represented or considered in how our land is used, what gets built where, what gets preserved, and who has rights and access to space.

Why This Matters

Land use justice is key to creating thriving communities, as it ensures that all residents are reshaping the various areas of our neighborhoods. Without proper representation from, or the inclusion of low- and moderate-income New Yorkers, people of color, immigrants, and other marginalized populations, the City ends up making decisions on land use that exacerbate inequality, by privileging capital over community.

What We're Doing

ANHD is building the power of marginalized communities to have control over the land use decisions that shape their neighborhoods and promote equity.

To ensure land use policies and investments are driven by our city’s community needs, we provide both individual and group-based rezoning technical assistance to neighborhoods who are facing land use and zoning changes. Additionally, we provide research and advocacy on land use opportunities that promote public good.

Check out the associated projects below for more information on how we are fighting for land use justice.

Related Resources

In this two-pager, ANHD breaks down the City’s proposed zoning changes for medium and high-density residential districts under City of Yes, Zoning for Housing Affordability.
In this two-pager, ANHD summarizes Mayor Adams’ proposed zoning changes aimed at increasing housing supply throughout the city. The proposal could lead to 58,000 to 109,000 new units over 15 years, with 15-20% being affordable.
In this two-pager, ANHD explains the citywide aspects of the City of Yes, Zoning for Housing Opportunity proposal. Find out more by downloading the two-pager today, offered in both English and Spanish.
In this two-pager, ANHD summarizes the City’s proposed zoning changes for low-density residential districts under City of Yes, Zoning for Housing Opportunity. Find out more by downloading the two-pager today, offered in both English and Spanish.
We are thrilled that after years of ANHD-led advocacy, the Adams Administration has finally moved New York City away from the problematic affordable housing unit count goals of past housing plans....
A Report on the Relationship Between Rezonings, Affordable Housing, & Racial Equity in New York City
Demands for an Integrated Housing Plan to End Homelessness and Promote Racial Equity
Sharing insights to help transform industrial buildings and space into places where urban manufacturing thrives and communities can grow
How Our Planning Priorities Got Us to COVID-19 Disparate Impacts

Pages