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.

Recent Blogs and Media

Press Release
April 25, 2023
ANHD commends Councilmember Gutiérrez, Councilmember Farias, and the many elected officials who stood together with us today for their commitment to advancing a proactive and comprehensive bill that champions planning for NYC’s industrial sector.
Blog
January 19, 2023
ANHD’s video modules and activities on how to use the City’s Equitable Development Data Explorer (EDDE) will help New Yorkers understand and advocate for their community needs when it comes to affordable housing, capital investment, and land use.

Related Resources

Last week, Community Action for Safe Apartments (CASA) released a powerful new white paper, “Resisting Displacement in the Southwest Bronx.” Drawing on research, their own organizing experience and...
The proposal for development at 25 Kent Avenue began the ULURP process in January with considerable attention. Crain's New York rightfully referred to the project as a "barometer for how...
Testimony before the City Planning Commission with support and suggested improvements of the Zoning for Quality and Affordability text amendment
A report back from a forum of key stakeholders discussing the challenges and opportunities related to ensuring permanent affordability in subsidized housing.
A district-by-district analysis of what was lost, gained and remaining in affordable housing in areas rezoned for Vountary Inclusionary Housing under Mayor Bloomberg
A proposal laying out key demands and priorities for the City's Housing Plan
An analysis of prior losses, and potential gains of affordable housing for Brooklyn’s CB 7.
An analysis of prior losses, and potential gains of affordable housing for Queen’s CB 1.
An analysis of prior losses, and potential gains of affordable housing for Manhattan’s CB 11.

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