Charter Commission Must Make Fair Housing Enforceable and Ensure Equitable Development and Investment

NEW YORK, NY—The Thriving Communities Coalition (TCC) today called for comprehensive planning and land use reform in New York City to address the inequitable distribution of development and investment before tonight’s meeting. Through its #OurNeighborhoodsOurPlan campaign, TCC advocates for a planning approach that centers on racial, economic, health, and climate equity and robust community engagement.

"New York City's current approach to housing development and community investment has been piecemeal at best and priced many people out of their homes, neighborhoods, or even the city," said Barika Williams, Executive Director, ANHD. "The Charter Revision Commission must forge a plan with teeth to bite back at bad actors and ensure average New Yorkers can find an affordable place to live.”

TCC is asking the Charter Revision Commission to amend the City Charter to mandate a comprehensive plan, which would set citywide and community-level goals for development and investment that would help to ensure a more equitable distribution of resources, break down exclusionary housing patterns, and better meet the needs of both current and future New Yorkers. Comprehensive planning would help to:

• Increase access to affordable housing

• Advance access to environmental justice, open and green space

• Empower community-driven planning 

• Promote racial and economic integration

Additionally, TCC calls for enforcement of the Fair Housing Plan legislation enacted by the City Council at the end of 2023. While the legislation will result in a plan to promote fair and affordable housing in New York City, changes to the city charter are needed to make the plan enforceable for land use and budgeting decisions. 

"For too long, New York City has prioritized growth without regard for equity, inclusion, or other community needs. A comprehensive planning process every ten years ensures the city grows equitably, inclusively, and sustainably. By aligning development with critical infrastructure and affordable housing investments, we can ensure that all New Yorkers can benefit from the City's growth and prosperity and that planning strikes the right balance between city-wide and local needs. FAC, our coalition partners and the City were able to strike that balance as part of the Gowanus neighborhood rezoning in 2021 and know that it can be done more broadly through comprehensive planning.  We are proud to call on the Charter Revision Commission to advance changes that ensure growth meets both local and citywide needs," said Michelle de la Uz, Executive Director, Fifth Avenue

"Ascendant Neighborhood Development believes community voices must be central to all planning processes. We support TCC’s call to the Mayor’s Charter Revision Commission to adopt comprehensive planning to prioritize holistic, equitable, and resilient community development. We believe that by adopting a new framework that prioritizes community needs, we can ensure that future land use and budget decisions align with the detailed and quantifiable goals of the relevant communities, and lead to a more sustainable and inclusive New York City. Let's catch up with every other major city in the US and around the world that already utilizes comprehensive planning to build a better future for their citizens." said Chris Cirillo, Executive Director/President, Ascendant Neighborhood Development

TCC's  #OurNeighborhoodsOurPlan campaign highlights the need for a comprehensive planning approach that moves NYC away from a land use and planning regime that has deepened inequity and empowers New Yorkers to plan and build thriving neighborhoods.

About Thriving Communities Coalition

The Thriving Communities Coalition is a diverse coalition of community-based organizations, policy advocates, and other stakeholders working to reform the City’s approach to planning and land use to create a future where everyone has a chance to thrive.