At an annual affordable housing conference in Albany, housing advocates and state leaders gathered on Thursday to tackle New York’s mounting housing supply challenges. Organized by the state Association for Affordable Housing, the event drew attention to the escalating costs and insufficient availability of affordable homes, with Senate Housing Committee Chair Brian Kavanagh emphasizing the need for increased supply and stabilization of current housing.
Different challenges were highlighted by county leaders from Westchester, Ulster, and Lewis counties, emphasizing disparities across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Lewis County Manager Ryan Piche noted the North Country’s outdated housing stock and a rising aging population. The influx of second homeowners due to the pandemic has further strained the housing supply, impacting the region’s traditional industries and economy. Kevin Horrigan of People’s Inc., a major provider of affordable housing in Western New York, advocated for more aggressive funding and sought increased input on the state’s Master Plan for Aging.
As discussions gear up for potential influence on the governor’s future proposals, a new initiative has gained traction: the “Pro-Housing Community” certification. Localities awarded this title will be prioritized for a share of the $650 million in grant funds designated for new housing projects by Gov. Kathy Hochul. The overarching challenge remains, with a looming $9.1 billion budget gap complicating next year’s negotiations and the approach to addressing New York’s housing dilemma.
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