Prospects for a New York State Social Housing Development Authority: Addressing Critical Questions

On February 7th, State Senator Cordell Cleare and Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher introduced a bill that would establish the New York State Social Housing Development Authority (SHDA). Drawing on New York’s unique history of providing public sector housing, the SHDA is a new, well-capitalized public authority charged with meeting the state’s significant and growing need for housing construction and preservation. The SHDA’s ability to build, acquire, and renovate residential units, particularly on public land, could help achieve advocates’ vision for permanent housing affordability, family-supporting jobs, climate adaptation, and democratic control and accountability - but there are many questions. Specifically, what are the necessary institutional components of a public authority that is committed to a social mission, competent in executing that mission, and accountable to its multiple stakeholders? Accordingly, this panel brings state leaders involved in authoring and advocating for the SHDA legislation together with scholars capable of placing this newly proposed institution in context and anticipating administrative challenges it will face.
Welcoming remarks by Public Policy Program Director Basil A. Smikle, Jr.
Panelists:
John Paraskevopoulos, Legislative Director, Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, District 50
Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest, NYS Assemblymember, District 37
David Reiss, Professor, Brooklyn Law School
Elizabeth Marcello (Moderator), Doctoral Lecturer, Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute, Hunter College
Gail Radford, Professor Emerita, University of Buffalo
Sponsored by:
Hunter College Urban Policy and Planning
Roosevelt Public Policy Institute at Hunter College
March 28, 2024.