NYC Charter Commission Unveils Housing and Election Reform Proposals
The 2025 New York City Charter Revision Commission has released its interim report with five possible ballot proposals aimed at tackling the housing crisis and making local elections more inclusive. The ideas include advancing affordable housing, streamlining approvals for smaller projects and moving municipal elections to even-numbered years to boost turnout. The Commission is also asking for more community feedback on adopting open primaries.
The Commissions interim report includes a strong set of proposals that meet the moment for New York City. Together, they can help build a more affordable city and a more responsive government, said Richard R. Buery, Jr., chair, 2025 Charter Revision Commission.
Four of the proposals target land use reforms to deliver more affordable housing quickly and support modestly sized developments. Another proposal would shift city elections to even-numbered years, while the Commission continues to study open primaries for city races.
The interim report follows more than 26 hours of public testimony collected over nine hearings and 600 written comments. A public hearing is set for July 7 to gather more feedback, with written testimony accepted through July 15. The Commission will hold a public meeting on July 21 before voting on final ballot language.
https://www.bkreader.com/policy-government/nyc-charter-commission-unveils-housing-and-election-reform-proposals-10894910