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NYC Council Passes Sweeping Housing Mandates, Setting Up Likely Veto Fight

Mayor Eric Adams signaled plans to block parts of the package as housing officials warn of a $600 million annual hit and the next Council prepares for possible overrides in 2026.

Overview

  • Lawmakers approved bills requiring city‑financed projects to include more family‑sized units and deeper affordability, with several measures clearing the chamber by veto‑proof margins.
  • HPD estimates the housing mandates would cost about $600 million a year and could yield thousands fewer new apartments without added funding, a concern also voiced by mayor‑elect Zohran Mamdani’s team.
  • The package includes minimums of 25% two‑bedroom and 15% three‑bedroom units, targets of at least 50% for very low‑income and 30% for extremely low‑income households in subsidized rentals, a 4% homeownership set‑aside, and a $40 hourly wage‑and‑benefits standard on certain projects.
  • The Council also adopted a scaled COPA plan granting qualified nonprofits an early chance to buy distressed or soon‑to‑expire affordability buildings, a measure opposed by real estate and some small landlords.
  • Beyond housing, members expanded street‑vendor permits, added just‑cause protections for ride‑hail and delivery workers, and granted the CCRB direct access to NYPD body‑camera footage, while a bill to relax short‑term rental rules did not advance.