Affordable Housing
Is on the Ballot
This November, New Yorkers will vote on a set of four ballot proposals that could change how the city plans for and builds affordable housing. These proposals aim to address the city’s ongoing housing shortage and rising rents by updating land use and development rules.
Fast Track Affordable Housing (Question #2)
Simplify Review of Modest Housing Projects (Question #3)
Establish an Affordable Housing Appeals Board (Question #4)
Modernize the City Map (Question #5)
Two other proposals will appear on the ballot: a State proposal on upstate parkland (Question #1) and a proposal to move local elections to presidential years (Question #6).
Staying informed is the first step to making your voice heard. Read the proposals, make your plan to vote this November, and get our updates.
See what’s on the ballot.
Find when and where to vote.
Get our updates.
By the Numbers
1.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
NYC Housing Vacancy Survey, 2023
$3,365
Median Rent for 1-Bedroom
Realtor.com, April 2025
50%
Rent-Burdened Households
NYU Furman Center, 2024
Learn More
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The New York City Charter Review Commission recommended these ballot proposals after a year-long review of the city’s housing, land use, and zoning processes. Their stated goal is to address chronic housing shortages and modernize development rules.
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You can read the full text of the ballot proposals below as well as on the City Charter Review Commission’s website.
Question 2: Fast Track Affordable Housing to Build More Affordable Housing Across the City
Fast track publicly financed affordable housing. Fast track applications delivering affordable housing in the community districts that produce the least affordable housing, significantly reducing review time. Maintain Community Board review.
“Yes” fast tracks applications at the Board of Standards and Appeals or City Planning Commission. “No” leaves affordable housing subject to longer review and final decision at City Council.
Question 3: Simplify Review of Modest Housing and Infrastructure Projects
Simplify review of modest amounts of additional housing and minor infrastructure projects, significantly reducing review time. Maintain Community Board review, with final decision by the City Planning Commission.
“Yes” simplifies review for limited land-use changes, including modest housing and minor infrastructure projects. “No” leaves these changes subject to longer review, with final decision by City Council.
Question 4: Establish an Affordable Housing Appeals Board with Council, Borough, and Citywide Representation
Establish an Affordable Housing Appeals Board with the Council Speaker, local Borough President, and Mayor to review Council actions that reject or change applications creating affordable housing.
“Yes” creates the three-member Affordable Housing Appeals Board to reflect Council, borough, and citywide perspectives. “No” leaves affordable housing subject to the Mayor’s veto and final decision by City Council.
Question 5: Create a Digital City Map to Modernize City Operations
Consolidate borough map office and address assignment functions, and create one digital City Map at Department of City Planning. Today, the City Map consists of paper maps across five offices.
“Yes” creates a consolidated, digital City Map. “No” leaves in place five separate map and address assignment functions, administered by Borough President Offices.
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Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
The early voting period is October 25, 2025 - November 2, 2025.
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