AM Kavanagh, Sen Squadron Celebrate Section 8 Victory for NYC Tenants

NEW YORK - Today, State Assemblymember Brian Kavanagh and State Senator Daniel Squadron released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s decision that changes to the Section 8 Small Area Fair Market Rent (SAFMR) policy -- which could have had severe unintended consequences for NYC Section 8 tenants -- will not apply to cities with low vacancy rates, like NYC:

“Today’s decision from HUD is a win for both Section 8 tenants and all of us who know that affordable housing is essential for maintaining the stability and the economic diversity of our neighborhoods. Affordability continues to be a major challenge to making a life in New York and Section 8 is a vital program for ensuring access to quality housing for those who need it most.  

“As we continue working with HUD on increasing affordability and other critical housing goals, we appreciate that HUD heard our request for a policy that takes into account the unique needs of NYC, and other cities with low vacancy rates, and that the unintentional but real harm posed by the proposed SAFMR rule will be averted.

“Thank you to the Federal government, HUD, housing advocates, and all of our colleagues in government -- especially U.S. Senator Schumer, Congressmember Velázquez, Borough President Brewer, and Councilmember Torres -- who spoke out about the importance of this issue.”

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Kavanagh and Squadron organized efforts against the proposed HUD policy, including testimony to HUD, a Kavanagh-organized letter with Borough President Brewer that won the support of 53 elected colleagues including Squadron, (attached) and Squadron urging NYCHA to engage with HUD about the proposed rule change.