Housing
Congresswoman Velázquez is dedicated to ensuring that New York City residents have housing options that are both affordable and accessible. Renters and home owners in the 7th Congressional District face critical housing needs, with most paying more than half their income in rent or mortgage payments and many living in unacceptable conditions.
The Congresswoman is a strong advocate for public housing residents and has taken steps to preserve and revitalize government-owned housing properties. To address the shortage of affordable housing, she supports efforts that combine housing market-driven solutions, federal support, and state and local initiatives.
Knowing that good ideas are abundant in her community, NYC housing experts and grassroots housing activists are consulted to help formulate solutions for the city’s unique housing problems. Comprehensive efforts are needed today to ensure that the nation’s housing market regains its footing, and the American dream of homeownership remains an achievable goal.
More on Housing
Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and 27 additional bicameral Members of Congress have sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge to urge the reestablishment of Federal Financing Bank (FFB) funding for HUD-insured multifamily risk sharing mortgages. The program was a successful partnership between the Treasury Department, HUD, and state and local Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs) around the country.
Washington, DC – Looking to address housing loan discrimination against racial minorities, women, and certain rural residents, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has reintroduced a bill that would increase transparency and accountability in the lending process. The bill, titled the Home Loan Quality Transparency Act of 2021, would require lending institutions and credit unions to provide public disclosures regarding their mortgages and home equity lines of credit.
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has introduced legislation that would reestablish the Federal-Financing Bank and Risk Sharing Program, which helped with the creation and preservation of affordable rental housing in New York City and across the country. The bill, entitled H.R. 8824, or the Federal-Financing Bank Risk-Sharing Act of 2020, would reimplement the aforementioned program and expand it to make community development financial institutions (CDFIs) eligible for participation.
Washington, DC –As New Yorkers prepare to spend more time indoors this winter, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) have sent a letter to the head of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) on the authority’s plans to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in public housing.
Says Half-Measure is Inadequate, Renews Call for Legislative Solutions
Legislation Includes Historic Investment in Public Housing
Washington, DC - Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) voted yesterday for H.R. 2, the “Moving Forward Act,” House Democrats’ sweeping legislation to invest more than $1.5 trillion in modern, sustainable infrastructure while creating millions of good-paying jobs, combatting the climate crisis and addressing disparities in communities across New York City and throughout the country.
Washington, DC - Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has written to Mayor Bill de Blasio urging him to restore full funding to the Basement Apartment Conversion Pilot Program (BACPP). The BACPP, launched in 2019, aims to assist forty East New York homeowners in the conversion of their basements into rental units. This initiative aims to provide affordable and legal rental units to the neighborhood, both stabilizing homeownership and increasing the number of affordable residences. The administration made a commitment to the East New York Community to engage in the BACPP four years ago.
Updated February 9
As the COVID19 epidemic continues, it is important that New Yorkers have access to reliable information.
Please utilize the following information to prepare yourselves and address any problems or pressing concerns you may have.
Residents of New York's 7th Congressional District may always contact the Congresswoman's office for help. The best way to do so is by using this online form. Submissions are checked daily.
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has authored legislation that would temporarily suspend during the coronavirus emergency rent contributions owed by tenants living in public housing or those who receive Section 8 vouchers.
