Contrary to the dominant narrative about the negative perceptions of affordable housing projects among the public, a recent survey reveals widespread support for affordable housing in the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut metropolitan region.
A new public opinion poll from Regional Plan Association (RPA) and Global Strategy Group (GSG) reveals deep and broad support for more affordable housing policies in New York City and the surrounding region.
"78% of respondents in New York City support policies to increase the amount of affordable housing in the region. Support for affordable housing is only slightly lower in the suburbs, with 74% of respondents in the New York region as a whole voicing support," according to an article by Mark McNulty for the Regional Plan Association (RPA).
The survey also drilled down on the kinds of policies included under the affordable housing umbrella:
- "37% of residents said limiting rent increases was the best way to make housing more affordable while 25% said providing rent assistance is the best way."
- "Only 27% of New Yorkers — and 42% of residents outside New York City — oppose allowing bigger and taller buildings in neighborhoods in order to increase the amount of affordable housing."
- "70% of the region’s residents, including 79% of New York City residents, believe leaders should expand and improve public housing."
The article includes more details about the findings, the various RPA proposals that respond to each of these approaches to housing affordability, and context regarding the disproportionate impacts of affordable housing scarcity on individuals and communities of color in the region.
FULL STORY: Vast Majority of New York Metro Area Residents Support More Affordable Housing
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