NYC City of Yes
Key Performance Indicators and Program Highlights
80,000
New Homes Planned Over 15 Years
$5B
Housing and Supportive Infrastructure Investment
65%
Share of Family-Sized Units (>2 Bedrooms)
12,000
Expected Multigenerational Housing Units
100%
Affordable or Mixed-Income Housing Units
75%
Units Near Public Transit (Distance < 0.5 miles)
Program Overview
City of Yes for Families is New York City’s ambitious housing plan targeting the generational housing crisis by building 80,000 homes over 15 years, backed by a historic $5 billion investment. It focuses on family-friendly and multigenerational housing across boroughs, pairing new residential construction with essential community amenities.
- Zoning reforms enable 3-5 story apartment buildings in low-density residential neighborhoods near public transit.
- Universal Affordability Preference (UAP): a 20% density bonus for permanently affordable housing meeting income tiers averaging 60% AMI, with mandatory deeper affordability for larger projects.
- Special provisions to encourage family-sized units (2+ bedrooms) and multigenerational layouts for extended household living.
- Integration of housing alongside schools, playgrounds, grocery stores, libraries, and improved transit access to create vibrant family neighborhoods.
- Multiple neighborhood plans launched, including “The Manhattan Plan,” to accelerate housing near transit hubs and community centers.
- New financial tools: down payment assistance, credit-building programs leveraging rent payments, accessory dwelling unit legalization pilot programs.
Funding and Incentives
| Funding Source / Incentive | Allocated Amount (USD) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| City of Yes Housing Opportunity Fund | $1 billion | New construction and preservation of affordable units |
| NYCHA Capital Budget | $200 million | Renovation and modernization of public housing complexes |
| Mitchell-Lama Preservation Program | $80 million | Preserving middle-income affordable rental housing |
| Mixed-Income Revolving Loan Fund | $50 million | Stimulate mixed-income affordable housing projects |
| Accessory Dwelling Unit Support Grants | $4 million | Assist homeowners to create legal accessory units |
| Tenant Organizing and Anti-Harassment Initiatives | $24 million | Support tenant protections and organizing citywide |
| Homeowner Help Desk Funding | $13 million | Financial and legal counseling for low-income owners |
| Tax Incentives for Multifamily Construction | Varied | Encourage affordable rental developments and office conversions |
Data compiled from NYC Council, Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and NYC Mayor's Office reports, January-July 2025.
Housing Unit Projections and Distribution
- Expected to create 80,000 new housing units citywide over 15 years, approximately 5,300 units per year.
- ~65% of units targeted as family-sized (2-bedroom or larger), significantly higher than city average.
- 12,000 planned multigenerational units designed for extended families and shared housing.
- 75% of units located within 0.5 miles of subway or bus transit stations for transit-oriented development.
- At least 20% of total floor area in large projects dedicated to permanently affordable housing under Universal Affordability Preference reforms.
| Borough | Total New Units | Family-sized Units (2+ Bedrooms) | Multigenerational Units | Affordable Units (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manhattan | 18,200 | 12,900 | 2,800 | 100% |
| Brooklyn | 25,000 | 17,200 | 3,500 | 100% |
| Queens | 20,000 | 13,100 | 3,000 | 100% |
| Bronx | 9,000 | 6,000 | 1,200 | 100% |
| Staten Island | 7,800 | 5,000 | 500 | 100% |
Housing Developments with Integrated Community Amenities
City of Yes for Families advances housing adjacent to essential public amenities creating holistic neighborhoods:
- Development adjacent to 350 newly funded or renovated schools citywide supporting youth education.
- Incorporation of over 150 new or improved playgrounds and parks offering safe outdoor space.
- Co-location with 75 new or expanded public and branch libraries, including Living Library model projects.
- Proximity to 120 supermarkets and fresh food markets enhanced through zoning transit-oriented overlays.
- Accessibility upgrades include mobility and transit improvements detailed in Transportation Alternatives and NYC DOT plans.
| Amenity | Linked Developments | Estimated Beneficiaries (Residents, Students) |
|---|---|---|
| New/Improved Public Schools | 350 | 65,000 students |
| Playgrounds and Parks | 150 | 95,000 residents |
| Public Libraries | 75 | 120,000 residents |
| Grocery and Fresh Food Markets | 120 | 80,000 residents |
| Accessible Transit Hubs | 115 | 150,000 residents |
Public and Political Engagement
The initiative represents a coalition effort across City agencies, the City Council, community boards, advocacy groups, and local residents:
- Broad based advocacy from tenant organizations emphasizing deep affordability and anti-displacement measures.
- City officials discuss balancing increased development density with neighborhood character and infrastructure capacity.
- Multiple public forums and hearings hosted with over 1,200 public participants since launch January 2025.
- Support for downpayment assistance and rent payments counting towards credit score reforms to aid homeownership.
- Key political milestones include City Council approvals of zoning amendments and ongoing mayoral executive actions.
| Metric | Count/Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Public Hearing Hours | 35+ | Virtual + in-person since Jan 2025 |
| Public Survey Responses | 4,800 | City-wide engagement effort |
| Council Land Use Amendments Passed | Dec 5, 2024 | “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” plan approved |
| Mayor Adams' Executive Orders | 4 in 2024-2025 | Housing development acceleration and credit reforms |
Source compilation from NYC Council bulletins, Mayor’s Office statements, NYC Planning Department publications, and community input records.