Johanna Carmona for Affordable Housing

As a lifelong renter, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by our community in securing affordable, safe, and quality housing. My commitment to housing justice is deeply personal, driven by my experiences and my passionate belief that every New Yorker deserves a stable place to call home. I want to tackle the affordability crisis head-on and create lasting solutions that benefit all residents of New York.

My vision for affordable housing is centered around protection, expansion, and community empowerment. I believe that by addressing the root causes of the housing crisis and implementing thoughtful, inclusive policies, we can create a New York where everyone has access to a home they can afford. This approach goes beyond temporary fixes, focusing instead on sustainable, long-term strategies that uplift our communities and safeguard their future.

Expanding Affordable Housing

• Building More Affordable Units: I propose leveraging public-private partnerships to construct new affordable housing units. By collaborating with developers, non-profit organizations, and community groups, we can increase the housing supply without overburdening our existing infrastructure.

• Utilizing Vacant Properties: I advocate for transforming underutilized and vacant properties into affordable housing units. Revising zoning laws to allow for more residential buildings in areas previously designated for commercial or industrial use is a key part of this strategy.

• Incentives for Developers: To encourage the development of affordable housing, I support offering tax incentives and subsidies to developers who build or renovate properties that include affordable housing units that match the definition of affordable set by the community they are building in. I am against hand out and bailout programs for developers who exploit state programs and do not build truly affordable housing.

Protecting Tenant Rights

• Support for the Good Cause Eviction Bill: This bill is crucial for preventing unjust evictions and providing tenants with the stability they need to maintain their livelihoods.

• Rent Control and Stabilization: Strengthening rent control and stabilization laws is essential to protect tenants from sudden and unreasonable rent increases. I am committed to enhancing these laws to provide better protection for renters.

• Legal Assistance for Tenants: Navigating the legal system can be challenging for many tenants. I propose increasing funding for legal services to help tenants understand and fight for their rights.

Revitalizing Neighborhoods

• Community-Led Development: Empowering community members to have a say in how their neighborhoods are developed is key to preserving their unique character and history. I support community land trusts and other forms of community-controlled housing that keep power in the hands of local residents.

• Infrastructure Improvements: Alongside housing developments, we need corresponding improvements in infrastructure such as roads, parks, and public transport to ensure that neighborhoods are livable and well-connected.

• Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Development should not lead to the erasure of community identity. I advocate for policies that preserve the cultural and historical aspects of neighborhoods.

Improving Housing Sustainability

• Green Building Standards: Adopting green building standards for new housing developments is crucial to reducing environmental impact and promoting energy efficiency. I support these standards to ensure our housing is sustainable and want to work with buildings that have yet to commit to making the necessary upgrades so that they can do so in a way that keeps their building affordable for its tenants.

• Retrofitting Existing Buildings: Significant investment in retrofitting existing buildings with energy-efficient technologies can reduce their carbon footprint and lower utility costs for residents.

• Promoting Renewable Energy: Encouraging the installation of solar panels and other renewable energy sources in residential areas is a priority to promote sustainability and reduce dependency on non-renewable energy sources. I will also support bills like the NY HEAT Act to make sure it is affordable and accessible for all residents.

Addressing Homelessness

• Increase in Support Services: Homelessness is a complex issue that requires comprehensive support services. I advocate for increasing mental health services, addiction treatment, and job training programs to help homeless individuals reintegrate into society.

• Emergency Housing Solutions: Creating more emergency shelters and transitional housing is essential to provide immediate relief to those without homes.

• Long-Term Housing Strategies: Preventing homelessness through early intervention programs and robust social services is a key focus.

Enhancing Rental Assistance Programs

• Expansion of Voucher Programs: Expanding the scope of voucher programs to cover more families can ensure they can afford housing without compromising other basic needs.

• Direct Assistance Programs: Establishing direct assistance programs that provide financial aid to help cover rent and prevent evictions is critical for supporting low-income families.

Regulatory Reforms

• Streamlining Processes: Making administrative processes related to housing more efficient and less burdensome for all stakeholders is a priority.

• Transparency in Housing Policy: Increasing transparency in housing allocation and funding ensures that resources are distributed fairly and that corruption and mismanagement are minimized.

• Regular Review and Adjustment of Policies: Regularly reviewing and adjusting housing policies ensures they remain relevant and effective in addressing the evolving needs of New Yorkers.

Promoting Justice and Equity

• Criminal Justice Reform: I am committed to advancing reforms that make our criminal justice system more just and equitable. This includes ending cash bail, promoting restorative justice practices, and ensuring fair sentencing.

• Supporting Re-Entry Programs: Comprehensive reentry programs that provide housing, job training, and mental health services are crucial to reducing recidivism and supporting individuals returning from incarceration.

• Dismantling Systemic Racism: Addressing systemic racism in all aspects of public safety, from policing practices to judicial proceedings, is essential for ensuring fairness and equity.