News in New York – Right-to-Shelter Law, City Legislation, Housing Chief

Adams Requests Relief from City’s Right-to-Shelter Law

Mayor Adams has requested permission to relief NYC of its right-to-shelter law. Currently, the city provides shelter to anyone who asks, but the Adams administration has asserted that the asylum seeker has overwhelmed the city’s resources. The Mayor noted that he was not seeking to end the right to shelter. Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul also called on the Biden administration to expedite work authorization for asylum seekers. The city is currently expected to spend over $4.3B through June 2024 to accommodate asylum seekers.

NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation

Last Thursday, the NYC Council convened a Stated meeting, where they passed and introduced multiple pieces of legislation. The Council passed legislation to make permanent the Open Culture program established during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing arts and cultures institutions to use roadways for events. They also passed a bill making changes to the CityFHEPS program, removing barriers to accessing housing vouchers. The Council also introduced legislation that would prohibit employers from requiring “low-wage” employees to sign non-compete agreements as a condition of employment. You can find all of the bills that were passed and introduced here.

Housing Chief to Leave Adams Administration

New York City’s Chief Housing Officer, Jessica Katz, announced that she will be stepping down. Though she will not be leaving until later in the summer, Katz noted that she was proud to work with the Mayor to “set the course for our city’s housing policy.” Katz was in the position a little over a year, and oversaw the New York City Housing Authority and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development.