In New York City, NYIC Action has endorsed a slate of candidates who share our vision for immigrant justice and will be champions for policies that support our vision for an equitable New York.
New Yorkers will also have the opportunity to vote on ballot proposals; make sure to flip over your ballot to find them! This year, there is 1 statewide amendment and 5 NYC-only ballot questions. NYIC Action has not made a vote recommendation on the proposals, but we are providing more information to help you vote! Check out the ballot language and added context:
Statewide
Proposal 1
Text on your ballot: Amendment to Allow Olympic Sports Complex In Essex County on State Forest Preserve Land
This issue stands before NYS voters because it seeks to amend the State Constitution to change the use of (and add) State Forest Preserve land.
A “YES” vote allows expanding the ski trails of an existing Olympic Sports complex and adds 2,500 acres of forest land to Adirondack Park.
NYC Only
Proposal 2
Text on your ballot: Fast Track Affordable Housing to Build More Affordable Housing Across the City
This proposal would make 2 “fast tracks” for some applications:
Part 1: Fast Track Zoning Action
Publicly financed projects by Housing Development Fund Companies can seek zoning waivers through the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA).
Part 2: Affordable Housing Fast Track
In the 12 community districts producing the least affordable housing, rezoning applications that create Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) can be fast tracked through the City Planning Commission, skipping City Council review and Mayoral veto.
A “YES” vote creates these two processes to fast-track some affordable housing projects.
Proposal 3
Text on your ballot: Simplify Review of Modest Housing and Infrastructure Projects
The Expedited Land Use Review Procedure (ELURP) would be for modest housing projects, affordable housing related dispositions & acquisitions, climate infrastructure, and open space projects. ELURP skips City Council review and mayoral veto.
What are “modest” housing projects?
In medium- and high-density areas: Up to 30% increase in residential capacity, with all projects either MIH or Universal Affordability Preference (UAP).
In low-density areas: 45 ft. height limit
A “YES” vote creates this expedited review process for these projects.
Proposal 4
Text on your ballot: Establish an Affordable Housing Appeals Board with Council, Borough, and Citywide Representation
The new Appeals Board would be made up of the Mayor, City Council Speaker, and Borough President of the affected borough (or their designees). If ⅔ of the Board agree, they can reverse City Council disapproval of applications that create affordable housing. This replaces mayoral veto and City Council override in the current process.
A “YES” vote creates this Affordable Housing Appeals Board.
Proposal 5
Text on your ballot: Create a Digital City Map to Modernize City Operations
Today, the City Map is 8,000 pieces of paper managed across the five boroughs. The new digital map would be a single map managed by the Department of City Planning (DCP).
A “YES” vote consolidates paper borough maps into one centralized digital City Map at the DCP.
Proposal 6
Text on your ballot: Move Local Elections to Presidential Election Years to Increase Voter Participation
Currently, city elections are held in odd-numbered years and presidential elections on even-numbered years. To adopt this proposal, a change in New York State law is also needed. The soonest it could begin is 2032.
Pros
Likely to increase turnout and broaden representation
Reduces election administration costs
Allows movement organizations to focus on issue-based organizing in odd years
Cons
Longer ballot with more to decide on
Ballot fatigue/down-ballot drop-off may reduce voter attention to local offices
Grassroots candidates and local issues may struggle for visibility amid federal races
A “YES” vote moves City elections to the same year as Federal Presidential elections, when permitted by state law.
What does “affordable” mean in these proposals?
Housing is considered “affordable” when rent is 30% or less of income.
The Fast Track Zoning Action in Prop 2 is for publicly financed projects, which are generally 100% affordable to families at the lowest income levels.
The Affordable Housing Fast Track in Prop 2 is for applications subject to MIH, which includes both market rate and permanently affordable housing, generally at 60% to 80% of Area Median Income (AMI).
The Affordable Housing Appeals Board in Prop 4 is for projects that create income-restricted rental & homeownership opportunities, most frequently including MIH.