Q&A
Lessons from ERAP and future advocacy for funding
1:11:40
·
99 sec
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about lessons learned from the ERAP program and future advocacy plans. NYCHA's Chief Financial Officer, Annika Lescott-Martinez, responds:
- NYCHA learned about the power of resident advocacy in securing funding
- Resident voices were crucial in changing ERAP rules to prioritize NYCHA tenants
- NYCHA continues to advocate for additional funding from city, state, and federal partners
- Current commitments include $35 million in COVID rental arrears funding and $150 million in HOME-ARP funding
- NYCHA is continuing to work with state and federal partners to advocate for both operating and capital funds
Chris Banks
1:11:40
Let me go move on to future advocacy and and plans, what lessons has nitrile taken from the experience with the ERAP program?
Annika Lescott-Martinez
1:11:57
Well, I think we've learned and probably have always known the power of advocacy and the power of using our residents and their voices to help so poor much needed funding.
1:12:10
The the ability for the state to ultimately change the ERAP rules to prioritize the tenants of NICA and other subsidized tenants was due to residents coming out with NICE and advocating for that.
1:12:23
So we're really thankful for that partnership.
1:12:26
We've certainly seen that at play in the past, and we continue to lean on those strong voices for additional funding.
Chris Banks
1:12:32
Okay.
1:12:33
And has the city city, state, and federal government committed any additional funds to help nitrile with the to raise any evictions?
Annika Lescott-Martinez
1:12:42
Not beyond the 35,000,000 COVID rental arrears and the 150,000,000 homework.
Chris Banks
1:12:49
Has there been any talks of some other type of programs or larger investments in other programs?
1:12:59
And what's the likelihood of the state given another some more aid when it comes to the risk and the next budget.
Annika Lescott-Martinez
1:13:08
So I I certainly couldn't speculate, but we do continue to work with our state partners and our federal partners to continue advocate for operating funding for nature as well as much needed capital funds.
