Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
AGENCY TESTIMONY
Discussion of proposed legislation (Intros 1264, 1265, and 1266)
0:17:34
·
97 sec
Ahmed Tigani addresses three pieces of proposed legislation related to Housing Connect and affordable housing processes.
- Intro 1266: Proposes creating an in-person Housing Connect assistance program. HPD acknowledges the intent and mentions existing programs like the Housing Ambassador Program and Neighborhood Tech Help initiative.
- Intro 1265: Suggests notifying applicants through Housing Connect and allowing them to designate representatives. HPD expresses interest in exploring this as part of the Housing Connect redesign.
- Intro 1264: Addresses re-rental of vacant affordable housing units. HPD mentions ongoing process improvements and a desire to continue testing strategies before determining if legislation is needed.
Ahmed Tigani
0:17:34
Intro December would require HPD to create an in person housing connect assistance program in coordination with other agencies.
0:17:42
We recognize the intent behind this bill and it's something we believe in as well, to ensure New Yorkers can get the help they need navigating the affordable housing process.
0:17:50
As mentioned before, we have a number of existing relationships with community organizations through our housing ambassador program.
0:17:58
Plus, we recently launched a new neighborhood tech help initiative in partnership with the public libraries, providing the kind of in person support we believe the council is seeking.
0:18:09
From one on one digital guidance to multilingual application assistance and help with completed paper applications, these programs are connecting New Yorkers to housing opportunities every day.
0:18:20
We'd welcome the opportunity to discuss ways we can work with the council on these efforts.
0:18:25
Intro twelve sixty five, which proposes notifying applicants through Housing Connect and allowing them to designate a representative to receive updates presents a really thoughtful opportunity.
0:18:35
Whether it's a daughter helping her mother, a case worker supporting a client, or a friend assisting someone without regular Internet access, this flexibility can make a real difference.
0:18:45
We'd love to explore how we can build this out together as part of the Housing Connect redesign.
0:18:50
Our preference is to shape this as a flexible user informed feature, something we can adapt adapt and improve over time.
0:18:57
We're currently engaged in testing a set of new waivers and program processes and would like the opportunity to test and refine what works best for applicants.
0:19:05
At this time, we'd like to see this process continue before determining if legislation is needed.