Progressives in New York are pushing for the creation of a government agency, the Social Housing Development Authority, to develop affordable housing using its own funds or money raised through bonds. This initiative aims to address the housing crisis by building more homes, reminiscent of past public housing projects but with a focus on avoiding neglect through reduced reliance on government subsidies. While the proposal faces budgetary challenges and debates over government power, supporters believe it offers a viable solution to housing affordability by partnering with private developers and leveraging mixed-income developments. The bill reflects broader discussions in Albany about housing policy and builds on existing initiatives like the New York City Housing Authority’s transfer of apartments to a public benefit corporation. Overall, proponents see this as an opportunity to replicate past successes like the Mitchell-Lama program and address the urgent need for affordable housing in New York.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/06/nyregion/new-york-state-housing-developer-bill.html