Staying the Course: Housing, Leadership and the Fight for a Faster Future
As New York City’s political season heats up, housing remains at the center of the conversation. Last week’s Mayoral Debate brought together three distinct voices vying to lead the city through its next chapter: Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani (Democrat), former Governor Andrew Cuomo (Independent), and Curtis Sliwa (Republican).
The debate was spirited and substantive and highlighted the candidates’ sharply different visions for the city’s future. Mamdani, representing a new generation of progressive leadership, called for deeper investments in affordable housing and stronger protections for tenants. Cuomo, positioning himself as a seasoned independent, emphasized pragmatism, experience, and an ability to cut through bureaucracy to deliver results. Sliwa, representing the conservative perspective, focused on restoring public safety and revitalizing small businesses as the foundation for long-term stability.
For the real estate and housing community, the debate underscored a central truth: no vision for New York’s future is complete without a bold housing agenda. Each candidate—though differing in ideology—acknowledged the urgent need to address the city’s growing affordability crisis and outdated development processes that have stalled progress for too long.
A Campaign for Change: ‘Vote Yes on Proposal 3’
Against this backdrop, HGAR and our partner associations have officially launched the “Vote Yes on Proposal 3” campaign, a nearly $400,000 initiative to modernize New York City’s land use process and unlock housing opportunities across all boroughs. Through the National Association of Realtors Issues Mobilization Fund, HGAR and collaborating boards secured nearly $300,000 in national support, in addition to substantial funding through the NYSAR Issues Mobilization Fund.
Proposal 3 aims to reform and streamline the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) for modest housing and infrastructure projects. It targets small-scale developments and community improvement projects that too often get caught in years of red tape and administrative delay. By removing unnecessary barriers while maintaining community input, Proposal 3 creates a faster, fairer and more predictable process that better serves both residents and developers.
Why it Matters?
New York City’s housing shortage has reached a critical point. For too long, procedural inefficiencies have added years and costs to even modest projects—costs that ultimately get passed on to renters and buyers.
Proposal 3 delivers solutions where they are needed most:
- Housing Supply : By expediting approvals, P3 helps deliver more housing units at a faster pace.
- Affordability : Reduced delays translate into lower development costs, which can help stabilize rents and home prices.
- Infrastructure : Quicker approvals for schools, transit, and community facilities support neighborhood growth and quality of life.
- Jobs & Economy : Streamlined projects mean shovels in the ground sooner—creating jobs and stimulating local business activity.
For Realtors P3 represents more than policy it’s a statement of leadership. It brings predictability and confidence to the marketplace, reduces risk for developers and property owners, and positions our profession as a champion of progress, housing opportunity and responsible growth.
Standing Together: Advocacy in Action
Our work doesn’t stop with policy it depends on participation. We encourage all Realtors to join us on Monday, Oct. 27th at 10:30 a.m. in City Hall Park for our NYC Realtor Rally in support of Proposal 3. This is our moment to make our voices heard and show that the real estate industry is united in the fight for a stronger, more accessible New York City.
Early voting begins Saturday, October 25, and Election Day is November 4. The window is short, but our collective impact can be lasting. Let’s stay engaged, informed, and visible as advocates for the communities we serve.
And as the conversation continues, don’t forget to tune in tonight (Oct. 22) at 7 p.m. for the second Mayoral Debate. The issues shaping our city’s future—housing, infrastructure, affordability and economic stability demand our full attention and continued leadership.
Together, we can ensure that the voice of real estate remains at the center of New York’s path forward.
About the author: Dr. Jermaine Meadows is the Director of Government Affairs for the Bronx and Manhattan for the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors.
