NEW YORK CITY—In the wake of Affordable Housing and Local Jobs Now's announcement of its campaign to push for the approval of a revised 421-a tax abatement program, a new poll reveals that New Yorkers favor an emphasis on creating more affordable housing versus wage increases for the construction industry.

AHLJN released data from the poll showing overwhelming support for the passing of a 421-a tax abatement revision that calls for more affordable housing without a special prevailing wage deal attached.

Voters appeared unsupportive of the prevailing wage deal because they do not want to see the number of affordable housing units decline as a result of paying construction workers more. More than eight in ten New Yorkers see the affordable housing deficit as a crisis.

The survey results confirm findings of research conducted earlier this year by REBNY, which showed that eliminating the 421-a tax exemption program would lead to the loss of more than 5,484 affordable rental units.

The new poll looked at issues across the board facing the city. When asked to name the most significant problem, nearly one in three voters said that affordable housing is either first or second choice—ahead of jobs/economy (28%), schools (22%) and police issues (17%). Only 11% of voters prefer to raise wages for construction workers.

An AHLJN spokesperson says the voting results show just how severe the housing crisis is. “The need for affordable housing is too great to allow anything to get in the way of creating the affordable units and local jobs we need. That's why a coalition of affordable housing advocates and builders, non-profit policy organizations, civil rights organizations and real estate builders has come together to push for a revised 421-a tax abatement program that will create tens of thousands of more new affordable housing units throughout New York City.”

The campaign officially launched this week, with television commercials airing in the city as well as in Albany cable stations along with paid digital advertising.

Instant Insights /

NYers Want 421a Upgrade Focused on Affordable Housing

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