Annemarie Gray
@annemariegray.bsky.social
Executive Director @opennewyork.city / former city worker / currently on parental leave
Pinned
Annemarie Gray
@annemariegray.bsky.social
· Nov 13
Hi Bluesky 👋, I run Open New York, New York’s grassroots pro-housing advocacy organization. Some thoughts looking forward about housing, organizing, & the election:
Reposted by Annemarie Gray
NEW: ALL FOUR PRO-HOUSING BALLOT QUESTIONS PASS!!!
For the first time, New Yorkers had the chance to choose more housing at the ballot box—and they chose it overwhelmingly. This is a historic victory for housing that will help make NYC more affordable. 🧵
For the first time, New Yorkers had the chance to choose more housing at the ballot box—and they chose it overwhelmingly. This is a historic victory for housing that will help make NYC more affordable. 🧵
November 5, 2025 at 3:59 AM
NEW: ALL FOUR PRO-HOUSING BALLOT QUESTIONS PASS!!!
For the first time, New Yorkers had the chance to choose more housing at the ballot box—and they chose it overwhelmingly. This is a historic victory for housing that will help make NYC more affordable. 🧵
For the first time, New Yorkers had the chance to choose more housing at the ballot box—and they chose it overwhelmingly. This is a historic victory for housing that will help make NYC more affordable. 🧵
Reposted by Annemarie Gray
Today, New York voters made history, passing Proposals 2-5 and clearing the way for the affordable housing we deserve! ✅🌆🗳️
@opennewyork.org @bradlander.bsky.social @marklevinenyc.bsky.social @donovanrichards.bsky.social @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social
@opennewyork.org @bradlander.bsky.social @marklevinenyc.bsky.social @donovanrichards.bsky.social @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social
November 5, 2025 at 3:04 AM
Today, New York voters made history, passing Proposals 2-5 and clearing the way for the affordable housing we deserve! ✅🌆🗳️
@opennewyork.org @bradlander.bsky.social @marklevinenyc.bsky.social @donovanrichards.bsky.social @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social
@opennewyork.org @bradlander.bsky.social @marklevinenyc.bsky.social @donovanrichards.bsky.social @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social
Reposted by Annemarie Gray
86,000 New Yorkers are in shelters on a given night, the vacancy rate is 1.4%, and rents are at a record high. @annemariegray.bsky.social explains how we arrived at the most severe housing crisis in a century and why it can be solved.
www.vitalcitynyc.org/articles/new...
www.vitalcitynyc.org/articles/new...
Vital City | New York’s Housing Crisis: Self-Inflicted and Solvable
The fate of New York is riding on whether the city can increase the supply of housing.
www.vitalcitynyc.org
September 17, 2025 at 8:55 PM
86,000 New Yorkers are in shelters on a given night, the vacancy rate is 1.4%, and rents are at a record high. @annemariegray.bsky.social explains how we arrived at the most severe housing crisis in a century and why it can be solved.
www.vitalcitynyc.org/articles/new...
www.vitalcitynyc.org/articles/new...
Reposted by Annemarie Gray
New York City calls itself a refuge for queer and trans Americans, but that promise is at risk if we don't take on the housing crisis head on. Read my op-ed about the need to build more housing to reduce rents, in this case, via the OneLIC project: gaycitynews.com/new-york-rem...
For New York to remain a queer haven, we must build more homes
People move to New York because they believe in certain promises: a place where you’re free to be yourself, to thrive, and to find community. Especially for
gaycitynews.com
September 10, 2025 at 4:59 PM
New York City calls itself a refuge for queer and trans Americans, but that promise is at risk if we don't take on the housing crisis head on. Read my op-ed about the need to build more housing to reduce rents, in this case, via the OneLIC project: gaycitynews.com/new-york-rem...
Reposted by Annemarie Gray
In the primary, Cuomo distinguished himself from the Democratic field by pledging to protect low-density neighborhoods from development.
That kind of NIMBYism is fine if you're a sophisticated mega-developer used to operating under the status quo.
benjaminschneider.substack.com/p/cuomo-is-t...
That kind of NIMBYism is fine if you're a sophisticated mega-developer used to operating under the status quo.
benjaminschneider.substack.com/p/cuomo-is-t...
September 9, 2025 at 5:08 PM
In the primary, Cuomo distinguished himself from the Democratic field by pledging to protect low-density neighborhoods from development.
That kind of NIMBYism is fine if you're a sophisticated mega-developer used to operating under the status quo.
benjaminschneider.substack.com/p/cuomo-is-t...
That kind of NIMBYism is fine if you're a sophisticated mega-developer used to operating under the status quo.
benjaminschneider.substack.com/p/cuomo-is-t...
Reposted by Annemarie Gray
Got asked be a reporter about what a "national housing emergency" could accomplish.
My answer: "If Trump wants to do something productive about the housing crisis, he should 1.) rescind the tariffs, 2.) stop the deportations, 3.) stop the military occupations of U.S. cities, and 4.) resign."
My answer: "If Trump wants to do something productive about the housing crisis, he should 1.) rescind the tariffs, 2.) stop the deportations, 3.) stop the military occupations of U.S. cities, and 4.) resign."
September 9, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Got asked be a reporter about what a "national housing emergency" could accomplish.
My answer: "If Trump wants to do something productive about the housing crisis, he should 1.) rescind the tariffs, 2.) stop the deportations, 3.) stop the military occupations of U.S. cities, and 4.) resign."
My answer: "If Trump wants to do something productive about the housing crisis, he should 1.) rescind the tariffs, 2.) stop the deportations, 3.) stop the military occupations of U.S. cities, and 4.) resign."
Thanks to incredible work by our members, staff, @yesonaffhousing.bsky.social , and an extraordinary pro-housing coalition, the BOE has voted to approve the housing ballot questions!!!
This antidemocratic move was rejected because NYers deserve a chance to choose a more affordable future.
This antidemocratic move was rejected because NYers deserve a chance to choose a more affordable future.
WE WON!!!! @BOENYC just voted UNANIMOUSLY to approve the 4 housing ballot questions!!!
Thanks to hundreds of calls and emails from Open New York members, these historic housing questions will be put to voters—and they’re going to pass.
Thanks to hundreds of calls and emails from Open New York members, these historic housing questions will be put to voters—and they’re going to pass.
September 9, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Thanks to incredible work by our members, staff, @yesonaffhousing.bsky.social , and an extraordinary pro-housing coalition, the BOE has voted to approve the housing ballot questions!!!
This antidemocratic move was rejected because NYers deserve a chance to choose a more affordable future.
This antidemocratic move was rejected because NYers deserve a chance to choose a more affordable future.
Reposted by Annemarie Gray
Today we're thrilled to launch @yesonaffhousing.bsky.social, a campaign to pass 4 historic pro-housing ballot measures in NYC.
These measures are the first of their kind, and we're going to reach hundreds of thousands of voters to help ensure they understand the stakes.
These measures are the first of their kind, and we're going to reach hundreds of thousands of voters to help ensure they understand the stakes.
September 8, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Today we're thrilled to launch @yesonaffhousing.bsky.social, a campaign to pass 4 historic pro-housing ballot measures in NYC.
These measures are the first of their kind, and we're going to reach hundreds of thousands of voters to help ensure they understand the stakes.
These measures are the first of their kind, and we're going to reach hundreds of thousands of voters to help ensure they understand the stakes.
Reposted by Annemarie Gray
“This is the first time a major American city is going to put meaningful systemic changes to the politics of housing growth on the ballot,” said Open New York Executive Director @annemariegray.bsky.social
PAC Aims to Spend $3 Million to Pass New York Housing Measures
www.nytimes.com
September 8, 2025 at 6:08 PM
“This is the first time a major American city is going to put meaningful systemic changes to the politics of housing growth on the ballot,” said Open New York Executive Director @annemariegray.bsky.social
Reposted by Annemarie Gray
"This brazen gambit should fail — for two reasons. First, the ballot language is plenty clear. Second, the BOE has no power to reject proposed charter revisions."
Vital City | Let New York Vote for More Housing
Stop the underhanded campaign against charter revision ballot proposals.
www.vitalcitynyc.org
September 8, 2025 at 10:18 PM
"This brazen gambit should fail — for two reasons. First, the ballot language is plenty clear. Second, the BOE has no power to reject proposed charter revisions."
Reposted by Annemarie Gray
It’s not just Republicans in Washington and Texas who are undermining our democracy—it’s happening right here in NYC.
Tell the Board of Elections to do their job, follow the law, and let New Yorkers decide our housing future: docs.google.com/document/d/1...
Tell the Board of Elections to do their job, follow the law, and let New Yorkers decide our housing future: docs.google.com/document/d/1...
Stop the BOE from Silencing Voters on Housing!
🚨Stop the BOE from Silencing Voters on Housing🚨 The Republican commissioners on the NYC Board of Elections, joined by disgraced former Democratic boss Frank Seddio—once called the “King of Corruption”...
docs.google.com
September 4, 2025 at 9:41 PM
It’s not just Republicans in Washington and Texas who are undermining our democracy—it’s happening right here in NYC.
Tell the Board of Elections to do their job, follow the law, and let New Yorkers decide our housing future: docs.google.com/document/d/1...
Tell the Board of Elections to do their job, follow the law, and let New Yorkers decide our housing future: docs.google.com/document/d/1...
Reposted by Annemarie Gray
This would be an outrageous abuse of the Board of Elections role in order to override the democratic process.
N.Y.C. Elections Board May Block Ballot Proposals on Housing
www.nytimes.com
September 5, 2025 at 12:15 AM
This would be an outrageous abuse of the Board of Elections role in order to override the democratic process.
Reposted by Annemarie Gray
This is undemocratic and brazenly illegal.
This Board of Elections coup could deny NYC voters the chance to help end our housing crisis.
This Board of Elections coup could deny NYC voters the chance to help end our housing crisis.
September 5, 2025 at 12:53 AM
This is undemocratic and brazenly illegal.
This Board of Elections coup could deny NYC voters the chance to help end our housing crisis.
This Board of Elections coup could deny NYC voters the chance to help end our housing crisis.
Reposted by Annemarie Gray
Less than a year after passing, City of Yes is bringing a new industry to New York: Accessory Dwelling Units
“There's no historic industry around building them," said @annemariegray.bsky.social, "so it's a really good chance for a new and diverse generation of builders to get it started.”
“There's no historic industry around building them," said @annemariegray.bsky.social, "so it's a really good chance for a new and diverse generation of builders to get it started.”
August 21, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Less than a year after passing, City of Yes is bringing a new industry to New York: Accessory Dwelling Units
“There's no historic industry around building them," said @annemariegray.bsky.social, "so it's a really good chance for a new and diverse generation of builders to get it started.”
“There's no historic industry around building them," said @annemariegray.bsky.social, "so it's a really good chance for a new and diverse generation of builders to get it started.”
Reposted by Annemarie Gray
The Midtown South Mixed-Use rezoning was just approved by the @council.nyc.gov Land-Use Committee!
This will bring nearly 10,000 new homes to one of New York’s most central neighborhoods. 🧵
This will bring nearly 10,000 new homes to one of New York’s most central neighborhoods. 🧵
August 6, 2025 at 6:25 PM
The Midtown South Mixed-Use rezoning was just approved by the @council.nyc.gov Land-Use Committee!
This will bring nearly 10,000 new homes to one of New York’s most central neighborhoods. 🧵
This will bring nearly 10,000 new homes to one of New York’s most central neighborhoods. 🧵
Reposted by Annemarie Gray
The Governor has enormous powers to solve New York’s housing crisis, both in NYC and across the state.
This claim is ridiculous, and New Yorkers aren’t falling for it.
This claim is ridiculous, and New Yorkers aren’t falling for it.
July 28, 2025 at 3:25 PM
The Governor has enormous powers to solve New York’s housing crisis, both in NYC and across the state.
This claim is ridiculous, and New Yorkers aren’t falling for it.
This claim is ridiculous, and New Yorkers aren’t falling for it.
Reposted by Annemarie Gray
Our Executive Director @annemariegray.bsky.social on the four housing Charter amendments via @nytimes.com
July 21, 2025 at 11:08 PM
Our Executive Director @annemariegray.bsky.social on the four housing Charter amendments via @nytimes.com
Reposted by Annemarie Gray
The Charter Revision Commission just approved the 5 questions that will be on ballots for NYC voters this November!
This includes 4 housing questions, which would collectively represent a huge step forward for affordability in New York. 🧵
This includes 4 housing questions, which would collectively represent a huge step forward for affordability in New York. 🧵
July 21, 2025 at 6:55 PM
The Charter Revision Commission just approved the 5 questions that will be on ballots for NYC voters this November!
This includes 4 housing questions, which would collectively represent a huge step forward for affordability in New York. 🧵
This includes 4 housing questions, which would collectively represent a huge step forward for affordability in New York. 🧵
Reposted by Annemarie Gray
lots of speculation about the obamas getting divorced but the thing you have to understand is that we need affordable housing
July 16, 2025 at 10:14 PM
lots of speculation about the obamas getting divorced but the thing you have to understand is that we need affordable housing
Reposted by Annemarie Gray
We're thrilled that the Charter Revision Commission has chosen to focus its efforts on our housing shortage, the largest crisis facing our city today.
NEW: OPEN PRIMARIES are closed for the November ballot.
Chair Richard Buery confirms the Charter Revision Commission will NOT propose a question about open primaries this year.
Statement below
Chair Richard Buery confirms the Charter Revision Commission will NOT propose a question about open primaries this year.
Statement below
July 16, 2025 at 7:56 PM
We're thrilled that the Charter Revision Commission has chosen to focus its efforts on our housing shortage, the largest crisis facing our city today.
Reposted by Annemarie Gray
Thank you to more than two dozen pro-housing leaders—incl. @nadler.house.gov @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social
@bkbpreynoso.bsky.social @bradlander.bsky.social, @bradhoylmansigal.bsky.social and @marklevinenyc.bsky.social—who signed an amicus brief opposing the frivolous lawsuit to overturn City of Yes.
@bkbpreynoso.bsky.social @bradlander.bsky.social, @bradhoylmansigal.bsky.social and @marklevinenyc.bsky.social—who signed an amicus brief opposing the frivolous lawsuit to overturn City of Yes.
July 10, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Thank you to more than two dozen pro-housing leaders—incl. @nadler.house.gov @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social
@bkbpreynoso.bsky.social @bradlander.bsky.social, @bradhoylmansigal.bsky.social and @marklevinenyc.bsky.social—who signed an amicus brief opposing the frivolous lawsuit to overturn City of Yes.
@bkbpreynoso.bsky.social @bradlander.bsky.social, @bradhoylmansigal.bsky.social and @marklevinenyc.bsky.social—who signed an amicus brief opposing the frivolous lawsuit to overturn City of Yes.
Reposted by Annemarie Gray
Our housing crisis is the greatest challenge facing our city, and the Charter Revision Commission must stay laser‑focused on fixing it.
Facing staggering rents 150% higher than the national average, we urge them to place the four housing questions on the November 2025 ballot. 🧵
Facing staggering rents 150% higher than the national average, we urge them to place the four housing questions on the November 2025 ballot. 🧵
July 7, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Our housing crisis is the greatest challenge facing our city, and the Charter Revision Commission must stay laser‑focused on fixing it.
Facing staggering rents 150% higher than the national average, we urge them to place the four housing questions on the November 2025 ballot. 🧵
Facing staggering rents 150% higher than the national average, we urge them to place the four housing questions on the November 2025 ballot. 🧵
Reposted by Annemarie Gray
Reposted by Annemarie Gray
At our panel on housing doc Fault Lines with @mtorresspringer.bsky.social, @cmcrystalhudson.bsky.social, @lauranahmias.bsky.social, director Yoav Attias, and @annemariegray.bsky.social!
July 1, 2025 at 3:32 AM
At our panel on housing doc Fault Lines with @mtorresspringer.bsky.social, @cmcrystalhudson.bsky.social, @lauranahmias.bsky.social, director Yoav Attias, and @annemariegray.bsky.social!
Reposted by Annemarie Gray
Biggest YIMBY victory yet in California and hopefully an inflection point in the long fight to make this state an affordable and welcoming place.
A truly historic day in California: a clean CEQA exemption for environmentally friendly infill housing has just passed the California legislature via the budget bill!
No other way to put it: this is the most transformative positive shift in land use policy in this state of the last 50 years!
No other way to put it: this is the most transformative positive shift in land use policy in this state of the last 50 years!
July 1, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Biggest YIMBY victory yet in California and hopefully an inflection point in the long fight to make this state an affordable and welcoming place.