Howard Slatkin
@hslatkin.bsky.social
Urban planner, New Yorker, more. Executive Director at Citizens’ Housing and Planning Council. Views expressed here are my own.
For a body whose members often profess that affordable housing is their top priority, the City Council prioritizes a lot of things ahead of affordable housing
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Developers alarmed as council advances minimum wage for affordable housing projects
The Construction Justice Act would set a $40 wage-and-benefit floor, increasing the cost of building.
www.crainsnewyork.com
November 13, 2025 at 1:25 PM
For a body whose members often profess that affordable housing is their top priority, the City Council prioritizes a lot of things ahead of affordable housing
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Reposted by Howard Slatkin
Rick Scott was CEO of a large, for-profit healthcare company called HCA. While Rick Scott was CEO, HCA stole so much money from Medicare they were fined $1.7 Billion.
Rick Scott told me his plan would be to take all of the remaining ACA subsidies and redistribute them to HSA accounts and people can then buy whatever insurance a state certifies. Basically a repeal/replace.
He denied when I asked wouldn’t that create two-tiered system where sick pay much more…
He denied when I asked wouldn’t that create two-tiered system where sick pay much more…
November 11, 2025 at 4:17 AM
Rick Scott was CEO of a large, for-profit healthcare company called HCA. While Rick Scott was CEO, HCA stole so much money from Medicare they were fined $1.7 Billion.
This a terrible idea that has the benefit of sounding even worse
Trump: "I want the money to go into an account for people where they buy their own health insurance. It's so good. The insurance will be better. It'll cost less. Everybody is gonna be happy. They're gonna feel like entrepreneurs. They're actually able to go out & negotiate their own insurance"
November 11, 2025 at 12:28 AM
This a terrible idea that has the benefit of sounding even worse
Striking how Brooklyn accounts for both the top 5 Mamdani (blue) and top 5 Cuomo (purple) districts
November 5, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Striking how Brooklyn accounts for both the top 5 Mamdani (blue) and top 5 Cuomo (purple) districts
Reposted by Howard Slatkin
ah, perhaps instead of pumping millions into endless factional infighting Dem donors could invest in making local Dem organizations genuine civic spaces that can reach people during and between elections
November 5, 2025 at 12:49 PM
ah, perhaps instead of pumping millions into endless factional infighting Dem donors could invest in making local Dem organizations genuine civic spaces that can reach people during and between elections
I know there’s other stuff going on tonight too, but …
NYC’s Charter now has new processes to approve more affordable housing, more quickly, and in more places.
NYC’s Charter now has new processes to approve more affordable housing, more quickly, and in more places.
November 5, 2025 at 4:50 AM
I know there’s other stuff going on tonight too, but …
NYC’s Charter now has new processes to approve more affordable housing, more quickly, and in more places.
NYC’s Charter now has new processes to approve more affordable housing, more quickly, and in more places.
I don’t care what your political sympathies are, you can’t just post “BREAKING: [candidate of my choice] wins” without citing which reputable source has called the race
No, not even in an off-year election
No, not even in an off-year election
November 5, 2025 at 12:47 AM
I don’t care what your political sympathies are, you can’t just post “BREAKING: [candidate of my choice] wins” without citing which reputable source has called the race
No, not even in an off-year election
No, not even in an off-year election
Game 7 tension + house full of Halloween candy = bad scene
November 2, 2025 at 4:03 AM
Game 7 tension + house full of Halloween candy = bad scene
Priorities
October 31, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Priorities
As you prepare to vote, NYC, please read my op-ed about the importance of NYC voting yes on questions 2 through 5:
www.vitalcitynyc.org/articles/fli...
These changes aren’t about the needs of politicians. They’re about the needs of New Yorkers. /1
www.vitalcitynyc.org/articles/fli...
These changes aren’t about the needs of politicians. They’re about the needs of New Yorkers. /1
Vital City | Flip the Script, and the Ballot, for Housing
City Charter changes would help produce the affordable apartments New York desperately needs.
www.vitalcitynyc.org
October 29, 2025 at 11:43 AM
As you prepare to vote, NYC, please read my op-ed about the importance of NYC voting yes on questions 2 through 5:
www.vitalcitynyc.org/articles/fli...
These changes aren’t about the needs of politicians. They’re about the needs of New Yorkers. /1
www.vitalcitynyc.org/articles/fli...
These changes aren’t about the needs of politicians. They’re about the needs of New Yorkers. /1
Reposted by Howard Slatkin
A friend of mine in Chicago just shared a video on IG of an ICE operation near her house. The operation happened just minutes before the neighborhood Halloween parade. ICE used tear gas and multiple parents had to wash their kids' (including toddlers) eyes out.
October 25, 2025 at 11:13 PM
A friend of mine in Chicago just shared a video on IG of an ICE operation near her house. The operation happened just minutes before the neighborhood Halloween parade. ICE used tear gas and multiple parents had to wash their kids' (including toddlers) eyes out.
Unstated background for this NYT point/counterpoint piece:
One author has financed tens of thousands of units of affordable housing. The other has built none, and made a career of arguing against building proposals.
Guess which says YES on affordable housing.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/25/o...
One author has financed tens of thousands of units of affordable housing. The other has built none, and made a career of arguing against building proposals.
Guess which says YES on affordable housing.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/25/o...
Opinion | Will New York Voters Choose to Speed Up Housing Construction?
www.nytimes.com
October 25, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Unstated background for this NYT point/counterpoint piece:
One author has financed tens of thousands of units of affordable housing. The other has built none, and made a career of arguing against building proposals.
Guess which says YES on affordable housing.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/25/o...
One author has financed tens of thousands of units of affordable housing. The other has built none, and made a career of arguing against building proposals.
Guess which says YES on affordable housing.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/25/o...
For people looking to tune out the noise and understand NYC’s affordable housing ballot questions (#2-5), here’s a tl;dr:
They would tame the hyperlocalism of “member deference,” which contributes to housing shortages and segregation - in NYC and Chicago:
www.povertylaw.org/article/shri...
They would tame the hyperlocalism of “member deference,” which contributes to housing shortages and segregation - in NYC and Chicago:
www.povertylaw.org/article/shri...
Shriver Center Files Federal Complaint Challenging Aldermanic Power - Shriver Center on Poverty Law
Complaint seeks new housing and zoning laws in Chicago to ensure the creation of affordable housing across all neighborhoods, not just some.
www.povertylaw.org
October 23, 2025 at 5:35 PM
For people looking to tune out the noise and understand NYC’s affordable housing ballot questions (#2-5), here’s a tl;dr:
They would tame the hyperlocalism of “member deference,” which contributes to housing shortages and segregation - in NYC and Chicago:
www.povertylaw.org/article/shri...
They would tame the hyperlocalism of “member deference,” which contributes to housing shortages and segregation - in NYC and Chicago:
www.povertylaw.org/article/shri...
Great piece from @errollouis.bsky.social about how important a yes vote on ballot questions 2, 3, 4, 5 is to NYC’s ability to take on our affordability crisis.
You’ll see obfuscation and name-calling, but no solutions from those who say the current system is just fine.
nymag.com/intelligence...
You’ll see obfuscation and name-calling, but no solutions from those who say the current system is just fine.
nymag.com/intelligence...
The Ballot Question That May Matter More Than the Mayoral Race
Voters have the chance to eliminate one of the central obstacles to New York’s housing crisis.
nymag.com
October 23, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Great piece from @errollouis.bsky.social about how important a yes vote on ballot questions 2, 3, 4, 5 is to NYC’s ability to take on our affordability crisis.
You’ll see obfuscation and name-calling, but no solutions from those who say the current system is just fine.
nymag.com/intelligence...
You’ll see obfuscation and name-calling, but no solutions from those who say the current system is just fine.
nymag.com/intelligence...
Brown University Rejects White House Deal for Special Treatment
www.nytimes.com
October 16, 2025 at 12:34 AM
The City Council and its Charter Revision Commission continue to use public funds to conduct a campaign against ballot questions proponents say will spur affordable housing.
Even in 2025, from a good government (ethical, legal) perspective, this is shocking.
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Even in 2025, from a good government (ethical, legal) perspective, this is shocking.
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Council takes fight against housing ballot questions straight to voters
Council officials claimed the charter reforms would spell “the end of single- and two-family homes.”
www.crainsnewyork.com
October 15, 2025 at 10:52 AM
The City Council and its Charter Revision Commission continue to use public funds to conduct a campaign against ballot questions proponents say will spur affordable housing.
Even in 2025, from a good government (ethical, legal) perspective, this is shocking.
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Even in 2025, from a good government (ethical, legal) perspective, this is shocking.
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Curious choice of location for this event opposing Charter reforms that would tame member deference:
Essex Crossing, a site built with affordable housing today, but which sat vacant for decades because of ...
... opposition to affordable housing development from a powerful local elected official.
Essex Crossing, a site built with affordable housing today, but which sat vacant for decades because of ...
... opposition to affordable housing development from a powerful local elected official.
City Council leaders joined forces with politically powerful unions Tuesday to urge voters to reject ballot proposals pushed by Mayor Adams that would make it easier to build affordable housing and make minor zoning changes:
www.thecity.nyc/2025/10/07/c...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/10/07/c...
Unions Join Council Leadership in Opposition to Mayoral Ballot Measures
Unions Join Council Leadership in Opposition to Mayoral Ballot Measures
www.thecity.nyc
October 8, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Curious choice of location for this event opposing Charter reforms that would tame member deference:
Essex Crossing, a site built with affordable housing today, but which sat vacant for decades because of ...
... opposition to affordable housing development from a powerful local elected official.
Essex Crossing, a site built with affordable housing today, but which sat vacant for decades because of ...
... opposition to affordable housing development from a powerful local elected official.
There is a shortage of fearless, topical journalism in institutions once known for this
There's no shortage of unbelievable stories that start with tequila, and this is one of them. cbsn.ws/3IJBF0W
How thieves stole 24,000 bottles of Guy Fieri's tequila in a highway heist
Trucks carrying Santo Tequila, a brand founded by Food Network host Guy Fieri and former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar, vanished last year. This is how the sophisticated highway heist was pulled off.
cbsn.ws
October 6, 2025 at 1:05 AM
There is a shortage of fearless, topical journalism in institutions once known for this
Reposted by Howard Slatkin
People need to look at these pictures and ask, is this America? Does this look like America? Does this look like the America you want it to be?
open.substack.com/pub/charlies...
open.substack.com/pub/charlies...
The Attack on Chicago
People need to look at these pictures and ask, is this America?
open.substack.com
October 5, 2025 at 3:48 PM
People need to look at these pictures and ask, is this America? Does this look like America? Does this look like the America you want it to be?
open.substack.com/pub/charlies...
open.substack.com/pub/charlies...
Reposted by Howard Slatkin
Headed off scene. Local community understandably very upset. I still personally don't have any details on the reported shooting incident that led to today's protest.
WBEZ has a story out; remember things are still developing and details can change quickly.
www.wbez.org/immigration/...
WBEZ has a story out; remember things are still developing and details can change quickly.
www.wbez.org/immigration/...
Federal agents shoot woman they say 'boxed in' authorities on Chicago's Southwest Side
Authorities were on patrol when they were "rammed by 10 cars," according to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security. The woman who was shot "was armed with a semi-automatic weapon," promp...
www.wbez.org
October 4, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Headed off scene. Local community understandably very upset. I still personally don't have any details on the reported shooting incident that led to today's protest.
WBEZ has a story out; remember things are still developing and details can change quickly.
www.wbez.org/immigration/...
WBEZ has a story out; remember things are still developing and details can change quickly.
www.wbez.org/immigration/...
Reposted by Howard Slatkin
Surreal moment for America. Needless to say, if the normal police ever pulled something like this — pulling every single person out of an apartment building and handcuffing them to run warrant checks — they would be sued into oblivion.
Yet ICE is going to get away with it entirely.
Yet ICE is going to get away with it entirely.
October 2, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Surreal moment for America. Needless to say, if the normal police ever pulled something like this — pulling every single person out of an apartment building and handcuffing them to run warrant checks — they would be sued into oblivion.
Yet ICE is going to get away with it entirely.
Yet ICE is going to get away with it entirely.
So, the idea is that there should be an environmental review for a referendum to change the City's land use review processes?
The processes set up in 1989 without an environmental review.
And modified in 2019 without an environmental review.
Charter referenda don't have environmental reviews.
The processes set up in 1989 without an environmental review.
And modified in 2019 without an environmental review.
Charter referenda don't have environmental reviews.
NYC Republicans file lawsuit to stop a ballot initiative that would streamline the process for some rezonings, arguing it violates city and state environmental laws www.silive.com/news/2025/09...
NYC officials at war over ballot measures that could change the land use process
A lawsuit to stop the New York City Charter Revision Commission’s ballot proposals was filed Tuesday.
www.silive.com
October 1, 2025 at 2:00 PM
So, the idea is that there should be an environmental review for a referendum to change the City's land use review processes?
The processes set up in 1989 without an environmental review.
And modified in 2019 without an environmental review.
Charter referenda don't have environmental reviews.
The processes set up in 1989 without an environmental review.
And modified in 2019 without an environmental review.
Charter referenda don't have environmental reviews.
Kudos to the NYC Council for approving Just Home - an important project, bottled up for too long without even a hearing - and another affordable development, both over local member objections.
In a city that treats affordability as an urgent priority, actions like this would not be exceptional.
In a city that treats affordability as an urgent priority, actions like this would not be exceptional.
September 26, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Kudos to the NYC Council for approving Just Home - an important project, bottled up for too long without even a hearing - and another affordable development, both over local member objections.
In a city that treats affordability as an urgent priority, actions like this would not be exceptional.
In a city that treats affordability as an urgent priority, actions like this would not be exceptional.
Reposted by Howard Slatkin
A new op-ed from CHPC’s @hslatkin.bsky.social in @vitalcitynyc.bsky.social illuminates how misunderstanding of rent-stabilized apartment data is contributing to a mounting financial crisis in the housing New York City's low-income residents rely on.
www.vitalcitynyc.org/articles/the...
www.vitalcitynyc.org/articles/the...
Vital City | The Rent Is Too Damn High (But Also Too Low)
Three strategies for addressing both the needs of renters and the financial challenges of maintaining their buildings
www.vitalcitynyc.org
September 19, 2025 at 12:50 AM
A new op-ed from CHPC’s @hslatkin.bsky.social in @vitalcitynyc.bsky.social illuminates how misunderstanding of rent-stabilized apartment data is contributing to a mounting financial crisis in the housing New York City's low-income residents rely on.
www.vitalcitynyc.org/articles/the...
www.vitalcitynyc.org/articles/the...