Pratt Center
@prattcenter.bsky.social
Community-driven planning and policy for a more just, sustainable New York City. Since 1963.
prattcenter.net
prattcenter.net
Reposted by Pratt Center
The climate crisis is pummeling NY. While @governor.ny.gov claims this budget will help protect us from federal cuts and high taxes, she is abandoning the programs that would actually protect us from deadly heat, rising seas, and high energy bills:
www.nyrenews.org/news/ny-rene...
www.nyrenews.org/news/ny-rene...
NY Renews Coalition Responds to Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget — NY Renews
Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget leaves New Yorkers without bold, ongoing investments in clean air, clean energy, or climate justice. In an era of accelerating climate catastrophe, the Governor’s ap...
www.nyrenews.org
January 21, 2026 at 4:19 PM
The climate crisis is pummeling NY. While @governor.ny.gov claims this budget will help protect us from federal cuts and high taxes, she is abandoning the programs that would actually protect us from deadly heat, rising seas, and high energy bills:
www.nyrenews.org/news/ny-rene...
www.nyrenews.org/news/ny-rene...
Reposted by Pratt Center
In December we passed COPA thanks to a broad coalition of supporters.
Big real estate $ funded misinformation campaigns and muddied the waters on what COPA is and what it isn’t.
Now is the time to set the record straight 🧵
Big real estate $ funded misinformation campaigns and muddied the waters on what COPA is and what it isn’t.
Now is the time to set the record straight 🧵
January 16, 2026 at 8:36 PM
In December we passed COPA thanks to a broad coalition of supporters.
Big real estate $ funded misinformation campaigns and muddied the waters on what COPA is and what it isn’t.
Now is the time to set the record straight 🧵
Big real estate $ funded misinformation campaigns and muddied the waters on what COPA is and what it isn’t.
Now is the time to set the record straight 🧵
Reposted by Pratt Center
NYC is creating its first Environmental Justice Plan (EJNYC Plan). The Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice wants your input on priority EJ issues and solutions across the city.
Take the survey & make your voice heard: nyc.gov/ej
Take the survey & make your voice heard: nyc.gov/ej
January 14, 2026 at 5:30 PM
NYC is creating its first Environmental Justice Plan (EJNYC Plan). The Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice wants your input on priority EJ issues and solutions across the city.
Take the survey & make your voice heard: nyc.gov/ej
Take the survey & make your voice heard: nyc.gov/ej
Reposted by Pratt Center
"San Francisco’s results are clear: COPA works." Since 2019, COPA has preserved 436 homes for more than 1,000 residents without slowing the market.
Read the latest op-ed in @nextcity.org that breaks down why it can work in New York City.
nextcity.org/urbanist-new...
Read the latest op-ed in @nextcity.org that breaks down why it can work in New York City.
nextcity.org/urbanist-new...
COPA Has Helped Prevent Displacement in San Francisco. It Can Work in New York City, Too.
Op-ed: As New York City considers its own Community Opportunity to Purchase Act, San Francisco shows how to give nonprofits a fair chance to buy homes — without freezing development or investment.
nextcity.org
December 16, 2025 at 7:05 PM
"San Francisco’s results are clear: COPA works." Since 2019, COPA has preserved 436 homes for more than 1,000 residents without slowing the market.
Read the latest op-ed in @nextcity.org that breaks down why it can work in New York City.
nextcity.org/urbanist-new...
Read the latest op-ed in @nextcity.org that breaks down why it can work in New York City.
nextcity.org/urbanist-new...
Reposted by Pratt Center
There's a lot in here about the proposed basement apartment legalization rules that sources called "cartoonishly absurd" and "draconian."
I want to point to the piece of news that 🚨 NOT ONE 🚨homeowner made it all the way through the 2019 basement legalization pilot.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/12/08/b...
I want to point to the piece of news that 🚨 NOT ONE 🚨homeowner made it all the way through the 2019 basement legalization pilot.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/12/08/b...
Basement Apartment Rules Get Low Marks from Housing Experts
Long-awaited city regulations to let basement residences get legalized could add risks for homeowners, bring more harm than help, housing advocates and lawyers say.
www.thecity.nyc
December 9, 2025 at 9:38 PM
There's a lot in here about the proposed basement apartment legalization rules that sources called "cartoonishly absurd" and "draconian."
I want to point to the piece of news that 🚨 NOT ONE 🚨homeowner made it all the way through the 2019 basement legalization pilot.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/12/08/b...
I want to point to the piece of news that 🚨 NOT ONE 🚨homeowner made it all the way through the 2019 basement legalization pilot.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/12/08/b...
Reposted by Pratt Center
📢NEW: Major @nydailynews.com op-ed backs COPA—and the fight for an affordable NYC.
The piece from Fifth Avenue Committee's Michelle de la Uz lays out why the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act is essential to keeping New Yorkers in their homes.
PASS COPA NOW!
www.nydailynews.com/2025/12/09/n...
The piece from Fifth Avenue Committee's Michelle de la Uz lays out why the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act is essential to keeping New Yorkers in their homes.
PASS COPA NOW!
www.nydailynews.com/2025/12/09/n...
December 9, 2025 at 5:05 PM
📢NEW: Major @nydailynews.com op-ed backs COPA—and the fight for an affordable NYC.
The piece from Fifth Avenue Committee's Michelle de la Uz lays out why the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act is essential to keeping New Yorkers in their homes.
PASS COPA NOW!
www.nydailynews.com/2025/12/09/n...
The piece from Fifth Avenue Committee's Michelle de la Uz lays out why the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act is essential to keeping New Yorkers in their homes.
PASS COPA NOW!
www.nydailynews.com/2025/12/09/n...
Reposted by Pratt Center
Long-awaited city regulations to let basement residences get legalized could add risks for homeowners, bring more harm than help, housing advocates and lawyers say.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/12/08/b...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/12/08/b...
Basement Apartment Rules Get Low Marks from Housing Experts
Long-awaited city regulations to let basement residences get legalized could add risks for homeowners, bring more harm than help, housing advocates and lawyers say.
www.thecity.nyc
December 9, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Long-awaited city regulations to let basement residences get legalized could add risks for homeowners, bring more harm than help, housing advocates and lawyers say.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/12/08/b...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/12/08/b...
The city will hold a hearing this week on DOB rules for a basement legalization program — but, as our Director of Research & Policy Sylvia Morse said today in @thecity.nyc, "these rules cannot be passed as is, or else the program will fail."
December 8, 2025 at 9:51 PM
The city will hold a hearing this week on DOB rules for a basement legalization program — but, as our Director of Research & Policy Sylvia Morse said today in @thecity.nyc, "these rules cannot be passed as is, or else the program will fail."
Reposted by Pratt Center
In NYC, 1 out of every 8 homes is now owned by an investor; in Manhattan, 1 out of 2.
Neither rents nor the purchase price of homes will become more affordable for most until we take the profit motive out of enough units.
That's why @neweconomyproject.bsky.social is leading the fight to pass COPA.
Neither rents nor the purchase price of homes will become more affordable for most until we take the profit motive out of enough units.
That's why @neweconomyproject.bsky.social is leading the fight to pass COPA.
Glad to be w/ @goddardriverside.bsky.social alongside @neweconomyproject.bsky.social & other incredible tenant leaders & community groups on this hopefully last push for COPA passage. More via lead sponsor @sandynurse.bsky.social & David Jones, @cssnyorg.bsky.social : citylimits.org/opinion-new-...
Opinion: New York’s Opportunity for Community Ownership - City Limits
"Passing the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA) in 2025 would send a clear message: city policies must shift power back to tenants and communities, not bolster investors trying to price them...
citylimits.org
December 8, 2025 at 5:53 PM
In NYC, 1 out of every 8 homes is now owned by an investor; in Manhattan, 1 out of 2.
Neither rents nor the purchase price of homes will become more affordable for most until we take the profit motive out of enough units.
That's why @neweconomyproject.bsky.social is leading the fight to pass COPA.
Neither rents nor the purchase price of homes will become more affordable for most until we take the profit motive out of enough units.
That's why @neweconomyproject.bsky.social is leading the fight to pass COPA.
Reposted by Pratt Center
“We are tired of seeing predatory speculators swoop into the Lower East Side and displace tenants. Pass COPA now!” —Illapa of Cooper Square Committee
December 4, 2025 at 5:20 PM
“We are tired of seeing predatory speculators swoop into the Lower East Side and displace tenants. Pass COPA now!” —Illapa of Cooper Square Committee
Reposted by Pratt Center
Call for COPA! New Yorkers want real affordable housing, and COPA can deliver by giving CLTs and other nonprofits the first chance to buy buildings when landlords sell. bit.ly/CALL4COPA
November 30, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Call for COPA! New Yorkers want real affordable housing, and COPA can deliver by giving CLTs and other nonprofits the first chance to buy buildings when landlords sell. bit.ly/CALL4COPA
Reposted by Pratt Center
The Community Opportunity to Purchase Act has:
1. A veto proof majority in City Council
2. Support from 200 community and
youth groups, community land trusts, and mission driven developers
3. Mayor-elect Mamdani’s endorsement
No time to lose! @nycspeakeradams.bsky.social pass #COPA!
1. A veto proof majority in City Council
2. Support from 200 community and
youth groups, community land trusts, and mission driven developers
3. Mayor-elect Mamdani’s endorsement
No time to lose! @nycspeakeradams.bsky.social pass #COPA!
November 12, 2025 at 3:00 PM
The Community Opportunity to Purchase Act has:
1. A veto proof majority in City Council
2. Support from 200 community and
youth groups, community land trusts, and mission driven developers
3. Mayor-elect Mamdani’s endorsement
No time to lose! @nycspeakeradams.bsky.social pass #COPA!
1. A veto proof majority in City Council
2. Support from 200 community and
youth groups, community land trusts, and mission driven developers
3. Mayor-elect Mamdani’s endorsement
No time to lose! @nycspeakeradams.bsky.social pass #COPA!
🚨 Join this action on 10/22 to defend Empower+, the program that has provided thousands of New Yorkers with energy efficiency and electrification incentives is now expected to be gutted by NYSERDA and the Governor. RSVP: actionnetwork.org/events/nyser...
NYSERDA's HAUNTED Board Meeting to support EMPOWER+
Attend a “haunted” NYSERDA Board meeting where we will give EMPOWER+ themed candy to the board members and staff. We will gather outside of the board meeting in halloween costumes to take pictures, ta...
actionnetwork.org
September 19, 2025 at 2:14 PM
🚨 Join this action on 10/22 to defend Empower+, the program that has provided thousands of New Yorkers with energy efficiency and electrification incentives is now expected to be gutted by NYSERDA and the Governor. RSVP: actionnetwork.org/events/nyser...
Reposted by Pratt Center
Install now, get money back later 💰
We’re excited to launch Save on Better Appliances, a nationwide campaign to help homeowners save money on home energy upgrades before the federal tax credits expire.
Get started: rewiringamerica.org/save?utm_medium=social&utm_source=social&utm_campaign=SOBA (🧵)
We’re excited to launch Save on Better Appliances, a nationwide campaign to help homeowners save money on home energy upgrades before the federal tax credits expire.
Get started: rewiringamerica.org/save?utm_medium=social&utm_source=social&utm_campaign=SOBA (🧵)
Your guide to using the home energy tax credits before they're gone
Save on better appliances before the year ends. Help for all your tax credit and installation questions.
rewiringamerica.org
August 25, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Install now, get money back later 💰
We’re excited to launch Save on Better Appliances, a nationwide campaign to help homeowners save money on home energy upgrades before the federal tax credits expire.
Get started: rewiringamerica.org/save?utm_medium=social&utm_source=social&utm_campaign=SOBA (🧵)
We’re excited to launch Save on Better Appliances, a nationwide campaign to help homeowners save money on home energy upgrades before the federal tax credits expire.
Get started: rewiringamerica.org/save?utm_medium=social&utm_source=social&utm_campaign=SOBA (🧵)
Reposted by Pratt Center
There is legislation at both the New York City and State level that would accelerate the vibrant movement of New Yorkers seeking to take ownership of the resources in their communities and remove the profit from housing, writes Aviva Stahl.
Community Land Trusts Are Standing Up to New York City’s Worst Landlords
New legislation could accelerate a growing movement of tenants who refuse to be at the mercy of developers and want to take ownership of their communities’ resources.
www.thenation.com
September 10, 2025 at 4:07 PM
There is legislation at both the New York City and State level that would accelerate the vibrant movement of New Yorkers seeking to take ownership of the resources in their communities and remove the profit from housing, writes Aviva Stahl.
Reposted by Pratt Center
Lisa Marshall of NYers for Clean Power called EmPower+ “one of the most successful programs the state has."
Yet, upcoming funding cuts risk sidelining the very communities New York’s energy transition is meant to help.
Read more: www.timesunion.com/state/articl...
Yet, upcoming funding cuts risk sidelining the very communities New York’s energy transition is meant to help.
Read more: www.timesunion.com/state/articl...
August 27, 2025 at 12:03 AM
Lisa Marshall of NYers for Clean Power called EmPower+ “one of the most successful programs the state has."
Yet, upcoming funding cuts risk sidelining the very communities New York’s energy transition is meant to help.
Read more: www.timesunion.com/state/articl...
Yet, upcoming funding cuts risk sidelining the very communities New York’s energy transition is meant to help.
Read more: www.timesunion.com/state/articl...
What do NYC’s new draft fair housing goals mean for property owners facing climate risk?
Pratt Center's Sylvia Morse told
@citylimitsnews.bsky.social: “Identifying displacement risk as a fair housing problem is right—the challenge is ensuring we can actually carry out equitable solutions.”
Pratt Center's Sylvia Morse told
@citylimitsnews.bsky.social: “Identifying displacement risk as a fair housing problem is right—the challenge is ensuring we can actually carry out equitable solutions.”
The draft plan includes a program to encourage New Yorkers living in areas prone to severe flooding to voluntarily move, and another to legalize more housing with shared kitchens or other common facilities.
via @patrickspauster.com: bit.ly/3HlKjBT
via @patrickspauster.com: bit.ly/3HlKjBT
City Renews Fair Housing Commitments, Focusing on Climate and Affordability - City Limits
New York City announced new fair housing goals to increase housing access in every neighborhood. The public can weigh in at hearings this fall.
bit.ly
August 6, 2025 at 2:23 PM
What do NYC’s new draft fair housing goals mean for property owners facing climate risk?
Pratt Center's Sylvia Morse told
@citylimitsnews.bsky.social: “Identifying displacement risk as a fair housing problem is right—the challenge is ensuring we can actually carry out equitable solutions.”
Pratt Center's Sylvia Morse told
@citylimitsnews.bsky.social: “Identifying displacement risk as a fair housing problem is right—the challenge is ensuring we can actually carry out equitable solutions.”
Reposted by Pratt Center
Extreme weather is a part of New Yorkers new reality. As our environmental and housing crises collide, those living in basement apartments are most at risk.
@voteshekar.bsky.social and I are calling on NYS to expand basement conversion programs across flood-prone communities like ours.
@voteshekar.bsky.social and I are calling on NYS to expand basement conversion programs across flood-prone communities like ours.
"By refusing to include the hardest-hit neighborhoods in the revamped pilot, New York State is complicit in the ongoing danger facing these residents," write Council members @sandynurse.bsky.social and Shekar Krishnan. "Basement safety is not a luxury, it’s a matter of life or death." bit.ly/3TYX0FH
Opinion: A Storm is Coming. The State Must Act Now to Make Basement Apartments Safe. - City Limits
"By refusing to include the hardest-hit neighborhoods in the revamped pilot, New York State is complicit in the ongoing danger facing these residents. Basement safety is not a luxury, it’s a matter of...
bit.ly
July 29, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Extreme weather is a part of New Yorkers new reality. As our environmental and housing crises collide, those living in basement apartments are most at risk.
@voteshekar.bsky.social and I are calling on NYS to expand basement conversion programs across flood-prone communities like ours.
@voteshekar.bsky.social and I are calling on NYS to expand basement conversion programs across flood-prone communities like ours.
In June, we released a new report on the City's racial equity tools four years after their launch in NYC’s land use process. We talked with co-authors Tara Duvivier and Eve Baron about what inspired them and why community-led tools are essential for equitable city planning.
July 22, 2025 at 6:26 PM
In June, we released a new report on the City's racial equity tools four years after their launch in NYC’s land use process. We talked with co-authors Tara Duvivier and Eve Baron about what inspired them and why community-led tools are essential for equitable city planning.
📢 Important reporting on basement apartments—and why their safety is needed to enforce protections from future climate disasters. ‼️‼️
Looking into a basement apartment? NYC proposes new safety rules. https://gothamist.com/news/looking-into-a-basement-apartment-nyc-proposes-new-safety-rules
Looking into a basement apartment? NYC proposes new safety rules.
New York City housing officials unveiled new proposals for making basement and cellar apartments safe and legal.
Experts say that without proper implementation, new rules for basement and cellar units could push vulnerable tenants and landlords further underground. [ more › ]
gothamist.com
July 21, 2025 at 5:21 PM
📢 Important reporting on basement apartments—and why their safety is needed to enforce protections from future climate disasters. ‼️‼️
Are you data-savvy? Care about NYC policy? Ready to use your mapping skills to advance a more equitable city?
Join our team! We're #hiring a Data & GIS Manager to lead mapping, analysis, and data visualization at Pratt Center.
Join our team! We're #hiring a Data & GIS Manager to lead mapping, analysis, and data visualization at Pratt Center.
July 18, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Are you data-savvy? Care about NYC policy? Ready to use your mapping skills to advance a more equitable city?
Join our team! We're #hiring a Data & GIS Manager to lead mapping, analysis, and data visualization at Pratt Center.
Join our team! We're #hiring a Data & GIS Manager to lead mapping, analysis, and data visualization at Pratt Center.
We’ve been weighing in on major rezoning proposals across the City— from the Garment District to Brooklyn Marine Terminal. Read our testimonies below:
July 17, 2025 at 7:37 PM
We’ve been weighing in on major rezoning proposals across the City— from the Garment District to Brooklyn Marine Terminal. Read our testimonies below:
Reposted by Pratt Center
Want to build a legal basement apartment under a year-old New York pilot program, or build an ADU thanks to City of Yes? You can't, because those laws are meaningless until city agencies promulgate rules that actually enable them. @smaldo.bsky.social from the frontlines of abundance.
Homeowners Ready to Legalize Basement Apartments Stuck in Red Tape
A pilot program intended to facilitate conversions could have gone into effect last month. It has not, and time is running out.
www.thecity.nyc
July 14, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Want to build a legal basement apartment under a year-old New York pilot program, or build an ADU thanks to City of Yes? You can't, because those laws are meaningless until city agencies promulgate rules that actually enable them. @smaldo.bsky.social from the frontlines of abundance.
Home flipping in NYC is unfairly targeting NYC's neighborhoods of color & scarce affordable housing, driving up prices and pushing residents.
Earlier last year, released a report with policies to stop it.
Read our full report and read below for key findings: prattcenter.net/our_work/fli...
Earlier last year, released a report with policies to stop it.
Read our full report and read below for key findings: prattcenter.net/our_work/fli...
Flipping Out: How Home Flipping Reduces Affordability in NYC Neighborhoods of Color ← Our Work ← Pratt Center For Community Development
prattcenter.net
July 15, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Home flipping in NYC is unfairly targeting NYC's neighborhoods of color & scarce affordable housing, driving up prices and pushing residents.
Earlier last year, released a report with policies to stop it.
Read our full report and read below for key findings: prattcenter.net/our_work/fli...
Earlier last year, released a report with policies to stop it.
Read our full report and read below for key findings: prattcenter.net/our_work/fli...
Reposted by Pratt Center
“Racial impact studies don’t block or delay rezonings,” @prattcenter.bsky.social's Tara Duvivier & Pratt Institute's Eve Baron write. “What the backlash reveals is how uncomfortable some developers are with giving communities the tools to demand more from a broken status quo.” bit.ly/4e9B7MR
Opinion: The Promise—and Pushback—on NYC's Racial Impact Studies - City Limits
"Racial impact studies don’t block or delay rezonings. They simply pull together data that’s already publicly available," the authors write. "What the backlash reveals is how uncomfortable some develo...
bit.ly
June 18, 2025 at 5:52 PM
“Racial impact studies don’t block or delay rezonings,” @prattcenter.bsky.social's Tara Duvivier & Pratt Institute's Eve Baron write. “What the backlash reveals is how uncomfortable some developers are with giving communities the tools to demand more from a broken status quo.” bit.ly/4e9B7MR