Patrick Spauster
@patrickspauster.com
Covering housing and homelessness in NYC for @citylimitsnews.bsky.social. urban planner and NY Liberty diehard 🏀🗽
patrickspauster.com
patrickspauster.com
Maria Torres-Springer will co-chair the Mamdani transition team. My July piece has several helpful nuggets about her governing philosophies that may shape the admin. She believes in partnerships, efficiency and "a maniacal focus on execution"
Read @citylimitsnews.bsky.social:
buff.ly/CTvvPHr
Read @citylimitsnews.bsky.social:
buff.ly/CTvvPHr
November 5, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Maria Torres-Springer will co-chair the Mamdani transition team. My July piece has several helpful nuggets about her governing philosophies that may shape the admin. She believes in partnerships, efficiency and "a maniacal focus on execution"
Read @citylimitsnews.bsky.social:
buff.ly/CTvvPHr
Read @citylimitsnews.bsky.social:
buff.ly/CTvvPHr
ICYMI: Marmarato, Rep Bronx councilmember falls to Dem challenger Shirley Aldebol.
Marmarato oppossed the Just Home aff housing project, which helped her win 2 yrs ago. Aldebol, endorsed by @openny.org is presumably more open to it: buff.ly/gYAvJEH
Marmarato oppossed the Just Home aff housing project, which helped her win 2 yrs ago. Aldebol, endorsed by @openny.org is presumably more open to it: buff.ly/gYAvJEH
November 5, 2025 at 7:56 PM
ICYMI: Marmarato, Rep Bronx councilmember falls to Dem challenger Shirley Aldebol.
Marmarato oppossed the Just Home aff housing project, which helped her win 2 yrs ago. Aldebol, endorsed by @openny.org is presumably more open to it: buff.ly/gYAvJEH
Marmarato oppossed the Just Home aff housing project, which helped her win 2 yrs ago. Aldebol, endorsed by @openny.org is presumably more open to it: buff.ly/gYAvJEH
Mamdani on NYCHA: doesn't rule out PACT conversions (or the preservation trust) which convert public housing to section 8, (and private mgmt in the case of PACT).
Says he wants residents to decide. 7 that have voted went Trust (4), stay Section 9 (2), PACT (1)
h/t @katiehonan.bsky.social
Says he wants residents to decide. 7 that have voted went Trust (4), stay Section 9 (2), PACT (1)
h/t @katiehonan.bsky.social
November 5, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Mamdani on NYCHA: doesn't rule out PACT conversions (or the preservation trust) which convert public housing to section 8, (and private mgmt in the case of PACT).
Says he wants residents to decide. 7 that have voted went Trust (4), stay Section 9 (2), PACT (1)
h/t @katiehonan.bsky.social
Says he wants residents to decide. 7 that have voted went Trust (4), stay Section 9 (2), PACT (1)
h/t @katiehonan.bsky.social
Earnest post: very proud of @citylimitsnews.bsky.social election coverage. Video, live coverage (w/data), practical guides, undercovered topics like NYCHA. What we do with a tiny staff amazes me!
+we put housing affordability at the center--just like voters!
Check us out! buff.ly/T3cJGEE
+we put housing affordability at the center--just like voters!
Check us out! buff.ly/T3cJGEE
November 5, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Earnest post: very proud of @citylimitsnews.bsky.social election coverage. Video, live coverage (w/data), practical guides, undercovered topics like NYCHA. What we do with a tiny staff amazes me!
+we put housing affordability at the center--just like voters!
Check us out! buff.ly/T3cJGEE
+we put housing affordability at the center--just like voters!
Check us out! buff.ly/T3cJGEE
NEWS! Looking likely that the housing related ballot measures will pass with over 1.5 million votes counted.
Prop 1 (upstate ski resort) and Prop 6 (moving election years) might be in peril
But people love digitizing the city map! (Prop 5)
Updates on @citylimitsnews.bsky.social
Prop 1 (upstate ski resort) and Prop 6 (moving election years) might be in peril
But people love digitizing the city map! (Prop 5)
Updates on @citylimitsnews.bsky.social
November 5, 2025 at 2:50 AM
NEWS! Looking likely that the housing related ballot measures will pass with over 1.5 million votes counted.
Prop 1 (upstate ski resort) and Prop 6 (moving election years) might be in peril
But people love digitizing the city map! (Prop 5)
Updates on @citylimitsnews.bsky.social
Prop 1 (upstate ski resort) and Prop 6 (moving election years) might be in peril
But people love digitizing the city map! (Prop 5)
Updates on @citylimitsnews.bsky.social
Quickly up to 53 percent reporting - still tight!
November 5, 2025 at 2:31 AM
Quickly up to 53 percent reporting - still tight!
With (still early!) 25 percent of the vote reporting, the housing ballot measures look in for a close finish. Upstate ski resort (prop 1) and moving election years (prop 6) looking tougher. Digital City Map (prop 5) looks safer!
November 5, 2025 at 2:23 AM
With (still early!) 25 percent of the vote reporting, the housing ballot measures look in for a close finish. Upstate ski resort (prop 1) and moving election years (prop 6) looking tougher. Digital City Map (prop 5) looks safer!
As the sun sets on election day, a few more councilmembers have come out in support of the ballot measures (or some of them), even as council leadership is united in opposition.
Eric Bottcher and Shaun Abreu were public "Yes" on all, Pierina Sanchez was Y on 2 and Lincoln Restler was Y on 2,3
Eric Bottcher and Shaun Abreu were public "Yes" on all, Pierina Sanchez was Y on 2 and Lincoln Restler was Y on 2,3
November 4, 2025 at 10:20 PM
As the sun sets on election day, a few more councilmembers have come out in support of the ballot measures (or some of them), even as council leadership is united in opposition.
Eric Bottcher and Shaun Abreu were public "Yes" on all, Pierina Sanchez was Y on 2 and Lincoln Restler was Y on 2,3
Eric Bottcher and Shaun Abreu were public "Yes" on all, Pierina Sanchez was Y on 2 and Lincoln Restler was Y on 2,3
.@CityLimitsNews.bsky.social talked to countless NYers over the past few months about the city they want to see. Here are a few of their dreams for the next mayoralty, including the adorable Katania Davis who wants better school lunch and for everyone to have housing.
citylimits.org/new-york-cit...
citylimits.org/new-york-cit...
November 3, 2025 at 4:24 PM
.@CityLimitsNews.bsky.social talked to countless NYers over the past few months about the city they want to see. Here are a few of their dreams for the next mayoralty, including the adorable Katania Davis who wants better school lunch and for everyone to have housing.
citylimits.org/new-york-cit...
citylimits.org/new-york-cit...
If you care about rent stabilization, you may be wondering what the heck is going on with the Rent Guidelines Board
w/Adams considering appointing new members, @citylimitsnews has what it means for a potential Mamdani rent freeze + this graphic you didn't know you needed:
buff.ly/qo7N9jh
w/Adams considering appointing new members, @citylimitsnews has what it means for a potential Mamdani rent freeze + this graphic you didn't know you needed:
buff.ly/qo7N9jh
October 30, 2025 at 9:06 PM
If you care about rent stabilization, you may be wondering what the heck is going on with the Rent Guidelines Board
w/Adams considering appointing new members, @citylimitsnews has what it means for a potential Mamdani rent freeze + this graphic you didn't know you needed:
buff.ly/qo7N9jh
w/Adams considering appointing new members, @citylimitsnews has what it means for a potential Mamdani rent freeze + this graphic you didn't know you needed:
buff.ly/qo7N9jh
“It’s a wake up call.”
Most NYCHA developments are in worse shape than the partially-collapsed Mitchel houses in the Bronx, I find in @citylimitsnews
NYCHA residents remain split on how to address deteriorating conditions 👇
citylimits.org/most-nycha-d...
Most NYCHA developments are in worse shape than the partially-collapsed Mitchel houses in the Bronx, I find in @citylimitsnews
NYCHA residents remain split on how to address deteriorating conditions 👇
citylimits.org/most-nycha-d...
October 22, 2025 at 12:26 PM
“It’s a wake up call.”
Most NYCHA developments are in worse shape than the partially-collapsed Mitchel houses in the Bronx, I find in @citylimitsnews
NYCHA residents remain split on how to address deteriorating conditions 👇
citylimits.org/most-nycha-d...
Most NYCHA developments are in worse shape than the partially-collapsed Mitchel houses in the Bronx, I find in @citylimitsnews
NYCHA residents remain split on how to address deteriorating conditions 👇
citylimits.org/most-nycha-d...
Every year I write the same, slightly grimmer story
1 in 10 five years ago
1 in 9
1 in 8
1 in 7 New York public school students experienced homelessness last school year, a record high.
For @citylimitsnews.bsky.social I discuss the troubling rise
buff.ly/ICwJLj3
1 in 10 five years ago
1 in 9
1 in 8
1 in 7 New York public school students experienced homelessness last school year, a record high.
For @citylimitsnews.bsky.social I discuss the troubling rise
buff.ly/ICwJLj3
October 20, 2025 at 10:33 PM
Every year I write the same, slightly grimmer story
1 in 10 five years ago
1 in 9
1 in 8
1 in 7 New York public school students experienced homelessness last school year, a record high.
For @citylimitsnews.bsky.social I discuss the troubling rise
buff.ly/ICwJLj3
1 in 10 five years ago
1 in 9
1 in 8
1 in 7 New York public school students experienced homelessness last school year, a record high.
For @citylimitsnews.bsky.social I discuss the troubling rise
buff.ly/ICwJLj3
Pt 3 of my investigation into the PBRA program highlights how tenant issues don't reach the right authorities. When they do, agencies pass the buck on enforcing the rules.
The recertification, repairs, and accountability issues I highlight happen in PBRA all over the country.
buff.ly/vMGXeGe
The recertification, repairs, and accountability issues I highlight happen in PBRA all over the country.
buff.ly/vMGXeGe
October 2, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Pt 3 of my investigation into the PBRA program highlights how tenant issues don't reach the right authorities. When they do, agencies pass the buck on enforcing the rules.
The recertification, repairs, and accountability issues I highlight happen in PBRA all over the country.
buff.ly/vMGXeGe
The recertification, repairs, and accountability issues I highlight happen in PBRA all over the country.
buff.ly/vMGXeGe
Welcome, fall! A record number of New Yorkers reported last year that they have no heat or hot water.
Starting Oct 1, landlords must keep apartments at least 62 degrees at night and 68 degrees during the day.
Here's how to get help if they're not. buff.ly/WUnE0mv
Starting Oct 1, landlords must keep apartments at least 62 degrees at night and 68 degrees during the day.
Here's how to get help if they're not. buff.ly/WUnE0mv
October 1, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Welcome, fall! A record number of New Yorkers reported last year that they have no heat or hot water.
Starting Oct 1, landlords must keep apartments at least 62 degrees at night and 68 degrees during the day.
Here's how to get help if they're not. buff.ly/WUnE0mv
Starting Oct 1, landlords must keep apartments at least 62 degrees at night and 68 degrees during the day.
Here's how to get help if they're not. buff.ly/WUnE0mv
Several buildings in the program have hundreds of open housing code violations. Advocates say that program administrators aren't monitoring conditions closely and that property management is incentivized to defer maintenance to reduce their bottom line.
buff.ly/up1n6f6
buff.ly/up1n6f6
October 1, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Several buildings in the program have hundreds of open housing code violations. Advocates say that program administrators aren't monitoring conditions closely and that property management is incentivized to defer maintenance to reduce their bottom line.
buff.ly/up1n6f6
buff.ly/up1n6f6
Tenant subsidies are tied to units, so they have nowhere to go when there is a repair issue or they need to move for another reason: like harassment or domestic violence.
Tenants say landlords retaliated when they spoke up about housing conditions.
buff.ly/up1n6f6
Tenants say landlords retaliated when they spoke up about housing conditions.
buff.ly/up1n6f6
October 1, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Tenant subsidies are tied to units, so they have nowhere to go when there is a repair issue or they need to move for another reason: like harassment or domestic violence.
Tenants say landlords retaliated when they spoke up about housing conditions.
buff.ly/up1n6f6
Tenants say landlords retaliated when they spoke up about housing conditions.
buff.ly/up1n6f6
For those reading the tea leaves on housing policy, on MSNBC Mamdani, reflecting on Adams admin, says “city of yes was good and should be built on”
Also welcomed the containerization of trash (after dissing Cuomo)
Also welcomed the containerization of trash (after dissing Cuomo)
September 29, 2025 at 4:59 PM
For those reading the tea leaves on housing policy, on MSNBC Mamdani, reflecting on Adams admin, says “city of yes was good and should be built on”
Also welcomed the containerization of trash (after dissing Cuomo)
Also welcomed the containerization of trash (after dissing Cuomo)
PBRA is overseen by the feds (not NYCHA like other programs), and subcontracted to the state & local corps---who are often short staffed and hard to get in touch with. Tenants have little recourse when something goes wrong.
September 29, 2025 at 1:56 PM
PBRA is overseen by the feds (not NYCHA like other programs), and subcontracted to the state & local corps---who are often short staffed and hard to get in touch with. Tenants have little recourse when something goes wrong.
While most managers pass their annual reviews, 95 percent fail the tenant screening audit.
Property mgmt failed to provide notice and reasonable accommodations for Jose' Tolentino's disability. He tried to resolve the issue, but mgmt terminated his subsidy and filed eviction.
Property mgmt failed to provide notice and reasonable accommodations for Jose' Tolentino's disability. He tried to resolve the issue, but mgmt terminated his subsidy and filed eviction.
September 29, 2025 at 1:56 PM
While most managers pass their annual reviews, 95 percent fail the tenant screening audit.
Property mgmt failed to provide notice and reasonable accommodations for Jose' Tolentino's disability. He tried to resolve the issue, but mgmt terminated his subsidy and filed eviction.
Property mgmt failed to provide notice and reasonable accommodations for Jose' Tolentino's disability. He tried to resolve the issue, but mgmt terminated his subsidy and filed eviction.
100K low income New Yorkers use the program to afford their rent. They are mostly Black and Latino and disproportionately elderly and disabled.
Conditions at the buildings vary, but tenant screening is a problem at almost all of them.
buff.ly/1EqVBkv
Conditions at the buildings vary, but tenant screening is a problem at almost all of them.
buff.ly/1EqVBkv
September 29, 2025 at 1:56 PM
100K low income New Yorkers use the program to afford their rent. They are mostly Black and Latino and disproportionately elderly and disabled.
Conditions at the buildings vary, but tenant screening is a problem at almost all of them.
buff.ly/1EqVBkv
Conditions at the buildings vary, but tenant screening is a problem at almost all of them.
buff.ly/1EqVBkv
I was on @thebrianlehrershow.bsky.social on @wnyc.org this morning talking about rent stabilization. You can listen the full show: open.spotify.com/episode/6CVt...
September 26, 2025 at 6:33 PM
I was on @thebrianlehrershow.bsky.social on @wnyc.org this morning talking about rent stabilization. You can listen the full show: open.spotify.com/episode/6CVt...
“Belonging is something that is often fought for, not something that is granted.”
I profiled @asadfromnyc a rising star who's preaching the importance of NYC history, influencing the mayoral race, and walking all over the city.
@citylimitsnews buff.ly/V2PWK94
I profiled @asadfromnyc a rising star who's preaching the importance of NYC history, influencing the mayoral race, and walking all over the city.
@citylimitsnews buff.ly/V2PWK94
September 18, 2025 at 4:55 PM
“Belonging is something that is often fought for, not something that is granted.”
I profiled @asadfromnyc a rising star who's preaching the importance of NYC history, influencing the mayoral race, and walking all over the city.
@citylimitsnews buff.ly/V2PWK94
I profiled @asadfromnyc a rising star who's preaching the importance of NYC history, influencing the mayoral race, and walking all over the city.
@citylimitsnews buff.ly/V2PWK94
The city is backtracking on its order to end the CityFHEPs incentive that pays LL to hold units, sending the rule to public review.
DSS claimed it didn't need review, but after a judge issued an injunction preventing the rule change, they changed course. @CityLimitsNews.bsky.social story 👇
DSS claimed it didn't need review, but after a judge issued an injunction preventing the rule change, they changed course. @CityLimitsNews.bsky.social story 👇
August 21, 2025 at 9:30 PM
The city is backtracking on its order to end the CityFHEPs incentive that pays LL to hold units, sending the rule to public review.
DSS claimed it didn't need review, but after a judge issued an injunction preventing the rule change, they changed course. @CityLimitsNews.bsky.social story 👇
DSS claimed it didn't need review, but after a judge issued an injunction preventing the rule change, they changed course. @CityLimitsNews.bsky.social story 👇
This head to head is sure to bother the "we can have both" crowd. Full results: www.filesforprogress.org/datasets/202...
August 6, 2025 at 4:08 PM
This head to head is sure to bother the "we can have both" crowd. Full results: www.filesforprogress.org/datasets/202...
Inbox: Poll from @DataProgress + @TenantBloc finds broad support for candidates who back rent stabilization (74% in NYC). It also shows 1/3 considering leaving the state.
Reducing regulation, tax breaks for housing supply, social housing, more vouchers, were all above water too.
Reducing regulation, tax breaks for housing supply, social housing, more vouchers, were all above water too.
August 6, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Inbox: Poll from @DataProgress + @TenantBloc finds broad support for candidates who back rent stabilization (74% in NYC). It also shows 1/3 considering leaving the state.
Reducing regulation, tax breaks for housing supply, social housing, more vouchers, were all above water too.
Reducing regulation, tax breaks for housing supply, social housing, more vouchers, were all above water too.