On Wednesday, Senator Lea Webb and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo provided an update on state housing resources and coordinated efforts to improve access to them. This comes as the community is still reeling from the tragic Knights Inn fire in Endicott and aims to raise awareness of the ongoing work at the state level to address housing challenges in our communities. 

The New York State Senate, in partnership with the New York State Assembly and Governor Kathy Hochul, enacted the SFY 2026-2027 State Budget, delivering significant investments to expand housing opportunities, preserve affordable housing, strengthen tenant protections, and help more New Yorkers achieve and maintain safe and stable housing.

“Housing is an essential human need and remains a critical issue throughout New York State, particularly in Senate District 52,” said Senator Lea Webb. “This budget continues funding for multiple programs that assist our constituents in gaining more equitable access to affordable housing. Investments such as $50 million for the Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP), which provides support to community members struggling with homelessness due to housing insecurity, and $10 million for the Shelter Arrears Eviction Fund (SAEF), which assists tenants with financial assistance due to rent arrears. We maintained funding for these programs and critical programs like the Block by Block Infill Housing Program, which the City of Binghamton participates in, to support new construction initiatives for homeownership throughout the city and other programs.

At the same time we know these investments alone don't remedy all of the systemic disparities that exist. This is why improving and strengthening policies and practices at all levels are crucial to ensuring housing opportunities for all.”

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said, "New York has made a lot of progress expanding access to affordable, quality housing through numerous programs and incentives, especially around supportive housing. While this year's budget builds on that momentum with historic investments, our challenge is to make sure these resources reach communities like ours, where the need is great. Many of our constituents continue to face barriers when it comes to housing, particularly seniors, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and families experiencing financial hardship. And many of our municipalities face bureaucratic barriers when it comes to accessing these important funds. We are calling on all of our government partners to work together to identify and break down any existing obstacles to success.”

The SFY 2026-27 Budget makes substantial investments in affordable housing and housing

preservation programs across the state, including $75M for public housing authorities outside of New York City, $40M in capital funding for Land Banks, along with $10M in operating support.

These investments will help preserve existing affordable housing stock, improve living conditions for residents, and support long-term housing stability in communities across the state.

The enacted budget also invests in programs that help create new housing opportunities and

revitalize existing properties. This includes $40M for the Vacant Apartment Repair and Rehabilitation Program, $100M for the Move in New York Homes Program, and $30M for the Block by Block Infill Housing Program to support the development of new housing in neighborhoods throughout the state. The budget also raises the statutory cap on Land Banks from 35 to 45, expanding the state's capacity to address vacant and underutilized properties. In our rural neighborhoods, we invested $100M in programming, including in the Manufactured Homes Program.

To help more New Yorkers both achieve homeownership and remain in their homes, the

budget includes $10M for the First-Time Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance Fund, expands the Access to Home Program to assist individuals with disabilities in making accessibility modifications to their homes, and $4M for the Housing Opportunities Program for the Elderly (RESTORE), which helps low-income seniors make critical repairs that allow them to age safely in their homes and communities.

Property tax relief remains a priority, and the enacted budget provides support through SCRIE, DRIE, SCHE, and DHI. For the first time since 2014, the income eligibility for these critical programs has been increased from $50,000 to $75,000. SCRIE and SCHE provide tax

exemptions for seniors who are renters or homeowners in any municipality that has opted in, and DRIE and DHE provide exemptions for those with Disabilities. This increase will allow many more New Yorkers to stay in and continue to afford their homes. 

The enacted budget also advances important policy reforms to preserve affordable housing and protect tenants. It replaces the expiring J-51 tax abatement program with a modernized incentive that helps property owners make critical repairs and environmental upgrades to rent-regulated and affordable housing, ensuring that these homes remain safe, sustainable, and affordable for

residents. The budget also strengthens protections for rent-regulated tenants by establishing new criminal penalties for aggravated tenant harassment and expanding eligibility for rent increase exemption programs for seniors and individuals with disabilities by raising the income threshold from $50,000 to $75,000.

Additionally, this year’s budget includes targeted reforms to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) to help accelerate housing production and critical infrastructure projects by establishing clearer review timelines and creating exemptions for certain housing developments, public schools, water and sewer improvements, parks, trails, and green infrastructure projects.

If any constituent of Senator Lea Webb or Assemblymember Donna Lupardo needs information or guidance on state housing initiatives, please call or email their offices. To contact Senator Lea Webb’s Office, you can call 607-773-8771 or email leawebb@nysenate.gov. To contact Assemblymember Donna Lupardo’s Office, you can call 607-723-9047 or email LupardoD@nyassembly.gov. 

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