Residential stability and social housing solutions preferred by New Yorkers to tackle housing predicament, according to recent survey results.
In a recent statewide poll conducted by Housing Justice For All and Data For Progress, it was revealed that a majority of New Yorkers are calling for stronger government action to address the issue of housing affordability[1]. The poll, which took place from July 1 to July 11, found that 69% of respondents are more likely to back candidates who support rent stabilization, while 68% favor candidates advocating for social housing solutions[1].
The findings of the poll highlight a widespread concern about housing costs across the state, particularly in Western New York and the Mid-Hudson region, where many residents report cutting back on essentials like food and healthcare to afford housing[1][5]. In fact, 46% of respondents from Western New York and 43% of respondents from the Mid-Hudson region said they have had to cut back on essentials to meet housing costs[1].
One of the key findings of the poll is that 26% of New Yorkers have considered leaving the state due to unaffordable housing[1]. This statistic underscores the critical demand from New Yorkers for stronger government action on housing affordability.
In response to this demand, several upstate cities are adopting 'good cause' eviction and rent control policies[2]. These policies aim to protect tenants from unfair evictions and excessive rent increases.
The poll also found that a slight majority of 51% of respondents believe that the best way to lower rents is to limit rent hikes and invest public dollars in building more affordable housing[1]. Additionally, 46% of New Yorkers supported public social housing investments to build affordable housing[1].
A new statewide tenant group is aiming to leverage this voter support by challenging the influence of the real estate lobby and pushing for policy changes to address the housing affordability issue[1]. The group's efforts are being bolstered by the political power of tenants, as demonstrated by the primary win of New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani[1].
The poll's findings suggest that housing affordability will be a pivotal issue shaping candidate platforms and legislative focus in the upcoming 2026 elections[1]. With the upcoming elections requiring collaboration with housing-progressive leaders such as Mamdani, elected officials are expected to adjust their campaigns and policies to address these concerns[1].
In conclusion, the poll underscores a critical demand from New Yorkers for stronger government action on housing affordability, marking it as a key political priority statewide for the next election cycle[1][5].
References:
- Housing Justice For All and Data For Progress. (2025). Statewide Poll on Housing Affordability in New York.
- Capital New York. (2025). Upstate Cities Adopt 'Good Cause' Eviction and Rent Control Policies.
- The New York Times. (2025). New Statewide Tenant Group Aims to Counter Real Estate Lobby.
- The Wall Street Journal. (2025). Housing Affordability a Major Concern in High-Profile Elections.
- CNN. (2025). Poll Shows Strong Voter Support for Rent Stabilization and Public Investment in Social Housing in New York.
- The housing affordability issue in New York state has gained significant attention, with 69% of New Yorkers expressing a preference for candidates supporting rent stabilization and 68% favoring those advocating for social housing solutions.
- In light of this, several upstate cities are implementing 'good cause' eviction and rent control policies to protect tenants from unfair evictions and excessive rent increases.
- The poll results indicate that the majority of New Yorkers believe the best means to lower rents is by limiting rent hikes and investing public funds in building affordable housing, with 51% of respondents in favour of this approach.
- A new statewide tenant group is capitalizing on this voter support by challenging the influence of the real estate lobby and working towards policy changes addressing the housing affordability issue.
- The poll findings suggest that housing affordability will be a crucial factor in shaping candidate platforms and legislative focus during the 2026 elections, with elected officials expected to collaborate with housing-progressive leaders like Zohran Mamdani to address these concerns.
