New York, NY - The following statement can be attributed to Marcel Negret, Senior Planner, Regional Plan Association.

“Intro 1572‑B demonstrates that New York City does not have to choose between equity and progress. By using data to center equity and race early in the land use decision-making process, this bill will lead to equitable growth that advances regional goals, like building new housing, and addresses local needs, like reducing the risk of displacement.

History has demonstrated that housing policy is not some massive macro-economic force, unable to be steered; it is made up of real choices, made every day. Today, we set a framework so that as the City Council makes choices around land use, it lives up to the city’s fair housing plan, and keeps equity front and center.

RPA thanks the Office of the Public Advocate for championing the bill for nearly two years and commends our fellow members in the Racial Impact Study Coalition for helping to get it across the finish line.”