NYC voters back housing reforms but reject shifting local election timing

A bold push for affordable housing divides City Hall and the Council. Why voters said *no* to changing election cycles—and what it means for NYC’s future.

, and Administrator

2025 November 6 . 9:12 AM

1 min read

In this image I can see a poster which has so many buildings and text highlighted on it.

NYC voters back housing reforms but reject shifting local election timing

New York City voters have approved three ballot questions aimed at boosting affordable housing development, while rejecting another that proposed moving local elections to presidential election years. The approved measures, championed by Mayor Eric Adams' Charter Review Commission, have sparked debate and tension with the Democratic-led City Council.

The Commission's proposals, approved by voters, include Question 2, which creates two fast-track processes for affordable housing projects in areas with low development rates. Question 3 strips the City Council of its final review authority for certain land-use projects, while Question 4 establishes a new appeals board to reconsider rejected affordable housing projects.

The Council argued that these changes would usurp its authority on housing development and other decisions. The current system has citywide elections in odd-numbered years and federal elections in even-numbered years. New Yorkers rejected Question 6, which would have moved local elections to presidential election years, proposed by an unidentified organisation.

The passage of these housing ballot questions has been hailed by Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul as a 'victory for working families'. However, the battle over these questions has increased friction between Mayor Adams and the City Council, highlighting the ongoing power dynamics in New York City politics.