Nearly three in four New Yorkers think the affordability of housing is a major problem, according to a statewide survey sponsored by the Rural Housing Coalition of New York.
“The poll shows that New Yorkers, no matter where they live, view housing affordability as a major problem, and think state policymakers have not adequately addressed the issue,” said Michael J. Borges, Rural Housing Coalition Executive Director.
The survey of 1,780 adults, conducted by the Marist Poll earlier this month, showed that 73% of New York residents report that the affordability of housing is a major problem in their communities. This concern is widespread across the state, with 67% of rural residents, 69% of suburban residents and 81% of urban residents feeling housing affordability is a major issue.
Most of those who responded (71%) think the state’s government is not providing enough resources to address the lack of affordable housing. Across the state, 71% of rural residents, 77% of urban residents and 66% of suburban residents believe the state is not doing enough to address the housing crisis.
New Yorkers are divided on how the state government should address the housing affordability issue, with 39% prioritizing rental assistance, 33% prioritizing owner-occupied housing development, and 24% saying new rental housing development should be the state government’s top priority.
According to Borges, “There is no one-size-fits-all solution to housing for a state like New York. That’s why the Rural Housing Coalition is calling for the creation of a statewide Housing Task Force. We need to bring stakeholders to the table to develop solutions to the housing crisis that will meet the needs of all New Yorkers.”
The Coalition is also calling on Governor Hochul to increase funding for housing programs in the 2024 Executive Budget, especially in underserved rural communities where a little bit of funding can go a long way. “This survey shows that New Yorkers think the state needs to do more to address the housing crisis. We hope that this year, the Executive Budget will increase – not cut – funding for housing programs and support a comprehensive approach that addresses the needs of all New Yorkers.”
