Today, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine announced the 2024 class of Manhattan Community Board appointments.
The new cohort of appointees reflects the Borough President’s commitment to ensuring that community boards are representative of the diverse communities they serve, and his emphasis on applicants focused on solving the borough’s deepening housing affordability crisis.
“The housing crisis is the single most pressing issue facing our borough …”
“The housing crisis is the single most pressing issue facing our borough, and we need all hands on deck to address it,” said Borough President Levine. “These appointments are about empowering the voices of those who understand and experience these challenges firsthand. I’m excited to work with this group of committed New Yorkers, all of whom will play a crucial role in developing and implementing equitable solutions that make housing more affordable for all Manhattanites.”
Manhattan’s median rent has surged by over 25% since 2021, while the vacancy rate plummeted to a historic low of 1.4%. Meanwhile, housing production has stagnated, with only 870 net affordable units created in New York City between 2021 and 2023. This lack of affordable housing production disproportionately affects low-income residents and communities of color, threatening the borough’s diversity.
“This is an equity issue,” said Borough President Levine. “We cannot allow our borough to become a place that only the ultra-wealthy can afford to live in, while working and middle-class families are being forced out.”
The 2024 application process included specific questions on housing, highlighting the importance given to this critical issue. An overwhelming 86.8% of new Borough President appointments ranked housing as their top priority, with 81% of overall appointees emphasizing the importance of tackling housing affordability.
The new appointments also reflect a strong commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Of the 111 new appointees:
- 65% (72) identify as non-white
- 31% (34) are parents or caregivers
- 11% (12) identify as LGBTQ+
- 7.2% (8) identify as disabled
- 6.3% (7) reside in NYCHA housing
Since taking office in 2022, Borough President Levine has added questions regarding car ownership and housing to the application process. This year, in an effort to promote inclusivity and equity, the application process included extensive outreach to individuals and organizations within the criminal justice-involved community. This year, the Borough President’s office is proud to welcome three individuals who self-attested to being part of this community, marking a significant step towards increasing the visibility and participation of marginalized groups.
“… poised to be a driving force in addressing the borough’s most pressing challenges.”
The Manhattan Community Board appointments for the 2024-2026 term are poised to be a driving force in addressing the borough’s most pressing challenges. Borough President Levine looks forward to working closely with these new appointees to build a stronger, more inclusive, and more affordable Manhattan.
Photo credit: HWM.
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