Judge Rules Against NYC Council's CityFHEPS Housing Voucher Expansion Backed by Mayor Adams

Aug 1, 2024, 06:47 PM

A state judge has ruled that the New York City Council does not have the legal authority to expand the city's housing-voucher program. This decision supports Mayor Eric Adams, who had vetoed the expansion citing its high costs. The ruling blocks laws passed by the Council last year aimed at expanding access to city-funded rental assistance vouchers for people at risk of homelessness. The decision comes as median rents and the number of people living in homeless shelters reach record highs citywide. The CityFHEPS voucher program has been crucial in helping individuals and families secure housing, and the Council's expansion was seen as vital amid the longstanding housing and homelessness crisis and rising rents.