State lawmakers do not want housing policy to be a solo act for Gov. Kathy Hochul. Hochul has unspooled her go-it-alone housing plans this summer, which included a mix of incentives for local governments as well as tax breaks for targeted projects. The governor pivoted to executive action after her expansive proposal to build 800,000 new units of housing failed with state lawmakers earlier this year, which led to finger pointing in Albany. Nevertheless, Democratic lawmakers told Playbook they are willing to work with Hochul on the issue — and signaled it can’t only be the governor who puts her stamp on housing policy in New York. “This is not something one person, no matter how powerful as a governor, can do alone,” said Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal, the chair of the Assembly Housing Committee. How expansive a housing package can be remains unclear. Many roadblocks from this year will likely continue into 2024. There are disagreements over reviving the 421a tax abatement favored by developers. Hochul has not embraced a proposal known as Good Cause eviction that has been staunchly backed by progressive advocates and lawmakers. Some Democratic lawmakers insist any housing deal must include the provision, which is meant to sharply curtail evictions and rent increases. The measure has been opposed by landlord groups. “Does it need to include Good Cause? Yes, it does,” Sen. Gustavo Rivera (D-Bronx) said. The politics of housing have also not changed. Suburban officials opposed Hochul’s efforts to expand housing, which included provisions like overriding local zoning for qualified projects. In an election year for all 213 seats in the Legislature, getting a deal could be even tougher, some Democrats have quietly conceded. But even a more modest agreement could make a difference, said Sen. Andrew Gounardes, a Brooklyn Democrat. “We don’t need to hit a grand slam,” he said. “We need to hit enough singles and doubles to produce all the housing that we need. It’s not going to happen all at once.” As for the latest happening: The debate will continue Thursday in Albany. The state Association for Affordable Housing is holding its annual conference with county executives and Hochul administration officials to discuss housing policies. IT’S THURSDAY. Got news? Send it our way: Jeff Coltin, Emily Ngo and Nick Reisman. WHERE’S KATHY? In New York City, Nassau and Erie counties with no public schedule. WHERE’S ERIC? Delivering remarks at an event honoring a woman who was killed in Iran, making an economic development announcement on Staten Island, hosting a reception celebrating African heritage and attending a pop-up dinner event. QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I know everyone wants to be done with Covid, but Covid is not done with us.” — Hochul on a new vaccine coming and warning about a spike from a new variant.
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