News
May 3, 2019Upstate Rent Control?
The state legislature is considering a package of bills called Universal Rent Control. If enacted, these bills would bring New York City-style rent regulations to Upstate New York. The Chamber strongly opposes these proposals. While rent control may or may not be effective in parts of downstate, implementing them in Upstate would harm our economy, communities and housing market.
This week, your Chamber Advocacy team will testify before the Assembly Housing Committee. We will voice our strong opposition to Universal Rent Control. Importantly, we will inform them of all the great work being done in the Capital Region to address affordable housing. Across our region, nonprofits, developers, businesses, local government and community lenders have been tirelessly working on this issue and this work is paying off. From Albany to Schenectady to Troy to Saratoga, these partnerships have studied the issue, developed strategic plans, and have obtained investment. Throughout our region, affordable housing and affordable homes are being built. Great work is being done in the Capital Region and we do not need state regulations that could jeopardize our plans for our communities. Community planning, including plans for affordable housing, should be left to our local stakeholders. They know our community best and they know what does and does not work. We are not New York City and we do not want to be. Our plans for our region are working and great things are happening. The state should continue to assist us, not dictate to us.
Because of you, our voice is strong and our message will be heard in the Capitol.
