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Mamdani Unveils ‘Block by Block’ Plan Pledging 400,000 Affordable Homes and $22 Billion

City officials say the package pairs big investment with a code-reform push to lower builders’ up-front costs so more units are affordable.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani
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An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows High-rise residential building under construction in the Bronx, Image 2 shows New York City Mayor Zorhan Mamdani speaks at the Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Association's Memorial Day Event

Overview

  • Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the Block by Block plan on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, committing to build, preserve, or stabilize 400,000 homes plus a $22 billion capital program over five years.
  • The plan splits its goals across the next decade with a target of 200,000 new affordable units and 200,000 preserved or stabilized homes.
  • The Department of Buildings will launch an Affordable & Efficient Code Reform task force in late 2026 to review decades-old rules for cost-saving changes that officials say will not compromise safety.
  • A DOB-led pilot set for 2026 will test allowing smaller elevators in existing walk-up buildings as part of broader proposals that include alternative plumbing materials and non-traditional building materials.
  • City officials point to low step-free access and tight vacancy rates as reasons for the effort and note the city added an existing-building code in December 2025 to speed renovations and affordable housing projects.