New York City’s Community Preference policy is the subject of an ongoing lawsuit opposing it, Winfield v. the City of New York. Plaintiffs claim that the policy has racially discriminatory impacts and perpetuates the harmful legacy of segregation. Proponents of the policy argue that it is a critical tool to prevent the displacement of low-income residents and communities from neighborhoods where housing costs are rapidly rising.
In 2019, new studies on the impacts of Community Preference surfaced, after being commissioned by Winfield plaintiffs and defendant to substantiate either side’s claims. Does the policy perpetuate segregation? Or does it protect communities of color from displacement? What is the right balance between these complex, and sometimes conflicting policy goals? These are some of the most complex and pressing housing policy challenges facing New York today.
In Community Preference Policy in NYC, CHPC reaches a few key conclusions: