UAlbany to Host CNU’s New York State Housing Summit

An aerial view of a larger neighborhood in autumn.

By Mike Nolan

ALBANY, N.Y. (Sept. 14, 2023) — New York is facing a severe housing crisis. According to the Population Reference Bureau, more than half of New Yorkers pay upwards of 30 percent of their income on rent. In New York City, rents have risen 30 percent since 2015 and home prices are up 50 percent over the same time. Outside of NYC, rents have risen 40 to 60 percent since 2015 and home prices are up 50 to 80 percent.

The New York chapter of the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU New York) is convening community leaders from across the state at the University at Albany for a two-day, hands-on summit to help address this crisis.

The New York State Housing Summit will take place on UAlbany’s Uptown Campus, on Jan. 26 and 27, 2024. Registration is required.

“For nearly thirty years the Congress for the New Urbanism has been advocating for public policy and development practices that put people at the center,” said David Banks, a lecturer in UAlbany's Department of Geography and Planning at the College of Arts and Sciences, who is helping coordinate the summit. “This kind of thinking is necessary as we enter an uncertain time marked by climate change and geopolitical instability. The CNU has correctly recognized that small cities like Albany are going to be essential for providing affordable housing amidst climate change-induced migration.

“I'm very proud to bring the New York chapter of the Congress for the New Urbanism to UAlbany. The takeaways from this conference will likely help set housing policy for decades to come.”

In July, Gov. Hochul announced several executive actions to promote housing growth as part of her ongoing commitment to addressing New York’s housing crisis.

October’s summit will assemble a full range of stakeholders from the public and private sectors to help accelerate the construction of homes while creating great places to live throughout New York.

It will feature multiple speakers and workshops focused on the following topics:

  • Climate and Migration
  • Planning and Environmental Policy
  • Infrastructure
  • Codes and Construction
  • Revitalization of Existing Places
  • Funding Equitable and Fair Housing

Summit leaders have also invited the state chapters of the National Association of Home Builders, planning groups such as PLACE Initiative, Vision Long Island, the Pace Land Use Law Center and the Housing Action Council, as well as state and local officials. 

“There is no debate that housing is vital to individuals, communities and society,” said Youqin Huang, chair and professor in the Department of Geography and Planning. “Our department teaches students how to plan cities and communities to be equitable, resilient and sustainable, with housing being a key component. This summit will offer them a valuable experience to meet with community leaders in New York and learn about potential solutions to the housing crisis.”

Students (and others) interested in a scholarship to attend, in exchange for helping to execute the event, are encouraged to write to [email protected].

There is also a virtual option for those who are not able to attend in person.