Pratt Center

We're now on Bluesky! New platform, same Pratt Center. Stay informed and follow us: bsky.app/profile/prattc….

Is your gas utility bill too high? You’re not alone. Even as New Yorkers use 18% less gas than in 2018, the typical gas bill has increased 6% each year. Let’s break down why 🧵👇

Important reporting on new eligibility criteria for the State’s EmPower+ program! Pratt Center research identified income eligibility rules as a major barrier, so this an important step toward expanding access for NYC’s low- and moderate-income communities. Read more ⬇️

NY is violating its own climate law. It's time to make polluters pay and invest that money back into our communities to lower energy bills, create tens of thousands of jobs in renewable energy and building upgrades, and create green, healthy homes: act.nyrenews.org/3b-sfp-clcpa-d…

On March 10, we're going to Albany with @InvestinOurNY & @MaketheRoadNY to tell Gov. Hochul: DEFEND NY, FUND OUR FUTURE! In a time of crisis, we need bold action to protect immigrants, make polluters pay, and tax the rich! RSVP link in bio and here: bit.ly/defend-ny-3-10

The city will hold a hearing this week on DOB rules for a basement legalization program — but, as our Director of Research & Policy Sylvia Morse said today in @THECITYNY, "these rules cannot be passed as is, or else the program will fail." Read more below:

It's crunch time for COPA! The Community Opportunity to Purchase Act is close to passing in the NYC Council. We need your help to ensure the bill passes this year. Click to email your City Council Member & Speaker Adams: neweconomynyc.ourpowerbase.net/civicrm/petiti…

We are heartbroken by reports of the two fatalities in basements following the heavy rainfall yesterday. See the BASE Coalition's full statement calling on the city to launch the basement and cellar conversion program without further delay to help prevent future tragedies.

BIG NEWS: #COPA now has a veto-proof majority in the NYC Council! The bill would stabilize affordable housing & curb displacement by giving community land trusts and other qualified nonprofits a first right to purchase buildings when a landlord sells. Let's pass #COPA this year!

We're proud to join @NYCDDC & community partners to re-open new sections of East River Park. There's a lot to celebrate in this phase, including new sports fields, the return of our amphitheater, & a park that helps protect NYers from climate change. That's a lot to shout about!

New York City's CLT landscape - a growing movement! Via: Pratt Center for Community Development and New Economy Project.

What do NYC’s new draft fair housing goals mean for property owners facing climate risk? Pratt Center's Sylvia Morse told @CityLimitsNews: “Identifying displacement risk as a fair housing problem is right—the challenge is ensuring we can actually carry out equitable solutions.”

Extreme weather is a part of New Yorkers new reality. As our environmental and housing crises collide, those living in basement apartments are most at risk. @CMShekarK and I are calling on NYS to expand basement conversion programs across flood-prone communities like ours.

The basement apartment safety program authorized last year was a huge step forward, but it left out some of the neighborhoods where upgrades are needed most. We urge the passage of @CMSandyNurse & @CMShekarK's resolution and @SalazarSenate & @votejgr's bill to expand the pilot!

"By refusing to include the hardest-hit neighborhoods in the revamped pilot, New York State is complicit in the ongoing danger facing these residents," write @CMSandyNurse and @CMShekarK. "Basement safety is not a luxury, it’s a matter of life or death." bit.ly/3TYX0FH

Experts say that without proper implementation, new rules for basement and cellar units could push vulnerable tenants and landlords further underground: bit.ly/45fcfAs

Learn more and apply: prattcenter.net/about_us/work_…

Are you data-savvy? Care about NYC policy? Ready to use your mapping skills to advance a more equitable city? Join our team! We're #hiring a Data & GIS Manager to lead mapping, analysis, and data visualization at Pratt Center.

Thinking about flooding and this ⁦@sssmaldo⁩ story — “city pilot program to legalize and regulate basement apartments and other so-called accessory dwelling units that could have been up and running by mid-June has not yet gotten off the ground.” thecity.nyc/2025/07/14/bas…

“Racial impact studies don’t block or delay rezonings,” @prattcenter's Tara Duvivier & @PrattInstitute's Eve Baron write. “What the backlash reveals is how uncomfortable some developers are with giving communities the tools to demand more.” bit.ly/4e9B7MR

The #CommunityLandAct gives communities real tools to fight displacement and secure permanent affordability. We were proud to testify in support last week. A must-read from @NewEconomyNYC, @SouthBronxUnite & @EastNewYorkCLT: citylimits.org/opinion-nyc-ne…