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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 05: A person looks at photographs during Brandon Stanton’s “Dear New York” press preview at Grand Central Station on October 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)
NEW YORK – Certain members of the New York City Council have introduced legislation to allow affordable housing specifically for artists.
Affordability for artists
What we know:
New York City Councilmembers Erik Bottcher and Keith Powers have introduced Local Law 1470, which would amend the city’s administrative code.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 30: Erik Bottcher speaks during the “TERRENCE McNALLY WAY” street naming and unveiling on May 30, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Tom Kirdahy Productions & The Terrence McNally Foundation
More specifically, the bill would clarify that housing programs that give preference to artists “do not violate the human rights law prohibition against discrimination on the basis of occupation.”
It is currently illegal to be denied a housing opportunity based on vocation in the city, but Bottcher argues that artists should be given favor in regard to city housing.
“Artists are being displaced from New York City,” Powers stated in the Memorandum in Support for the bill.
“Housing developments that cater to the needs of artists already exist in New York City, but the law is unclear about whether certain housing programs can give preference to working artists. This legislation will make it clear that housing programs authorized or implemented by the state or city agencies that give preference to artists do not violate the human rights law prohibition against discrimination on the basis of occupation.”
The Source: This article includes information from legislation introduced by New York City Councilmembers Erik Bottcher and Keith Powers.