🔴 LIVE: Watch New York City Council's 7/16 Stated Meeting

The New York City Council held its stated meeting on July 16, 2026, focusing heavily on land use and housing affordability initiatives. The council approved multiple land use applications facilitating the development of 3,242 new housing units across all five boroughs, with over half designated as affordable housing through programs like Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) and HPD subsidies. Notable projects included Monitor Point in Greenpoint with 1,324 units (50% affordable), redevelopment of auto dealerships into mixed-use towers contributing $29.7 million to Hudson River Park Trust, and several other mixed-use developments with affordable units and community facilities. The council also approved landmark designations and a new school siting. On the finance side, the council passed a workforce stabilization payment of up to $10,000 for eligible school paraprofessionals to address staffing shortages, alongside legislation to improve business inspection coordination and raise the age limit for police civil service exams. Votes were taken on these measures, with broad support except for a few exceptions. The meeting also included discussions on utility rate freezes, public safety, and the establishment of a municipal public bank task force. Overall, the meeting emphasized affordable housing development, support for essential city workers, and measures to improve city services and transparency.