New York City names 12 districts where qualifying affordable housing bypasses City Council review from 2027
Qualifying applications in the listed districts get a 90-day public review starting January 1, 2027, so land use timelines and contract contingencies tied to the standard process need review.
On October 1, 2026, the Mayor's office and the New York City Department of City Planning ("DCP") announced the first list of twelve community districts eligible for the Affordable Housing Fast Track ("Fast Track"), the shortened land use review created by City Charter amendments approved by voters in November 2025 and set out in New York City Charter § 197-f. Qualifying applications in the listed districts will be reviewed under a procedure that omits City Council review, beginning January 1, 2027. For owners and developers of sites in those districts, the list changes the approval path for affordable housing and the sequencing of any pending land use applications.
N.Y.C. Charter §§ 197-f, 1043; 62 RCNY Chapter 13