SS9 Statement on NYCHA's 2026 Draft Annual Plan
Dear neighbors and allies,
Public Hearing to Testify on NYCHA's Annual Plan
The Public Hearing for NYCHA's Draft 2026 Annual Plan will be on Wednesday July 30th at 5:30pm, at 285 Jay Street, Brooklyn (The Theater at City Tech). You can testify in person or virtually. The Annual Plan outlines NYCHA's plans for the year ahead and this is an important avenue to testify against privatization, neglect, displacement, and any other issues resulting from NYCHA's conduct, RAD/PACT, or the Trust.
To attend and testify in person: To testify in person, you will fill out a speaker form upon arrival.
To attend and testify on Zoom: Use this link to register to testify virtually: https://on.nyc.gov/annual-plan-zoom-webinar.
Each person gets 2 minutes to testify.
At this link (https://www.nyc.gov/site/nycha/about/annual-plan-financial-information.page), you can find all relevant information on the hearing, and access to the Annual Plan documents (which include the 2026 Annual Plan, Amendments to the 2025 Annual Plan, and a Draft Plan for Designated Elderly Developments).
SS9 Statement & Testimony Guidance
Over the past few weeks, SS9 members have been collectively and individually drafting their testimony. Pasted below and attached is SS9's statement on all three documents released by NYCHA (the 2026 Annual Plan, the 2025 Amendments, and the Draft Plan for Elderly Designated Developments). Our statement can be used as guidance for you to draft your own testimony. Also pasted below and attached is testimony guidance.
We always encourage our neighbors to start by introducing yourself, and why you love public housing. For example, you could speak about what living in public housing has made possible for you, your family, or community. You can also share a favorite memory, or personal anecdotes about why public housing is important. After this, you can get into your critique of NYCHA's plans, on a topic in the Annual Plan you are most passionate about. Always make sure to connect your personal experiences to the bigger picture on the attack on public housing.
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SS9 Statement on NYCHA Draft Annual Plan Fiscal Year 2026
After reviewing the Draft Annual Plan FY 26, Draft Significant Amendment and the Draft Designated Housing Plan for Elderly Save Section 9 submits the following comments for consideration.
Considering the Draft Designated Housing Plan for Elderly we are concerned that neighbors living in “elderly only” buildings are not receiving repair and rehabilitation services in a timely manner. We also regret that services and resources which were once delivered within senior buildings are not consistently available. Contracting community based organizations has led to senior centers being physically moved out of “elderly only” buildings. When combined with the high rate of vacancies these neighbors are facing higher instances of vagrancy, and crime.
To correct these issues we recommend:
NYCHA prioritizes the repair and rehabilitation of units in “elderly only” buildings.
NYCHA opens up elderly only buildings to disabled individuals.
NYCHA better oversees the delivery of programming, quality of life and service needs for seniors and the disabled.
Ultimately, NYCHA can’t allow units to sit empty for years while claiming that there is a demand for elderly units. The demand is high because NYCHA continues to prioritize the rehabilitation and repairs necessary for PACT conversions. Instead Section 9 units must be prioritized.
Considering the Draft Significant Amendment we are concerned that NYCHA is proposing to dispose of FHA homes. Disposing of these homes is another step towards the privatization of its housing stock. It is important to note that these vacant homes could provide homeownership opportunities to NYCHA tenants. We strongly believe that Section 9 tenants should be afforded first dibs to purchase the properties, commensurate with the lowest bid NYCHA has used during past dispositions. These homes should not be demolished, and in the case of inhabitability, that they be replaced by a single family home.
Ultimately, we are concerned by the proposal to dispose of these homes and believe NYCHA should instead explore home ownership opportunities for Section 9 tenants.
Considering the Draft-Annual-Plan-FY26 we wish to highlight that PACT and RAD are not sustainable sources of income for the housing authority. This administration has demonstrated that Section 8 is not safe from racist assumptions surrounding housing subsidies. Cuts to Section 8 and Project Based Section 8 will make it difficult for the housing authority to execute this annual plan. We urge NYCHA to begin advocating for the investments necessary for Section 9 to thrive. Our analysis indicates that NYCHA’s shortfall is $41.4B a figure attainable if NYCHA strategically reorganizes and prioritizes tenant impacting actions.
When it comes to PACT conversions, tenants should be at the decision making table and we should be allowed to stay in place. Even though RAD/PACT is privatization, these conversions rely significantly on public funds and taxpayer money - including of public housing tenants. Tenants must have access to clear information and a strong say in the future of their homes. The public should have a say in how their funds are spent and on the future of their homes. We’re glad to see NYCHA publicizing federal RAD rules and regulations but enforcement is what is truly needed. We would welcome NYCHA making amends as so much harm has already been caused by management companies, the housing authority and contractors.
We are hopeful that these changes will lead to better experiences by tenants but are concerned that NYCHA won’t be able to provide oversight. Additionally, we want to highlight that NYCHA has been given evidence of how poorly RAD is rolled out. Noteworthy is the Human Rights Watch report, The Tenant Never Wins. We want to raise our concerns surrounding the existing rules which allow resident associations to have the final say when it comes to approving privatizations. We urge NYCHA to allow all tenants to have a voice via voting when the Trust RAD/PACT is being considered. We also wish to see any funding being allocated to demolition ($35,713,000) be redirected towards the rehabilitation of units under Section 9.
Additionally, the livelihood of affordability is negatively impacted by the financing terms surrounding RAD/PACT. While HUD claims that RAD/PACT conversions can be halted if there are violations of the Fair Housing Act, here in NYC we don’t see much accountability. RAD/PACT partners are violating multiple fair housing rights and our testimony at multiple City Council hearings speak to this. Furthermore HUD doesn’t provide impartial oversight.
As far as the relocations are concerned we are not sure that the goals set forth by this section are attainable as ownership and accountability are unclear. Once tenants are relocated we are not certain that tenants get to return to their homes as historically they haven’t. We also have not seen any relocation plans take into consideration the needs of tenants. We urge NYCHA to provide oversight by hiring individuals, preferably via Section 3, to carry out the task of executing and enforcing relocations. We would prefer that 70% of those hired are Section 3 hirees but we strongly believe that the PACT partners should have to subsidize these roles/ positions. We look forward to NYCHA offering transfers to another section 9 apartment to every tenant once a conversion is announced. Finally, we urge NYCHA and HUD to provide the infrastructure necessary to ensure that our rental payment histories benefit our credit scores.
We urge NYCHA to explain the earnings associated with the sale of air rights in the past. We wish to see clear accounting of how air rights have benefited surrounding developments and how the future sale of air rights could be used to benefit Section 9 public housing.
Ultimately, this draft annual plan promises safety and dignity but continues to fail tenants. We disagree with any demolitions, dispositions or privatizations. We look forward to NYCHA fulfilling their mission and honoring VAWA transfers, ensuring the proper calculation of rent, enforcing tenant protections, providing clear timelines and accountability during and after conversions, and undertaking more robust tenant engagement with less dependency on bureaucracy.
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Testimony Guidance: Best Tips for Testifying
Purpose:This guide provides practical tips and strategies to help you prepare, deliver, and follow up effectively when testifying before a legislative body, regulatory agency, or other governing organization.
1. Prepare yourself
1.1 Logistics:
Find out where and when you’ll speak.
Know who will be listening so you can tailor your message to that specific audience.
Know how much time you’ll have to talk (often a 2-3 minute elevator/sales pitch).
Make sure you understand the procedures for getting to speak. Hearings often require you to register in advance.
If the hearing is virtual, make sure you know how to use the virtual platform, that your camera and microphone are working, and that you know how to raise your hand virtually.
Dress nicely but comfortably as you may be there for a while.
Get there early so you have time to relax and get ready.
Bring snacks/drinks because hearings can be hours long!
1.2 Plan What You’ll Say:
Decide if you want to be convincing, or persuasive or both.
Convincing requires statistics and evidence (can be a good tactic for allies).
Persuasion requires that you speak with authenticity (can be a good tactic for tenants).
Make sure your first and last sentences state your main point. Stating it at the top tells people what you want them to know immediately, which is especially important if you get cut off.
Use examples, facts, or stories to support your argument/position but always connect them back to the SS9 mission.
Always share what you love about public housing and the rights Section 9 affords you.
When writing out your speech, it can be helpful to make each sentence its own paragraph. It makes it easier to read out loud.
1.3 Practice Makes Perfect:
Read your speech out loud several times to get comfortable.
Record your speech and play it back.
Time yourself to make sure you don’t talk too long.
Practice in front of a mirror or with family and friends; have them ask you questions so you can practice answering.
2. WHEN YOU SPEAK
2.1 Speak Clearly:
Introduce yourself, and your organization if applicable.
Project your voice.
Talk at a normal pace—don’t go too fast or too slow.
Take deep breaths
Look at the audience, not the floor or your paper. If you do have to look at your paper try to minimize it.
2.2 Stick to Your Plan:
Stay focused on what you prepared. Don’t ad lib.
2.3 Answering Questions:
Listen carefully to the question before answering.
Take a deep breath and answer calmly.
If you don’t know the answer, it’s okay to say, “I’m not sure, but I can find out!”
2.4 Be Polite:
Don’t interrupt anyone or argue, even if you don’t agree.
Thank the people for listening to you after you finish.
Be assertive and confident (not aggressive or timid).
3. AFTER YOU SPEAK
3.1 Follow Up:
If you promised to send more information, make sure you do it.
Share a copy of your speech if someone asks for it.
You can also submit written testimony for some hearings, usually up to 72 hours later.
3.2 Keep Improving:
Think about what went well and what you could do better next time.
Ask for feedback from someone you trust.
4. TIPS TO DO YOUR BEST
Be yourself: People will listen because your ideas and voice matter.
Be honest: Your story matters, and you are the best person to tell it.
Keep it simple: Don’t overload people with too much information.
End with a strong point: Finish by saying why your ideas are important.
Take it easy: Don’t overwhelm yourself with thinking about what others may think.
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In Solidarity,
