On Monday, July 7th, New York State confirmed the completion of a $1.2 billion capital improvement effort across New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) properties. The large-scale project, launched in 2019, delivered infrastructure upgrades to 24 developments across all five boroughs, directly impacting nearly 39,000 public housing residents.
Work completed under the program includes 125 elevator replacements, 17 heating system upgrades, and 36 facade renovations. Officials say the initiative aims to improve safety, comfort, and accessibility in aging public housing stock.
Governor Kathy Hochul said the upgrades represent a step toward providing NYCHA residents with the quality housing they deserve. Mayor Eric Adams added that the improvements will help residents “stay safe, stay warm, and stay healthy.”
Funding for the project was administered through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York and spread across multiple state budgets. It also supports projects still in development. Future phases are set to deliver another 126 elevators, 105 heating system overhauls, and 88 more facade repairs.
NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt credited the state’s investment for helping reverse years of federal disinvestment. In total, nearly 123,000 residents are expected to benefit from completed and upcoming work.
State legislators have also pledged continued support, aligning the upgrades with broader goals under the New York Public Housing Preservation Trust, which aims to modernize up to 25,000 NYCHA apartments. Since 2019, the state has allocated $1.6 billion to NYCHA, including $365 million in the most recent budget cycle.
