Solutions That Empower

The Mayor has taken a nerve-inducing property tax hike on homeowners off the table. The racial implications of raising property taxes in a housing market that has changed substantially over the past 50 years, and now has higher property values in many predominantly Black and Brown neighborhoods, could have been dire. Guest: Rita Jefferson, tax analyst, Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy

Black banks have continued their legacy of fair lending and community activism. This is in large part because of a long practice of resiliency and perseverance in the face of immense odds and violence throughout the country’s history, such as during the Civil Rights Movement and 2008 recession. Guest: Willie Blalock, Vice President, Industrial Bank for NY & Jersey

The city's tax lien sale system has been widely criticized for being predatory and disproportionately affects Black and Brown homeowners, seniors, and veterans. On this episode, staff writter Ariama C. Long speaks with Alexis Smallwood-Foote, founder of the ReAL Edgemere Community Land Trust.

Black and Brown homeowners are statistically less likely to have a will or trust prepared in the event of their death, possibly leaving loved ones without an opportunity to inherit wealth across generations. Sabrina Bazile, senior program manager for the Center for New York City Neighborhoods, discusses the issue.

Condominium, or condo, conversions have emerged as an option for renters in New York City that could be a promising solution to maintaining affordable housing. FM Home Loans President and CEO David Brecher dicusses condo conversions and homeownership in the city.

New York City’s housing crisis has been undeniable for decades. It drives gentrification and displacement in historically Black and Brown communities. It forces homeowners and tenants to leave the city while others end up on the streets or in shelters. Leora Jontef, NYC Health and Hospitals Senior Assistant Vice President of Housing and Real Estate, discuses the city’s housing and homeless crisis.