March 6, 2006

The following are excerpts from a speech given by New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg to the National Low-Income Housing Coalition, Washington (DC) February 28.

“So I join you in urging Congressional leaders to reject the proposed short'sighted cuts to HUD’s budget.

We must ensure adequate funding for Section 202 and 811 housing, and also for a program that exemplifies federalism at its best: The Community Development Block Grant program.

In New York City, CDBG funds have played a crucial role in everything from reclaiming brownfields for affordable housing to establishing low-income housing co-ops. It’s simply too important and too valuable to be allowed to die on the vine.

We need Federal partnership in affordable housing; it is without a doubt, a matter of social justice. But I also ask you to add this to your arguments on Capitol Hill.

Yes, make appeals to conscience and compassion-but not only those. Because if we pitch our arguments too narrowly, we cede too much of the field.

Also go armed with the firm conviction and incontrovertible fact that affordable housing is a good investment-and that in the New Housing Marketplace, the forces of the private market can be harnessed for the good of everyone.

On this issue, all Americans-Republican, Democrat, and Independent-can rise above partisanship, and find common, pragmatic ground.”