Sequester Cuts Menace New York's Most Vulnerable Residents

A looming $205 million budget shortfall due to sequester-related federal funding cuts have the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) preparing to make drastic cuts to staff and programs.

1 minute read

June 13, 2013, 1:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


The loss of close to 10% of its funding has the NYCHA "cutting through the bone", according to Chairman John Rhea. On Wednesday, he announced how the agency is preparing to spread the pain among its many programs, reports Matt Chaban. 

"Much of the cuts will come to NYCHA’s workforce, with the authority implementing a hiring freeze and also seeking to institute furloughs and possibly layoffs as well," he notes. "There will also be cuts to a number of both senior as well as community centers in NYCHA developments."

"There will be impacts to those living outside the housing projects, as well. As Crain’s previously reported, NYCHA will forgo issuing new Section-8 vouchers this year, which will leave some 5,000 families on the waitlist without any hope of winning a rent subsidy."

As the housing market recovers, and the city's dwindling affordable housing supply comes under increasing threat, the cuts to an agency that provides assistance to 650,000 New Yorkers and receives more than 80% of its funding from the federal government come at an especially inopportune time.

Thursday, June 13, 2013 in Crain's New York Business

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog