UHAB

Resident-controlled housing depends not only on ownership structures but on the ability of communities to govern themselves over time. From affordable housing cooperatives and Mitchell-Lama developments to tenant associations, these models rely on collective decision-making to manage buildings, finances, and shared spaces.

Join us for a conversation with residents, organizers, and housing leaders as we explore what it takes to sustain democratic governance across generations. Drawing on lived experience, this panel will examine how communities navigate leadership transitions, cultural differences, and evolving resident needs while maintaining strong and inclusive participation. Together, we’ll reflect on the everyday practices that keep resident democracy alive. ✨

📣 DEADLINE: Saturday 10/18 to sign up for discounted registration to the CNYC Housing Conference with UHAB taking place on Sunday 10/26

Discounts are available for HDFCs and CNYC members for a discounted fee of $95 per person or $250 for three people.

SPECIAL DISCOUNT for UHAB members: $40 per person or $90 for three people → this does not qualify online, please contact Emily at (212) 479-3318 / [email protected] or Elisa at (212) 479-3360 / [email protected]

Switzerland’s cooperative housing model is pushing back against real estate speculation and is committed to producing “more housing that is cheaper than the market price”.

In Lausanne, co-ops offer residents below-market rate rent, one vote in the cooperative, and camaraderie. This creates stronger neighborhoods without the fear of rent hikes or eviction.

UHAB’s mission is rooted in similar values of affordable, equitable housing that empowers communities. Like Lausanne’s co-ops, 𝗛𝗗𝗙𝗖𝘀 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝘄-𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀.

As housing costs rise worldwide, models like these prove that 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲: one that prioritizes people over profit and strengthens communities for generations to come.

🌇 Maple Court HDFC collaborated with .h.a.b and to host a rooftop solar tour. They welcomed neighbors, supporters, and co-op residents exploring clean energy solutions for their own buildings. This tour marked a major clean energy milestone in East Harlem!

Thanks to their HDC reserves, Maple Court was able to fully fund the largest rooftop solar installation of any HDFC to date. The $244K project (after incentives) is already paying off and is projected to save the co-op around $32K annually, covering its cost in just 8 years. It also cuts carbon emissions, lowers energy costs for shareholders, and strengthens long-term affordability. 🌍☀️🌱

This is a powerful example of how HDFCs can lead climate solutions for affordable housing, use federal and state incentives to fight rising utility costs, and preserve affordability and sustainability in co-ops.

Thank you to everyone who joined us on the roof! 🔔 Set up alerts for future posts and sign up for our newsletter to find out when the next solar tour is happening.