Council Member Hudson explains vote on COPA

Permission to explain my vote.

Permission granted.

Thank you.

I'd like to take a moment to congratulate my colleague, Councilmember Nurse, on passing COPA once again.

This historic legislation is a critical step toward preserving affordable housing and protecting longtime New Yorkers from displacement.

I'm proud to have supported both iterations of this bill when it first passed, then when it was vetoed by the former mayor, and now as it passes this body again.

Despite the ups and downs from both sides of City Hall, Councilmember Nurse has remained a tireless and steadfast advocate for COPA and the communities it is designed to protect.

Councilmember Nurse is not only an exemplary public servant and advocate, she is a true organizer.

She cares deeply for her community, and her commitment is why this bill has endured.

COPA represents an important shift away from speculative investment and toward the community preservation and long-term affordability New Yorkers deserve.

For those of us who represent communities that have been subjected to unsafe and inhabitable living conditions, COPA is a lifeline.

For those of us who represent communities that have been denied opportunities to purchase property because of systemic racism, COPA is a lifeline.

For those of us who represent communities struggling to afford rent every single day, COPA is a lifeline, and today I'm proud to be part of delivering that lifeline to our constituents.

Congratulations and thank you, Councilmember Nurse and all of the advocates who have

have fought so hard for so long.

Eye on all.

Thank you.

Thank you.