The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) currently determines Area Median Income for New York City as a single geographic unit. In recent years, New York City has contained both the wealthiest and the poorest census tracts in the United States. This extreme variation can skew income data that is collected and could adversely affect households in communities that have a significantly lower AMI than that of the City as a whole. In determining a household's eligibility for housing programs, several programs utilize AMI in their threshold calculations. Often these programs are intended to assist low- and middle-income households.

This hearing will examine several major housing initiatives and programs and the income demographics of the households that they assist. It will also explore whether HUD could implement a community-based calculation of AMI and what impact such a change would have on communities and families in New York City.

Oral testimony will be limited to 10 minutes. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committee's interest in receiving written testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

Keith Wright
Member of Assembly
Chair
Committee on Housing

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Persons wishing to attend the public hearing on Area Median Income Calculation are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail, email or fax it to: