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07.15.26

Block by Block: The Housing Plan for A New Era

Event Public Works
July 15th, 2026
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
One New York Plaza, Water Street, New York, NY 10004, USA

Leila Bozorg is the Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning in New York City, where she leads citywide housing and land use strategies that guide New York City’s growth and affordability agenda. She is a housing and urban policy leader with more than 15 years of experience shaping policy, land use, and housing finance strategies to deliver large-scale, equity-driven outcomes. Throughout her tenure in public service, Leila has played a central role in landmark initiatives including the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity zoning reform, public housing preservation efforts leveraging billions in public and private investment, creating the City’s first comprehensive fair housing plan, and designing innovative housing finance and development programs. Her career spans senior roles at New York City Housing Preservation and Development, the City Planning Commission, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, and New York City Kids RISE. She holds a Master in City Planning from MIT and a BA from Wesleyan University.

Join us for a discussion of Block by Block: The Housing Plan for a New Era with Leila Bozorg, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning.

New York City is in the midst of a deepening housing crisis, with rising rents, aging public housing, and a persistent shortage of affordable units pushing New Yorkers out of the city. Released in May 2026, Block by Block is the Mamdani administration’s comprehensive housing plan, setting targets to build 200,000 new affordable homes and preserve 200,000 more over the next decade. The plan spans new construction, tenant protections, code enforcement reform, NYCHA investment, homeownership programs, and labor standards for construction workers.

As New York City confronts one of its most severe housing crises, what will it take to build and preserve affordable housing at the scale the moment demands?

Please note: this event was previously scheduled to open doors at 6:00pm but will now open at 5:30pm, with the program beginning at 6:00pm.

Sold Out

If you are a member and have questions regarding registration, please reach out to rsvp@urbandesignforum.org.

Guest & Accessibility Policies

Urban Design Forum promotes conversations between invited civic leaders, designers, developers, and advocates. This event is open to Forum Members. Members may also invite a guest to join them.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully.

  • This venue is ADA accessible. There will be microphones and speakers.
  • If you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Face masks are encouraged, particularly if you have been recently exposed to colds, flus, or other illness. If you have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days, a high-quality, well-fitting face covering is required at all times.
  • Please refrain from wearing strong fragrances to accommodate guests with allergies or environmental sensitivities.
  • If you have additional needs, we will do our best to accommodate. Please contact rsvp@urbandesignforum.org.
Continuing Education

This event has been approved for both AICP and AIA CES LU.

About Public Works

Public Works is a discussion series to drive civic dialogue around new and forthcoming built environment projects in New York City. Throughout the year, we invite government officials and private sector leaders to present design and development initiatives that shape the public good.  Our goal is to create an open and collegial venue for deeper conversation between the public sector and our network of civic leaders building, caring for, and maintaining our city.

Support Our Work

Public Works is made possible through the support of our Board of Directors, Director’s Circle, Company Members, and our Campaign for Courageous Leadership, and company and individual members. Our programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

To learn more about supporting Public Works, please contact Miranda Bellizia, miranda@urbandesignforum.org.

Image Credit: The Office of the Mayor

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