Former Assemblyman Michael Blake calls for more NYCHA funding as he challenges Torres in primary

Amsterdam News

by Ariama C. Long
April 16, 2026

Federal funding cuts to New York’s already beleaguered public housing system last year may leave the city’s NYCHA buildings in an even more dire state. So congressional candidates are loudly proclaiming that not nearly enough is being done about as the June primaries approach.

“Not only are they cutting funding and cutting benefits to communities who need it, their actions and policy decisions are harmful,” said former Bronx Assemblymember Michael Blake, who is vying for a chance to unseat Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres, the first openly gay Afro-Latino member, in the Bronx’s 15th Congressional District. This would be the second time Blake is up against Torres in a congressional race for the same seat.

NYCHA provides housing to more than 500,000 residents in over 177,565 apartments within 335 developments, according to their 2025 numbers. These buildings have suffered from decades of disinvestment at the city, state, and federal levels, which has led to crumbling infrastructure, lead paint, heat outages, and extensive repair backlog.

Read full article:https://amsterdamnews.com/news/2026/04/16/former-assemblyman-michael-blake-calls-for-more-nycha-funding/