Kingston Council Rejects Mayor's Housing Non-Profit

Lawmakers raise concerns over transparency and oversight of the mayor's affordable housing initiative.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:06pm

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A serene, nostalgic painting of a deserted city street in Kingston, New York, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the pavement, capturing the quiet tension of the city's housing policy debate.The Kingston Common Council's rejection of the mayor's affordable housing non-profit exposes the city's ongoing struggle to address its housing affordability crisis.Kingston Today

The Kingston Common Council voted 8-1 to formally oppose the mayor's new housing non-profit, Kingston Forward, citing a lack of legislative support and appropriated funding. Council members have raised concerns about the non-profit's independence from city oversight and the definition of 'affordable' housing in the city.

Why it matters

The dispute over Kingston Forward highlights the ongoing challenges cities face in developing truly affordable housing options for residents, especially as median incomes lag behind rising rents. The council's rejection of the mayor's initiative signals a need for more transparency and public engagement around housing policies.

The details

Kingston Forward was proposed by Mayor Steve Noble as a way for the city to build publicly owned, permanently affordable mixed-income housing using a revolving loan fund. However, the common council voted to oppose the non-profit's formation, arguing that it was being advanced without necessary legislative support and oversight. Council members are concerned about the non-profit's financial and operational independence from the city, as well as how 'affordable' housing will be defined and who will be accountable for the board's decisions.

  • On April 5, 2026, the Kingston Common Council voted 8-1 to approve a resolution opposing the mayor's housing non-profit.
  • A public meeting on Kingston Forward scheduled for March 25, 2026 was removed from the city calendar amid pushback from council members.

The players

Steve Noble

The mayor of Kingston, New York, who proposed the creation of the Kingston Forward housing non-profit.

Bartek Starodaj

The housing initiatives director for the city of Kingston, who has promoted Kingston Forward as a way to build affordable housing.

Kingston Common Council

The legislative body of the city of Kingston that voted 8-1 to formally oppose the mayor's housing non-profit.

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What’s next

The mayor and housing initiatives director will need to address the council's concerns about transparency and oversight before moving forward with the Kingston Forward non-profit.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing challenges cities face in developing affordable housing options that meet the needs of all residents. Increased transparency and public engagement will be crucial as Kingston works to find solutions.