​​Building Stronger Communities Through Homeownership, Affordability, and Code Enforcement

​​

Syracuse is at a critical turning point in housing affordability and quality. Too many residents are spending more than half of their income on housing, while vulnerable populations are living in deteriorating and unsafe conditions. Meanwhile, market-rate housing is at an all-time high, creating further barriers to stability.

​

As mayor, I will take bold action to increase homeownership, make housing more affordable, enforce housing codes, and remove lead hazards from our homes. Housing is about shelter, family stability, economic opportunity, and community well-being. A firm housing policy is a long-term investment in Syracuse’s future, ensuring residents have safe, stable, and affordable places to live. Syracuse is at a critical turning point in housing affordability and quality. Too many residents are spending more than half of their income on housing, while vulnerable populations are living in deteriorating and unsafe conditions. Meanwhile, market-rate housing is at an all-time high, creating further barriers to stability.

​

Safe, affordable housing is not a privilege; it is a right. Under my leadership, we will take bold steps to make homeownership more accessible, housing more affordable, and our communities stronger. Investing in new housing, enforcing safety codes, and protecting renters, and working with our good landlords will build a Syracuse where families can live, thrive, and collectively contribute to a prosperous future.

​

Let us create a housing system that works for everyone because when we invest in our residents and work with businesses, we invest in Syracuse's future.

 

Chol's vision for quality and affordable housing:

• Expanding Homeownership Opportunities: Homeownership is the foundation of economic stability and generational wealth. My administration will make homeownership more accessible for Syracuse residents by providing financial assistance and education and increasing available housing stock.

• Ensuring Housing Affordability: Rising housing costs are making it harder for families to stay in Syracuse. We must expand affordable and quality housing options while protecting homeowners and renters from financial hardship. Also, landlords and developers are critical to housing affordability and will be proactively engaged in finding collective solutions to the housing crisis in Syracuse.

• Eliminating Lead Hazards & Improving Housing Safety: Lead poisoning is a silent and looming crisis in Syracuse, disproportionately affecting children and the elderly. My administration will prioritize lead removal to ensure all homes are safe and healthy for families and the vulnerable population.

• Reforming Zoning & Permitting Regulations: Syracuse’s zoning and permitting processes are slowing economic growth and creating unnecessary barriers to development. My administration will modernize these systems to make housing development more efficient and accessible. Syracuse Rezone was just completed two years ago. As Mayor, I will proactively refine and update Rezone to make it work for everyone, both residents and the business community.

• Strengthening Tenant Protections and Supporting Good Landlords: Safe housing is a fundamental right. My administration will overhaul Syracuse’s code enforcement system to hold landlords accountable while ensuring tenants access safe and well-maintained housing. We have many great landlords who care about our city and its residents. As Mayor, my administration will ensure bad landlords comply with all applicable regulations. My administration will also help responsible landlords against bad tenants. My administration will support Good Cause Eviction as I always have. 

 

Please read Chol Majok’s in-depth housing vision here