On Thursday, December 12th, Mayor Eric Adams announced the formation of a new Charter Revision Commission (CRC) to review the New York City Charter and enhance the efficiency and transparency of the city’s government. The commission, led by Richard R. Buery Jr., CEO of Robin Hood, will focus on making the city’s governance more responsive to the needs of residents, particularly in addressing the ongoing housing crisis. Sharon Greenberger, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York, will serve as vice chair, while Leila Bozorg, executive director of housing for New York City, will take on the role of secretary.
The commission’s review will prioritize measures to tackle the city’s severe housing shortage, with a current rental vacancy rate of just 1.4%. This initiative follows the recent passage of the “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” proposal, which aims to create 80,000 new homes over the next 15 years and invest $5 billion in housing and infrastructure improvements. The proposal has garnered significant public support, with recent polls showing overwhelming approval from New Yorkers.
Mayor Adams emphasized the urgency of addressing the housing crisis, saying, “Our administration’s housing goal is clear: deliver as much affordable housing to working-class New Yorkers and their families as we make our city more affordable.” He continued, “New Yorkers need housing, and we will do everything in our power to continue to deliver it to them.”
Richard R. Buery Jr. expressed his commitment to the CRC’s work, stating, “Our city is in the midst of a profound affordability crisis. For millions of low-income New Yorkers, housing costs are the central struggle of their lives. For millions more, especially low-income New Yorkers, our housing crisis severely limits where New Yorkers can live, what schools they can attend, how they can get to work, and whether their families can stay together. ”
Sharon Greenberger highlighted the commission’s role in shaping the city’s future, saying, “I am honored to be a part of the 2025 Charter Revision Commission focused on critical housing reforms and look forward to hearing from New Yorkers about how our charter can be improved to meet their needs.”
Leila Bozorg, said, “Fighting our city’s ongoing affordable housing crisis and advancing fair housing is a moral imperative. I am honored to serve on this distinguished Commission and take a fresh look at how our charter can help address these challenges and others.”
The members of the CRC are:
Richard R. Buery Jr. (Chair)
Richard Buery is the CEO of Robin Hood, one of the nation’s leading anti-poverty organizations. As New York City deputy mayor for strategic policy initiatives, Buery was the architect of Pre-K for All. He has also led several nonprofit and policy organizations dedicated to educational equity, poverty alleviation, and child welfare.
Sharon Greenberger (Vice Chair)
Sharon Greenberger is the president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York. Under her leadership, the YMCA has expanded programs and services to meet the changing needs of communities, including expanding teen programming and promoting access to health and wellness resources.
Leila Bozorg (Secretary)
Leila Bozorg is the executive director of housing in the New York City Mayor’s Office. She has extensive experience with affordable housing policy and served on the NYC Planning Commission, where she co-led the creation of the city’s first comprehensive fair housing plan.
Reverend A.R. Bernard
Reverend A.R. Bernard leads one of New York’s largest houses of worship, Christian Cultural Center. Recognized for his leadership, Rev. Bernard has been named one of New York’s 50 Most Powerful People and is a prominent voice in civic and faith circles.
Grace C. Bonilla
Grace Bonilla is the president and CEO of United Way of New York City. She has a history of driving systemic change and empowering New Yorkers through resources and programs that address homelessness and racial equity.
Shams DaBaron
Shams DaBaron is a changemaker dedicated to redefining homelessness and housing solutions in New York City. A formerly homeless individual, DaBaron has become a powerful advocate for policies that support vulnerable populations and promote affordable housing.
Anita Laremont
Anita Laremont is a partner at the law firm of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, specializing in land use and real estate law. She has a long history of serving in city planning and development, including her role in the city’s Mandatory Affordable Housing policy.
Dr. Lisette Nieves
Dr. Lisette Nieves is the president of the Fund for the City of New York (FCNY). A distinguished educator and policy leader, Dr. Nieves has worked to advance government and nonprofit services, particularly in youth development and the future of work.
Julie Samuels
Julie Samuels is the president and CEO of Tech:NYC, an organization supporting New York’s growing tech industry. A seasoned advocate for entrepreneurship and technology policy, Samuels has also served in leadership roles at various nonprofit and advocacy organizations.
Diane Savino
Diane Savino is a senior advisor at City Hall, focusing on state and city legislative issues. A former state senator, Savino has authored several laws protecting working-class New Yorkers, including the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights and the Wage Theft Prevention Act.
Carl Weisbrod
Carl Weisbrod is a senior advisor at HR&A Advisors and has a distinguished career in urban development. As the former president of the NYC Economic Development Corporation, Weisbrod played a pivotal role in revitalizing neighborhoods across the city.
Valerie White
Valerie White is senior executive director at LISC NY, leading efforts to create an economic and community development ecosystem that addresses systemic inequities. She previously served as executive vice president at Empire State Development and executive director of the Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development.
Kathryn Wylde
Kathryn Wylde is president and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, representing global business leaders and major employers. She has led initiatives in affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, and business investment programs across the city.
Alec Schierenbeck (Proposed Executive Director)
Alec Schierenbeck is general counsel to First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer. He previously advised on housing, economic development, and workforce planning. Schierenbeck has also worked as a litigator and clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer.
