Breaking News: HPD Teams Up with University of Michigan for 2026 Vacancy Survey Amid Historic Low Rates | amNewYork

New York City’s housing landscape is changing, and a new partnership is steering some of that change. The city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) is teaming up with the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research (ISR) to enhance its Housing and Vacancy Survey (HVS) set for 2026. This survey is crucial because it helps track how many homes are empty and provides insights into the city’s housing situation.

The HVS has a long history. It’s been collecting data since 1968, and the latest numbers revealed a startling vacancy rate of just 1.4%. This is the lowest level recorded, indicating significant pressure on housing availability and contributing to the city’s affordability crisis. Mayor Eric Adams aims to build more housing as a significant part of his agenda, making the findings of the upcoming survey even more important.

HPD officials, including Lyz Gaumer, the chief research officer, emphasize that the collaboration with ISR will not just modernize data collection but also ensure that various city agencies work together on housing policy. Gaumer noted, “We want to make sure that New York City as a whole is making decisions and setting policy in an integrated way.” It’s all about creating solutions that address housing, health, and education together.

Using ISR’s expertise will allow HPD to analyze data more effectively. Previous surveys relied on the U.S. Census Bureau since 1965, but the change to ISR is seen as a step toward more comprehensive and inclusive data collection. For those interested in the inner workings of New York City’s housing policies, the HVS provides insights that can shape the future of the city.

This partnership comes at a critical time, with many New Yorkers feeling the pinch of rising rents and housing scarcity. Recent studies show that nearly 60% of renters in NYC have faced significant rent increases in the past year, showing just how urgent this issue is.

The results from the 2026 survey are expected in early 2027, and they will likely guide city policies for years to come. Gaumer believes that the groundwork laid now will influence housing decisions for the next 60 years.

In today’s context, as cities worldwide grapple with similar issues, New York’s approach could serve as a model. How other cities respond to their own housing challenges may draw inspiration from New York’s evolving strategies, signaling the importance of data-backed decision-making in addressing urban living concerns.

By focusing on collaboration and advanced methodologies, this partnership is a hopeful step toward a more equitable housing future for all New Yorkers.



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