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Join us for a live series on what it means to make New York more affordable
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WNYC Staff
Published Jul 17, 2026
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Karen Yi / Gothamist
By
WNYC Staff
Published Jul 17, 2026
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You don’t have to be a political pundit to know that over the past several election cycles, one issue is top of mind for New Yorkers at the ballot box: affordability.
Voters across lines of income, identity and ideology are deciding elections based on who they believe will make city living more affordable as the costs of housing, food, childcare, transportation and healthcare continue to rise.
Over the past two years, Gothamist and WNYC reporters have documented what the affordability crisis looks like from nearly every angle — how the loss of SNAP benefits hits families and businesses, how housing costs increase rent and expenses, and what the rising price of childcare means for families and providers.
Again and again, our reporting has revealed that the people often portrayed as being on opposite sides of these debates frequently face many of the same economic pressures.
That’s the starting point for “In Conversation: The Affordability Series,” a new five-part community event initiative from WNYC and Gothamist that brings our journalism into neighborhoods across the five boroughs.
In Conversation: The Affordability Series
July 21, 2026 at 7 p.m.; Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
BEM books & more
373 Lewis Ave., Brooklyn, New York
A conversation on food affordability moderated by "All Things Considered" host Sean Carlson. Tune in to "All Things Considered" from July 22 to July 24 to hear some of the conversations.
Future events will feature discussions on housing affordability in Queens in August, childcare on Staten Island in September, transportation in Manhattan in October and health care in the Bronx in November.
Rather than staging debates, each event will bring together New Yorkers to discuss the different pressures they face from the rising cost of living in the city. WNYC and Gothamist reporters will also speak with policy experts and community advocates to discuss not only where their experiences differ but where they overlap and examine solutions
The series begins July 21 at BEM books & more in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, with a conversation on food affordability moderated by "All Things Considered" host Sean Carlson. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the program starting at 7 p.m. Tune in to "All Things Considered" from July 22 to July 24 to hear some of the conversations.
Future events will feature discussions on housing affordability in Queens in August, childcare on Staten Island in September, transportation in Manhattan in October, and healthcare in the Bronx in November. More information and details on these events to come.
The events are free and open to the public, however, registration is required. To reserve your place, visit wnyc.org/events.
Tagged
affordability crisis
snap benefits
WNYC Staff
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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