Alec Schierenbeck Discusses Affordable Housing in NYC at 2025 Henry Hart Rice Urban Policy Forum
On October 16, 2025, NYU Wagner hosted its annual Henry Hart Rice Urban Policy Forum featuring guest speaker Alec Schierenbeck, executive director of the Charter Revision Commission and general counsel for the Department of City Planning. Wagner’s Main Event Space was at capacity for the event, marking the first time the Forum has been held in Wagner’s new home on 17th Street.
Schierenbeck previously served as general counsel and senior advisor to Maria Torres-Springer in her roles as Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and the Workforce, and as First Deputy Mayor. His work in City Hall helped further the administration’s “City of Yes” initiatives and successful advocacy for affordable housing tax incentives. Schierenbeck also served as a law clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer.
Following opening remarks from NYU Wagner Dean Polly Trottenberg and Henry Hart Rice Professor of Urban Policy and Planning Mitchell L. Moss, Schierenbeck gave an impassioned explanation of the systemic obstacles to affordable housing in New York City. He explored the history of housing development and the bureaucracy surrounding the process of approving new construction projects over the past several decades, setting the stage for the current state of affairs.
Additionally, in his capacity with the Charter Revision Commission, which aims to promote transparency in city government, Schierenbeck explained the questions on the 2025 ballot that relate to housing ahead of the November election. Questions include measures to fast track affordable housing, to simplify the review process for “modest” projects, and to create an Affordable Housing Review Board.
About the Henry Hart Rice Urban Policy Forum
Henry Hart Rice was an industry senior statesman, public servant, author, and lecturer, who conceived and developed projects throughout the U.S. and Canada. But it was in New York City that he made his mark. We will celebrate the Rice family during this special evening with leading policy experts and the NYU Wagner community.
