A public forum held by DOWNTOWN - BROOKLYN ORG and BRIC attracted over 100 people, addressing pressing issues such as housing affordability, immigration, mental health, and safety. Moderated by Dr. Jocelynne Rainey and Wes Jackson, panelists, including Councilmembers Lincoln Restler and Shahana Hanif, discussed findings from the People's Pulse survey, indicating that 78% of participants believe housing costs are rising and half feel less safe. The forum highlighted the critical need for community-led initiatives to tackle these challenges, especially as Brooklyn's demographics are shifting, with significant declines in Black and Latino populations.
"The Black population in Brooklyn is shrinking for the first time since the Great Migration," Restler said, adding that Williamsburg and Greenpoint have lost 15,000 Latino residents over the past 15 years.
Panelists like Councilmembers Lincoln Restler and Shahana Hanif cited the People's Pulse survey, noting 78% see worsening housing costs and 50% feel less safe.
Nearly half surveyed have considered leaving the city, highlighting the pressing need for community-driven solutions to address housing affordability and safety.
Engagement from over 100 residents and leaders reflects a collective concern over pressing issues like immigration, mental health, safety, and affordability in Brooklyn.
Collection
[
|
...
]