More on Government

I do realize that when many read this, they would say “no shit”, but I want to believe that people, like myself, realize that change is how we move forward, how we must evolve because the world is constantly changing, and of course, money should always be trying to be put to efficient use. I continue to be amazed by the government.

The Public Housing Community Fund is closely tied to the Mamdani administration and NYCHA, as we are a nonprofit focused on building a stronger, more equitable New York City by investing in public housing communities, and based on data, that is 17% of New Yorkers. It is probably more. FYI, we have nothing to do with the buildings.

What makes our organization interesting, beyond the impact we make, is that we are lean, execute quickly, keep and use data, and continue to make a difference. When you look at the impact we are making for NYCHA residents, I believe this model could be a step in the right direction for restructuring NYCHA.

NYCHA has almost 11,000 employees. It is ridiculous. If NYCHA just got rid of all the programs they run and let that money go to The Fund, which partners with non-profit organizations that bring in structure, money (so does the Fund), and curricula that run them. The government isn’t doing right by the majority of these services; they’re okay, but not great. How do we make them better? There are people in government who could be bold and shake it up. It is time for shaking. The government needs to bring in technology and other non-profit organizations to take the load off. The cost is less, and the impact is more.

We recently looked at an NYCHA program that will no longer be funded by the government. The cost is $2.4 million. It’s a popular program that nonprofits and donors love, but the funding came from the last mayor’s fund. That is what happens, which is why having the Fund outside of NYCHA makes sense, because we do not change with each administration. We can grow programs, not grow and cut. These communities need a steady hand.

Of the $2.4 million, over 25% went to salaries. I expect everyone to be paid appropriately, but I’m concerned about having that many people run this program because it doesn’t make financial sense. Philanthropy is changing, too. Donors want to see success, with the majority of the capital going towards programs rather than management, and with an impact on the community/people. Running this program outside NYCHA allows us to be lean and efficient.

I would never want us to be part of the government, but there are plenty of government funds that should be reappropriated to rethink how government operates. I hope that this next generation has the energy to break some glass. There are clearly many ways to change things up with strong leadership and doing it differently. People are ready.