Alicka Ampry-Samuel

08/31/2026

The work of preserving affordable housing doesn’t happen from behind a desk.

Over the last several months at HPD, I’ve had the opportunity to spend time in buildings and communities, hear directly from residents, walk properties with our teams, work alongside CBOs and partners, and participate in conversations about the policies, funding and resources needed to keep affordable housing affordable.

Site tours matter. Community conversations matter. Partnerships matter. And yes, the panels and policy discussions matter too. They are all part of the same work.

There is still so much to do, but I’m grateful for the people doing this work every day and for the communities that continue to let us in, speak honestly and hold us accountable.

Preservation is about more than buildings. It’s about people, communities and showing up.

07/19/2026

💭 What would YOU do with $200,000 to improve New Rochelle?

One of my favorite things as a Brooklyn City Council Member was bringing Participatory Budgeting to my district. I loved watching residents turn great ideas into real projects.

Now New Rochelle is doing the same.

Fun fact: Participatory Budgeting isn’t new. Communities from NYC to Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Chicago’s 49th Ward, Vallejo, Durham, Richmond, Saratoga Springs, and one of my favorites—Greensboro, NC 💙💛 —have all used it to give residents a direct voice in how public dollars are spent.

So…what’s your idea?

New Rochelle is asking for ideas on how to invest $200,000 in the public space around New Rochelle High School.

Drop your idea in the comments at newrochelleny.gov/pb ⬇️

This initiative allows residents to propose vet, and vote directly on how to spend a portion of the City’s Capital Budget.

05/06/2026

Great dinner conversation with NHSNYC about the continued importance of affordable housing, preservation, and expanding pathways to homeownership.

Kudos on its 2025 impact:• 200,000 residents reached• 6,000+ residents directly served• Down payment assistance programs• Home repair loans & grants• Responsible and affordable lending

“Homeownership is the bridge and we know how to build it.” — Tonya