A City That Serves: Michael Blake's Agenda for NYC Veteran's

Vision:

Michael Blake’s commitment to veterans is personal and principled. As the brother of a military service member, he understands the deep sacrifices veterans make and the challenges they face returning home. The recent passing of Congressman Charlie Rangel – a decorated Korean War veteran and lifelong public servant – underscores the legacy of New York’s veterans and the responsibility we have to honor that legacy through action. As Mayor, Blake will deliver a veteran-centered agenda rooted in accountability for city agencies, dignity, and results.

Housing Stability for Foster and At-Risk Youth

Young people aging out of foster care or facing housing instability must not fall through the cracks. Stable housing is foundational to success in school, work, and life. New York City must take a direct role in ensuring that youth have access to dignified, long-term housing solutions that promote safety, independence, and opportunity.

• Expand supportive housing options for foster youth transitioning to adulthood by creating at least 2,000 new units within five years.
• Fund wraparound services, including trauma counseling, life skills, and workforce training, within all youth-focused housing developments.
• Institute a citywide Foster Youth Housing Preference on affordable housing lotteries, modeled after the Veterans preference program.

Overhaul the Department of Veteran’s Services (DVS)

In April, the New York City Council issued its first-ever agency report card and gave the Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) a grade of “C,” citing overburdened staff, fragmented service coordination, and persistent operational inefficiencies. Despite these documented shortcomings, the Fiscal Year 2025 Executive Budget reduced DVS funding by 16% compared to the previous year—allocating just $5.9 million to an agency tasked with serving more than 138,000 veterans across the five boroughs. That figure represents less than 0.01% of the overall city budget, signaling a troubling mismatch between the city’s stated commitments and its actual investments.

As Mayor, Michael Blake will lead a full-scale restructuring of DVS, creating a modern, accountable agency that delivers timely, high-quality support to veterans in all 5 boroughs. His plan includes strengthening internal oversight, expanding staff capacity, aligning services with veterans’ real-world needs, and fully funding the department to meet its mission.

Reform the Veterans Advisory Board

Blake will review and revise the terms, qualifications, and selection process for members of the City’s Veterans Advisory Board. A more representative, engaged, and accountable board will ensure that veterans’ perspectives directly inform the agency and City Hall’s policy and budget priorities.

Track Verterans’ Intake Requests Across City Agencies

Only 24.1% of veterans in NYC self-identify as veterans when engaging with city services—compared to a national average of 34.3%. This low identification rate leads to gaps in outreach and service delivery. Blake will implement a centralized tracking system for veterans’ intake and referrals across city agencies to better identify needs, improve coordination, and close service gaps.

Pilot Direct Service Delivery with HRA

Blake will pilot a partnership between the Department of Veterans’ Services and the Human Resources Administration (HRA) to embed veteran-specific case management into the delivery of essential benefits and services for veterans in need. This initiative aims to combat poverty and reduce income inequality by improving access to food assistance, cash assistance, emergency rental aid, and other critical supports. The model will streamline service delivery and reflect a “no wrong door” approach to veteran services.

Pass the Cold War Veterans Property Tax Exemption

Blake will champion the long-overdue Cold War Veterans Property Tax Exemption in New York City, honoring those who served during a tense and geopolitically significant era. This financial relief is especially critical in a city where affordability remains a top concern for aging veterans.

Convene a Citywide Veterans Summit

In his first year, Blake will host a Veterans Summit to bring together service providers, advocates, agency leaders, and veterans themselves. The goal: to identify systemic barriers, generate community-driven solutions, and chart both short and long-term strategic plans, as well as an inclusive policy agenda for the City’s veteran population.

Make Sure NYC is Protecting Veterans

• New York City’s Human Rights Law protects veterans and active military members from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations, including protections based on current or prior uniformed service, including reserve components. As Mayor, Blake will ensure these laws are vigorously enforced and that the city holds individuals, employers, and landlords accountable when violations occur. He will also invest in public education to raise awareness of these protections and expand outreach to veterans to ensure they know their rights and how to report discrimination.

The State of NYC’s Veterans

• Population Trends: New York City’s veteran population is declining by 4.83% annually, significantly faster than the national average of 1.82%. Without proactive investment and engagement, services risk becoming disconnected from veterans’ evolving demographics.
• Service-Connected Disabilities: Just 20.1% of NYC veteranshave a service-connected disability rating, compared to 31.2% nationally, suggesting potential under-enrollment in federal benefits or gaps in outreach.
• Homelessness: From 2011 to 2024, the number of homeless veterans in New York City declined by more than 85%, from 4,677 to 624. However, disparities persist—Black veterans remain disproportionately impacted, and the lack of coordination between agencies threatens progress.