NYC Council Passes Bill Giving Nonprofits First Right to Buy Distressed Apartment Buildings

The New York City Council on Wednesday approved the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA), giving certified nonprofit organisations a head start on purchasing distressed apartment buildings before they reach the open market. The bill, sponsored by Brooklyn Democratic Councilmember Sandy Nurse and backed by 33 co-sponsors, was championed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani as a tool to preserve affordable housing. It applies initially to approximately 2,100 buildings deemed 'distressed' — those with three or more housing violations per unit, enrolled in city enforcement programmes, or facing municipal foreclosure. Owners of eligible buildings must notify the city when selling; interested nonprofits have 20 days to express interest and 70 more to match an offer. The Real Estate Board of New York softened its opposition after revisions made in May. A prior version of the bill was vetoed by then-Mayor Eric Adams in 2025. Council Sponsor Sandy Nurse said the bill creates opportunities for communities to fight for buildings at risk.