The Kingston Common Council is preparing for a crucial vote in April that could formalize its opposition to Mayor Steve Noble’s proposed housing nonprofit, Kingston Forward, Inc. The move comes after weeks of debate and concerns about the nonprofit's structure, funding, and oversight. The council’s Laws and Rules Committee approved the resolution last week, setting the stage for a full council decision next month, according to reporting from the Daily Freeman.

The draft resolution objects to the mayor’s plan to launch Kingston Forward, Inc. without what lawmakers say is necessary legislative backing or clearly appropriated funds. It also states that no council member may serve as a voting member of the nonprofit’s board, and it calls on the mayor to work collaboratively with the council to develop housing solutions that follow established financial and legislative guidelines.

During a recent committee meeting, lawmakers expressed a range of worries about the nonprofit. Council members questioned the potential financial risk to the city, the process used to select the board, and whether the planned revolving loan fund could truly deliver on affordability goals. Councilmember Michael Tierney voiced concern that the city could be left financially responsible if a development project fails, saying, "I'm still not convinced the city will not be on the hook if one of these developments goes belly up." Other members, such as Ruth Katz and Sara Pasti, echoed calls for clearer separation between city staff and the nonprofit, and for more transparency in board appointments (Daily Freeman).

The proposed nonprofit would aim to build new public mixed-income housing using a revolving loan fund, a model previously tried in larger cities like Montgomery County, Maryland. Bartek Starodaj, the city’s director of housing initiatives, has argued that this approach could help Kingston develop more deeply affordable units—defined as costing no more than 50 percent of the area median income (AMI). However, some council members argue that the city needs units at even lower AMI thresholds and question whether the nonprofit can guarantee strong tenant protections.

Mayor Noble, responding to the resolution in an email, said the council has been involved since last summer and that “no city funding is being requested and that the risk to the city is extremely low, if there is any risk at all.” He emphasized that the nonprofit would adhere to open meetings law and reporting standards, promising transparency and accountability.

The council’s debate on the nonprofit comes against a broader backdrop of housing challenges in Kingston. Last year, Mayor Noble vetoed a council resolution to maintain a housing emergency, citing concerns over legal risks and a new vacancy study, even as advocates and some lawmakers argued the city faces ongoing housing insecurity (Spectrum News 1).

The full council is expected to vote on the resolution in April. The outcome could shape how Kingston approaches affordable housing development and sets the tone for future collaboration—or disagreement—between the mayor’s office and the council.