Policy Resources

Three teenage students walking out of a school building, laughing

Testimony & Public Comment

AFC Comments on the 2026 NYC Preliminary Racial Equity Plan

AFC submitted comments to the Mayor’s Office of Equity & Racial Justice regarding the 2026 New York City Preliminary Racial Equity Plan. Our comments focus primarily on the goals regarding NYC Public Schools, particularly in the areas of special education, school climate and social-emotional learning, and literacy instruction.

May 5, 2026

Selective focus colored pencils with red pencil sticking out (Photo by sorapop, Adobe Stock)

Issue Brief

Educational Indicators for Students Experiencing Homelessness, 2024–25

This brief summarizes data on a subset of the more than 154,000 New York City students who were identified as homeless during the 2024–25 school year — data that underscore the need for funding equity and a coordinated Citywide response.

Apr 6, 2026

Two young children playing in a schoolyard.

Testimony & Public Comment

AFC Testifies on the Path to Universal Child Care

Today, AFC is testifying before the New York City Council Subcommittee on Early Childhood Education regarding the expansion of early childhood care and education programs and how the City should use this opportunity to create a fully inclusive and accessible system.

Mar 2, 2026

Testimony & Public Comment

AFC Testifies on the FY 2027 State Education Budget Proposal

Today, AFC is testifying at the Joint Legislative Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2027 Executive Budget Proposal for Elementary and Secondary Education.

Jan 29, 2026

Close up of students writing on exam answer sheets in a classroom.

Issue Brief

Student Homelessness in New York City, 2024–25

For the tenth year in a row, more than 100,000 students experienced homelessness during the 2024–25 school year—with the number topping 150,000 students for the first time.

Oct 20, 2025

Issue Brief

Educational Indicators for Students Experiencing Homelessness, 2023–24

This brief summarizes data on a subset of the more than 146,000 New York City students who were identified as homeless during the 2023–24 school year.

Oct 20, 2025

Closeup of student holding a pencil in class

Policy Agenda

Leading the Way for NYC Schools: Recommendations for the Next Administration

Excellent public schools are essential to making New York City an attractive place to live and raise a family and to ensuring a strong foundation for our City’s future. Regardless of what happens at the federal level in the years ahead, it will be essential for New York City Public Schools to remain focused on the critical task of ensuring all young people receive the support they need to learn and thrive. Based on our experience helping thousands of New York City families each year, we urge the next Mayoral Administration to take on big challenges with bold ideas and stand firm in the face of threats to students’ civil rights.

Feb 25, 2025

Issue Brief

Student Homelessness in New York City, 2023–24

More than 146,000 New York City students—about one in every eight children enrolled in the public schools—experienced homelessness during the 2023–24 school year, the ninth consecutive year in which more than 100,000 students were identified as homeless.

Nov 18, 2024

Issue Brief

Educational Indicators for Students Experiencing Homelessness, 2022–23

This brief summarizes data on a subset of the more than 119,000 New York City students who were identified as homeless during the 2022–23 school year.

Nov 18, 2024

Midsection of a student sitting on the floor, writing in a notebook with a pencil.

Testimony & Public Comment

AFC Testifies on Supporting Domestic Violence Survivors in NYC’s Shelter System

Today, AFC is testifying before the New York City Council Committee on General Welfare, jointly with the New York City Council Committee on Women and Gender Equity on supporting domestic violence survivors in NYC’s shelter system.

Oct 9, 2024

Leading the Way for NYC Schools: Recommendations for the Next Administration

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