Kamal for Mayor
An Equitable City
Mayor Kamal Johnson envisions a Hudson where every resident has the opportunity to thrive. Since taking office, he has worked to expand affordable housing, improve public infrastructure, strengthen public health, and ensure youth and seniors alike have access to the resources they need.
Housing Access & Affordability
Protecting Current Residents: Launched the Hudson Roots rental assistance program, preventing nearly 100 evictions and assisting 124 households since 2023. Appointed the City’s first Fair Housing Officer.
Preserving Housing Units: Secured over $1.1 million in grants for home repair and accessibility improvements. Protected affordability at Providence Hall and Schuyler Court.
Strengthening Housing Policy: Achieved NYS Pro-Housing Status, passed Good Cause Eviction, advanced zoning reforms for “missing middle” housing, and created the Hudson Housing Trust Fund.
Producing New Housing: Supported development of over 300 new affordable and moderate-rate apartments, including senior housing at John L. Edwards School, rent-capped apartments in the Depot District, and partnerships with Hudson Housing Authority and Kearney Development Group.
Expanding Homeownership: Backed the County’s first community land trust, Trillium CLT, to create permanently affordable homes.
Public Spaces & Accessibility
Completed Hudson 2035, the City’s first comprehensive plan update in 20+ years.
Rebuilt the Ferry Street Bridge, reconnecting downtown Hudson to the waterfront.
Renovated Promenade Hill Park with $2 million in public and private funding, transforming it into an accessible public plaza.
Secured over $3 million for Complete Streets, improving intersections, lighting, sidewalks, and adding multi-use lanes.
Completed City Hall ADA renovations and created a Public Works Board that has already generated $315,000 for sidewalk repairs.
Climate, Environment, and Public Health
Secured $74 million in grants for stormwater separation and infrastructure upgrades.
Replaced century-old sewer systems with modern infrastructure.
Planted over 40 new trees and launched a Street Tree Request Program.
Achieved Bronze Level Climate Smart Community status.
Youth, Seniors & Families
Appointed a new Youth Director and unionized the Youth Department.
Partnered with the Hudson City School District on attendance and strategic planning initiatives.
Joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities and strengthened services for seniors through a County partnership.
Advanced plans for new youth recreation spaces, including Charles Williams Park and Oakdale Lake.
Police Reform & Social Services
Helped launch the Wellness Hub, bringing together emergency housing, supportive housing, and mental health services (in pre-development).
Partnered with Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhoods and developers to expand affordable daycare options.
Continued commitment to immigrant protections and advocacy at the state level.
Small Business & Employment
Provided $50,000 in grants to minority-owned businesses.
Created new jobs and amenities by supporting local breweries and cannabis dispensaries.
Partnered to revitalize Hudson’s Winter Walk and supported Columbia County’s Shopping Shuttle expansion.
Advocated for fairer contracts and wages for local workers, including Columbia Memorial Hospital staff.