Trump and Mamdani Agree to Advance $21B Sunnyside Yards Housing Plan

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and President Trump met at Gracie Mansion on Monday to discuss advancing a $21 billion housing plan at Sunnyside Yards in Queens. The two leaders agreed to set up technical talks between White House and City Hall teams to develop the 180-acre railyard into 12,000 homes and 30,000 jobs. Though they disagreed on immigration policy, both emphasized their focus on affordability and economic growth for New York.

The Sunnyside Yards plan takes shape

The Sunnyside Yards project would build 12,000 homes, parks, schools and other amenities over a 190-acre Queens railyard. The development requires $21 billion in federal funding and multiple federal approvals. Mamdani first pitched the idea to Trump earlier this year, and the two agreed Monday to advance technical talks between their housing and operations teams.

Trump and Mamdani find common ground on housing

Trump praised the location, saying he once owned a building in Sunnyside and knows it well. He acknowledged the project will need “a lot of federal approvals and probably some federal money,” but added “maybe they have a shot at doing it.” Trump emphasized he wants an affordable housing component built into the plan. Mamdani called the meeting productive and said both leaders are focused on tackling the cost of living crisis.

Immigration remains a point of disagreement

The two leaders also discussed Trump’s decision to revoke Temporary Protected Status for immigrants from 13 countries, including Haiti. Mamdani has publicly opposed the move and sued the Trump administration last week over a new rule limiting green card issuance for those affected. Despite their differences on immigration, Mamdani said he will work with anyone to improve New Yorkers’ lives.

Third meeting signals ongoing relationship

This was the third meeting between Trump and Mamdani since the mayor took office in November 2025, but the first at Gracie Mansion. Trump was in New York on Monday to prepare for his Tuesday address to the United Nations General Assembly. Both the mayor’s and president’s chiefs of staff attended the roughly one-hour meeting.

Final Thoughts

The Sunnyside Yards agreement shows Mamdani and Trump can work together on housing despite sharp disagreements on immigration. For New York, the project’s success depends on federal funding and approvals that remain uncertain. Investors watching NYC real estate and development should monitor whether the White House follows through on technical talks.

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