Beyond the Resume with Seth Bynum (The making of a true NYC Houser)
Mon Feb 02 2026
In this episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Seth Bynum, Senior Advisor for Housing Policy and Development in the New York City Deputy Mayor’s Office, for a deep dive into how housing policy actually gets made—and implemented—on the ground.
Seth explains his role as a liaison between the Mayor’s Office, HPD, HDC, and NYCHA, and why his job ultimately comes down to making it easier to finance and build housing in one of the most complex development environments in the world. The conversation explores New York City’s landmark City of Yes zoning reforms, the shift toward embracing all housing as good housing, and why political risk, environmental review, and time delays remain the biggest obstacles to development.
Seth also shares his personal journey—from discovering urban studies by accident at Vassar, to cold-messaging housing leaders on LinkedIn, to working as an affordable housing developer, and finally returning to public service. Along the way, he reflects on why affordable housing finance is so difficult to break into, why Excel and underwriting matter, and what it really means to be a “houser.”
The episode closes with Seth’s reading list, podcast recommendations, and candid advice for young professionals who want to build careers in housing policy, development, and public service.
Chapters
(00:03:21) What Seth Does in the Mayor’s Office
An overview of Seth’s role coordinating housing finance agencies and translating policy into action.
(00:06:00) Why Building in NYC Is So Hard
Political risk, environmental review, oversubscribed bond pipelines, and systemic delays.
(00:08:13) City of Yes and the Housing Paradigm Shift
How zoning reform changed the conversation from “only affordable” to “more housing.”
(00:11:51) Finding Housing Through Urban Studies
How Seth’s upbringing in Essex County shaped his understanding of place and equity.
(00:15:09) Falling in Love With Housing Policy
From Senate hearings on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to a career-defining realization.
(00:21:05) Breaking Into Affordable Housing
LinkedIn outreach, HPD internships, and learning LIHTC from the inside.
(00:27:23) From Developer to Deputy Mayor’s Office
Why firsthand development experience matters in public-sector housing leadership.
(00:35:24) Day-to-Day Reality: Closing Season
What December looks like inside NYC housing finance and why relationships matter.
LINKS:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/TmNgZn5UYRs
Spotify: https://bit.ly/beyondtheresume-spotify
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9
KEYWORDS:
affordable housing, New York City housing, housing policy, City of Yes, housing development, LIHTC, NYCHA, urban studies, housing finance
More
In this episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Seth Bynum, Senior Advisor for Housing Policy and Development in the New York City Deputy Mayor’s Office, for a deep dive into how housing policy actually gets made—and implemented—on the ground. Seth explains his role as a liaison between the Mayor’s Office, HPD, HDC, and NYCHA, and why his job ultimately comes down to making it easier to finance and build housing in one of the most complex development environments in the world. The conversation explores New York City’s landmark City of Yes zoning reforms, the shift toward embracing all housing as good housing, and why political risk, environmental review, and time delays remain the biggest obstacles to development. Seth also shares his personal journey—from discovering urban studies by accident at Vassar, to cold-messaging housing leaders on LinkedIn, to working as an affordable housing developer, and finally returning to public service. Along the way, he reflects on why affordable housing finance is so difficult to break into, why Excel and underwriting matter, and what it really means to be a “houser.” The episode closes with Seth’s reading list, podcast recommendations, and candid advice for young professionals who want to build careers in housing policy, development, and public service. Chapters (00:03:21) What Seth Does in the Mayor’s Office An overview of Seth’s role coordinating housing finance agencies and translating policy into action. (00:06:00) Why Building in NYC Is So Hard Political risk, environmental review, oversubscribed bond pipelines, and systemic delays. (00:08:13) City of Yes and the Housing Paradigm Shift How zoning reform changed the conversation from “only affordable” to “more housing.” (00:11:51) Finding Housing Through Urban Studies How Seth’s upbringing in Essex County shaped his understanding of place and equity. (00:15:09) Falling in Love With Housing Policy From Senate hearings on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to a career-defining realization. (00:21:05) Breaking Into Affordable Housing LinkedIn outreach, HPD internships, and learning LIHTC from the inside. (00:27:23) From Developer to Deputy Mayor’s Office Why firsthand development experience matters in public-sector housing leadership. (00:35:24) Day-to-Day Reality: Closing Season What December looks like inside NYC housing finance and why relationships matter. LINKS: YouTube: https://youtu.be/TmNgZn5UYRs Spotify: https://bit.ly/beyondtheresume-spotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9 KEYWORDS: affordable housing, New York City housing, housing policy, City of Yes, housing development, LIHTC, NYCHA, urban studies, housing finance