New York City finance officials are pursuing legislation to reauthorize the city’s ability to sell tax liens on property debt, a controversial program that lawmakers previously criticized for disproportionately targeting communities of color and hurting low-income homeowners.

The proposal includes “the most significant reforms to the tax lien sale since its inception,” Finance Commissioner Preston Niblack said at a Department of Finance event in October. It will “help ensure that no homeowner need ever face the prospect of eviction” and “preserve affordable housing opportunities in disadvantaged neighborhoods,” he said.

Council Member Justin Brannan (D), …