New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani has appointed five new commissioners and reappointed one to restructure the Rent Guidelines Commission, which will play a key role in deciding whether to implement his campaign promise to freeze rents for the city’s approximately 1 million rent-stabilized apartments. Chantera Mitchell, a former city housing official, will chair the board, alongside economist Lauren Melodia, labor leader Brandon Mancilla, and researcher Sina Sinai as public representatives. Maxim Win has been appointed as a landlord representative, while tenant attorney Adan Soltren continues as a tenant representative.
Mamdani expressed confidence in Mitchell’s leadership, stating that the board will address the housing challenges facing rent-stabilized tenants. The commission, consisting of two tenant advocates, two landlord representatives, and five public commissioners, typically holds a five-vote majority in rent increase decisions.
Mamdani’s commitment to freezing rents has drawn both support and criticism, particularly from landlords advocating for rent increases to cover rising costs. His strategy also involves pushing for property tax reforms and limiting insurance premium increases, both requiring state approval.
The restructuring follows the departure of housing economist Alex Armlovic, who opposed rent freezes unless economic conditions justified them. His resignation is part of a broader shift in the board, which is expected to examine financial data carefully before making decisions that balance tenant and landlord needs.
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