Latest news with #Affordability
New York Times
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Mamdani's Video Savvy: Easy to Envy, Hard to Duplicate
Zohran Mamdani used three things to catapult himself to an upset Democratic primary win in the New York City mayor's race: a viral social media presence, a laser focus on affordability and an exhaustive ground game. His opponents' immediate takeaway? They need a better video strategy. Nine days after Mr. Mamdani clinched victory, Mayor Eric Adams released an online video where he pretended to be talking to Usher — using scenes from the artist's well-known music video for 'Confessions Part II' — to announce a summer concert series. He later filmed himself doing pull-ups from a pedestrian crossing sign, and, more recently, invited New Yorkers on an 'MTV Cribs'-style tour of his home at Gracie Mansion. (As a candidate in 2021, Mr. Adams conducted a similar tour of a home he owns in Brooklyn to demonstrate that he actually lived there. It was not entirely convincing.) Not to be outdone, former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who is running as an independent after losing the primary, has posted videos of himself jump-starting a car and opining on how to pronounce 'Kosciuszko Bridge.' using snappy music, a cinematic filter and a new clip-on microphone. How're they doin'? The consensus: not particularly well. 'Literally doing ANYTHING but his job,' one person commented on Mr. Adams's pull-up video, receiving 2,500 likes. Two comments on the Kosciuszko Bridge video derided Mr. Cuomo, whose father also served as governor, as a 'nepo baby.' Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Trump's worst nightmare': Mamdani targets the president in his general election bid
NEW YORK — Affordability was at the center of Zohran Mamdani's winning primary campaign for New York City mayor. President Donald Trump has become the focus of his general election bid. The Democratic nominee launched a five-borough tour 'against Trump' on Monday to amplify how he believes the president will harm New York City — and why Mamdani thinks he should be elected to lead the vanguard. He's also tying opponents Andrew Cuomo, Eric Adams and Curtis Sliwa closely to Trump, adopting a classic Democratic general election playbook by casting two fellow Democrats and the GOP nominee as the president's favored picks. Mamdani's recalibration comes as Trump announced he's activating the National Guard to respond to crime in Washington, listing New York and Chicago among the cities that could be next in line. It also follows a New York Times story about how Trump has talked with Cuomo as the president considers involving himself in the election. Cuomo has denied discussing the race with Trump. 'We see far too many parallels between Donald Trump and Andrew Cuomo, far too many stories that make clear that both administrations have been characterized by corruption, by a sense of impunity,' Mamdani told reporters Monday at the offices of influential labor union 1199SEIU, which endorsed Cuomo in the primary but is backing Mamdani in the general election. The young state assemblymember who stunned the Democratic establishment by defeating Cuomo in June — despite the former governor's universal name recognition and a $25 million PAC in his corner — now faces the task of winning the November election by a hefty enough margin to bolster his mandate. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, is still seeking the endorsements of party leaders, including New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. But with or without them, he's going after Trump — and anyone he argues would be used by Trump against New Yorkers. He noted Monday that Cuomo conversed with Trump, Adams' criminal fraud case was dropped at the urging of the White House, and that Sliwa shares a political party with the president. 'My administration will be Donald Trump's worst nightmare,' Mamdani declared last week, arguing his policies will lift up the same working-class voters the president has left behind with cuts to health care and food benefits. Mamdani had help Monday from Rep. Jerry Nadler, a manager during Trump's first impeachment trial. While battleground Democrats worry that Mamdani's socialist views will be a liability next year as the party looks to win back the House, Nadler said Mamdani can prove otherwise by triumphing over Trump. 'Every seat matters, every race matters, and who is mayor of New York is crucial,' Nadler said. 'New York City needs a leader who won't give Trump an inch, who won't flinch or bargain away our rights.' Trump has questioned Mamdani's citizenship, vowed to arrest him if he interferes with federal agents' crackdown on illegal immigration and threatened to cut federal funding to New York City if Mamdani doesn't 'do the right thing.' 'Comrade Mamdani is the American people's worst nightmare,' White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said Monday, charging that the Democratic nominee's policies will tank the economy, increase crime and favor undocumented immigrants over American citizens. 'The American people have repeatedly rejected this Communist agenda and the more Mamdani shares his radical policies, the more the American people will recoil.' Mamdani identifies as a democratic socialist and has said he is not a communist. And Communist Party leaders don't count him as a member. Cuomo, making another bid for mayor after losing by nearly 13 points in the June Democratic primary, has argued that Trump would step all over Mamdani. Cuomo said he already stood up to Trump as governor during the Covid pandemic. 'Trump will flatten him like a pancake,' Cuomo posted on X. 'In 2020, Trump sent the National Guard into other states. Not New York. There's only one person in this race who can stand up to Trump: the one who already has, successfully and effectively.' (Cuomo used another food simile in a June primary debate, saying Trump would cut into Mamdani 'like a hot knife through butter.') Adams, the incumbent mayor, has said he is not beholden to anyone, including the president. He has insisted that he seeks a working relationship with Trump for the benefit of the city. And Sliwa, the longshot Republican making a repeat bid for mayor, has no direct relationship with Trump at all. In fact, the GOP nominee has encouraged Trump to stay out of the race for mayor. Mamdani said Monday he's open to dialogue with Trump if it benefits New Yorkers and that as mayor he would combat the president's agenda by staffing up city agencies, including the Law Department, and investing in legal representation for immigrants subject to deportation proceedings. 'Much of that fight back, that has to be delivered forcefully, rhetorically, through conversations, both public and private,' Mamdani said. 'But there's also the act of governance that is its own fight back, a governance that is actually characterized by competence and by compassion.' A version of this story first appeared in Monday's New York Playbook PM. Subscribe here.
New York Times
18-07-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
Mamdani Meets Jeffries in Brooklyn as He Seeks to Expand His Coalition
In the weeks since Zohran Mamdani decisively won the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City, many elected officials and prominent unions have become converts, embracing his viral messaging about making the city more affordable. But some leaders, like Representative Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic House minority leader, have been more cautious, praising Mr. Mamdani but still needing some persuasion. On Friday, Mr. Mamdani began making inroads on his persuasion tour, meeting for an hour with Mr. Jeffries in his Brooklyn congressional district in East New York in an effort to get to know him better. There was no endorsement announcement after the meeting, but both leaders spoke positively afterward. The meeting was 'constructive, candid and community-centered, with a particular focus on affordability,' said Justin Chermol, a spokesman for Mr. Jeffries. The men discussed public safety, antisemitism, gentrification and efforts by Democrats to take back control of the House next year, and they 'agreed to reconvene shortly' with other leaders, including other members of the New York City congressional delegation, Mr. Chermol said. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Washington Post
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
Mamdani charms national Democrats. But N.Y. Dems are just meh.
Zohran Mamdani came to Washington on Wednesday to share tips on how his longshot campaign for the Democratic nomination in New York's mayoral contest connected with voters through clever social media posts and a relentless focus on affordability. National Democrats gushed about what they heard at an hour-long 'Communication and Organizing Skillshare' hosted by a fellow New Yorker, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D). The event was attended by about 40 mainly progressive lawmakers and shifted venues because of high demand, according to a Mamdani spokesperson. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan) called Mamdani 'a very personable, smart young man' and likened his connection with voters to the one President Donald Trump has with his supporters. 'Donald Trump and he both get out and they talk to people and they listen to people and they understand how people feel. And he's using social media the way that Donald Trump has,' Dingell said. Since Mamdani skyrocketed to prominence after trouncing Andrew M. Cuomo in the primary a few weeks ago, national Democratic elected officials and strategists have debated whether the Democratic Party, struggling to gain a foothold in Trump's Washington, has found a compelling message and messenger. Despite the general enthusiasm, not everyone is convinced. In fact, lawmakers in Mamdani's own backyard — New York Democrats — are not fully embracing him. Only four of the 12 Democrats who represent New York City in Congress have so far endorsed the Democratic candidate for mayor in one of the bluest cities in the nation. They include Ocasio-Cortez and Nydia M. Velázquez, who backed the 33-year-old during the primary, while Reps. Jerry Nadler and Adriano Espaillat did so after he won. But the remaining eight appear somewhat reticent to back Mamdani because of concerns related to his stance on Israel as well as his economic positions. Others consider him an unfamiliar candidate who didn't make an effort to reach out to them during the primary. 'Quite frankly, a lot of us don't know him,' Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (D), who also chairs the state's Queens Democratic Party, said in an interview. 'He's a Queens assemblyman and I have not talked to him, not one time. I don't know who he is.' Meeks did not attend the Wednesday breakfast after endorsing Cuomo during the primary for 'delivering results that have made our city and state stronger' while governor. But he said he plans to sit down with Mamdani soon as well as the two independent candidates in the November general election: Cuomo and the incumbent, Eric Adams. It's unclear what all Mamdani did during his visit to the nation's capital, though he did meet with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) and Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Washington). 'He is so smart, so authentic, cares so much about working people and has put together an incredible coalition,' Jayapal, a prominent progressive lawmaker who attended Mamdani's Washington event, told reporters. 'Anybody that's staying out at this point instead of endorsing this incredible, dynamic leader is missing an opportunity.' One breakfast attendee was decidedly unimpressed. 'I don't think higher taxes, anti-job-creating socialism and an acceptance of antisemitic rhetoric is the right direction for America,' said Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a Jewish Democrat who represents New Jersey. 'That said, I am always open to learning how I can reach more people with my commonsense problem-solving approach.' Notably, Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-New York) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York) have yet to endorse Mamdani, though they're scheduled to meet with him Friday. Both publicly congratulated him on his victory, however. Schumer said he ran an 'impressive campaign' and pointed to his work with the Democrat on 'debt relief' for taxi drivers and to stop a fracking plant in Astoria. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York), meanwhile, has had at least one conversation with Mamdani: when she apologized to him for falsely stating he made 'references to global jihad' during a radio show. Jeffries this week told Punchbowl News that the candidate needs to 'reassure' Jewish voters and others that he'll stand up for their safety. He has lauded Mamdani for centering his campaign on affordability and expanding the electorate, especially among South Asian and younger voters. 'He articulated a very provocative platform in that regard. … One of the things that we'll continue to try to do at the national level is lean in aggressively into Donald Trump's failure to address the high cost of living,' Jeffries told MSNBC's Ari Melber. Some Democrats continue to voice serious concerns about Mamdani's stance on Israel. He says the country has committed 'genocide' in Gaza and has questioned its existence as a Jewish state. He stirred controversy during the primary when he refused to denounce the phrase 'globalize the intifada,' which some Jews see as a rallying cry for violence against them. He has since told business leaders he would not use the phrase and would discourage others from doing so, the New York Times reported. Rep. Laura Gillen (D), who represents the outskirts of New York City that have a considerable Jewish population, condemned Mamdani as soon as he emerged as the likely nominee. 'Mr. Mamdani has called to defund the police and has demonstrated a deeply disturbing pattern of unacceptable antisemitic comments which stoke hate at a time when antisemitism is skyrocketing,' she posted on X. Rep. Dan Goldman (D-New York), after meeting with Mamdani, warned that 'he must not only condemn anti-Jewish hate and calls for violence, but make clear as Mayor he would take proactive steps to protect all New Yorkers and make sure us secure.' When asked if she has concerns about how her diverse district will react to Mamdani, Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-New York) said she is not worried about his platform but wants to make sure they are aligned and that he's as inclusive as possible. 'There's clearly some divides out there among the electorate. If there wasn't, I don't think you'd see Governor Cuomo jumping in the race,' she said. Other New York Democrats worry that Mamdani's call for expanding free bus fare and a permanent freeze of rent-stabilized apartments are 'unachievable promises.' Rep. Tom Suozzi, who represents a portion of the city and some adjacent suburbs, penned an opinion piece describing Mamdani's policies as 'lofty, utopian promises.' Others are choosing not to engage. In the northern part of the city, Rep. George Latimer (D), who defeated then-Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D) with the backing of pro-Israel groups, said he's 'not focused' on the race nor is he endorsing a candidate. 'My constituents voted for Cuomo in the primary,' he said. 'He won that section that I represent overwhelmingly. Now it's their choice of who they want to vote for for mayor.' Nonetheless, several Democratic strategists focused on House campaigns see an opportunity to learn from Mamdani's social media presence and charisma. His affordability message also broke through with voters in a different way than when delivered by Hill Democrats, who have repeatedly talked about the issue in the Capitol and back home. Strategists, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to talk openly, have cautioned lawmakers about the lessons to pull from Mamdani's victory. To recapture the House majority, lawmakers know they have to win back Trump-leaning districts, areas where promises on affordability are difficult to keep without imposing a further burden on taxpayers. But Mamdani seems to be winning over an unexpected ally: Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-New York), an Afro-Latino congressman who backed Cuomo in the primary and has strong ties to the Jewish community. Torres said he wants to give Mamdani a chance and has spoken to him over the phone and at New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie's annual barbecue in the Bronx. This week, Torres sponsored a resolution to censure Rep. Andrew Ogles (R-Tennessee) for 'racist rhetoric' toward Jeffries that also included language related to anti-Muslim attacks directed at Mamdani. Mamdani's immediate outreach to Torres after the primary impressed him despite his policy differences with Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), a far-left political group that boasts Mamdani as one of its members. 'If you're willing to reach out to me, you're willing to reach out to any one because I'm radioactive to the DSA,' he said.
Business Wire
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
New Study Warns: Rent Control Offers Short-Term Relief, But Steep Long-Term Costs
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new Pioneer Institute study finds that while rent control can lower rental housing costs and help vulnerable tenants remain in their homes, it also carries steep long-term consequences—including reduced housing quality, lower property values, fewer new housing units, and higher rents for non-controlled apartments. Today, over three-quarters of Greater Boston households earning less than $75,000 per year spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing. Only Washington, D.C. and Chicago have lower rental vacancy rates among U.S. metropolitan areas. 'Public debates over rent control policies reflect a trade-off between the short-term need to provide housing stability to vulnerable families and the long-term need to build enough housing to meet overall demand,' said Andrew Mikula, co-author of 'Stability, Affordability, and Urgency: The Potential Risks and Benefits of 21 st Century Rent Control in Massachusetts' with Aidan Enright. Rent control—typically defined as limits on residential rents or annual rent increases—was eliminated in Massachusetts through a 1994 initiative petition. But with the growing housing affordability crisis, particularly in Greater Boston, interest in rent control has returned. Today, over three-quarters of Greater Boston households earning less than $75,000 per year spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing. Only Washington, D.C. and Chicago have lower rental vacancy rates among U.S. metropolitan areas. In 2021, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu proposed a 'rent stabilization' policy that passed the City Council but has since stalled in the Massachusetts Legislature. Wu's plan would cap annual rent increases at the lower of 10 percent or 6 percent plus CPI, with exemptions for new construction under 15 years old and owner-occupied buildings of six or fewer units. Under this policy, landlords may reset market rates between tenants. Wu's proposal is similar to several 'next generation' rent stabilization programs in place elsewhere in the country. Oregon, for example, caps rent increases at 7 percent plus CPI (10 percent in 2025) and similarly exempts new construction. Most academic research shows that rent stabilization policies reduce housing quality and property values and often result in higher rents for units that remain unregulated. A plurality of studies also find that rent stabilization policies reduce overall housing supply. In a 2022 national survey of multi-family housing developers, 87.5 percent said they would avoid building in jurisdictions with rent control policies. Mikula and Enright conclude that demand-side programs—such as rental vouchers and direct rent subsidies—are more effective in helping low-income renters. These programs provide greater housing stability and increase opportunities for upward mobility without discouraging landlords from maintaining or offering rental units. Massachusetts is one of just four states that operate its own rental voucher program in addition to the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program. 'Long-term, the solution to our housing problem lies in producing enough housing to meet demand,' Enright said. 'That means streamlined permitting procedures and more flexible zoning laws and building codes.' Andrew Mikula is a Senior Fellow in Housing at Pioneer Institute. Beyond housing, Andrew's research areas of interest include urban planning, economic development, and regulatory reform. He holds a Master's Degree in Urban Planning from the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Aidan Enright is Pioneer's Economic Research Associate. He previously served as a congressional intern with Senator Jack Reed and was a tutor in a Providence city school. Mr. Enright received a B.S. in Political Science and Economics from the College of Wooster. Pioneer empowers Americans with choices and opportunities to live freely and thrive. Working with state policymakers, we use expert research, educational initiatives, legal action and coalition-building to advance human potential in four critical areas: K-12 Education, Health, Economic Opportunity, and American Civic Values.
