You Decide with Errol Louis Tackling New York's affordability crisis with Zohran Mamdani
Sep 25, 2025
Zohran Mamdani, a New York State Assembly member and Democratic mayoral candidate, joins to discuss the pressing affordability crisis in NYC. He presents an ambitious plan targeting rent freezes, lowering insurance costs, and reforming the property tax system. Mamdani emphasizes the importance of supporting small businesses and engaging the community through initiatives like revitalizing local Yemeni coffee shops. He reflects on his unique background as the first Muslim, South Asian mayoral candidate, and shares insights on his marathon training and campaign challenges.
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Multi-Pronged Affordability Strategy
- Mamdani proposes a multi-pronged affordability plan combining a four-year rent freeze with actions on insurance and utility costs.
- He argues city intervention (like a captive insurer and opposing utility hikes) can materially improve housing affordability.
Property Tax Reform Needs Mayoral Leadership
- Mamdani says property tax reform is necessary and Albany expects mayoral leadership to drive change.
- He frames inequitable property taxes as central to rental pressures and housing production problems.
Foreclosure Counseling On The Ground
- As a foreclosure prevention counselor Mamdani knocked on doors of owners facing tax lien sales to warn them and enroll them in relief programs.
- He recounts meeting a client who only spoke Urdu and had no idea their lien was about to be sold.