Max Politics

Grace Rauh, executive director of government reform group Citizens Union, joined the show to discuss ballot question 6 and whether New York City should move its elections to presidential years. The question is on the 2025 general election ballot, put to city voters to see their preference, but would still require a state constitutional change to actually happen. If city voters approve the measure - placed on the ballot by a Charter Revision Commission - and the state process unfolds (including state legislative passage in two consecutive terms and a statewide ballot referendum being approved), it could be in effect for 2032. Rauh and Citizens Union are in favor of the switch to improve voter participation, but some are worried about local races and issues getting overshadowed by national ones, among other concerns. The one-time shift could also allow the next mayor and other city electeds to hold office for 11 years in sum. (Ep 541)

Grace Mausser and Gustavo Gordillo, the co-chairs of the New York City branch of the Democratic Socialists of America, joined the show to discuss the DSA, the Zohran Mamdani campaign and mayoral election, and what comes next if Mamdani is elected mayor. (Ep 540)

In episode six, we’re focusing on affordability, housing and the related ballot proposals. We’re joined by housing experts Jamie Rubin (Chief Investment Officer of Aligned Climate Capital & Chairman of the Board of NYCHA) and Alicia Glen (Founder and Managing Principle of M Squared & former Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development), who share their thoughts on what the next Mayor should accomplish – and how. Remember: early voting is in full swing. Visit vote.nyc or call 1-866-VOTE-NYC to find your early and election day polling sites — they may be different — and see what will be on your ballot. — FAQ NYC and Max Politics are teaming up for a limited series, coming to you every Tuesday through November, featuring special guests who will help us dig into the latest in the mayor's race – and what's at stake for New Yorkers. City Hall Free For All is brought to you with generous support from Jamie Rubin and Vital City. This week's episode was hosted by Christina Greer, Katie Honan, Ben Max and Harry Siegel. Our Senior Producer is Giulia Hjort, and Noah Smith is our engineer. Our series consultants are Jess Hackel and Courtney Harrell. Music from Epidemic Sound.

Alex Armlovich, a Senior Housing Policy Analyst and member of NYC's Rent Guidelines Board, dives into the complexities of housing policy. He discusses the RGB's role, comparing it to utility regulators, and the challenges of balancing rents and operating costs. Armlovich highlights the repercussions of broad rent freezes, warning they could lead to building bankruptcies. He also talks about policy tools to aid distressed buildings and the importance of accurate data in assessing housing viability, advocating for proactive, technocratic solutions.

Kenny Burgos, CEO of the New York Apartment Association and former State Assembly member from the Bronx, joined the show to discuss the challenges in rent-stabilized housing, the perspective of landlords and building managers, the prospects of a Mayor Mamdani and the candidate's promise to freeze stabilized rents for four years, and much more about housing policy. (Ep 538)

Cea Weaver — Executive Director of Housing Justice for All and New York State Tenant Bloc, a longtime tenant activist, and a housing policy advisor to Zohran Mamdani — joined the show to discuss renters' political power, Mamdani's housing agenda including his pledge to freeze rents on rent-stabilized housing, and more on housing policy and politics. Weaver's organizations "work together to strengthen tenant organizing, advocate pro-tenant legislation, and elect tenants and their allies to public office in New York." She has run winning campaigns to expand rent stabilization and protect rent-stabilized housing, pass "good cause eviction," and more. (Ep 536)

In episode five, we debrief the first mayoral debate and preview the second one as Andrew Cuomo struggles to gain ground against frontrunner Zohran Mamdani with wild card Curtis Sliwa also in the mix. Plus, two-time former NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton joins to explain why he wouldn't advise Jessica Tisch, or anyone else, to run the NYPD on Mamdani's watch. Remember: early voting begins on Saturday. Visit vote.nyc or call 1-866-VOTE-NYC to find your early and election day polling sites — they may be different — and see what will be on your ballot. — FAQ NYC and Max Politics are teaming up for a limited series, coming to you every Tuesday through November, featuring special guests who will help us dig into the latest in the mayor's race – and what's at stake for New Yorkers. City Hall Free For All is brought to you with generous support from Jamie Rubin and Vital City. This week's episode was hosted by Christina Greer, Katie Honan, Ben Max and Harry Siegel. Our Senior Producer is Giulia Hjort, and Noah Smith is our engineer. Our series consultants are Jess Hackel and Courtney Harrell. Music from Epidemic Sound.

Matt Wing, a political strategist and founder of Wingspan, joined the show to analyze the first of two televised debates in the general election for Mayor of New York City and what comes next. Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa debated on NBC NY on the night of Thursday, October 16, 2025, and this conversation between Wing and host Ben Max was recorded right after. (Ep 535)

In our fourth episode, we discuss the federal indictment of New York Attorney General Tish James, how the mayoral candidates are reacting, and how the next mayor could influence President Trump’s approach to the city. Then, DSA-backed City Council Member Alexa Avilés of Brooklyn, chair of the Council immigration committee, joins us to talk about Trump’s immigration crackdown, her hopes for a Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and her own potential run for Congress. — FAQ NYC and Max Politics are teaming up for a limited series, coming to you every Tuesday through November, featuring special guests who will help us dig into the latest in the mayor's race – and what's at stake for New Yorkers. City Hall Free For All is brought to you with generous support from Jamie Rubin and Vital City. This week's episode was hosted by Christina Greer, Ben Max and Harry Siegel. Our Senior Producer is Giulia Hjort. Rachel Lightner engineered this episode. Our series consultants are Jess Hackel and Courtney Harrell. Music from Epidemic Sound. (Ep 534)

New York State Assemblymember Robert Carroll, a Brooklyn Democrat, joined the show to discuss his push to ensure that education issues are discussed in the home stretch of the race to be the next Mayor of New York City, the importance of prioritizing literacy instruction, his short list of potential next city school chancellors, mayoral control of city schools, and more. (Ep 533)