The Daily Dirt: Mayoral forum superlatives

"Rule number one: Know your audience. Rule number two: Answer the question you want to answer, not necessarily the question asked. At least that is the playbook I assume mayoral hopefuls were following as they made their case to an industry-heavy crowd on Wednesday morning at a forum held by Crain's. Candidates abided by the second rule to varying degrees, though the moderators did their best to keep them on track."

"The rent-stabilized landlords make too much money claim Assembly member Zohran Mamdani said the Rent Guidelines Board's own data on landlord profits should result in a rent freeze for stabilized tenants. Every year when this data comes out, landlord groups point out that the RGB's Income and Expense report includes market-rate units and leaves out a slew of other costs."

"Most likely to make Yimbys throw their copies of On the Housing Crisis against the wall: The ballot questions dodge and low-density exceptions None of the mayoral candidates gave a glowing endorsement of these measures on Wednesday. In fact, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa vehemently opposes them, referring to the proposals as City of Yes on steroids. Cuomo wasn't asked (but his reps have called the proposals a no brainer), and Mamdani said he hasn't taken a position."

Mayoral hopefuls addressed an industry-heavy forum, tailoring remarks to the audience and frequently answering the questions they preferred. Candidates spoke on property tax reform, housing policy, rent stabilization, and ballot measures without facing identical questions or direct debate-style comparisons. Superlatives highlighted standout real estate moments, such as Assembly member Zohran Mamdani's claim that Rent Guidelines Board data on landlord profits should justify a rent freeze, and landlord groups' rebuttal about data limitations. Ballot proposals involving zoning and low-density exceptions received no unanimous support; Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa opposed them strongly, Cuomo's representatives signaled support, and positions otherwise varied.

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