NYC's outgoing planner says Mamdani's proposed rent freeze must avoid 'pushing buildings into distress'

"In his four years as director of the New York City Department of Planning, Dan Garodnick oversaw one of the most sweeping changes to the city's zoning rules in decades. The policy, called City of Yes, initiated a collection of revisions to boost housing, including updates that allow new apartment projects to add bulk used for affordable housing, homes to convert basements or add backyard cottages as accessory dwellings, and more office buildings to be converted into residential space."

"The real estate community has not been excited about Mamdani. What would you tell them?I would encourage them to give him a chance to lay out his agenda for housing and economic development and make their determinations. What advice did you give him? Did you give him any? Focus on delivering results and making sure that the government can execute ideas at scale."

Dan Garodnick led a broad zoning overhaul called City of Yes that enabled denser development and conversions to increase housing supply. The policy allows added bulk for affordable units, basement conversions, backyard accessory dwellings, and more office-to-residential conversions. Zohran Mamdani campaigned on bold promises to address worsening housing affordability, including proposed rent freezes that could discourage owners of aging rent-regulated buildings from performing needed maintenance after prior regulatory revenue impacts. The mayoralty will test whether policymakers can lower housing costs without destabilizing landlords who build and maintain most housing. Garodnick advised focusing on execution and respecting the city council’s counterbalancing role.

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