The Brian Lehrer Show Mayor Mamdani's First Moves on Housing
Jan 6, 2026
David Brand, a housing reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, discusses Mayor Zohran Mamdani's inaugural focus on housing policy. He highlights significant appointments like Dina Levy as HPD commissioner, which signals a commitment to affordable housing enforcement. Brand also outlines Sia Weaver's role as tenant advocate and her past controversies. The conversation explores ambitious plans for city-owned land and tenant protections, particularly against the backdrop of Pinnacle Realty's bankruptcy and tenant organizing efforts.
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New HPD Chief Marries Enforcement And Preservation
- Dina Levy will lead HPD, combining enforcement, financing, and rental assistance in one agency role.
- Her background spans the state housing agency, the attorney general's office, and tenant-focused nonprofit work.
Tenant Organizer Enters City Hall
- Sia Weaver moves from tenant organizing into the mayor's office to hold bad landlords accountable.
- Her track record includes pushing statewide tenant protections like Good Cause Eviction and 2019 reforms.
Past Statements Shape Political Pushback
- Weaver's past tweets show radical critiques of private property and gentrification, fueling political controversy.
- Some comments link housing policy to broader critiques of white supremacy and capitalism.