
David Brand
Housing reporter for WNYC and Gothamist who covers local development, policy, and housing issues, providing analysis of the Sunnyside Yards proposal.
Top 10 podcasts with David Brand
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Mar 9, 2026 • 26min
Mayor Mamdani's Push to Build at Sunnyside Yard
David Brand, WNYC and Gothamist housing reporter who covers local development, breaks down the revived Sunnyside Yard platform plan. He outlines the scale, costs, and transit challenges. He walks through political dynamics, community reactions, and how the project connects to neighborhood growth and open space debates.

Mar 16, 2026 • 17min
The Court Ruling That Could Make NYC Housing Vouchers Harder to Use
David Brand, a WNYC and Gothamist reporter who covers housing and city policy, explains NYC’s paused tax lien sale and a court ruling that overturned renter protections for housing vouchers. He walks through how lien sales work and who they harm. He also outlines the appellate decision's effects on voucher holders and what might happen next.

Jan 16, 2026 • 28min
A Controversial Sale of Rent-Stabilized Apartments
David Brand, a housing reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, dives into the contentious sale of 5,000 rent-stabilized apartments by the bankrupt Pinnacle. He reveals shocking details about Pinnacle’s debts and violations that led to its downfall. Brand raises concerns about the buyer, Summit, known for its poor record on tenant care. Listeners share harrowing tenant experiences while discussing alternatives to private buyers, like community land trusts. Lastly, Brand hints at an imminent ruling that could impact tenants’ living conditions and repair timelines.

Jan 6, 2026 • 27min
Mayor Mamdani's First Moves on Housing
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.

Dec 19, 2025 • 27min
Adams Rent Guidelines Board Appointments and City Council Housing Votes
David Brand, a housing reporter at WNYC and Gothamist, dives into the recent appointments made by outgoing Mayor Eric Adams to the Rent Guidelines Board. He discusses how these appointments may thwart new mayor Zohran Mamdani's campaign promise to freeze rents. Brand explains the backgrounds of the new board members, debates on the necessity of landlord revenue, and highlights recent City Council housing bills aimed at increasing family-size affordable units. He also covers the implications of rising rents on tenants and the ongoing short-term rental reform efforts.

Dec 12, 2025 • 22min
A New Plan For Affordable Housing at Atlantic Yards
David Brand, a housing reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, dives into the complexities of the new affordable housing proposal at Atlantic Yards. He discusses the ambitious plan for around 9,000 units and the controversies surrounding what 'affordable' truly means. Brand recounts the project's troubled history, including developer changes and delays, while highlighting community demands for deeper affordability. The conversation touches on the impact of Greenland's bankruptcy and the need for accountability in housing promises, revealing Atlantic Yards as a cautionary tale for future projects.

Dec 5, 2025 • 22min
The ‘Systematic Fraud’ Behind New York’s Foreclosure Process
David Brand, a dedicated housing reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, joins Chris Bragg, Albany bureau chief at New York Focus, to unravel the complexities of New York's foreclosure auction process. They share the story of Barbara Small, who lost her home due to flawed calculations on auction proceeds. The duo delves into systemic issues, revealing that 95% of foreclosure cases apply misleading interest calculations. They also discuss proposed legislation aimed at standardizing these practices and highlight the racial disparities tied to foreclosures in the city.

Nov 13, 2025 • 5min
Evening Roundup: Case Against NJ Congressmember Advances, Viral Scale Model of NYC Gets Official Exhibit, and Elizabeth Street Garden is Becoming a City Park
David Brand, a dedicated WNYC housing reporter, shares insights on the ongoing case against Congressmember LaMonica McIver, detailing the implications for local politics. He also discusses the fascinating journey of Joe MacKeen's viral scale model of NYC that will be showcased in a museum, capturing the public's imagination. Additionally, Brand examines the transformation of the Elizabeth Street Garden into a city park, exploring the community’s efforts and the challenges faced in local development.

Nov 5, 2025 • 14min
Evening Roundup: NYC Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani Unveils Transition Team, and Mayor Adams’ Housing Legacy
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist focused on affordability and universal child care, reveals his transition team and ambitious plans for NYC. He aims to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and streamline city regulations to support small businesses. WNYC housing reporter David Brand analyzes Mayor Eric Adams’ housing record, highlighting the challenges Mamdani will face. Brand contrasts past zoning reforms with ongoing affordability issues, suggesting the path ahead is fraught with uncertainties but ripe with potential for change.

Oct 30, 2025 • 5min
Midday News: Airport Delays Mount Amid Federal Shutdown, Heating Aid Applications Postponed, and Early Voting Begins in New York City
David Brand, a housing reporter with WNYC, joins the conversation to unpack an intriguing ballot proposal aimed at digitizing New York City's extensive paper map archives. He discusses how this initiative could significantly streamline urban planning and development processes. However, David also highlights concerns from local officials regarding the implications for local control and planning commission capabilities. Additionally, listeners will learn about the ongoing federal shutdown affecting air travel and heating assistance in the city.


