Early Lessons From New York City. In November 2025, NYC, the USA's largest city, which is home to over 8.5 million people, elected democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani as its mayor, capturing the imagination of millions not just in New York City, but around the world. 

Housing justice and affordability were central to Mamdani’s campaign. Freezing the rent on rent-stabilized apartments got the most public attention, but the effort to promote housing justice also involves tackling other challenges, including enforcing tenant protections, promoting alternative ownership models, and supporting greater housing production more broadly.

Streve Dubb for Shelterforce