Can Mamdani Deliver Affordability for NYC? | CUNY Forum

This CUNY FORUM examines how mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani built a broad, pragmatic coalition by listening, course-correcting after the primary, and emphasizing authenticity, accountability, and outreach to communities that initially felt marginalized. Panelists stress that his success now hinges on delivering measurable affordability gains—on rents, child care, transit, and housing—while restoring trust after years of scandal in City Hall. They highlight the tension between ambition and fiscal reality, the need for ethical reform, and careful coalition management as he governs.

Overall, this CUNY FORUM frames Mamdani as a generational change-maker who talks less ideology and more results—and sets up the big question viewers will be watching: can he turn bold promises on affordability into real, measurable wins New Yorkers can feel in their daily lives?

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Guest List:
Grace Rauh - Executive Director, Citizens Union
Tara L. Martin - Democratic Strategist
Kayla Santosuosso - Councilmember-elect, District 47, Brooklyn


Recording Date
12/11/2025
First Air Date
12/16/2025

CUNY Forum is an hour-long program that allows for extended discussion of governmental issues by panels of educators, government leaders and industry figures. The audience consists of students participating in the CUNY Edward T. Rogowsky Internship Program in Government and Public Affairs, who are encouraged to question and interact with the panel. CUNY Forum is one of a number of programs produced by the City University appearing in the CUNY Presents timeslot, on a rotating monthly basis.

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