Do you want NYC rent freeze? Mamdani calls for New Yorkers to testify

Amethyst Martinez, USA TODAY NETWORKFri, May 1, 2026 at 9:30 PM UTC

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Do you want NYC rent freeze? Mamdani calls for New Yorkers to testify

Zohran Mamdani is bringing out New Yorkers to begin canvassing in a direct parallel to his campaign tactics as he attempts to freeze the rent.

The mayor, whose grassroots campaign surpassed three million doors knocked across the city, is asking New Yorkers for help once again. This time, with upcoming Rental Guideline Board meetings which will be part of the decision to freeze the rent.

Here's his new effort, and what to know about the hearings.

Can Mamdani freeze the rent?

Mamdani has proposed a rent freeze on rent-stabilized apartments, where millions of New Yorkers call home.

"As Mayor, Zohran will immediately freeze the rent for all stabilized tenants, and use every available resource to build the housing New Yorkers need and bring down the rent," his campaign website says.

But the Rent Guidelines Board has the ultimate power to freeze the rent for rent-stabilized units. In February, Mamdani appointed six members to the nine-member board.

The board decides annually if the rent should go up, and by how much. This summer, a vote is expected on if an increase should take place, putting the mayor's campaign promise to test.

New efforts by Mamdani admin to meet campaign promise

This week, the mayor announced the launch of Organize NYC, an initiative to mobilize New Yorkers on city issues.

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The initiative's first plan is to canvass across the city as the group attempts to get New Yorker testimony in front of the board.

"Organize NYC will not advocate for any specific outcome in the RGB vote or guide what participants say if they choose to testify," a release on the move said.

"Instead, the campaign focuses on ensuring more New Yorkers can take part in decisions that directly impact their lives."

Organize NYC, which falls under the Mayor's Office of Mass Engagement, plans to begin canvassing early May.

"Volunteers will canvass across the city to encourage tenants and landlords to testify ahead of the Board’s June vote, which will determine whether rents increase or remain the same for more than 2 million New Yorkers," the release said.

"The RGB considers public testimony as part of its decision-making process."

Some of the stops made across the city will be in:

Concourse, the Bronx

Jackson Heights, Queens

Northern Washington Heights, Manhattan

East Village, Manhattan

Flatbush, Brooklyn

When are the hearings?

Here are the upcoming hearings:

Queens: June 4 at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center Auditorium (5 p.m.)

Bronx: June 8 at the Main Theatre of Hostos Community College (5 p.m.)

Brooklyn: June 11 at The Theater at City Tech, NYC College of Technology (7 p.m.)

Manhattan: June 16 at Symphony Space (5 p.m.)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Do you want the rent freeze? Mamdani calls for New Yorkers to testify

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