NYC's Housing Crisis: Is the City Losing its Soul?

New York City's Housing Crisis: A Conversation with Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani Forest Hills, Queens, NY – June 1, 2025 – In a candid conversation filmed in Forest Hills, New York State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani discussed the impact of New York City's rising cost of living on its cultural identity. Speaking with Amer Zafer, Mamdani highlighted the challenges faced by artists and residents alike, stating, "It also feels like a city that's slipping out of reach of a lot of people who have built it, who keep it running." He emphasized the connection between housing affordability and the city's cultural vibrancy, arguing that the current crisis is making art a luxury accessible only to the wealthy. Mamdani's comments underscore the urgent need for affordable housing solutions in New York City, not just for economic stability but for the preservation of its unique cultural identity. The interview offers a poignant perspective on the city’s challenges and the need for policy changes to ensure its future.