New York Mayor Seeks to Cooperate with Sheinbaum Against High Cost of Living

Zohran Mamdani, mayor of New York, recognized Mexico’s work on housing issues. This occurred during the Urban 20 forum, an international gathering on the future of cities. The official proposed working alongside Mexican leaders on this agenda.

What did Mamdani say about cooperating with Mexico?

During the conference, Mamdani expressed his interest in working with President Claudia Sheinbaum. According to his explanation, this conversation also includes other mayors from Mexico and around the world.

He stated that «the crises we face are global crises.» With that phrase, he sought to link housing problems in New York with those in Mexico City.

According to Mamdani, he has observed with admiration Sheinbaum’s initiatives on cost of living. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of labor dignity as part of those policies.

The official also expressed his intention to visit Mexico soon. However, he did not provide further details about the date of that trip.

What are Mexico City’s utopias?

Mamdani highlighted the policies promoted by the head of Mexico City government, Clara Brugada. He described Mexico City as an international «inspiration» on care issues.

According to his explanation, utopias are spaces that seek to guarantee the dignity of working people. Additionally, they ensure that they can have access to a full life.

The mayor described Brugada’s participation in this exchange as valuable. According to him, she understands that labor problems must be at the center of public policy.

What did Clara Brugada say about this cooperation?

Clara Brugada, head of government of Mexico City, also participated in the forum. She stated that «the right not to be evicted from the neighborhood» is fundamental to her administration.

According to her explanation, that right seeks to protect residents from speculative dynamics of the real estate market. For her, housing should not be treated merely as a commodity.

What is the coalition for affordable housing?

Brugada confirmed that Mexico City will join an international coalition. This initiative, proposed by Mamdani, seeks to promote affordable housing in different cities.

According to her explanation, cities must build and renovate housing without displacing their residents. Additionally, she invited other cities worldwide to join this joint agenda.

What does Mexico City propose regarding housing?

According to Brugada, her administration promotes a fair and affordable rent law. The objective is to prevent rents from rising above inflation.

Additionally, she indicated that she submitted a constitutional reform initiative on community roots. That proposal seeks to create a public institution to defend tenants.

According to her explanation, that institution would protect renters from property owner abuse. It would also seek to prevent evictions from leaving families homeless after litigation.

What does Brugada remember about her visit to New York in 1987?

Brugada recounted that in 1987 she traveled to New York as a social activist. She participated in demonstrations during the International Day of the Homeless.

According to her account, those protests demanded access to housing under the slogan «No housing, no peace.» Brugada linked that experience with her current work leading Mexico’s capital.

According to her, those demands remain current in the face of real estate pressure in many cities around the world.