David F Brand
@davidfbrand.bsky.social
I’m a reporter covering housing for @wnyc.org and @gothamist.com | In a previous career, I was a licensed social worker
Mayor Adams notably took office without a sweeping policy goal that could leave a permanent imprint on NYC
Yet, he’ll leave office having achieved a lasting legacy when it comes to housing and zoning
Will his reforms make NYC more affordable?
@wnyc.org @gothamist.com gothamist.com/news/mayor-a...
Yet, he’ll leave office having achieved a lasting legacy when it comes to housing and zoning
Will his reforms make NYC more affordable?
@wnyc.org @gothamist.com gothamist.com/news/mayor-a...
Mayor Adams’ legacy? Look to the future of affordable housing in NYC.
Adams achieved zoning and housing reforms that could help future mayors address New York City’s affordable housing shortage.
gothamist.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Mayor Adams notably took office without a sweeping policy goal that could leave a permanent imprint on NYC
Yet, he’ll leave office having achieved a lasting legacy when it comes to housing and zoning
Will his reforms make NYC more affordable?
@wnyc.org @gothamist.com gothamist.com/news/mayor-a...
Yet, he’ll leave office having achieved a lasting legacy when it comes to housing and zoning
Will his reforms make NYC more affordable?
@wnyc.org @gothamist.com gothamist.com/news/mayor-a...
Reposted by David F Brand
In the greatest city of the world, voters approved all 3 contentious initiatives that will change the power dynamics of building housing in NYC. @davidfbrand.bsky.social with a good summary at gothamist.com/news/nyc-vot... (10)
NYC voters approve ballot measures meant to speed up new housing
The four ballot questions will shorten the city’s land use review process and give developers a chance to challenge rejections.
gothamist.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:20 AM
In the greatest city of the world, voters approved all 3 contentious initiatives that will change the power dynamics of building housing in NYC. @davidfbrand.bsky.social with a good summary at gothamist.com/news/nyc-vot... (10)
Reposted by David F Brand
Today:
- All 3 mayoral candidates, Mamdani, Cuomo & Sliwa, will join during the 10 o'clock hour, & we'll take your election day exit polls on the air;
- @nancysolomon2.bsky.social on NJ's elections;
- @mschmidtrva.bsky.social on Virginia's governor's race
Live at 10 on 93.9 FM, AM820 or @wnyc.org
- All 3 mayoral candidates, Mamdani, Cuomo & Sliwa, will join during the 10 o'clock hour, & we'll take your election day exit polls on the air;
- @nancysolomon2.bsky.social on NJ's elections;
- @mschmidtrva.bsky.social on Virginia's governor's race
Live at 10 on 93.9 FM, AM820 or @wnyc.org
November 4, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Today:
- All 3 mayoral candidates, Mamdani, Cuomo & Sliwa, will join during the 10 o'clock hour, & we'll take your election day exit polls on the air;
- @nancysolomon2.bsky.social on NJ's elections;
- @mschmidtrva.bsky.social on Virginia's governor's race
Live at 10 on 93.9 FM, AM820 or @wnyc.org
- All 3 mayoral candidates, Mamdani, Cuomo & Sliwa, will join during the 10 o'clock hour, & we'll take your election day exit polls on the air;
- @nancysolomon2.bsky.social on NJ's elections;
- @mschmidtrva.bsky.social on Virginia's governor's race
Live at 10 on 93.9 FM, AM820 or @wnyc.org
Reposted by David F Brand
Get out of the way, the street sweepers must feed: https://gothamist.visitlink.me/hegK9D
November 4, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Get out of the way, the street sweepers must feed: https://gothamist.visitlink.me/hegK9D
Reposted by David F Brand
Mamdani says our story from last week helped him decide to vote no on prop 6, read it here: nygroove.nyc/proposition-...
November 4, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Mamdani says our story from last week helped him decide to vote no on prop 6, read it here: nygroove.nyc/proposition-...
Mamdani says this morning that he voted YES on the housing ballot measures
gothamist.com/news/zohran-...
gothamist.com/news/zohran-...
Zohran Mamdani will reveal stance on NYC housing ballot proposals ‘when he votes’
The decision reflects the mayoral front-runner’s strategy of avoiding stances that could alienate supporters.
gothamist.com
November 4, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Mamdani says this morning that he voted YES on the housing ballot measures
gothamist.com/news/zohran-...
gothamist.com/news/zohran-...
I guess rents really are gonna go down
Nearly a million New Yorkers ready to flee NYC if Mamdani becomes mayor — possibly igniting mass exodus: poll
Nearly a million New Yorkers ready to flee NYC if Mamdani becomes mayor — possibly igniting mass exodus: poll
Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers are prepared to bolt from the Big Apple if socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani wins Tuesday's mayoral race — potentially setting the stage for the largest population flight in US history, a new poll warns.
nypost.com
November 3, 2025 at 10:42 PM
I guess rents really are gonna go down
Reposted by David F Brand
Something to think about when you consider how to vote on the housing ballot proposals here in NYC: "Local opposition to new housing from individual councilmembers can turn whole neighborhoods into “no-go zones” for development." gothamist.com/news/see-whe... via @davidfbrand.bsky.social
See where in NYC the most affordable housing gets built — and blocked
A new housing production tracker reveals where affordable homes get built, and where they get blocked.
gothamist.com
October 29, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Something to think about when you consider how to vote on the housing ballot proposals here in NYC: "Local opposition to new housing from individual councilmembers can turn whole neighborhoods into “no-go zones” for development." gothamist.com/news/see-whe... via @davidfbrand.bsky.social
Mayor Adams could appoint six new members to the Rent Guidelines Board before leaving office
Could the next mayor just ... fire them?
I dug in for @wnyc.org @gothamist.com
gothamist.com/news/could-z...
Could the next mayor just ... fire them?
I dug in for @wnyc.org @gothamist.com
gothamist.com/news/could-z...
Could Zohran Mamdani fire landlord-friendly members of NYC rent board if elected mayor?
Mayor Eric Adams is reportedly considering packing the Rent Guidelines Board, which sets allowable rent increases for rent-stabilized buildings, before leaving office.
gothamist.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Mayor Adams could appoint six new members to the Rent Guidelines Board before leaving office
Could the next mayor just ... fire them?
I dug in for @wnyc.org @gothamist.com
gothamist.com/news/could-z...
Could the next mayor just ... fire them?
I dug in for @wnyc.org @gothamist.com
gothamist.com/news/could-z...
Reposted by David F Brand
“This is the type of people that come to work in this country, they die for this country,…We are not criminals. We are hardworking people coming to build a better life.”
gothamist.com/news/worker-...
gothamist.com/news/worker-...
Worker who died at Gateway tunnel site clocked 'crazy hours' before death, colleague says
Jorge Sanchez, 52, was described by his best friend and co-worker as a hard worker and dedicated family man.
gothamist.com
October 27, 2025 at 3:54 AM
“This is the type of people that come to work in this country, they die for this country,…We are not criminals. We are hardworking people coming to build a better life.”
gothamist.com/news/worker-...
gothamist.com/news/worker-...
Reposted by David F Brand
Catch the first of TWO recaps of last night's mayoral debate. First up, @davidfbrand.bsky.social and @brigidbergin.bsky.social.
Take a listen:
www.wnyc.org/story/the-la...
Take a listen:
www.wnyc.org/story/the-la...
The Last Mayoral Debate: Recap Part 1 | The Brian Lehrer Show | WNYC
A recap the last mayoral debate between the three remaining candidates, Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa, as early voting is set to begin this weekend.
www.wnyc.org
October 23, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Catch the first of TWO recaps of last night's mayoral debate. First up, @davidfbrand.bsky.social and @brigidbergin.bsky.social.
Take a listen:
www.wnyc.org/story/the-la...
Take a listen:
www.wnyc.org/story/the-la...
Reposted by David F Brand
“Immigration and Customs Enforcement has recorded its deadliest year since the early 2000s as agency officials push to increase the number of people in its custody. According to a review of deaths by NPR, at least 20 people have died in ICE custody so far this year.” —
www.npr.org/2025/10/23/n...
www.npr.org/2025/10/23/n...
It's the deadliest year for ICE in decades. As detentions rise, the trend may continue
There have been at least 20 deaths in ICE custody in 2025, the deadliest year since 2004. As the agency is ramping up hiring and increasing detentions, concerns remain about how to stop the trend.
www.npr.org
October 23, 2025 at 6:12 PM
“Immigration and Customs Enforcement has recorded its deadliest year since the early 2000s as agency officials push to increase the number of people in its custody. According to a review of deaths by NPR, at least 20 people have died in ICE custody so far this year.” —
www.npr.org/2025/10/23/n...
www.npr.org/2025/10/23/n...
Reposted by David F Brand
Today:
- Recap last night's mayoral debate with @davidfbrand.bsky.social, @brigidbergin.bsky.social & later, @elizabethkim.bsky.social
- 30 Issues: ICE in NYC with @errollouis.bsky.social
- NewsQuiz: Can you identify famous parents?
- Keeping pet birds
Live at 10 on 93.9 FM, AM820 or @wnyc.org
- Recap last night's mayoral debate with @davidfbrand.bsky.social, @brigidbergin.bsky.social & later, @elizabethkim.bsky.social
- 30 Issues: ICE in NYC with @errollouis.bsky.social
- NewsQuiz: Can you identify famous parents?
- Keeping pet birds
Live at 10 on 93.9 FM, AM820 or @wnyc.org
October 23, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Today:
- Recap last night's mayoral debate with @davidfbrand.bsky.social, @brigidbergin.bsky.social & later, @elizabethkim.bsky.social
- 30 Issues: ICE in NYC with @errollouis.bsky.social
- NewsQuiz: Can you identify famous parents?
- Keeping pet birds
Live at 10 on 93.9 FM, AM820 or @wnyc.org
- Recap last night's mayoral debate with @davidfbrand.bsky.social, @brigidbergin.bsky.social & later, @elizabethkim.bsky.social
- 30 Issues: ICE in NYC with @errollouis.bsky.social
- NewsQuiz: Can you identify famous parents?
- Keeping pet birds
Live at 10 on 93.9 FM, AM820 or @wnyc.org
Reposted by David F Brand
"New Rochelle put the entire build-out plan through state environmental review in one shot. That spared individual proposals the political and legal grind that often slows things to a halt." This is the way. www.governing.com/magazine/get...
'Getting Ahead of the NIMBY Energy': An Older City Learns to Build
Clear, consistent planning and messaging helped New Rochelle, N.Y., build thousands of housing units with minimal blowback.
www.governing.com
October 20, 2025 at 9:57 PM
"New Rochelle put the entire build-out plan through state environmental review in one shot. That spared individual proposals the political and legal grind that often slows things to a halt." This is the way. www.governing.com/magazine/get...
Reposted by David F Brand
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Michael McKee, a relentless advocate for tenants and housing justice.
His decades of leadership shaped fair housing policy and inspired generations of organizers. May his memory continue to inspire all who fight for the right to a home.
His decades of leadership shaped fair housing policy and inspired generations of organizers. May his memory continue to inspire all who fight for the right to a home.
October 23, 2025 at 1:46 AM
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Michael McKee, a relentless advocate for tenants and housing justice.
His decades of leadership shaped fair housing policy and inspired generations of organizers. May his memory continue to inspire all who fight for the right to a home.
His decades of leadership shaped fair housing policy and inspired generations of organizers. May his memory continue to inspire all who fight for the right to a home.
The Cuomo campaign posted and then quickly deleted an “AI parody” video of de Blasio and Mamdani as Dr. Evil and Mini-me made in collaboration with the meme account “ @ FatCamp” on Instagram
This is the only screenshot I have before it disappeared
This is the only screenshot I have before it disappeared
October 21, 2025 at 3:01 PM
The Cuomo campaign posted and then quickly deleted an “AI parody” video of de Blasio and Mamdani as Dr. Evil and Mini-me made in collaboration with the meme account “ @ FatCamp” on Instagram
This is the only screenshot I have before it disappeared
This is the only screenshot I have before it disappeared
Reposted by David F Brand
Hi, I'm the ProPublica reporter who's been tracking an unusual stat: U.S. citizens grabbed by immigration agents.
I did it because the government isn’t.
This is what I found.
I did it because the government isn’t.
This is what I found.
October 18, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Hi, I'm the ProPublica reporter who's been tracking an unusual stat: U.S. citizens grabbed by immigration agents.
I did it because the government isn’t.
This is what I found.
I did it because the government isn’t.
This is what I found.
Reposted by David F Brand
NYC 'No Kings' protest gets underway in Times Square, throughout the boroughs https://gothamist.com/news/nyc-no-kings-protest-gets-underway-in-times-square-throughout-the-boroughs
NYC 'No Kings' protest gets underway in Times Square, throughout the boroughs
Hundreds of people gathered in Times Square for the No Kings protest Saturday.
Thousands showed up to kick off a demonstration similar to those happening around the country. [ more › ]
gothamist.com
October 18, 2025 at 4:04 PM
NYC 'No Kings' protest gets underway in Times Square, throughout the boroughs https://gothamist.com/news/nyc-no-kings-protest-gets-underway-in-times-square-throughout-the-boroughs
Coffee prices have gotten so out of control that it is now cheaper to get a bag of coffee as part of a @wnyc.org membership than it is to buy a $20 can of Folgers at the grocery store
pledge.wnyc.org/support/wnyc...
pledge.wnyc.org/support/wnyc...
October 18, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Coffee prices have gotten so out of control that it is now cheaper to get a bag of coffee as part of a @wnyc.org membership than it is to buy a $20 can of Folgers at the grocery store
pledge.wnyc.org/support/wnyc...
pledge.wnyc.org/support/wnyc...
Reposted by David F Brand
Trump says he's commuting George Santos' 7-year sentence for fraud https://gothamist.com/news/trump-says-hes-commuting-george-santos-7-year-sentence-for-fraud
Trump says he's commuting George Santos' 7-year sentence for fraud
George Santos may soon be a free man.
The disgraced congressman was serving time in federal prison for fraud. [ more › ]
gothamist.com
October 17, 2025 at 10:47 PM
Trump says he's commuting George Santos' 7-year sentence for fraud https://gothamist.com/news/trump-says-hes-commuting-george-santos-7-year-sentence-for-fraud
Reposted by David F Brand
Trump commutes George Santos’ prison, saying he was moved by Santos’ account of being in solitary confinement.
A reminder: many people are left in solitary confinement all over the county, sometimes *for years*, without a direct connection to the president.
Some of their voices:
A reminder: many people are left in solitary confinement all over the county, sometimes *for years*, without a direct connection to the president.
Some of their voices:
“Designed to Break You:” Two Incarcerated Writers on the Heavy Toll of Solitary Confinement - Bolts
Isolating people inside a small, closet-like cell for weeks, months, and even years on end remains common inside this country’s prisons and jails, even though the United Nations defines the... Read Mo...
boltsmag.org
October 17, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Trump commutes George Santos’ prison, saying he was moved by Santos’ account of being in solitary confinement.
A reminder: many people are left in solitary confinement all over the county, sometimes *for years*, without a direct connection to the president.
Some of their voices:
A reminder: many people are left in solitary confinement all over the county, sometimes *for years*, without a direct connection to the president.
Some of their voices:
Reposted by David F Brand
MGM Resorts ends bid to bring full-scale casino gambling to Yonkers https://gothamist.com/news/mgm-resorts-ends-bid-to-bring-full-scale-casino-gambling-to-yonkers
MGM Resorts ends bid to bring full-scale casino gambling to Yonkers
An exterior view shows the marquee at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.
The Westchester County executive accused President Trump of interfering in the selection process. [ more › ]
gothamist.com
October 15, 2025 at 12:38 AM
MGM Resorts ends bid to bring full-scale casino gambling to Yonkers https://gothamist.com/news/mgm-resorts-ends-bid-to-bring-full-scale-casino-gambling-to-yonkers
He was wrongfully imprisoned for 43 years. Moments after being released, ICE took him
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/i...
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/i...
He was wrongfully imprisoned for 43 years. Moments after being released, ICE took him
Subramanyam “Subu” Vedam now faces deportation.
www.miamiherald.com
October 13, 2025 at 1:37 AM
He was wrongfully imprisoned for 43 years. Moments after being released, ICE took him
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/i...
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/i...
Reposted by David F Brand
The groundbreaking legislation banning broker fees has resulted in just three fines paid, @davidfbrand.bsky.social reports gothamist.com/news/nyc-ten...
NYC tenants filed hundreds of complaints about forced broker fees since they were banned
It's been four months since the city's ban on broker fees went into effect. But data from regulators shows many brokers and landlords are flouting the law.
gothamist.com
October 12, 2025 at 10:06 PM
The groundbreaking legislation banning broker fees has resulted in just three fines paid, @davidfbrand.bsky.social reports gothamist.com/news/nyc-ten...
Reposted by David F Brand
Lawyers have been publicizing a new term to describe ICE's racially targeted detainments: a “Kavanaugh stop.”
Mother Jones reporter Pema Levy explains in this new video:
Mother Jones reporter Pema Levy explains in this new video:
October 10, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Lawyers have been publicizing a new term to describe ICE's racially targeted detainments: a “Kavanaugh stop.”
Mother Jones reporter Pema Levy explains in this new video:
Mother Jones reporter Pema Levy explains in this new video: