In New York City, landlords have reacted strongly against comments made by Cea Weaver, a top housing policy official in Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration. Weaver, a known housing activist and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, asserted that homeownership has ties to white supremacy during a discussion on housing equity. Her remarks suggested that the traditional notion of property ownership as an individual good needs reevaluation in favor of a model that treats property as a collective good, which has raised serious concerns among property owners.

Landlords are particularly unhappy with Weaver's statement, which they see as an attack not only on white homeowners but also on the many immigrant families who have worked hard to acquire property. They describe the comments as 'racist,' claiming they overlook the contributions of diverse property owners to the community. The backlash emphasizes a growing tension in discussions about housing policies as officials attempt to address issues of equity without alienating those who are already property owners.

The remarks have ignited a heated debate surrounding the intersection of race, ownership, and community wealth. As the Mamdani administration continues to shape its housing policies, the controversy highlights the challenges of balancing progressive policy goals with the realities of existing homeowners’ experiences, potentially influencing future discussions about housing reform in New York City.