Issue 009 · July 7th 2026
the UNMUTED brief
two minutes. one story. the best arguments. a question we’re asking. And some spicy in-person events.
The Rent is Officially Frozen.
- ISSUE PRIMER -
Another Mamdani promise delivered, whether you like it or not. On June 25, 2026, New York’s Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) voted 7-1 on a 0% increase on 1 and 2 year upcoming leases on rent-controlled apartments. This covers about 1M New Yorkers (out of 8.5M total). FYI - former Mayor Bill DeBlasio’s RGB froze the rent 3 times between 2012 and 2020. Let’s get into it.
→ For Rent Freezes
Rent freezes is a model of the possible, not the end goal. A one year rent freeze is not going to kill landlords in the short term, and it’s going to help tenants who struggle pay check to pay check. The viability of long term rent freezes isn’t the point though, what matters is that a politician can follow through on their radical promises.
← Against Rent Freezes
The lived-in experience on current tenants. Let’s say landlords are evil, and want to maintain their profit margins no matter what. Their logic would be - defer literally any costs we don’t have to spend on until the rent freeze frenzy is over. That means slow/no responses to intermittent heat in January, elevator break downs, bug infestations, etc.
- NYC Event to Learn More -
Soho Forum Debate: Emily Eisner vs. Kenny Burgos
When: October 6, 2026 at the Sheen Center
What: A debate between the CEO of the NY Apartment Association and the Acting Director of the Fiscal Policy Institute. Tickets include a reception afterwards.
- Relevant Articles -
After the Rent Freeze (JW Mason, Phenomenal World) - A pro-rent freeze wonk piece on NYC affordability. Big emphasis on the differences between financing costs and operating costs, and the differing incentives between landlords and developers.
After the Mamdani Rent Freeze (Arpit Gupta, Vital City) - An anti-rent freeze wonk article, written by the dissenting RGB vote. Focused on policy proposals to solve affordability for buildings that are mostly rent stabilized units. The title just HAPPENS to be the same as above.
the UNMUTED question
The Room at UNMUTED - Saturday, July 18
America turned 250 this month. Over the last two and a half centuries, this country has accomplished extraordinary things. It’s also made more than a few spectacularly bad decisions. To commemorate the occasion, we’re hosting a free community event in Central Park.
The only price of admission?
1. Come ready with your best story about a quintessentially American moment -something frustrating, ridiculous, or absurd that somehow still makes you smile.
2. Bring someone who sees the world differently than you do. Different politics, race, gender, religion, profession, or life experience - the more diverse the perspectives, the better the conversation. We’ll see you there.
If you can’t make it, subscribe to stay updated on all of our upcoming events.
SIGN UP HERE: https://luma.com/orpzdej8
SIGN UP HERE: https://luma.com/orpzdej8
Worth leaving the house for NEXT week in
NYC
Tues 7/14, 6:30 PM
Epstein Files: Moral Panic?
Michael Tracey (Racket News) +
Marcella Szablewicz(Pace University) +
Gene Epstein (SoHo Forum)
Debate. The moderator is not related to Jeffrey. Will Trump come up? Will Bill Clinton come up? Who’s in the files!
Produced by Soho Forum
Hosted at The Sheen Center
Wed, 7/15 7 PM
How to Wield Power in a Post-Trump World
Brian Tyler Cohen (progressive content creator) +
Don Lemon (you know him…)
Heavily progressive. How Dems can learn from Trump to seize power. I don’t know if more ratcheting up is the solution…
Produced by 92NY
Hosted at 92NY
Sat, 7/18, 3 PM
NYC DSA 101: Uptown Edition
DSA Organizers (from parts unknown)
If you’re curious in the language the DSA uses to recruit new members. I would check this out.
Produced by Democratic Socialists of America
Hosted at St. Mary’s Church
That’s all for now. See you Space Cowboy…