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Keep member deference, or reduce it? Crain’s mayoral candidate Q&A

Only Ramos explicitly said no.

Michael Blake: Yes, we need a fair, transparent process that values local input but stops individuals from blocking affordable housing. Urgent reform is key to solving the housing crisis with accountability.

Whitney Tilson: Yes. Local input matters, but we need to streamline zoning and permitting to address the housing crisis. Citywide rezonings are effective because they spread the political cost among council members. 

Jessica Ramos: Member deference is a crucial negotiating tool that ensures council members can secure the best deal for their districts. Limiting it reduces leverage and community input for land-use projects.

Zellnor Myrie: We’ve got to move past the situation where a single member has effective veto power over projects that are part of a citywide effort to build the housing we need.

Zohran Mamdani: Yes. Too often, member deference flattens decisions that impact the entire city — including our ability to live in safe and affordable homes — to questions of individual political calculus.

Scott Stringer: While council member consultation is important, having absolute veto power should be limited. We must look at ways to reduce needless bureaucratic processes that slow development and progress.

Brad Lander: Yes, local input should be valued, but land-use decisions must reflect citywide goals. A comprehensive, equitable planning framework would reduce the reliance on member deference.

Adrienne Adams: Member deference isn’t the law — it’s the culture. I’ve established a leadership model that makes creating housing the priority of land use decisions, shifting the culture towards housing production.