Mayor Zohran Mamdani's top housing official, Cea Weaver, has sparked controversy after publicly stating her goal is to reduce property values in New York City. During a 2021 podcast, Weaver advocated for expanding rent control to limit the speculative value of land, arguing for a shift from individual to collective property ownership. Weaver's history of anti-private property rhetoric and past social media posts denouncing homeownership as a tool of white supremacy have drawn scrutiny from civil rights officials. Despite criticism and revelations about her privileged background, Mamdani has defended Weaver's appointment, citing her record of tenant advocacy.