Housing advocate takes helm of revived agency as mayor pushes affordability
Cea Weaver, longtime housing advocate feared in real estate circles and respected in tenant organizing communities, now directs Mamdani’s revitalized Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants. The position, announced January 1, 2026, signals the mayor’s commitment to tenant rights and housing affordability as core priorities. Weaver has been a close Mamdani adviser on housing and brings deep expertise in tenant protection policy, anti-displacement strategies, and landlord accountability.
Housing Justice Background
Weaver led two major housing advocacy organizations: Housing Justice for All and the New York State Tenant Bloc. In the former role, she was instrumental in securing New York’s 2019 landmark tenant protection laws, which expanded rent stabilization, limited increases, and increased renter protections. These laws represent some of the strongest tenant protections in the nation, yet they remain inadequate given the city’s housing crisis. Weaver’s track record suggests commitment to pushing further.
Office Revitalization and Mission
The Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants, created under de Blasio, exists to coordinate tenant protections across city agencies and advocate for renters within city government. Previous incarnations proved weak, often aligned with real estate interests over tenants. Mamdani’s revitalization of the office and appointment of a housing justice advocate signals a shift.
Anti-Displacement Strategy
One of Weaver’s likely priorities is preventing displacement through gentrification and rent increases. Even with rent protection laws, tenants in non-stabilized units face harassment, displacement, and skyrocketing rents. The office can coordinate enforcement against illegal harassment, support community land trusts, push for permanent affordability preservation, and challenge predatory landlord practices.
Landlord Accountability
Weaver is feared by landlords for her advocacy around accountability. The office could expand investigations of illegal rent increases, harassment, and housing code violations. It could push for public databases of bad-actor landlords, fines for violations, and more aggressive enforcement. This represents a shift from previous approaches that favored negotiation over enforcement.
Limitations and Risks
The office’s actual power depends on resources and support from other city agencies. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the Buildings Department, and the Housing Court all must cooperate. If these agencies prioritize development and property owner interests, Weaver’s office has limited leverage. Whether Mamdani’s administration truly commits to empowering tenant protection agencies will emerge over coming months. For tenant rights information, see Housing Court Help. Learn about housing policy at National Housing Conference. Read advocacy reporting at The City. Track housing development at Housing New York.
