Housing director promoted ‘shared’ property concept in reappeared video

Controversial Views on Homeownership from NYC Housing Director

In a series of resurfaced tweets and videos, Shea Weaver, who heads the housing department under New York Mayor Zoran Mamdani, has sparked considerable debate. She referred to homeownership as a “weapon of white supremacy” and suggested that real estate should be viewed as a “collective good.”

Weaver, a seasoned housing activist and member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), was appointed by Mamdani to lead the Mayor’s Office of Tenant Protection. Some of her tweets from her now-deleted X account, particularly one from August 21, 2019, have gained significant attention. In it, she remarked, “Private property, especially home ownership, is a weapon of white supremacy disguised as ‘wealth building’ public policy.”

Notably, she also advocated for “electing more communists” in a tweet from December 18, 2017.

Mayor’s New Bureau

Mamdani recently mentioned the establishment of a new Mass Cooperation Bureau, explaining that he wanted a “clean slate” for governing New York City.

A viral DSA video from March 2021 features Weaver asserting that society has historically treated real estate as individual property rather than collective ownership. She argued for a shift towards viewing it as shared capital, which would alter the relationship families have with their properties, particularly for certain demographic groups.

In response to these comments, Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general for civil rights, expressed concern, stating that the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division is watching Mamdani’s radical agenda closely, as many proposals seem to contradict federal constitutional and civil rights standards.

Response from Religious Community

Bishop Robert Barron criticized Mamdani’s remarks about “collectivist warmth,” expressing strong disapproval.

Dhillon affirmed that the Justice Department would act to protect the civil rights of residents in New York City.

Before her appointment, Weaver played a significant role in housing activism, serving as the executive director of Housing Justice for All and New York State Tenant Block. Mamdani highlighted the importance of having passionate leaders to hold landlords accountable in his announcement of Weaver’s role.

Weaver remarked on her appointment, saying, “I am humbled and honored to join Mayor Mamdani’s administration… as he makes clear where his priorities lie.”

Looking ahead, Weaver expressed optimism about the new office, declaring it a step towards advocating for tenants and ensuring safe, stable, and affordable housing.