Mamdani’s test case for law-defying socialism

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has signed the Community Opportunity for Purchase Act (COPA), which gives certain qualified non-profits the chance to buy some rent-regulated buildings before a sale to another buyer can proceed. The article argues that this restricts owners’ freedom to sell and could serve as a test of how far the mayor’s socialist policies can go.

From 1 January, the law will apply to about 2,100 buildings with sufficient code violations. After agreeing a price with a buyer, an owner must give eligible non-profits 90 days to make an offer; the article says this could delay sales, reduce building values and discourage investment, while not lowering tenants’ rents. It also argues COPA may face legal challenges under New York property law and the US Constitution.