Public: Tabitha Kanene (NYC New Liberals) supports Mangin nomination
Kanene testifies that Mangin's career making the case for building housing in high-cost neighborhoods is precisely what makes him qualified. She notes the BSA's expanded fast-track authority makes this one of the city's most consequential housing appointments, and his academic writing should be a prerequisite, not disqualification.
Good afternoon.
My name is Tabitha Kanene, president of the New York City New Liberals.
I'm here to testify in support of John Mangin's nomination.
Mr.
Mangin brings a depth of experience that few nominees to this board ever have.
Early in his career, he worked as a housing litigator.
And construction manager for Fair Share Housing in New Jersey, an organization born out of the Mount Laurel exclusionary zoning cases, meaning he has seen firsthand what happens when local governments lose the end, use land use law to keep affordable housing out.
He has taught land use and urban planning law for years as an adjunct professor at NYU Wagner.
And he's a published scholar on zoning policy, having written on the ways land use regulation
He's up housing costs in high demand cities like ours.
For the past decade, he has applied that expertise at the Department of City Planning, where he now directs the housing division.
He led the development of City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, the most significant citywide zoning reform in a generation, along with multiple neighborhood rezoning plans.
He then served as Director of Policy and Research for the 2025 Charter Revision Commission.
I understand some members of the body are uncomfortable with this nomination.
I'd ask you to consider why.
The record shows Mr.
Manjin has spent his career making the intellectual and practical case
for building more housing in high-cost, high-demand neighborhoods, the same neighborhoods that have historically been the hardest to build in.
He helped design the charter revision measures that voters approved by large margins last year.
That history is precisely what makes him the right person for this job.
The BSA is no longer just a technical body ruling on zoning variances.
Since last year's charter revision, it has expanded authority to fast-track housing approvals.
That makes this next chair one of the most consequential housing appointments in this city.
John has the knowledge, experience, and conviction to lead the BSA and use that authority judiciously.
New York needs more housing.
This council should confirm John Manchin.
Thank you.