New York City is grappling with two major policy debates as Mayor Zohran Mamdani's administration takes shape, involving transit affordability and housing costs for millions of residents.

City Council members and transit advocates are pushing back against Mamdani's proposal for universal free bus service, instead favoring expansion of existing transit assistance programs targeted at low-income New Yorkers. The debate highlights differing approaches to addressing transportation costs in the city.

Separately, a rent regulation panel is preparing to cast its first vote on potential rent increases for nearly one million rent-stabilized apartments since Mamdani assumed office. The panel's decision will affect a significant portion of the city's rental housing stock.

The rent regulation board's upcoming vote represents the first major housing policy decision under the new mayor's tenure. The outcome will impact hundreds of thousands of tenants living in rent-stabilized units across the five boroughs.

Both issues reflect broader challenges facing the new administration as it seeks to balance affordability concerns with fiscal realities in areas of transportation and housing policy.