Adams names two to NYC Rent Guidelines Board, increasing his influence over the key panel

Mayor Adams increased his influence on the critical Rent Guidelines Board Monday with the announcement of two new members, bringing the number appointed by Adams to six out of nine.

Genesis Aquino was named one of the two members who represent tenant interests, and Doug Apple as one of the five who represent the general public on the panel, which sets rent increase levels for the city’s nearly 1 million rent-controlled apartments.

“Their decades of service in government and nonprofits exemplify their deep commitment to their neighbors and communities, and I know they will draw on the totality of their experiences to serve New Yorkers well on the Rent Guidelines Board,” Adams said in a statement.

Aquino is a longtime tenant advocate who serves as the executive director of the grassroots group Tenants & Neighbors and co-chairs the Brooklyn Community Board 7 Housing Committee.

Apple worked in city government for nearly three decades and is now president and CEO of 1811 Consulting, representing clients in real estate, health care and project management services.

The announcement comes a month after Adams named Fordham University Law professor Nestor Davidson as the board’s chair. All Rent Guidelines Board members are mayoral appointments.

Last year the board voted 5-4 to approve the largest increase in housing costs for rent-regulated apartments in almost a decade, despite vocal opposition from tenants and housing groups. Advocates pointed to the devastating impact of the pandemic on New Yorkers already struggling to make ends meet, while landlord groups complained of higher operating costs due to inflation.

Two of the three Adams appointees on the board at the time voted in favor of the rent hikes, which were set at 3.3% for one-year leases and 5% for two-year leases.

The third, tenant member Adán Soltren, heavily criticized the decision and slammed the administration for adding members who “clearly believe that investments deserve more respect than people.”

The board’s next public meeting is scheduled for Thursday.