Rachel Holliday Smith
Rachel is managing editor at THE CITY leading explanatory and service journalism in the newsroom.
Posted inHow to New York
How the Rent Guidelines Board Sets the Hike on Your Next Lease
The nine-person takes a final vote in June affecting one million rent-stabilized apartments. Here’s THE CITY’s guide to how the RGB decides how much is too much for tenants to pay.
Posted inHow to New York
Voting Season in New York is Here: A 2024 Elections Guide
The presidential primary is behind us. Get ready to vote again in June.
Posted inHousing
TikToks Sharing NYC Rent Overcharge Stories Drive Surge of Tenant Records Requests
One post from a Lower East Sider who got $6,000 in back rent has racked up more than four million views. The state housing agency says it’s now getting 2,000 inquiries a week, double the usual rate.
Posted inImmigration
What Exactly Is a Sanctuary City and What Does That Mean for NYC?
Republicans are urging for the laws to be rolled back. Immigrant rights advocates maintain they’re essential public safety measures. But what do sanctuary protections actually do?
Posted inHousing
Seized From Its Owners, Brooklyn’s ‘Eco-Yogi Slumlord’ House Could Be Yours
The Crown Heights townhouse notorious for a tense standoff with tenants in 2020 is now open for first-time homeowner applications through the city’s housing lottery.
Posted inHow to New York
How to Safely Charge, Store and Maintain Your E-Bike and Batteries
Fires caused by the lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes, scooters and other mobile equipment are on the rise in New York City. Here’s how to stay safe, according to experts.
Posted ine-bikes
Congress in Rare Agreement on E-Bike Battery Bill Pushed by NY Reps
Legislation to fast-track standards for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries has unanimous, bipartisan in the House — so far. But standards that will actually have the power to change the industry are still months if not years away.
Posted inHow to New York
How to a Community Board, and What to Know Before You Apply
They’re the entry level of local government, but what do community boards really do? And how are chosen? It’s application season, so here’s a guide for anyone who wants to get involved.
Posted inHow to New York
What To Do When Icy, Snowy Sidewalks Aren’t Shoveled in NYC
Property owners are responsible for clearing ice and snow next to their properties. But it’s hard to know who’s in charge, especially in public spaces. Here’s how to find out, and report unsafe sidewalks.