Democratic Socialist Candidate in Providence Touts Rent Control as City Flunks Housing Test

The Democratic nominee for mayor of Providence, RI, is vowing to enact a controversial rent stabilization scheme to help working families, as the capital of America's smallest state ranks second worst in the nation for affordability and homebuilding.State Rep. David Morales, a 27-year-old Democratic Socialist endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), made local history this month by becoming the first challenger to defeat the incumbent mayor of Providence in a primary.Housing affordability has emerged as the cornerstone of Morales' campaign, with the progressive candidate saying that if he wins in November, he will work toward putting into effect the rent stabilization ordinance vetoed earlier this year by current Mayor Brett Smiley.The controversial measure, which passed the City Council in a 9-6 vote in April, would cap annual rent increases in Providence at 4% for apartments in multiunit complexes, excluding new construction, small owner-occupied buildings, and existing affordable housing units.Smiley, a moderate Democrat serving his first mayoral term, immediately rejected the bill, arguing that rent control limits housing supply, disincentivizes new construction, and shifts tax ...