Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced the appointment of Jonathan Kimmel as Chairman of the New York City Rent Guidelines Board. The Board is mandated to establish rent adjustments for the nearly one million dwelling units subject to the Rent Stabilization Law in New York City. It holds a series of annual public meetings and hearings to consider research regarding operating and maintenance costs, the cost of financing, housing supply, cost of living indices produced by staff, and testimony by owners, tenants, advocacy groups and industry experts. It publishes reports based on this research for use by the public, other governmental agencies and private organizations, and provides information to the public on housing questions.

“The Rent Guidelines Board plays an important role balancing the needs of tenants and building owners, and it requires a thoughtful and steady hand,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “For the past eight years, Marvin Markus served that role with sincerity, and I know Jonathan Kimmel will bring the same degree of commitment. His experience on the board and his diverse background as an attorney, public servant and educator will serve him well as he takes on this new role.”

“I’m honored to be tapped by Mayor Bloomberg for this great responsibility,” said Board Chairman Kimmel. “The Board takes the job of listening to all stakeholders and making sound independent decisions seriously, and I look forward to working with the members in my new capacity as chairman.”

The Rent Guidelines Board consists of nine members appointed by the Mayor. Two members are appointed to represent tenant interests, two members are appointed to represent owner interests, and five members – including the chairperson – are appointed to represent the general public.

Kimmel has served as a member of the board representing the general public interest since 2006. Previously, he served as a member of the New York City Residential Mortgage Insurance Corporation, and he has worked as legal director of the Teachers’ Retirement System of the City of New York, executive assistant for Intergovernmental Relations in the Mayor’s Office from 1988 to 1990, assistant legislative representative to the City Council from 1984 to 1988, and a public school teacher in Brooklyn. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from State University of New York at Stony Brook, a master’s degree from New York University, and a law degree from New York Law School. He lives in Manhattan.