New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced the appointment of over 400 members of a transition team on Monday, November 24, to assist the incoming administration in addressing the most pressing challenges facing New York City. These challenges include soaring rents, rising childcare costs, transportation accessibility, commercial development, and emergency preparedness. The team will assist Mamdani in completing personnel and policy transitions before he takes office on January 1, 2026.
These 400 city leaders will form 17 transition committees to carry out their work. Mamdani described them as “outstanding public servants, artists, cultural figures, nonprofit organization leaders, and industry experts.”
The appointees include leaders from workers’ rights and community organizations, such as representatives from Open New York, Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), New York Taxi Workers Alliance (NYTWA), Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), and transportation advocates. These individuals will serve as key advisors on personnel appointments and offer insights on policy development, implementation, and institutional best practices.
Among the names on the list are the co-chairs of the Democratic Socialists of America’s New York City chapter, Gustavo Gordillo and Grace Mausser, who have been assigned to the Economic and Workforce Development Committee and the Small Business and Minority/Women-Owned Business Development Committee. This arrangement highlights Mamdani’s commitment to advancing progressive policies.
The list also includes several officials who previously served in Mayor Adams’ administration, such as former Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi and former Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh.
“Our appointment of over 400 transition committee experts today unites individuals who share a passion for hard work, a firm belief in a brighter future for New York City, and a steadfast commitment to the affordable housing agenda advocated by our city residents,” Mamdani stated in a press release. “These committees will help us recruit top talent and craft sound policies to ensure a swift start on January 1 and that our achievements align with the promises we have made.”
Mamdani added, “We aim to build a city hall that is vastly different from what we have seen before.”