New York City, January 22, 2026
New York City has introduced new guidelines aimed at redefining the interaction between business leaders and City Hall. These rules enhance transparency and inclusivity in municipal decision-making, and include the establishment of the Office of Mass Engagement and the introduction of the David Rockefeller Fellows Program to foster collaboration between the city and its business community.
New Engagement Rules for NYC Business Leaders Unveiled
New York City has introduced new guidelines to reshape how business leaders interact with City Hall, aiming to enhance transparency and inclusivity in municipal decision-making processes. These measures are part of a broader initiative to foster a more collaborative environment between the city’s administration and the business community.
Key Changes in Engagement Protocols
- Establishment of the Office of Mass Engagement (OME): In January 2026, Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed an executive order creating the OME, which consolidates various public engagement efforts to increase political participation among New Yorkers and incorporate public feedback into policy-making. Tascha Van Auken was appointed as the director of this office.
- Revocation of Previous Executive Orders: On his first day in office, Mayor Mamdani revoked executive orders issued by his predecessor, Eric Adams, including those related to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism. This move was part of a broader effort to combat hate and division.
- Introduction of the David Rockefeller Fellows Program: The Partnership for New York City announced the 2026 class of David Rockefeller Fellows, an immersive one-year program designed to prepare senior business executives for civic leadership by providing insights into municipal decision-making processes.
Background and Context
These initiatives reflect a concerted effort by the Mamdani administration to redefine the relationship between New York City’s government and its business sector. By establishing the OME and revoking previous executive orders, the administration aims to create a more inclusive and transparent environment for policy development. The introduction of the David Rockefeller Fellows Program further underscores the commitment to integrating business leaders into the civic process, ensuring that their perspectives are considered in shaping the city’s future.
Implications for Business Leaders
Business leaders are encouraged to engage proactively with the OME to stay informed about policy developments and to participate in shaping initiatives that impact the business community. The revocation of prior executive orders may also lead to changes in existing policies, requiring businesses to adapt to new regulations. Participation in programs like the David Rockefeller Fellows can provide valuable insights into municipal operations and offer opportunities for collaboration with city officials.
Conclusion
New York City’s new engagement protocols signify a shift towards a more collaborative and transparent approach to governance. By involving business leaders more directly in the decision-making process, the city aims to create policies that are more responsive to the needs of its diverse communities and economic sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Office of Mass Engagement (OME)?
The OME is a newly established office in New York City, created by an executive order signed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani in January 2026. It consolidates various public engagement efforts to increase political participation among New Yorkers and incorporate public feedback into policy-making. Tascha Van Auken was appointed as the director of this office.
Why were previous executive orders revoked?
Mayor Mamdani revoked executive orders issued by his predecessor, Eric Adams, including those related to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, as part of a broader effort to combat hate and division.
What is the David Rockefeller Fellows Program?
The David Rockefeller Fellows Program is an immersive one-year program announced by the Partnership for New York City, designed to prepare senior business executives for civic leadership by providing insights into municipal decision-making processes.
How can business leaders engage with the OME?
Business leaders are encouraged to engage proactively with the OME to stay informed about policy developments and to participate in shaping initiatives that impact the business community.
What are the implications of these changes for businesses?
Businesses may need to adapt to new regulations resulting from the revocation of prior executive orders. Participation in programs like the David Rockefeller Fellows can provide valuable insights into municipal operations and offer opportunities for collaboration with city officials.
Key Features of the New Engagement Protocols
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Office of Mass Engagement (OME) | Consolidates public engagement efforts to increase political participation and incorporate public feedback into policy-making. |
| Revocation of Previous Executive Orders | Revokes prior executive orders to combat hate and division, including those related to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism. |
| David Rockefeller Fellows Program | An immersive one-year program preparing senior business executives for civic leadership by providing insights into municipal decision-making processes. |
Now Happening on X
- @StevenFulop (January 21, 2026): As a former mayor, I appreciate the Rockefeller Fellows program at the Partnership for its role in building respect for public service; yesterday we graduated the Class of 2025 and welcomed the 2026 class of future NYC business leaders. View on X
- @StevenFulop (January 21, 2026): The Partnership’s David Rockefeller Fellows program, honoring founder David Rockefeller, has prepared senior execs for civic leadership since 1989; this year’s fellows engaged with leaders like AG Letitia James and NYPD’s Jessica Tisch. View on X
- @FoxNews (January 2, 2026): Mayor Mamdani announces creation of the Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement, a new hub to rebuild social infrastructure at scale by combining existing community and public engagement units. View on X
- @DropSiteNews (January 2, 2026): Mayor Zohran Mamdani is formalizing the grassroots engine from his campaign by creating the Office of Mass Engagement via executive order, to be led by former campaign field director Tascha Van Auken. View on X
- @nick_garber (January 8, 2026): Mayor Mamdani is shaking up NYC’s economic development approach, including enlisting Lina Khan for EDC head interviews, placing EDC under a new deputy mayor, and discussing city-owned grocery stores. View on X
- @thestustustudio (January 2, 2026): Mayor Mamdani’s pick for Mass Engagement Office, Tascha Van Auken, has called for defeating the Republican right and neoliberal center; she architected his campaign’s field operations. View on X
- @talent_nyc (January 16, 2026): NYC Talent and the Office of Community Hiring participated in the “NYC Contracting Summit” at Barclays Center, connecting vendors and highlighting community hiring for inclusive growth. View on X
- @IntlDwtnAssoc (January 15, 2026): In the last 40 years, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) have revitalized commercial areas across NYC, transforming neglected corridors into vibrant hubs of commerce and culture. View on X
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