New York City, November 25, 2025
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has announced the formation of 17 transition advisory committees, comprised of over 400 individuals, to guide his upcoming administration. These committees will focus on various critical governance areas, including community safety and worker justice, reflecting Mamdani’s commitment to labor rights and inclusive policymaking. The selection process was highly inclusive, drawing more than 70,000 applications from New Yorkers, illustrating strong community engagement ahead of the mayor’s inauguration.
New York City
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has unveiled 17 transition advisory committees composed of over 400 individuals, aimed at guiding his incoming administration ahead of his inauguration on January 1, 2026. These committees will provide policy recommendations and assist in staffing decisions.
Structure of the Committees
The advisory committees will focus on key areas of city governance, including:
- Arts and Culture
- Community Organizing
- Community Safety
- Criminal Legal System
- Economic Development and Workforce Development
- Emergency Response
- Government Operations
- Health
- Housing
- Immigrant Justice
- Legal Affairs
- Small Businesses and Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE)
- Social Services
- Transportation, Climate, and Infrastructure
- Technology
- Worker Justice
- Youth and Education
A notable highlight is the addition of the “Worker Justice” and “Community Organizing” committees, signifying Mamdani’s focus on labor rights and community involvement. The transition team represents diverse sectors, including government, labor, nonprofits, academia, and business, illustrating a wide array of perspectives. The selection process was impressively inclusive, drawing more than 70,000 applications from New Yorkers eager to participate in the new administration.
Leadership of the Transition Team
The transition team is spearheaded by an all-women group of co-chairs:
- Elana Leopold – Transition Executive Director
- Maria Torres-Springer – Former First Deputy Mayor
- Lina Khan – Former Chair of the Federal Trade Commission
- Grace Bonilla – President of United Way of New York City
- Melanie Hartzog – President and CEO of New York Foundling
This team brings substantial experience from prior administrations and the nonprofit sector, aiming to build a City Hall that meets the expectations set during Mamdani’s campaign focused on working-class needs.
Recent Developments
A recent meeting between Mamdani and President Trump at the White House covered essential topics such as public safety, economic security, and affordability. Both leaders found common ground on several issues, indicating a collaborative approach towards resolving the city’s challenges.
Background
Zohran Mamdani, aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America, was elected Mayor of New York City on November 4, 2025. His platform emphasized affordability, housing, and social justice, widely resonating with the electorate. The formation of these transition committees is critical for efficiently preparing his administration to implement its agenda.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the 17 transition advisory committees established by Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani?
- The committees cover various aspects of city governance, including Arts and Culture, Community Organizing, Community Safety, Criminal Legal System, Economic Development and Workforce Development, Emergency Response, Government Operations, Health, Housing, Immigrant Justice, Legal Affairs, Small Businesses and Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE), Social Services, Transportation, Climate, and Infrastructure, Technology, Worker Justice, and Youth and Education.
- Why were the “Worker Justice” and “Community Organizing” committees included in the transition?
- The inclusion of these committees reflects Mayor-elect Mamdani’s commitment to addressing labor rights and community engagement, marking a departure from previous mayoral transitions.
- Who leads the transition team?
- The transition is led by an all-women team of co-chairs: Elana Leopold (Transition Executive Director), Maria Torres-Springer (Former First Deputy Mayor), Lina Khan (Former Chair of the Federal Trade Commission), Grace Bonilla (President of United Way of New York City), and Melanie Hartzog (President and CEO of New York Foundling).
- How many people applied to join Mayor-elect Mamdani’s administration?
- Over 70,000 New Yorkers applied to join the administration, highlighting the community’s enthusiasm for participation in the new government.
- What was discussed in the recent meeting between Mayor-elect Mamdani and President Donald Trump?
- They discussed public safety, economic security, and affordability, with both leaders expressing agreement on several key issues, signaling a collaborative approach to addressing the city’s challenges.
| Committee | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Arts and Culture | Promotion and support of the city’s arts and cultural initiatives. |
| Community Organizing | Enhancing community engagement and grassroots mobilization. |
| Community Safety | Improving public safety and community relations. |
| Criminal Legal System | Reforming and improving the criminal justice system. |
| Economic Development and Workforce Development | Fostering economic growth and workforce opportunities. |
| Emergency Response | Enhancing the city’s preparedness and response to emergencies. |
| Government Operations | Streamlining and improving city government functions. |
| Health | Addressing public health challenges and initiatives. |
| Housing | Developing affordable housing solutions. |
| Immigrant Justice | Protecting and advocating for immigrant rights. |
| Legal Affairs | Overseeing legal matters and city policies. |
| Small Businesses and MWBE | Supporting small businesses and minority and women-owned enterprises. |
| Social Services | Enhancing social support and welfare programs. |
| Transportation, Climate, and Infrastructure | Addressing transportation and climate issues, along with infrastructure development. |
| Technology | Improving technological integration in city functions. |
| Worker Justice | Advocating for workers’ rights and interests. |
| Youth and Education | Focusing on educational initiatives and youth development. |
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