Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has established an Elected Advisory Committee comprising over 100 officials to support his agenda for affordability in New York City. The inaugural meeting took place on Friday at District Council 37 headquarters in lower Manhattan, with approximately 75 members present.
Mamdani’s Alliances and Notable Members
This committee features prominent figures, including:
- Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Attorney General Letitia James
- Gov. Kathy Hochul
- State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins
- Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie
A mix of city, state, and congressional leaders joins the committee, reflecting Mamdani’s commitment to collaboration across various levels of government. Others in attendance included Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, incoming Comptroller Mark Levine, all four Democratic borough presidents, and 31 council members.
Key Exclusions from the Committee
Notably absent from the committee are several high-profile politicians who did not endorse Mamdani. This list includes:
- Sen. Chuck Schumer
- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand
- Reps. Greg Meeks, Grace Meng, and Ritchie Torres
The omissions highlight Mamdani’s strategic focus on those who supported his campaign for a more affordable city.
Upcoming Challenges and Initiatives
Mamdani is set to assume office on January 1. He has outlined ambitious plans to make New York City more affordable, including:
- Implementing universal free childcare
- Contending with the previous administration’s policies
- Making public transportation free
- Increasing affordable housing availability
Partnership with fellow elected officials will be integral to achieving these objectives. Mamdani emphasized the need for collaboration to ensure effective governance that reflects the city’s diverse needs.
Moving Forward with the Elected Advisory Committee
The establishment of the Elected Advisory Committee is a critical step for Mamdani as he gears up to implement his affordability agenda. He stated, “Delivering an affordable New York City will require partnership with leaders at all levels of government.”
As Mamdani prepares to take office, the committee will play a crucial role in shaping legislative priorities for the upcoming year, ensuring that the voices of working-class citizens are prioritized in discussions around city governance.
