Expanding Public Restrooms, New MOME Director, Cutting Small Business Fines and Fees, Pre-K 3-K Applications Open, Delivery App Worker Protections, Equity & Racial Justice Appointee, Correcting Hazardous Tenant Conditions, NYC Parks Cmr: Mayor Mamdani

MAYOR MAMDANI ANNOUNCES NEW COMMITMENT TO EXPAND ACCESS TO PUBLIC BATHROOMS 

Mamdani Administration continues fast-paced, focused efforts to improve lives of working New Yorkers  

New commitment of $4 million to bring modular, high-quality public bathrooms to NYC 

Officials announce new public bathroom coming to West Harlem this year

NEW YORK, NY – TODAY, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the city is launching a new program to expand access to public bathrooms across the city, committing $4 million to a Request for Proposals (RFP) for high-quality modular public restrooms. The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) will release the RFP within the administration’s first 100 days in office, seeking bids to install public bathrooms at a lower cost and on a faster timeline than existing public bathroom installations. Similar projects in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Portland, and other cities have delivered restrooms within months at a fraction of the cost as New York’s prior public restroom projects, and thanks to this program, New Yorkers will be able to benefit from more widely available public restrooms too. 

Mayor Mamdani announced the new program on Saturday at 12th Avenue and St. Clair Place in West Harlem, where he and New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin signed the final approvals for New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) to install a new public bathroom on the site later this year. 

“Everyone knows the feeling of needing a bathroom and not being able to find one. With this new commitment to public toilets, we’re ensuring New Yorkers can travel through our city with a little less anxiety — starting today at 12th and St. Clair,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “Our administration is proving that the government can get right to work to make progress for working people — and perform its essential civic ‘duty.’” 

“Making our streets the envy of the world means creating welcoming public spaces where New Yorkers are safe, can get where they’re going easily and with dignity, and feel cared for — yet today in New York it can feel impossible to find a public bathroom for our most basic needs,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “Public restrooms improve the quality of life for everyone, especially our seniors, parents with young children, delivery workers, people with disabilities, and so many more.” 

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“In the biggest city in the country, access to public bathrooms is basic infrastructure, not a luxury. When New Yorkers can’t find a restroom, it affects how they use our streets, parks, and public spaces, and ultimately whether they feel welcome in their own city,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “The City Council has been clear that this is a quality-of-life issue we can’t ignore, which is why we passed legislation to double the number of public restrooms by 2035. By working in partnership with Mayor Mamdani, we’re turning that commitment into action, and today’s announcement is an important step toward making it real for every New Yorker.” 

“Public toilets are a perfect example of how simple investments can make a real difference in how people experience our city. They allow New Yorkers to spend more time enjoying their neighborhoods, whether that means walking along the river, spending an afternoon in our parks, or supporting local businesses, without worrying about basic necessities,” said Council Member Shaun Abreu. “I’m grateful to Mayor Mamdani for supporting our office’s request to site an automatic public toilet in West Harlem at a strategic location that will improve riverfront access and make the neighborhood more welcoming and accessible, as well as to Speaker Menin for her strong support for projects like these across the city. When we approach our streetscapes with creativity and an open mind, we can make practical improvements that meaningfully enhance daily life for New Yorkers.” 

This commitment is a part of the Mamdani administration’s efforts to improve the public realm and to ensure New Yorkers can enjoy and travel around their city safely and with dignity. The new public restroom at 12th Avenue and St. Clair Place will be free to use, fully accessible, self-cleaning, and contain a water bottle filler.  

There are currently nearly 1,000 public restrooms in New York City, roughly 70% of which are in parks. This program will significantly grow the number of public restrooms elsewhere in the city, including public plazas – exponentially increasing the number of new restrooms that the city adds each year. City agencies including the New York City Department of Transportation will determine where the additional new facilities will be located.

MAYOR MAMDANI APPOINTS RAFAEL ESPINAL AS COMMISSIONER OF THE MAYOR’S OFFICE OF MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT 

The Mamdani administration will ensure NYC remains a home for the artists who shaped it 

Espinal led the Freelancers Union, advancing the rights and protections of freelancers 

NEW YORK, NY — Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the appointment of Rafael Espinal as Commissioner of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME). As Commissioner, Espinal will advance the Mamdani administration’s agenda to ensure New York City remains a place where artists and creatives can afford to live and work. Espinal will report to Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su.  

Rafael Espinal is the current Executive Director of the Freelancers Union, where he has advanced the protections and rights of independent workers nationally. In 2019, there were 1.3 million freelancers — around 34% of the workforce — in New York City, many of whom work in the city’s creative industries. As Commissioner, Espinal will work closely with Mayor Zohran Mamdani to ensure that the workers who make up this industry can live in the city they have been so essential to creating. Previously, Espinal served on the New York City Council, representing Bushwick, Brownsville, Cypress Hills, and East New York. As a Council Member, he championed the rights and protections of artists and small businesses.  

“You cannot tell the story of New York without the artists who have shaped it,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “Yet, the cost-of-living crisis is driving creatives out of our city. That is a loss we cannot afford. As Commissioner, Rafael Espinal will support our city’s artists and help ensure New York City remains a place that every artist can call home. He has led this work nationally, fighting for the rights and protections of independent workers and he will bring that fight right here to New York City.” 

“One of our top priorities is to make sure all of government works together and with the intention to grow industries that make this city vibrant, that reflect its beauty and creativity, and that bring good union jobs to New York City. MOME must lead in this space,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su. 

“I’m honored to join Mayor Mamdani’s administration and lead the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. New York City’s artists, creatives, and freelancers have made New York City into what it is today — if we want to keep our city’s culture, it is critical that they can afford to live and work here. I look forward to supporting our creative industries, expanding opportunities, and ensuring that the city remains a home for artists,” said Rafael Espinal, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.  

The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment supports New York City’s creative economy through its Film Office, NYC Media, Press Credential Office, and Programs and Initiatives divisions. Together, these offices handle permitting and licensing, workforce development, incentives for creative projects, and oversight of the City’s public media outlets. In 2017, more than 293,000 people were employed in New York City’s creative economy, generating billions in economic activity. MOME will continue advancing work that keeps creative jobs in New York City, powers tourism, and ensures the people who do this work can afford to live here.

Mayor Mamdani Signs Executive Order to Inventory and Cut Fines and Fees for Small Businesses  

Executive Order 11 directs City agencies to identify ways to cut costs and simplify regulations for small businesses

NEW YORK, NY — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed Executive Order 11 to create an inventory and identify ways to cut the fees and fines that small businesses pay in New York City. Small businesses face a complex web of over 6,000 regulations and rules, which make it harder to start or grow a business in New York, and drives up costs for businesses and customers alike. The executive order directs the Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice, Julie Su, and seven agencies to create a comprehensive inventory of fees and civil penalties, identify ways to reduce and streamline them, and advance policy reforms to do so in the coming months. Mayor Mamdani signed the executive order on the counter of a locally-owned small business in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn. 

“You cannot tell the story of New York without our small businesses. Yet, our City has long made it too hard for these same businesses to open their doors, and to keep them open. With today’s Executive Order, we will bring that chapter to an end, instead delivering relief to businesses from the fines and fees that drive up their costs,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. 

“The small business owners who give this city its identity and vibrancy have too rarely been considered in the backrooms where decisions are made. Not on our watch,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su. “Mayor Mamdani was elected to City Hall not solely because his campaign offered solutions for the countless New Yorkers tired of rents being raised, childcare costs soaring year after year, and public transit failing those who rely upon it. He was elected because he spoke to the small business owners of this city as partners and because he knows that when New Yorkers feel a challenge, small business owners often feel it first. For us, uplifting small businesses is a core responsibility of city government.” 

Under Executive Order 11, seven City agencies, under the direction of the Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice, must create a full inventory of the fees and civil penalties that they collect and identify whether they can be reduced within 45 days. Within 90 days, these agencies must determine which fees are unnecessary and can be eliminated through a rulemaking process. Within 180 days, city officials will identify even further fees and penalties that require legislative action to be reduced. Lastly, within the next year, city agencies will create a report on the feasibility of an amnesty and relief program for business owners. 

MAMDANI ADMINISTRATION CELEBRATES LAUNCH OF 3-K & PRE-K APPLICATIONS 

NEW YORK, NY — Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels celebrated the opening day of 3-K and Pre-K applications with a visit to a 3-K and Pre-K child care center in Cypress Hills. The application is open from today until February 27, 2026 and parents of kids turning 3 or 4 years old this year are encouraged to apply at myschools.nyc. Families can also receive support by calling 718-935-2009 or by visiting one of the City’s 13 Family Welcome Centers across the 5 boroughs for support with their applications. Applications are available in 13 languages online, with interpretation services available in over 200 languages via phone (718-935-2009) or at a Family Welcome Center.  

Mayor Mamdani released a new video encouraging New Yorkers to apply for 3-K and Pre-K, marking the start of an aggressive outreach by the new Administration effort to help families apply and enroll. This video will be featured on TaxiTV and LinkNYC.  

“New Yorkers have until February 27 to apply for 3-K and Pre-K, and we’re using every tool at our disposal to get the word out,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “Whether on TaxiTV, LinkNYC, or out in your neighborhood, my Administration will be working tirelessly to ensure that New Yorkers know their government is here to serve them. So if you have a child turning 3 or 4 this year, you can apply by visiting myschools.nyc, calling 718-935-2009, or visiting one of our 13 Family Welcome Centers.” 

“Every child, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves access to a high-quality early childhood education, and no parent should have to make tough decisions to ensure that their kids are set up for lifelong success,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. “I am proud to partner with Mayor Mamdani to get the word out about open 3-K and pre-K applications, while creating systems and programs to support continuity of care for our families.” 

Applications are not accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so families should feel free to apply anytime between today and February 27. Any family that applies by the deadline will receive an offer. The City’s Family Welcome Centers are open Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Fridays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Families can call 718-935-2009 from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday.  

This application cycle comes on the heels of Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul’s historic announcement delivering 2-Care to New York City. As envisioned by the Mamdani Administration, the first year of 2-Care will focus on high-need areas selected by New York City and expand to serve all interested families across the city by year 4. The Mayor will also be partnering with the Governor to strengthen and fix the city’s 3-K program and ensure it achieves its promise of universal access. 

About New York City Public Schools: New York City Public Schools is a testament to the history and impact of urban education in the United States. With over 1,600 schools spread across five boroughs, the system is made up of approximately 1 million students and staff, making it the largest public school system in the nation. These schools employ more than 75,000 teachers who deliver a rich tapestry of educational experiences to a student body that reflects the city’s vibrant and diverse cultural heritage. This network of educational institutions represents not just the scale of New York City’s commitment to public education, but also its dedication to fostering a learning environment that is as dynamic and diverse as the city itself.

NEW ERA OF ACCOUNTABILITY: MAMDANI ADMINISTRATION’S DCWP SUES MOTOCLICK AND CEO, WARNS DELIVERY APPS TO COMPLY WITH WORKER PROTECTIONS 

Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined Commissioner Sam Levine to announce worker protection enforcement blitz alongside Deputy Mayor Julie Su, Worker’s Justice Project, and Los Deliveristas Unidos.

NEW YORK, NY – A case was filed on behalf of the City of New York in New York State Supreme Court against predatory delivery app Motoclick for egregiously violating the city’s Delivery Worker Laws. Motoclick, which operates a restaurant-facing delivery service, blatantly ignored the Minimum Pay Rate and stole directly from workers’ paychecks, with shocking tactics that include charging workers a $10 fee for canceled orders and deducting the entire cost of refunded orders from workers’ pay – sometimes claiming that workers owed the company money. DCWP estimates that Motoclick and CEO Juan Pablo Salinas Salek owe workers millions in stolen pay and damages and seeks to shut the company down completely.  

Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su, DCWP Commissioner Sam Levine, and advocates from Worker’s Justice Project and Los Deliveristas Unidos to announce the lawsuit. 

Commissioner Levine also today launched a compliance blitz, sending notices to Instacart, DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber, and others warning them to adhere to new Delivery Worker Laws taking effect on January 26. This includes Local Laws 107 and 108, related to tipping protections; Local Law 113 related to delivery worker pay transparency; and Local Laws 123 and 124, related to expanding the minimum pay rate to more delivery workers, timely and weekly payment rights, and improved bathroom access for delivery workers. As a report DCWP released earlier this week revealed, DoorDash and Uber engineered design tricks in their interfaces to lower workers’ tip earnings by $550 million.  

These actions come as Commissioner Levine ramps up efforts to crack down on predatory delivery apps, reverse worker losses through aggressive enforcement of the Delivery Worker Laws, and hold companies and individuals accountable for ripping off the hardworking, majority immigrant deliveristas who keep New Yorkers fed. 

“Deliveristas make millions of New Yorkers’ day-to-day lives easier only for their own to be difficult. Today, however, marks the end of a chapter of thankless exploitation,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “Our Department of Consumer and Worker Protection is already cracking down on everything from baseless violations of the law to deceptive tricks that hurt our delivery workers — and showing what a government that puts working people first can accomplish every day.” 

“We know affordability is not just about the cost of goods — it’s about the dignity of work. That’s why we have to make sure our deliveristas have safety on the job, a minimum wage for their work, and tips that go directly to their pockets,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su. “Today’s lawsuit against Motoclick is not just an action against one company, it’s a warning to every app-based company from this Administration. You cannot treat workers like they are expendable and get away with it. We will seek full back pay and damages. We will seek full accountability.” 

“Motoclick and its CEO tricked New Yorkers into working for their platform with false promises and then stole their tips and earnings – sometimes even driving workers into debt.,” said DCWP Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levine. “We are seeking to shutdown this company and other predatory apps should be on notice. If you scam your workers, we will hold you and your executives accountable.” 

“We are so proud to welcome Commissioner Levine to our worker center at the very start of his tenure and inspired by his decision to stand with the 80,000 app delivery workers who are essential to New York City’s economy and critical partners in enforcing the laws that protect all workers. This moment marks a new era of co-enforcement in the app delivery industry: rooted in worker leadership, public accountability, and real consequences for reckless app companies. We are grateful to work in unity with Commissioner Levine and the entire Department of Consumer and Worker Protection team to make clear that workers and the city are watching – and that the law will be enforced,” said Ligia Guallpa, Executive Director of Worker’s Justice Project and Co-Founder of the Los Deliveristas Unidos campaign 

The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) is the nation’s leading municipal enforcement agency charged with delivering New Yorkers economic justice and an affordable city. DCWP leverages its authority to deliver real economic relief to New Yorkers and protect them from predatory, deceptive, and unfair practices that violate their consumer and workers’ rights. This includes pioneering cutting-edge protections, such as the City’s Consumer Protection Law, Protected Time Off Law, Fair Workweek Law, and Delivery Worker Laws, including the Minimum Pay Rate for delivery workers. While licensing more than 45,000 businesses in over 45 industries, we also ensure fair competition and a level playing field for responsible small businesses that are integral to New York City’s vibrant communities. DCWP also provides essential services, such as free tax preparation and financial counseling to ensure New Yorkers keep more of what they earn and can plan for their futures. Across our mission, DCWP is committed to making New York City a fairer, more affordable place to live. For more information about DCWP and its work, call 311 or visit DCWP at nyc.gov/dcwp, sign up for its newsletter, or follow on its social media sites, X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

MAYOR MAMDANI APPOINTS AFUA ATTA-MENSAH AS CHIEF EQUITY OFFICER AND COMMISSIONER OF THE MAYOR’S OFFICE OF EQUITY & RACIAL JUSTICE 

Atta-Mensah is a nationally recognized strategist and organizer for racial justice  

As Chief Equity Officer, Atta-Mensah will lead work to create and publish the Racial Equity Plan within first 100 days 

NEW YORK, NY — Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the appointment of nationally recognized organizer and racial justice strategist Afua Atta-Mensah as Chief Equity Officer and Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Equity & Racial Justice (MOERJ). In this role, Atta-Mensah will coordinate the administration’s work advancing racial equity across City agencies, including creating and publishing the Preliminary Citywide Racial Equity Plan within the administration’s first 100 days in office. This commitment to the Racial Equity Plan, which the Adams administration failed to publish on schedule, marks a new era in New York City’s pursuit of racial justice under the Mamdani administration. 

Atta-Mensah has previously held roles including Chief of Programs at Community Change, Executive Director of Community Voices Heard, and Director of Litigation and Policy at the Urban Justice Center. In these positions and others across New York and internationally, she has fought to build social power for working people, including defending racial justice initiatives and fair and equitable housing. 

Mayor Mamdani also committed to create and publish the Preliminary Racial Equity Plan within the administration’s first 100 days in office. New Yorkers will then be able to comment on the Preliminary Plan before the Final Plan is published later this year. New York City voters supported the creation of a Racial Equity Plan by a wide margin in 2022, but the previous administration did not meet the timeline established in the City Charter to release it. In prioritizing the publication of the Racial Equity Plan, the Mamdani administration is reiterating its commitment to a more equitable and just New York City.  

“Afua Atta-Mensah has dedicated her career to serving the New Yorkers who are so often forgotten in the halls of power. There is no one I trust more to advance racial equity across our work in City Hall,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “That starts with making good on the promise of a Preliminary Citywide Racial Equity Plan within our first 100 days in office, and it will continue as our administration focuses on equity and racial justice throughout its work. 

“I am honored by this appointment, and ready to seek citywide justice and accountability on behalf of all New Yorkers,” said Afua Atta-Mensah, NYC Chief Equity Officer & Commissioner of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Equity & Racial Justice. “As the Mayor has made clear, this administration is committed to doing big things — and to doing them boldly. I look forward to partnering with community leaders and working alongside the teams at MOERJ and the Commission on Racial Equity to develop and implement a comprehensive, citywide Racial Equity Plan.” 

“There is no economic justice without racial justice. I am thrilled to get to work with Afua Atta-Mensah to make this more than just a statement of principle and to celebrate Black excellence and racial equity for all of the beautiful communities who call NYC home,” said Julie Su, Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice. 

Mamdani Administration Announces Historic $2.1 Million Settlement to Address Hazardous Conditions and Tenant Harassment Across 14 Buildings 

A&E Real Estate and associated bad actors agree to correct building violations, injunctions to end tenant harassment

New York, NY – New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and incoming Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Dina Levy announced a $2.1 million settlement involving A&E Real Estate properties with associated principals Douglas Eisenberg and Margaret Brunn, and registered managing agent Brian Garland, to address tenant harassment and hazardous conditions across 14 buildings in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. In addition to the civil penalties, the settlement requires A&E to correct more than 4,000 building condition violations across these buildings and imposes injunctions prohibiting tenant harassment moving forward.  

This enforcement action, led by HPD’s Anti-Harassment Unit, represents one of the tools that the Mamdani administration is bringing to bear to protect tenants across New York. Mayor Mamdani made tenant protection a focal point of his administration on his first day in office, signing executive orders to revitalize the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants (MOPT) and help deliver housing more quickly, including on City-owned sites. HPD, the MOPT, and other agencies will continue to use every tool available to defend and strengthen tenants’ rights, confront bad-actor landlords, and intervene when unsafe or illegal conditions put tenants at risk.  

“Every tenant in New York City has a right to a safe and livable home and our administration is taking decisive action to deliver exactly that. This settlement will bring real accountability and relief for the tenants of these buildings, who have been suffering from poor conditions and harassment for far too long,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “From our first day in office, we have made addressing the housing crisis a priority. Enforcement actions like these are just one of the many tools that we will use to deliver on an affordability agenda for New Yorkers.” 

“We will not stand by when bad landlords let buildings decay and tenants suffer. This settlement is a statement of values: that every New Yorker has a right to feel safe in their own home,” said Leila Bozorg, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning. “We will continue to use City tools to deliver real results for tenants, whether through enforcement actions like this or working in partnership with owners who are committed to providing safe and quality housing to New Yorkers.” 

“It is an honor to advance the vision of the Mamdani administration and the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development that safe, livable homes are a right for each and every New Yorker. By holding bad actors accountable, we are making it clear that no landlord will escape the consequences of violating the Housing Maintenance Code. Tenants should not have to fight day in and day out for a crumbling ceiling to be repaired, for mold to be remediated, or for heat and hot water to be available — these are basic rights. Through the tireless work of our enforcement teams, we are delivering justice for tenants. HPD will continue to hold landlords accountable and deliver justice for New York City tenants,” said Incoming Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner, Dina Levy.  

“A&E’s greed has left New Yorkers without working elevators, crumbling bathroom ceilings, and termites eating through the walls. Here in Jackson Heights, we’ve been fighting alongside the tenants of A&E buildings for years. Every repair we’ve won leaves us with ten more to fight for — their buildings are revolving doors of neglect and major housing violations. I’m thankful that Mayor Mamdani and HPD, on day 16 of the new era, have taken this problem head-on, protecting and fighting for our neighbors — especially here in Jackson Heights, the community with the highest numbers of A&E properties. A&E’s money-first mindset has hit my district the hardest, but I know this won’t be the last major win for their tenants,” said Council Member Shekar Krishnan. 

The litigation that led to this settlement regards 14 buildings across three boroughs: 150-45 73 Avenue, 35-64 84 Street, 37-06 81 Street, 35-16 34 Street, 48-16 46 Street, 37-25 81 Street, 80-01 37 Street, 37-30 81 Street, and 150-40 73 Avenue in Queens; 2 Ellwood Street, 342 Fort Washington Avenue, and 350 Fort Washington Avenue in Manhattan; and 65 Ocean Avenue and 230 Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn. HPD’s initial investigation revealed widespread unsafe conditions at four buildings; when those violations were not corrected, HPD escalated enforcement by filing motions with the Court seeking civil contempt, additional Orders to Correct, and further civil penalties. 

Over the course of litigation, more than 1,000 violations have been corrected following enforcement actions and court orders, and HPD has made an additional $488,000 worth of repairs through the Emergency Repair Program. Should A&E not comply with these settlement terms, HPD may seek additional court orders and further penalties.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani Appoints Tricia Shimamura as NYC Parks Commissioner  

Shimamura is an experienced public servant who helped guide the city through the Inwood Hill Park fires and various waterfront resiliency projects 

Previously, Shimamura worked with FEMA and local partners to help Manhattan’s East Side recover from Superstorm Sandy 

As Commissioner, she will ensure New York City’s public spaces reflect a commitment to working New Yorkers

NEW YORK, NY — Mayor Zohran Mamdani appointed Tricia Shimamura as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. Shimamura currently serves as Manhattan Borough Commissioner for NYC Parks Department and brings more than a decade of experience advancing major infrastructure projects and working closely with communities across New York City to deliver for working people.  

As Manhattan Borough Commissioner, Shimamura expanded community outreach, led the agency’s on-the-ground response to the Inwood Hill Park fires in the fall of 2024, and oversaw the reopening of Phase 1 of East River Park. Her career reflects a commitment to listening to New Yorkers and delivering results for working people.  

As Director of Government Relations at Columbia University, she spearheaded an ambitious vote-by-mail initiative for more than 20,000 students during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, where she helped advance critical infrastructure projects including the East River Esplanade and Phase 1 of the Second Avenue Subway. 

The NYC Parks Department oversees more than 30,000 acres of land — nearly 14 percent of New York City — providing essential public spaces that millions of New Yorkers rely on every day. Shimamura brings extensive experience managing large-scale public operations and navigating crises. 

“Our city’s parks embody the promise of public spaces — they’re where childhood memories are formed, where leisure can be found, where I got to hone my soccer skills (or lack thereof) throughout school, and most importantly where the greatness of our city is within so many New Yorker’s reach,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “I’m excited to be announcing the appointment of a Parks Commissioner who has spent her career showing up, and listening to, communities across our city. Under the leadership of Tricia Shimamura, our Parks Department will strive to make this a city that every New Yorker can afford to not just live in but enjoy.” 

“It is an honor to join Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration. Early in my career as a social worker, I saw firsthand how government fell short for working families and students — and how our public infrastructure too often mirrored those failures,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “I have dedicated my career to building a city that truly serves working people and investing in infrastructure that reflects that commitment. As Parks Commissioner, I will ensure our parks are not only free, but welcoming, vibrant spaces that every New Yorker can be proud of.” 

Tricia Shimamura will be the next NYC Parks Commissioner. Previously, she was Deputy Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, working on critical infrastructure projects like investing in the East River Esplanade and completing Phase 1 of the Second Avenue Subway. Tricia worked as Director of Government Relations at Columbia University, strengthening relationships with the surrounding community boards and other local organizations, as well as spearheading civic engagement initiatives including an ambitious vote-by-mail program for over 20,000 students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tricia later joined the Office of Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, overseeing the office’s Community Affairs Unit and managing relationships with 12 Manhattan Community Boards. She spearheaded various initiatives such as the Borough President’s Volunteer Corps and the Leadership Training Series and connected with Manhattanites on issues impacting their daily lives.  

Tricia has proudly served as the Manhattan Borough Commissioner for the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation (NYC Parks) since March 2024. Under her leadership, the borough expanded community outreach and strategic partnerships, identified creative solutions to longstanding, complex problems, and successfully advocated for millions of dollars of funding for both critical capital projects as well as essential public programs serving tens of thousands of New Yorkers. Tricia also led the borough in adopting more comprehensive data-driven practices and policies related to bloodborne pathogen safety, and she helped lead the agency’s on-the-ground response to the Inwood Hill Park fires in the fall of 2024. She oversaw the reopening of Phase 1 of East River Park, and has continued to guide strategic planning for several resiliency and other major waterfront development projects around the borough.   

Outside of work, Tricia and her family have dedicated their time towards supporting women in leadership and running for public office. Tricia continues to serve on the Board of the Vote Mama Foundation, which conducts research on the effectiveness of family policies meeting the needs of working families. Tricia also served on her own community board for several years.  

She received her Master’s in Social Work from New York University and her Bachelor of Arts from Kenyon College. Tricia lives on the Upper East Side with her husband, Dov, and their two sons, Teddy and Ollie.