NYC’s Most Distressed Apartments, Rental Ripoff Hearings, Dept Of Investigations Cmr, Restarting Bus & Bike Lane Projects, Budget Help From Albany, Other Updates: Mayor Mamdani – UPDATED

MAMDANI ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES STRICTER ENFORCEMENT FOR CITY’S 250 MOST DISTRESSED APARTMENT BUILDINGS  

Through the Alternative Enforcement Program, the city will increase monitoring and make repairs when landlords fail to act 

NEW YORK, NY – New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Dina Levy released an updated list of the 250 buildings with the most severe housing code violations citywide, placing them under heightened oversight through the Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP).   

AEP, now in its 19th year, allows the city to closely monitor repeat offenders, conduct more frequent inspections, issue Orders to Correct and step in directly to make repairs when owners fail to do so, billing landlords for the cost. The 250 buildings selected this year account for nearly 55,000 open violations and owe the city nearly $4.5 million for emergency repairs already performed.    

The updated AEP list builds on the Mamdani administration’s commitment to ensuring every New Yorker has a safe, stable, and well-maintained home. Last month, HPD announced a $2.1 million settlement with A&E Real Estate Holdings covering 14 buildings – the largest ever won by HPD’s Anti-Harassment Unit – requiring extensive repairs, compliance with Orders to Correct and injunctions barring tenant harassment.  

During the ongoing cold emergency, HPD has also treated this winter conditions as an all-hands-on-deck effort, maximizing staffing to respond to approximately 37,000 complaints in January and closing 98% of them as of Feb. 4.  

“In our first month in office, we’ve been clear: New York will no longer look the other way while bad landlords put tenants at risk. The Alternative Enforcement Program gives us the power to closely monitor repeat offenders and step in to fix conditions when landlords refuse to do their jobs,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “We’ll use every tool we have to protect New Yorkers’ homes and make safe, dignified housing non-negotiable.”  

“With this update to the Alternative Enforcement Program, we will be able to take decisive action to ensure that repairs are made in the buildings where they are most needed. I’m grateful to the HPD team for their ongoing work to protect tenants and ensure homes are safe and livable,” said Leila Bozorg, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning.  

“Every New Yorker deserves a safe and well-maintained place to rest, raise their family, and sleep at night. The updated AEP round is an important milestone as the city stands shoulder to shoulder with tenants to deliver high quality, affordable homes,” said Cea Weaver, Director of the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants.  

“This administration will not back away from protecting tenants or enforcing the Housing Maintenance Code. Today, we are naming the 250 buildings entering HPD’s Alternative Enforcement Program. When landlords refuse to do their job, the city will intervene, advances critical repairs, and recover costs from owners,” said Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Dina Levy. “We want to make it abundantly clear: landlords who repeatedly fail their tenants will be held accountable.”  

NEW YORK – On Sunday, as dangerously low temperatures persisted, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani visited a Manhattan warming center, where he met with homeless New Yorkers and thanked city workers, non-profit partners and volunteers working around the clock to bring people indoors.   

“Temperatures remain dangerously low, and we are mobilizing every part of government to keep people safe,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “As we head into the week, I am urging New Yorkers to stay indoors, take extra precautions, and be safe. If you see anyone outside who needs help, please call 311. Our outreach workers will connect them to warming centers, safe haven sites and shelters.”   

Ahead of the coldest weekend of the winter, Mayor Mamdani announced roughly 60 new hotel shelter units, along with additional warming center and vehicle capacity, bringing the total number of warming facilities citywide over the weekend to nearly 65. The city also deployed additional mobile warming units equipped with clinicians and other vital resources and announced new partnerships to strengthen direct street outreach.  

On Saturday, the city took further steps to support vulnerable New Yorkers, announcing additional safe haven beds and the launch of at least 150 more direct street outreach workers – supplementing the over 400 Department of Homeless Service outreach workers who have already been out in the field around the clock since the Code Blue emergency began.  

Mayor Mamdani has also taken innovative steps to increase public awareness for the resources available to those in need and made direct appeals to homeless New Yorkers to come indoors through a citywide LinkNYC campaign, as well as by launching a tool on the kiosks to locate the nearest warming center.  

As the City responds to this weather emergency, Mayor Mamdani’s administration is using every available tool to keep New Yorkers safe. Residents are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 for emergency updates. More information here.     

As Mayor Mamdani has repeatedly said: If you are still outdoors, please come inside. We want to help. We want to keep you safe.

MAYOR MAMDANI ANNOUNCES OPENING OF NEW SHIRLEY CHISHOLM RECREATION CENTER IN FLATBUSH 

First ever rec center in Central Brooklyn and now borough’s largest rec center will serve over 41,000 New Yorkers 

For first week, New Yorkers can spend a full free day in the center to explore the indoor pool, dedicated youth spaces, teaching kitchen, media lab, dance studio, and more 

NEW YORK, NY – TODAY, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the opening of the brand-new Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center in East Flatbush. He was joined by NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, State Senator Kevin Parker, Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, and Councilmember Farah Louis. The new center is the first new Parks recreation center in over a decade, the first ever in Central Brooklyn, and the largest recreation center in the whole borough. Located in the heart of Little Haiti, the center is expected to serve residents of East Flatbush and Midwood, with over 41,000 New Yorkers living within a 15-minute walk or transit ride of the new center.  

The approximately 74,000-square-foot recreation center provides space for swimming, team sports, exercise, educational programming, and even A/V production in a media lab. Like all Parks recreation centers, discounts are available for New Yorkers of all ages, and membership is entirely free for people 24 years and younger.  

The center will fully open to the public on Tuesday, February 10. For the first week, all New Yorkers will have the opportunity to use the brand-new center for one free day of their choosing, prior to becoming members. Parks is also hosting guided tours, registration events, and demonstrations to help New Yorkers experience what the new facility has to offer.   

“The Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center will soon be alive with possibility — kids learning to swim, cook, and grow their own food; friends coming together on the court; neighbors of every generation creating and connecting, from the gym to the podcast studio. This will be a space where the city meets itself, built to serve the people who call it home,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “Shirley Chisholm believed that politics should be accountable to everyday people. In that spirit, this center will stand as a living tribute to her legacy — proving that when we invest in truly affordable, accessible public spaces, we can build a city that works for all of us.”  

“Central Brooklyn, cancel your gym subscription and join us at Shirley Chisholm, where we have state-of-the-art amenities at a fraction of the cost. This new center means that over 41,000 New Yorkers now have an affordable space to exercise, learn, and connect with their neighbors, a fitting tribute to Chisholm’s commitment to community investment,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “This recreation center represents the very best of city government. Shared spaces like this make our city more affordable, more livable, and more safe. I am so grateful to our partner agencies for their collaboration, and to City Councilmember Farah Louis and State Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn for their tireless advocacy and support, making this center—the first in all of Central Brooklyn—possible. Working together and with the community, we’ve created a space where all Brooklynites are welcome.” 

“Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you to Parks. Thank you to the elected officials who are here. Thank you to the Councilmember who finished this [project],” said Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. “There were no youth centers in East Flatbush, in this part … It was a shame that, as was mentioned, there are some communities that have a plethora of these [recreation centers], and there are some communities that have none … This is a celebration with a lot more work to do. Thank you so much, everyone.”

“After years of advocacy, securing funding, and two years of construction, it is deeply meaningful to see the Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center finally open its doors to the community. This project reflects sustained partnership across government and a shared commitment to ensuring this space truly serves local families, youth, and seniors. From early planning through completion, this effort was guided by community input and the belief that public investment must deliver real, lasting benefits. Named in honor of Shirley Chisholm, this center stands as a living investment in wellness, opportunity, and community connection for generations to come,” said Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn.    

“This moment is the result of years of advocacy, persistence, and a community that refused to give up on a vision for itself,” said Council Member Farah N. Louis. “The Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center stands as a testament to what happens when residents, advocates, and public servants work together with purpose. I am proud to have secured this $141 million investment to honor Shirley Chisholm’s legacy, and to represent a promise to every child and family in East Flatbush that they matter and that their future is worth fighting for.”    

“The Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center is a historic investment in Central Brooklyn and a statement about what our communities deserve. By expanding access to health, education, and creative opportunity for tens of thousands of families, it honors Chisholm’s legacy of equity and public service. I commend Mayor Zohran Mamdani for his leadership and partnership in delivering a project that puts community access and opportunity first,” said State Senator Kevin Parker. 

“As we celebrate 100 years of Black History, it is fitting that we are opening the first ever facility of its kind in Central Brooklyn, the Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center, named after a Black Caribbean historian with Bajan roots who represented us on the Federal and State level; this space is a valuable resource for our community. This is a moment of great pride where we as leaders need to continue her legacy to embody her motto — Unbought & Unbossed,” said Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman. “This facility has been a longstanding need to provide our youth with a safe space. I’m especially honored to have been involved in the initial planning stages before my election, along with families impacted by gun violence, the youth, and my neighbors. Since taking office, we created the Assembly District 58 Public Safety Taskforce that continues to advocate for more resources to invest in public health. I want to thank Public Advocate Jumaane Williams for laying this foundation, the Mayor, NYC Parks, and my colleagues for bringing this to the finish line; and for their commitment to investing in our youth and communities — allowing us to have the resources needed to live healthy and productive lives. This is a perfect example of ‘It is not an I thing, It’s a WE thing.’” 

“I stand amazed at how our recreation centers are bringing back a true sense of community. With state-of-the-art spaces like this, we’re staying active, staying connected, and having fun,” said Council Member Ty Hankerson. “Every community deserves a place like this.” 

“The Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center is a huge milestone in construction reform for the City and proves that design-build works,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Acting Commissioner Eduardo del Valle. “Using design-build contracting, DDC was able to complete the Center three years faster than would have been possible with traditional lowest bidder contracting. And 36 percent of the budget went to M/WBEs, exceeding our goal of 30 percent on design-build projects. We are proving that construction reform is possible and that design-build is fast and effective. Right now, we’re working, via design-build, on three new recreation centers in Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens that will all see similar time savings.”  

Now Brooklyn’s largest recreation center, the Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center includes brand-new fitness resources for New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds, including:  

• Competition-sized 6 lane pool, including a ramp, chairlift, and stairs so all visitors can comfortably enter the water regardless of ability  

• Three lane walking track  

• Competition-sized gym perfect for basketball, pickleball, and volleyball  

• Exercise rooms for cardio workouts, weightlifting, and spin classes  

The center also features spaces for events, classes, and relaxation, including:  

• Teaching kitchen  

• Afterschool space with its own outdoor play area   

• Dedicated teens-only space with supervision  

• Dr. Roy A. Hastick Sr. Media Lab with a mixing room for A/V production  

• Multipurpose rooms for events and classes  

The new center is named for Shirley Chisholm, the Brooklyn-born politician who became the first African American woman to serve in Congress, representing Brooklyn in the House of Representatives from 1969 to 1983.  

MAMDANI ADMINISTRATION INVITES NEW YORKERS TO JOIN FIRST-EVER RENTAL RIPOFF HEARINGS IN ALL FIVE BOROUGHS 

Hearings will give tenants a platform to share experiences with unsafe building conditions, hidden fees and other abuses 

City will have 90 days after hearings conclude to deliver a plan to protect tenants and hold bad landlords accountable

NEW YORK, NY – TODAY, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the dates and locations for New York City’s first-ever Rental Ripoff Hearings, a series of five public hearings — one in each borough — where New Yorkers will be invited to share their experiences renting in the City.  

Established by Executive Order 08, the Rental Ripoff Hearings will create a direct line between tenants and City leadership. New Yorkers will speak about challenges ranging from mold, broken appliances and unsafe construction conditions to hidden fees and surprise charges. Tenants will also have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with senior officials from the Mamdani administration, including commissioners from the city’s housing and consumer protection agencies, to help shape future policy.   

“You can’t fight for tenants without listening to them first. That’s why we’re launching Rental Ripoff Hearings in all five boroughs—bringing together renters to speak directly about what they’re facing, from hidden fees to broken tiles and unresponsive landlords,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “What tenants share at these hearings won’t lead to empty promises. Their testimony will guide our work and help shape the policies we advance to build a city New Yorkers can afford to call their home.”  

“At New York City’s first-ever Rental Ripoff Hearings, tenants will be able to speak directly with city officials so their experiences can shape real policy reforms. We’re looking forward to hearing from New Yorkers in every borough about the challenges they face, from hidden fees to code enforcement failures,” said Leila Bozorg, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning.   

“Tenants are the backbone of New York City, but too many are struggling every day with surprise charges and unsafe living conditions. These hearings are a historic opportunity for policymakers to hear directly from tenants: whether you’re fighting to get repairs or being hit with unexplained fees, your story can improve lives for millions of New Yorkers,” said Cea Weaver, Director of the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants.  

“New Yorkers deserve a rental system that keeps everyone safe and housed. We want to hear directly from tenants as it’s the most effective way to craft responsive policies, and ensure that the right enforcement strategies are included in our housing plan. We take this process seriously and these hearings will be used to drive real change,” said Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Dina Levy.  

“Broker fees, hidden charges, and other predatory practices are ripping off working New Yorkers and jacking up the cost of where they live. The Rental Ripoff Hearings are an important step toward holding landlords and brokers accountable,” said Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner Sam Levine. “At DCWP, we are committed to using every tool at our disposal to combat these unfair practices and make living in New York City more transparent and affordable. I look forward to hearing directly from residents and working with Mayor Mamdani to deliver a more affordable city for all New Yorkers.”  

“From enforcing rigorous safety protocols during active construction to upholding the city’s strict inspection standards, the Department of Buildings is unwavering in its commitment to protecting tenants and holding property owners accountable for providing safe and legal housing,” said Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani. “Mayor Mamdani is rightfully putting the spotlight on tenant safety and quality of life issues in our city. We welcome the opportunity to participate in these important discussions and look forward to hearing directly from New Yorkers about their experiences as tenants, which will help inform improvements to our operations and ensure we continue to best serve the public’s interests.”  

The hearings will be held on:  

• Thursday, Feb. 26 from 5:30-8:30 p.m., Downtown Brooklyn  

• Thursday, March 5 from 5:30-8:30 p.m., Long Island City, Queens  

• Wednesday, March 11 from 5:30-8:30 p.m., Fordham, The Bronx   

• Saturday, March 28 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., East Harlem, Manhattan  

• Tuesday, April 7 from 5:30-8:30 p.m., North Shore, Staten Island  

New Yorkers can register to attend in person at nyc.gov/RentalRipoff. At each hearing, participants will be able to record testimony or sign up for one-on-one conversations with city officials.   

New Yorkers who cannot attend an in-person hearing can submit testimony via email to RentalRipoff@cityhall.nyc.gov.   

Within 90 days of the final hearing, the Mamdani administration will publish a report proposing policy interventions to take on these ripoff tactics, informed by common grievances voiced by New Yorkers. In addition, input gathered at the Rental Ripoff Hearings will help inform the Mamdani administration’s forthcoming housing plan. 

MAYOR MAMDANI ANNOUNCES KEY APPOINTMENTS TO THREE  CITY AGENCIES AND OFFICES, INCLUDING CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER  

New Appointees Will Lead the Office of Technology and Innovation,  Mayor’s Office for People With Disabilities, Department for the Aging

NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Mamdani today announced three new appointments to lead critical agencies and offices across city government. Mayor Mamdani appointed Lisa Gelobter as New York City’s Chief Technology Officer and Commissioner of the Office of Technology and Innovation; Nisha Agarwal as Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for People With Disabilities; and Lisa Scott-McKenzie as Commissioner of the New York City Department for the Aging.

About Lisa Gelobter 

A recognized leader in social impact and digital equity, Lisa Gelobter will serve as New York City’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Commissioner of the Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI). 

Commissioner Gelobter brings decades of experience at the intersection of technology, public service, and social impact. Most recently, Commissioner Gelobter founded tEQuitable, which helps organizations identify and address systemic workplace culture issues and uses technology to make workplaces more equitable. Commissioner Gelobter served in the Obama Administration as Chief Digital Service Officer at the U.S. Department of Education, where she focused on improving access to government services and boosting outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations. Commissioner Gelobter also worked as Interim Chief Digital Officer at BET Networks, dedicated to entertaining, engaging, and empowering the Black community. She has been recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the 100 Women Building America’s Most Innovative and Ambitious Businesses and named to Fast Company’s list of Most Creative People. Commissioner Gelobter is one of the first 40 Black women to have raised more than $1 million in venture capital funding and helped pioneer several foundational Internet technologies, including Shockwave, Hulu, and the ascent of online video.  

As CTO and head of OTI, Commissioner Gelobter will oversee the city’s technology infrastructure, cyber security efforts, and data management initiatives. She will focus on using technology to expand access to vital city services and advancing digital equity across New York City. 

“I’m deeply honored to be appointed by Mayor Mamdani at a moment when technology is reshaping nearly every aspect of civic life. Technology impacts how people experience government every day — from accessing services to trusting that systems work fairly and responsibly. As CTO and Commissioner, my focus will be on using technology in service of the public good: improving delivery, strengthening accountability, and ensuring innovation reflects the needs of all New Yorkers,” said CTO and OTI Commissioner Gelobter. “I’m excited to work alongside the extraordinary team at OTI, our partners, and communities across the City to deliver technology that truly works for everyone.” 

“Lisa Gelobter’s decades-long career as a computer scientist, innovator, and entrepreneur has been defined by her commitment to leveraging technology for the public good,” said Mayor Mamdani. “I am honored that she will bring that same vision and leadership to City Hall as our next Chief Technology Officer.” 

“New York City needs leaders who are smart, creative, and deeply committed to advancing the public good. Lisa Gelobter is all three. No matter where she works, Lisa brings a relentless belief in the ability of technology to uplift and empower people — to create a country where every person can access and afford an education, to create a tech industry where every person can deepen their skills and find a job, to create programs where every person can participate and get ahead. I am excited to see her bring that belief to the Mamdani Administration,” said State University of New York Chancellor John B. King, Jr. “Working in the trenches with Lisa at the U.S. Department of Education when I was U.S. Secretary of Education for President Obama, I saw first-hand Lisa’s intelligence and work ethic, her compassion and kindness, her commitment and drive. Congratulations to Mayor Mamdani on an excellent appointment and congratulations to Lisa on this extraordinary opportunity.” 

“Lisa Gelobter is the real deal. I’ve seen firsthand how she cancels bad contracts without hesitation, builds teams that deliver, and always puts the needs of everyday people first,” said Erie Meyer, former CTO, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “She listened to overwhelmed students who were getting ripped off by for-profit schools and published the truth in open data. Lisa is fearless when it comes to making sure government serves the people it’s supposed to serve and that taxpayer dollars deliver real value. That’s exactly the kind of CTO you want leading technology in the middle of an affordability crisis. Bad actors should be on notice — Lisa will make sure city tech works for New Yorkers, not just well-connected companies.”

“Lisa is absolutely the right person at the right moment to be leading technology efforts in the Mamdani Administration. We have backed her as an entrepreneur for nearly a decade and seen her in action advising startups how to work with the public sector. Her unwavering commitment is to closing gaps of access, opportunity and outcomes for low-income communities and communities of color,” said Mitch and Freada Kapor, Founding Partners, Kapor Capital. “Lisa is dedicated to using tech to create more inclusive and fair workplaces, and to make services more accessible, more respectful and more cost-effective. Our experience tells us that Lisa will make a transformative difference for her fellow New Yorkers.” 

“Lisa Gelobter has always been a catalyst for change. She brings the rare combination of deep technical and digital service design experience, and a lifelong commitment to equity that New York City needs in its next Chief Technology Officer,” said Noel Hidalgo, Executive Director, BetaNYC. “From helping shape the early internet and streaming media to improving federal digital services in the U.S. Department of Education, she has consistently demonstrated how technology can deliver real results for the public. We are excited about the opportunity to work with a CTO who understands that modern, accessible, and trustworthy digital infrastructure is essential to a city that works for all New Yorkers.” 

“New Yorkers excited about Mayor Mamdani’s vision should be thrilled with his choice for OTI Commissioner and CTO,” said Jennifer Pahlka, author, Recoding America, and founder, Recoding America Fund. “Lisa is a wise and seasoned tech leader who has proven she understands more than technology. She knows how to make government work for people.” 

About Nisha Agarwal 

An accomplished public interest attorney as well as public servant, Nisha Agarwal will serve as Commissioner of the New York City Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD).  

Working across the public, advocacy, and legal sectors, Commissioner Agarwal has dedicated her career to empowering vulnerable New Yorkers. Commissioner Agarwal previously served as the Executive Director for Policy and Communications at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Division of Mental Hygiene. She also served as Deputy Executive Director for Impact and a Senior Advisor at International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), a global legal aid and advocacy organization. Under the de Blasio administration, Commissioner Agarwal led the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs — building landmark initiatives like IDNYC, the city’s municipal identification card, and Cities for Action, a national advocacy coalition of local elected officials. Commissioner Agarwal also served as Senior Advisor to the Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives, where she worked to boost civic engagement among New Yorkers and build DemocracyNYC’s efforts on immigration, people with disabilities, and justice involved communities. Before entering city government, Commissioner Agarwal led the Health Justice Program at the New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, served as Deputy Director and Co-Founder of the Center for Popular Democracy, and worked as Executive Director of the Immigrant Justice Corps. 

As head of MOPD, Commissioner Agarwal will work across city government and with the disability community to make sure that every New Yorker can access the city’s spaces, services, and resources. 

“I am honored to be the commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. All of the priorities that Mayor Mamdani supports are critical for people with disabilities: affordable housing and food, access to health and mental health, free transportation, education equity, and employment opportunities,” said MOPD Commissioner Agarwal. “I will work with and on behalf of disabled New Yorkers to tackle these issues and ensure that people with disabilities are at the forefront for creating this city more livable for all.” 

“It’s not enough for New York City to be affordable for everyone — it must be accessible to everyone, too. With decades of experience in public service, Commissioner Agarwal will help our administration deliver on that mission and build a city where every New Yorker can succeed,” Mayor Mamdani said. “From housing to health care to education, Commissioner Agarwal will work across government to break down barriers and ensure that our administration delivers for New Yorkers with disabilities.” 

“New York’s most vulnerable populations rely on steady leadership in government to make our city more accessible, livable, and affordable,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga. “I am so proud to welcome these outstanding public servants — each of whom brings a wealth of experience in their respective fields — to the administration. Every voice should be heard and valued, and I look forward to working alongside the incoming commissioners to ensure New York is a city where everyone can live to their full potential.” 

“New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI) applauds Mayor Mamdani’s appointment of Nisha Agarwal as the commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities,” said Ruth Lowenkron, Director, NYLPI’s Disability Justice Program. “NYLPI has worked with Ms. Agarwal extensively over the years, including in her role as executive director for policy and communications at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and as executive director of the International Refugee Assistance Project, where she started up a disability justice program. Her lived experience as a person with disabilities, as well as her advocacy on behalf of the disability community, make her an excellent candidate for the job, and we look forward to working with her.” 

“Nisha Agarwal will be a tremendous partner and advocate for disabled New Yorkers as Mayor Mamdani’s Commissioner for the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities,” said Joe Rappaport, Executive Director, Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled. “We congratulate her. As in her past work with us, we know she will listen to New Yorkers with disabilities, fight for us and work inside and outside the administration to advance equal access and equity for our community.” 

“Nisha Agarwal is a dedicated public servant and we are thrilled to see her serve as the next commissioner for the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities,” said Roderick Jones, President, Goddard Riverside. “At Goddard, we help thousands of community members get the supports needed to live with dignity and respect. But we cannot do this without partners who understand diverse communities, the barriers they face, and how to ensure they have what they need to thrive. As a lawyer with both nonprofit and government leadership experience, Nisha has the combination of knowledge, creativity, and heart needed in City Hall to ensure New Yorkers with disabilities have equitable access to services and opportunities. We will be excited to work with her towards a more accessible New York City for all.” 

About Dr. Lisa Scott-McKenzie 

A longtime city employee and community leader, Dr. Lisa Scott-McKenzie will serve as Commissioner of the New York City Department for the Aging (NYC Aging). 

 Dr. Scott-McKenzie has served the North Brooklyn community for nearly four decades, most recently as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at New York City Health + Hospitals/Woodhull. In that role, she shepherded multi-million-dollar construction projects and helped lead key divisions across the hospital, including Facilities Management, Engineering, Central Sterile, Environmental Services, Emergency Management, Biomedical Engineering, Patient Relations, Social Work Services, Hospital Police, Environment of Care, Support Services, Ancillary Services, Public Affairs, Community Affairs and Patient Experience Divisions. For her work leading H+H Woodhull, Dr. Scott-McKenzie was voted one of the Top 50 COOs in the world and received a 2024 OnCon Icon Award. Dr. Scott-McKenzie is also a Certified Emergency Manager, serving as Incident Commander for events ranging from the Y2K Conversion to the Northeastern Blackout in 2003 to Superstorm Sandy in 2012. She began her career in 1986 as a Stenographic Secretarial Associate in Radiology at NYC H+H.  

As the head of NYC Aging, Commissioner Dr. Scott-McKenzie will help make sure that older adults can access the housing, health care, and city services they need to age in New York City. 

“It is my distinct honor to have been selected by Mayor Mamdani to serve New York City seniors and older adults and be a strong advocate for affordable housing, enhanced safety, food and economic stability as well as to take measures to ease the effects of loneliness,” said NYC Aging Commissioner Dr. Scott-McKenzie. “Our seniors have earned the right to age gracefully with dignity and respect in the city that we love. I will work tirelessly to make this a reality.” 

“We want to make sure the seniors who shaped our city can stay in it — with an affordable place to live, accessible parks to enjoy and reliable access to the benefits they’ve earned. NYC Aging is central to that mission, and I can’t think of a better person to lead it than Dr. Scott-McKenzie,” Mayor Mamdani said. “From helping oversee our public hospital system to coordinating emergency responses during major crises, Dr. Scott-McKenzie has dedicated her career to protecting, uplifting and empowering New Yorkers. She has fought relentlessly to make government work for the people who need it most, and I’m excited to bring her leadership and experience to NYC Aging.” 

“With so many older adults who are food insecure, in need of affordable healthcare, and suffering loneliness in New York City, I am super excited to welcome Dr. Lisa Scott-McKenzie as the new Commissioner for the Department for the Aging,” said New York City Councilmember Lynn Schulman, Chair of the Health Committee. “I have known Dr. Scott-McKenzie for almost two decades and worked alongside her at H+H/Woodhull where I witnessed firsthand how she treated those most vulnerable among us. She is smart, warm and kind. I know our city’s older adults (of which I am one) will be in good hands under her leadership.” 

“I congratulate the Mamdani Administration on the appointment of Dr. Lisa Scott-McKenzie as Commissioner for the Aging. As a former Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services and DFTA Commissioner, I believe that Dr. Scott-McKenzie’s experience in the healthcare field, her compassion and her management skills will enable her to make a real difference in the lives of the aging population of New York City,” said former Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Lilliam Barrios-Paoli. “Her commitment to addressing critical issues being faced by so many seniors, such as increasing poverty and isolation, unstable housing and food insecurity, make her appointment an important statement by the administration. I am sure that the seniors, the provider community and the advocates in the field will be well served by this appointment.” 

“We at LiveOn NY congratulate Dr. Lisa Scott-McKenzie on her appointment as NYC Aging Commissioner and we are excited to begin this new chapter of aging in New York City,” said Allison Nickerson, Executive Director, LiveOn NY. “As our city ages we must ensure that we are doing everything we can to make sure we have the housing and services we need to remain vital members of our communities. We are looking forward to working with Dr. Scott-McKenzie to make New York a better place to age.” 

Mayor Mamdani announced the appointments at the SAGE Center Brooklyn at Stonewall House, which provides LGBTQ+ seniors with a welcoming space to access culturally competent services, community spaces, and digital resources.

MAYOR MAMDANI’S PREPARED REMARKS AT THE 2026 JOINT LEGISLATIVE BUDGET HEARING 

Mayor Mamdani: “For too long, the relationship between City Hall and the State has been defined by pettiness instead of partnership” 

NEW YORK, NY – TODAY, Mayor Zohran Mamdani delivered remarks at the 2026 Joint Legislative Budget Hearing. Below are Mayor Mamdani’s remarks as prepared for delivery: 

Good morning.  

It is a privilege to be back in Albany, alongside so many old friends.  

And it is an honor to sit on the other side of the dais today. It is quite strange to sit on this side of the room—and hard to believe that I have a whole ten minutes.  

I want to thank Chairs Krueger and Pretlow, Cities Chairs Bottcher, Ryan, and Burke, Local Governments Chairs Martinez and Jones, as well as the members of all the Committees, with a special shoutout for the Real Property Tax Committee, and the three minutes I would wait all year for.  

Thank you to all the legislators who have long attended this hearing and advocated the same cause that I am today—the cause of the working person—and who have espoused that vision in their respective One House budgets year after year.  

Thank you to Speaker Heastie and Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins.  

And thank you to the members of my team here with me—First Deputy Mayor Dean Fuleihan, OMB Director Sherif Soliman, and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Jahmila Edwards.  

I have spoken before about the new era we are working to usher in in New York City—one where every person across the five boroughs can afford to live a dignified life.  

But that new era cannot stop at the city limits. It must extend the roughly 150 miles between New York City and Albany as well.  

For too long, the relationship between City Hall and the State has been defined by pettiness instead of partnership, power struggles instead of problem-solving.  

I look forward to something different: a productive relationship with Governor Hochul, and a collaborative relationship with the legislature.  

I served alongside many of you for five years. None of you do this work because it is easy. You do it because you care deeply about the communities you represent and because you hold a sincere belief in the power of public service to deliver change. I do too.  

Over the first weeks of our administration, we have used the power of City Hall to fulfill that belief.  

We have stood up for tenants who have been mistreated and neglected.  

We have made our streets safer and invested in public infrastructure.  

We have expanded supportive housing, cracked down on deceptive business practices, and won multi-million dollar settlements from bad landlords.  

And in partnership with the Governor’s $1.2 billion commitment, we will deliver what more than one million New Yorkers voted for in November: universal childcare.  

This will transform educational outcomes for our children, make our economy hum with productivity, and allow a future in our city to be something that New Yorkers dream of, not dread.  

Thank you, Governor Hochul, for your partnership and your leadership.  

To Chairs Brisport, Hevesi, the “Mom Squad,” and the many members who’ve championed this cause for years: thank you.  

The cumulative goal of this work —and all that will follow—will be a city that works for the many, not just the few. One where we restore New Yorkers’ faith in our democracy.  

That faith is at an all-time low. After years of having been deceived by the leadership of the past, frankly, I cannot blame them.  

Today, New York City is contending with the consequences of budgetary failures of the past. We are confronting a multi-billion-dollar budget deficit.  

I’m talking about the ABC—the Adams Budget Crisis.  

For four years, former Mayor Adams engaged in gross fiscal mismanagement.  

Budget gaps are twice as large as what he said they would be, to the tune of billions of dollars.  

Adams ignored projections that indicated major expenses would only rise in the years to come, leaving an enormous hole in our budget.  

He budgeted $860 million for cash assistance, when the need was $1.6 billion.  

$1.1 billion for rental assistance, when the need was $1.8 billion.   

$1.5 billion for shelters, when the need was $2 billion.  

And when combined with the systemic imbalance that has long characterized the fiscal relationship between the City and the State, we face an even more alarming budget situation.  

For years, New York City has been treated not as an engine of shared prosperity, but as a resource to be drained.  

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo perfected this approach. He saw our city as somewhere that generated incredible growth and could thus endure incredible extraction.  

He was wrong. Worse, he was not alone. His approach had deep roots in a broader conservative playbook—one that treats cities not as economic powerhouses, but as liabilities to be disciplined and denied.   

Costs are shifted downward. Revenue tools are restricted. Services are weakened and then cities are blamed for the decline.   

The imbalance former Governor Cuomo fostered is stark. No one gives more and gets less in return than New York City.   

New York City contributes 54.5% of state revenue but only receives 40.5% back.   

In FY22, we contributed $21 billion more than we received back.   

This drain on the City includes sales tax revenue intercepts totaling over $1.6 billion since 2021 and over $300 million annually in cuts to public health programs, foster care and assistance for low-income families.   

Time and again, we have been singled out. In 2010, the State eliminated AIM revenue-sharing to New York City, depriving the city of at least $4.8 billion over 16 years.   

New York City is the only eligible municipality in our state that receives nothing.   

That imbalance has real world consequences: families forced to leave a city they can no longer afford and diminished investments in schools, libraries, parks—our essential services.  

We want to solve this crisis by turning to a politics of ambition, not a politics of austerity.   

We also want to govern with honesty.  

When I first shared the details of our budget crisis, I told New Yorkers that the picture would change as we got an updated economic forecast and factored in Wall Street bonuses.   

I’m glad to report that by assuming an aggressive posture on savings without compromising city services, incorporating updated revenue and bonus estimates, and using in-year reserves, we have lowered that $12 billion gap to $7 billion.   

And while we will share more detail when we release our preliminary budget on February 17th , we will be transparent throughout this process.   

We’ve made some meaningful progress towards shrinking the gap.   

However, New York City is still placed on a ledge. The most responsible way off is with dedicated, recurring revenue that can provide the services New Yorkers deserve.   

First, the imbalance in our relationship with the State is draining the city’s resources. We are calling to end the drain.   

This is not just a crucial first step, it is a key part of the problem. Without solving this inequity, we will only postpone this crisis.   

No longer can New York sustain giving so much and receiving so little in return.  

And second, I believe the wealthiest individuals and most profitable corporations should contribute a little more so that everyone can live lives of dignity.   

That’s why—along with raising the corporate tax—I’m asking for a 2% personal income tax increase on the most affluent New Yorkers. Someone earning a million dollars a year can afford to contribute $20,000 more.   

Especially when we know that, according to a report by the Fiscal Policy Institute, President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act delivers a collective $12 billion A YEAR in federal tax cuts to New Yorkers earning over $1 million—an annual savings of $129,600 per millionaire.  

That 2% tax would resolve nearly half of our budget deficit.   

I will continue to advocate for these policies not only because they offer the most direct route out of this budget crisis, but because they will transform what is possible in our State.   

I will end by saying I am encouraged by the partnership we have built with Governor Hochul, and the results it is already yielding.  

And I am heartened by the Governor’s Executive Budget. It is a marked step forward, and a clear statement of intent.   

In addition to a down payment on universal childcare, the Enhanced Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit will make a real difference for working families.  

I welcome the 4-year extension of mayoral accountability, which will help us deliver a quality public education for every child, and a public school system where communities and parents have a voice.   

And I am thankful for this year’s 3.5 percent increase to foundation aid, though I still believe we must continue to update the formula by modernizing the Regional Cost Index and increasing weights for our highest-need students, as recommended by the Rockefeller Institute.  

I’m eager to work together on SEQRA reform, so we can build the housing New Yorkers need.  

I commend the Governor’s leadership in making our streets safer by taking on super speeders, and I thank her for protecting immigrant New Yorkers from ICE. Thank you to the Legislature for your advocacy as well.   

Over the months to come, I look forward to continuing our partnership, including fulfilling the promise to make buses fast and free.   

As I take your questions today, I do so with gratitude—for the opportunity to govern alongside you, and to prove to New Yorkers that leadership can not only look different, but that its results can be different too.   

Thank you

TRANSCRIPT: MAYOR MAMDANI HOLDS MEDIA AVAILABILITY FOLLOWING 2026 JOINT LEGISLATIVE BUDGET HEARING 

Mayor Zohran Mamdani: I am grateful to every member of the legislature who took the time to pose thoughtful questions about the future of our city and the priorities that must define our work in the years to come. I am also grateful to the legislative leaders for their commitment to work closely with City Hall to build a city where every one of the 8.5 million New Yorkers who calls it home can afford to live a dignified life.   

I’ve spoken at length both today and over the past weeks and months about the importance of building a new kind of relationship between city and state government. For too long that relationship has been defined by acrimony and animus and the people have suffered as a result. Costs have soared, housing has not been built, our buses have only gotten slower, and it has grown harder and harder for more New Yorkers to imagine their futures in the city that they love.  

And while we will not always agree on every issue before us, I feel heartened by today, as well as so much else over the past six weeks, as we build a new relationship that places partnership before pettiness. As we work together to end the drain that has long characterized the dynamic between our city and our state. And that partnership has already set us on a course for universal childcare and together there is so much more that I know that we can achieve. Thank you, now I’ll take your questions.  

Question: So, two weeks ago, you rolled out your estimates for the budget gap at $12 billion. But, you know, talking to those that know the city budget, they say you’re using November estimates and we’re not accounting for what always comes in December, which is Wall Street bonuses, and then after the filings in January. I’m wondering, you call your administration a new era in politics, but you are using similar tactics like Mayor Eric Adams and other mayors in the past. How can New Yorkers trust what you are providing with these estimates, if you were providing an estimate that clearly was going to get updated within two weeks?  

Mayor Mamdani: We will always look to share the information that we have directly with New Yorkers. And we had seen the prior city comptroller, the current state comptroller, and the current city comptroller come forward with estimates that our city was facing a fiscal debt of about $12 billion.   

And we wanted to be very straightforward with New Yorkers, that from our early assessments of our budget, that our assessments were in line with that of the other controllers. And the city comptroller had actually come forward a few days before our press conference, to say that the numbers continued to be accurate.   

And at the time, we were also asked, “What about Wall Street bonuses? What about the increased revenue forecast?” And we said that we would update New Yorkers as those came in. However, we knew that the gap that we were facing was one of such scale that it would not be covered simply by those.   

And so, what we have seen in the time since that press conference, is not only the incorporation of the increased economic forecast as well as Wall Street bonuses, but also an aggressive savings plan as well as the use of in-year reserves. I’ll just pass it to my budget director, Sherif Soliman, to add.   

Sherif Soliman, Director, Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget: Thank you, mayor. So, as the mayor said, we had a baseline revenue estimate above the November plan, that we were using to then say that the $12 billion budget gap was in line with what the controllers had put out. Since then, we got some more information vis-à-vis Wall Street bonuses. We had discussions with our counterparts in the state about what they put in their financial plan and what they were seeing in PIT revenue growth. And so, the combination of the additional revenue based primarily on Wall Street bonuses, over a billion in savings, as the mayor noted, and the drawdown of general reserves is how we get from the $12.5 to the $7 [billion].  

First Deputy Mayor Dean Fuleihan: In addition, Wall Street bonuses are coming in now. It’s not simply—  

Question: [Inaudible].   

First Deputy Mayor Fuleihan: No, no, no. Wall Street bonuses are happening right through January and February. It’s actually only maybe the end of December. So, they’re still happening now. There could still be adjustments in the revenue estimates. Both budget offices — both at the state, city, legislative, City Council — they look at these on a daily basis. So that’s not unusual to have that change.  

Question: And why call it a Great Recession being on par with that when it really wasn’t going to be as bad?  

Mayor Mamdani: We always look to be factual. We compared it with the Great Recession only because it dwarfs the budget gaps that we saw during the Great Recession. And we also said that we will continue to keep New Yorkers abreast. This $7 billion figure is not just a reflection of updated forecasts. It’s also a reflection of the actions we’ve taken since announcing that first fiscal gap.  

Question: Can you talk a little bit more about why [there is] a tax increase on wealthy people, on corporations, remains necessary with these revised figures, given that if things get even better, then maybe the gap can shrink even further?  

Mayor Mamdani: We have taken a very aggressive posture in the economic forecast that we are predicting, as well as revenues that we’re predicting not just from personal income tax, but also corporate tax [and] sales tax. We do not anticipate that that picture is going to change drastically over the next few months. Now this gap of $7 billion is one that has to be addressed through structural means.   

And it is one that we believe, can be addressed not only by increasing taxes on the wealthiest, whether it be New Yorkers who are making a million dollars or more a year or the most profitable corporations, but also by reorienting the city’s relationship to the state. That continues to be critical because what we want to do is address these problems in their nature, not simply postpone them to another year.  

Question: So, we reported that you are pushing to do a free bus pilot in New York City during the World Cup. I was wondering if you could tell us a little bit about that. And if so, why do you feel like that’s a good use of city funds?  

Mayor Mamdani: So, we have continued to have conversations about the importance of making buses fast and free. The city has the ability to make buses fast through the changes we can make to the streetscape. The conversations around free continue with the governor and with the legislature.   

Question: [Inaudible].   

Mayor Mamdani: We continue to have those conversations. That’s all I can share at this time.  

Question: Now, the $12 billion budget deficit that your administration was predicting just two weeks ago, you guys were calling it, like was mentioned, a fiscal crisis greater than the Great Recession. Do you think, though, by making so many alarm bells about that number, that the $7 billion number, which is still significant, it almost lessens the impact of this?  

Mayor Mamdani: I think our job is to be straightforward with New Yorkers. And what we saw is that the current city comptroller had come out just days prior to our press conference to say that these amounts still held in this new calendar year. And we also, while we ask for the partnership of the state, we want to demonstrate that we are very serious about taking every action within our own toolbox to address this deficit. And so, part of how we brought a $12 billion deficit down to $7 billion is also by taking an aggressive posture on savings and ensuring that we were doing everything we could that would then not inhibit the city’s ability to deliver quality services.  

Question: Do you think by, like, the Governor’s Office, for example, looking at this and saying, “Well, they were able to find $5 billion, what’s another $7 billion over two years?”  

Mayor Mamdani: I think what we are making very clear is that at the time, we knew that there was still much to be determined on the scale of economic forecasts [and] on Wall Street bonuses. There were rumors, there were reports that things would be better than expected, but we can’t budget on the basis of a rumor. And now we know the exact level, by and large, of both of these things. We’ve updated these forecasts, but there will be now the need for us to address them in a structural manner.   

[Crosstalk].   

Question: You had a lot of Albany-centered goals in your policy platform and your campaign, including lower-profile ones, then taxes and buses — stuff like raising the city’s debt limit in order to build more housing — [you] said you would support state legislation to ban non-disclosure agreements, junk fees.   

Are any of those on your formal list of asks that you’re circulating, or are you focusing more on those sorts of bigger-ticket items? If I could also just quickly ask, do you have any time frame on the property tax bill that you said you’re going to put forward?  

Mayor Mamdani: So, I’ll say that we’re having a number of conversations all at once about issues of [the] scale, [both] large and small. The focus at this moment, given the scale of this financial deficit, is addressing the deficit. However, it’s not an exclusive focus.  

Director Soliman: On the property tax legislation, our hope is that we will have it in a matter of weeks. The goal is to basically model additional runs of different things that we would change on top of the recommendations of the Advisory Commission. And so, we realize that we want to have action in this session, so we’re cognizant of that time frame.  

[Crosstalk.]  

Question: Yes, could you just explain a little bit more, and perhaps for the budget director, I think you said that you were looking at having realized $2.4 billion in additional revenue in FY26 and $4.8 billion in FY27. Can you tell us [if] that [is] accurate? Can you tell us how much of that is coming from personal income taxes, Wall Street bonuses?   

Director Soliman: So, yes, that number is accurate in terms of the breakdown of the $7.2 [billion]. We are seeing additional funds in property taxes. I’ll just start there. 2026, there were additional funds in property taxes, about another $140 million because of collections that increased. The 2027 tentative roll, we’ll see about another $120 or so. Personal income tax is about $4.6 billion of that $7.2 billion.  

Question: The deficit has decreased from $12 [billion] to $7 [billion]. Can you make that a full 5?  

Mayor Mamdani: So, a lot of these specifics we’re going to be releasing in the preliminary plan on February 17th. However, what I can say in a broad manner is that, and I’ll have my budget director step in to correct if anything needs to be added, around $3 billion of that reduction has to do with the increased revenue forecast. That’s from a combination of broader economic trends as well as Wall Street bonuses. About $1 billion comes from an aggressive savings plan, and then the remainder comes from the use of in-year reserves.  

Question: Can you try to quantify where you feel like you might need the needle today? [Inaudible] can you tell us, as you leave Albany today, how full is your Tin Cup? Is it any fuller than you thought? Is it half full?  

Mayor Mamdani: You know, as I was leaving today, my wife looked at me and she said, “I’d give you money.” It gave me the confidence to make the trip. You know, I can just say that I really do appreciate the – it’s a hearing, but in many ways it’s a conversation. And what we also saw is legislators not just representing New York City, but also New York State. And there were ideas, there were questions, there were even philosophical conversations that took place.   

And I generally do feel that we are all leaving this hearing understanding the scope of and the scale of what New York City is facing and the many options on offer. And I think that we have many weeks, months in this budget process remaining. However, I am encouraged by the way that it is beginning.  

Question: With the reduced budget gap and that kind of math, will you continue your maybe full-court press on taxing the wealthiest New Yorkers and corporations, even given Governor Hochul’s apprehension to it? And my second question, I guess, speaking of free buses, I think it was the Daily News scoop, I just want to clarify. I know you’ve spoken about free buses for a bit, but where do express buses fall on this?   

I know a lot of their funding comes from the city, but I haven’t heard you really ever talk about express buses. They serve a certain population in the city, especially people who live far from other transit. What would that plan be and how does that fit into your eventual free bus plan?  

Mayor Mamdani: There was a point at which I was living in Morningside Heights and working in Bay Ridge. And I think it was the X27 or the X28 that would be a real lifeline for me. And absolutely, the vision that we’ve spoken about when we say making every bus fast and free, that includes every bus, which means also express buses. What I will say is that our focus on this is, one, because of economic relief that it provides to New Yorkers. When the fare was $2.90, one in five New Yorkers couldn’t afford it. The public safety benefits, where when we made five buses free, one in each borough, we saw a 38.9 percent decrease in assaults on bus operators.   

And we saw that mirrored in Kansas City when they made buses free. And then also the environmental benefits, that when we made this bus pilot a reality in New York City, we saw more than 10 percent of new riders coming from cars they would either be driving or taxis that they would be taking. This is a critical way to address multiple crises all at the same time.  

We are going to continue to advocate for a variety of options. We believe that two of them that are the most straightforward and critically important are increased taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers and the most profitable corporations, and also speaking about ending the drain, reorienting the relationship between the city and the state.   

And I think today we spoke a lot about the larger picture, 54.5 percent of the city being responsible, 54.5 percent of the state’s revenue receiving, only 40.5 percent, and then going through specific line items of where the state, under the leadership of the prior governor, had chosen to single New York City out, whether it was around the questions that Assemblywoman Jessica González-Rojas was asking, or it was around AIM funding. We could see time and time again a different set of rules being made for our city. 

Mayor Zohran Mamdani Nominates Nadia Shihata as Commissioner of the Department of Investigation 

Former federal prosecutor led major public corruption and civil rights cases 

If confirmed, Shihata will advance administration’s plan for transparency and accountability

NEW YORK, NY – Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced his nomination of Nadia Shihata as Commissioner of the Department of Investigation (DOI).   

The DOI serves as the city’s independent oversight agency, investigating corruption, waste, fraud and abuse in city government and promoting transparency and accountability. Its authority extends to any city agency, officer, elected official or employee, as well as individuals and entities that do business with or receive benefits from the city. Under the City Charter, the City Council must confirm the DOI commissioner.  

Shihata served more than 11 years as a federal prosecutor at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY). As chief of the Organized Crime and Gangs Section, she supervised complex racketeering and violent crime investigations and prosecutions. She also served as deputy chief of the Office’s Public Integrity Section, overseeing public corruption cases involving bribery, fraud, theft of government funds, money laundering and drug trafficking by correctional officers.   

Among other cases, Shihata led the investigation and prosecution of R&B musician Robert Sylvester Kelly, known as R. Kelly, who was convicted in federal court in Brooklyn of racketeering and related offenses and sentenced to 30 years in prison. The case marked the first time Kelly was held criminally accountable following decades of allegations.   

She also led an extensive investigation into the sexual abuse of female inmates by federal correctional officers at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, resulting in the arrests and convictions of two lieutenants and a correctional officer on civil rights and sexual abuse charges.  

Most recently, Nadia was a founding partner at Shihata & Geddes LLP, now known as Corva Law LLP, a woman-owned law firm in New York City focused on civil rights and sexual misconduct matters, internal investigations, wrongful convictions and criminal defense.   

“For years, scandal in City Hall chipped away at New Yorkers’ trust in government. Our administration is turning the page on the politics of corruption, demonstrating what a transparent and focused government can deliver for New Yorkers. As a federal prosector, Nadia took on the powerful and rooted out corruption wherever she found it. If confirmed, she will help usher in a new era of accountability as we build a government that New Yorkers can trust,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani.  

“I am deeply honored by this nomination and excited at the prospect of returning to public service in the city I love and call home. The Department of Investigation plays a vital role in rooting out and preventing corruption and waste in city government, helping to ensure that city agencies operate with integrity, accountability, and fairness for all New Yorkers – no matter their background, economic status, or proximity to power. If confirmed by the City Council, I look forward to leading the dedicated professionals at DOI who do this essential work every day,” said Nadia Shihata.  

The DOI is one of the city’s oldest law enforcement agencies. The department is staffed by inspectors general, investigators, attorneys, forensic auditors and computer forensic specialists. Its jurisdiction includes criminal and civil investigatory authority over more than 45 mayoral agencies, as well as numerous other city entities, commissions and authorities.  

Mayor Mamdani Announces City Will Restart Construction of Four Halted Bus and Bike Lane Projects in the Bronx and Brooklyn 

Projects will deliver faster, more reliable bus service for 130,000 daily riders and improve traffic safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers

NEW YORK, NY – TODAY, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced in the Bronx that the New York City Department of Transportation will restart four previously halted street redesign projects to deliver faster, more reliable bus service and improve traffic safety across the Bronx and Brooklyn.  

“For too long, New Yorkers have been told to wait as long overdue improvements to our transit system were blocked time and again. That ends now,” said Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “Today, we’re moving forward with faster, more reliable buses for the 130,000 New Yorkers who depend on them every single day. Today, we build safer streets for New Yorkers who walk, bike, or drive in their own neighborhoods. And this is just the start — it’s part of a larger commitment to bold, systemic change that gives New Yorkers the transit system and streetscape they deserve.”  

“New Yorkers deserve fast, reliable bus service and to feel safe when they’re traveling with their families and loved ones on city streets,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “These projects will improve the quality of life for so many New Yorkers — but until today many were stalled because of politics. This is just the beginning. We are doubling down on delivering on our buses and street safety while building trust in community engagement.” 

“This project is a Valentine to the tens of thousands of bus riders who cross Fordham Road every day,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “New Yorkers are fortunate to have pro-transit leaders like Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul who share our goal of delivering faster, more reliable transit service.”  

“We’re heartened that the Mamdani administration is committing to unsticking stalled projects across New York City,” said Ben Furnas, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives. “Bus riders in the Bronx deserve the best possible streets to get buses moving faster. We are very excited to see vital new connections and protections for people on foot and on bikes in the Brooklyn network, and to be able to bike from Bay Ridge to the Bronx on fully protected infrastructure thanks to the finished connections at Ashland. The work doesn’t end here, and we’ll keep partnering with City Hall and DOT to build the city that New Yorkers deserve.”  

“Today is proof that the Mamdani administration is serious about equity and safety across the city. Reactivating these street safety projects will help thousands of New Yorkers move through our streets with ease and security. We are especially glad to see priority given to improvements like hardened daylighting—clearing and protecting space at intersections with physical barriers—which dramatically improves visibility for pedestrians and drivers, preventing crashes before they occur,” said Sara Lind, Co-Executive Director of Open Plans. “More bus lanes, bike lanes, and hardened daylighting are tangible improvements that New Yorkers will benefit from immediately. We are heartened to see the Mamdani administration investing in these quality of life improvements across the city.”  

Implementation of the following projects is scheduled to begin this spring: 

Fordham Road Bus Lane  

Fordham Road is the busiest bus corridor in the Bronx, serving an average of 130,000 daily riders across the Bx12, Bx9, Bx17 and Bx22. NYC DOT will install offset bus lanes along Fordham Road between Sedgwick Ave and Boston Road. In this section of the Bronx, 62% of households do not have access to a private vehicle and 71% of residents rely on public transit, biking, or walking.   

The agency will finalize designs in the coming months with community stakeholder engagement and complete the project this year. NYC DOT traffic analysis shows offset bus lanes will provide the greatest speed and reliability benefits. The agency will monitor and evaluate bus speeds after implementation. A recent conversion of curbside bus lanes to offset lanes on Hillside Avenue increase bus speeds by up to 28%.

Ashland Place Bike Lane  

NYC DOT will complete the final block of the protected bike lane on Ashland Place in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene neighborhood. The project will convert the southernmost block of Ashland Place, known as ‘Crashland,’ from a two-way street to a one-way street and add a two-way protected bike lane.   

Completing this final segment will create a continuous protected bike route from Sunset Park to DUMBO, with connections extending to Greenpoint and Queens.   

As part of the redesign, NYC DOT will convert the last block of Hanson Place, from St. Felix Street to Ashland Place, into a “shared street,” significantly expanding pedestrian space and enhancing public space improvements. 

Midwood, Flatbush, and East Flatbush Bike Lanes. 

Midwood, Flatbush and East Flatbush have high cycling rates but limited bus infrastructure. This spring, NYC DOT will implement a long-delayed plan to build a bike lane network across neighborhoods represented by Brooklyn Community Boards 14 and 17.   

The agency will install parking-protected bike lanes to Cortelyou and Dorchester roads in Ditmas Park, from Coney Island Avenue to Flatbush Avenue. Standard bike lanes will be added to 14 additional streets in Flatbush, East Flatbush and Midwood, along with intersection upgrades to improve visibility and safety.  

Protected bike lanes have shown to reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries by 18% for all street users.  

Brooklyn And Kingston Ave Bike Lanes  

More than 10 schools sit within a block of Brooklyn and Kingston avenues in Central Brooklyn. Over the five-year period between 2021 through 2025, the corridors saw 65 injuries, with pedestrians and cyclists accounting for 60% of serious injuries.   

To better protect students traveling to and from school, NYC DOT will install parking-protected bike lanes along both corridors from East New York Avenue to Wingate Park at Winthrop Street. A new protected bike lane loop will also surround Wingate Park.   

In addition, conventional bike lanes will be added along Rutland Road and Fenimore Street in Prospect-Lefferts Gardens between Flatbush and Brooklyn avenues.  

MAYOR MAMDANI CREATES NEW BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT IN CONEY ISLAND — JUST IN TIME FOR SUMMER 2026  

The People’s Playground will be Brooklyn’s 24th and the City’s 78th BID — Strengthening Local Small Businesses, Enhancing Public Space, and Increasing Economic Activity in the Area

NEW YORK – Today, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the NYC Department of Small Business Services celebrated the formation of the new Coney Island Business Improvement District (BID) following the Mayor’s signing of the Certificate of Incorporation on February 15, 2026.   

With a first-year operating budget of up to $1 million, the Coney Island BID will deliver supplemental services to strengthen small businesses around the world-renowned amusement district, improve neighborhood livability, promote growth, and create vibrant public spaces that support year-round economic activity. With the Mayor’s signing of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Coney Island BID is on track to be operational by July 2026, in time for the peak summer season in a neighborhood that welcomes more than five million visitors each year. To date, SBS has invested more than $850,000 in Coney Island to support commercial revitalization, merchant organizing, and neighborhood stewardship.  

“The formation of the Coney Island Business Improvement District is about investing in the small businesses and working families who make this neighborhood iconic all year long,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “By strengthening sanitation, public space, and business support along Mermaid and Surf Avenues, we’re building a Coney Island where local commerce thrives, corridors are cleaner and safer, and economic opportunity is rooted in the community.”   

“The creation of the Coney Island Business Improvement District is the culmination of a multi-year process of research, community consultation, pilot programs, and demonstrated local support,” said SBS Commissioner Dynishal Gross. “This self-sustaining entity will build on Coney Island’s global reputation as the People’s Playground while delivering shared prosperity for the small businesses that line Mermaid and Surf Avenues. The Department of Small Business Services is proud of the role its Neighborhood Development Division played in this effort and congratulates the Alliance for Coney Island and all members of the BID steering committee.”  

“Coney Island is iconic around the world, but it’s the year-round residents and small business owners who make this neighborhood truly special,” said Council Member Kayla Santosuosso. “This new Business Improvement District means cleaner streets, stronger commercial corridors from Surf to Mermaid, and real, sustained investment in the community that Coney Islanders deserve.”  

“It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to work alongside residents, merchants, and students to help beautify Coney Island,” said Pamela Pettyjohn, founder of Coney Island Beautification Project. “We hope the formation of the Coney Island BID will provide the structure, resources, and long-term commitment needed to carry this work forward year after year and help make Coney Island a place small businesses, neighbors, and families can thrive.”  

“We’re thrilled to see the Coney Island BID finally come to life,” said Dennis Vourderis, Vice President of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park. “The funding from the BID will ensure Coney Island continues to grow and move forward, and we’re looking forward to clean streets and a safer, more vibrant Coney Island for everyone to enjoy.”   

The newly formed Coney Island BID will include storefronts and properties along Mermaid Avenue and Surf Avenue, serving as a year-round partner for the local business community. Services will include:  

• Sanitation and maintenance  

• Public space programming and beautification  

• District marketing and events  

• Business support and technical assistance  

• Advocacy on behalf of local merchants and property-owners  

Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul Announce $1.5 Billion to Help Address City Fiscal Challenges 

Governor commits $1 billion in City Fiscal Year 26 & $510 million in City Fiscal Year 27, including $510 million in recurring funding

NEW YORK, NY – TODAY, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul announced New York State will allocate an additional $1.5 billion in operating expenses over two years to help address New York City’s fiscal challenges. 

This additional funding includes $510 million in recurring funding targeted towards costs that had shifted from the state to New York City under prior administrations, including approximately $300 million for youth programming, a restoration of $150 million in sales tax receipts that would have otherwise been retained by the state and $60 million for public health. The remaining $500 million will be targeted to shared priorities to be determined in subsequent discussions. 

“Working New Yorkers did not create this budget crisis and they should not be the ones to pay for it. After years of staggering fiscal mismanagement under the previous administration, our city deserves responsible and collaborative leadership,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “I am heartened by this budgetary progress and Governor Hochul’s partnership at this critical moment. This is what it looks like to begin a new, productive and fair relationship between City Hall and Albany – focused on delivering for working New Yorkers.” 

“A strong New York City means a stronger New York State. This investment protects services and puts the city on stable financial footing,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “New Yorkers expect the state and the city to work together, and I’m proud to partner with the Mayor to deliver for working families.” 

Governor Hochul has increased support for New York City every year since taking office. This investment builds on her recent commitment to expand universal child care in New York City.

In recent weeks, the Mayor reduced New York City’s budget gap to $7 billion by deploying in-year reserves, committing to an agency savings plan and incorporating higher-than-expected revenues. Together, the Mayor and Governor are forging a renewed partnership between City Hall and Albany focused on restoring fiscal responsibility and building a balanced budget that delivers for working New Yorkers.