Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced key appointments to his incoming administration Wednesday morning at the Brooklyn Public Library in Greenpoint.
New Leadership Roles
Mamdani named Jahmila Edwards as the head of the Mayor’s Office of Intergovernmental Relations. Edwards will serve as the primary liaison between the mayor’s office and city and state governments, working to build support for Mamdani’s policy agenda. Currently the associate director of DC 37, one of the city’s largest unions and a key supporter of Mamdani’s campaign, Edwards previously held a role as executive director for Intergovernmental Affairs at the city’s Education Department.
Catherine Almonte Da Costa was also announced as the new Director of Appointments, marking a return to New York City government and a familiar role, as she previously worked in the Office of Appointments for over a decade. Da Costa joins the administration after serving in the de Blasio administration.
Budgetary Challenges Ahead
The incoming administration faces immediate financial hurdles, including a projected $380 million budget deficit. A separate study by Comptroller Brad Lander indicates a potentially larger shortfall of $2.18 billion, with the possibility of exceeding $13 billion by 2029 due to factors like under budgeting and slow economic growth. The city has recently utilized budget surpluses to cover future expenses, but the current situation is complicated by over a billion dollars in new spending approved in November and Mamdani’s own ambitious plans.
An announcement regarding the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget is expected in the coming days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will lead the Mayor’s Office of Intergovernmental Relations?
Jahmila Edwards will lead the Mayor’s Office of Intergovernmental Relations, serving as the liaison to city and state government.
What is the projected budget deficit facing the new administration?
The incoming administration will look to address a $380 million budget deficit, though a separate study projects a potential shortfall of $2.18 billion, possibly increasing to over $13 billion by 2029.
Who is Catherine Almonte Da Costa?
Catherine Almonte Da Costa has been appointed as the Director of Appointments, returning to New York City government after previously working in the Office of Appointments and the de Blasio administration.
As Mayor-elect Mamdani prepares to take office, how might these initial appointments and the looming budget challenges shape the direction of his administration?
Keep reading