December 11, 2025
Since our last coverage, Mayor Mamdani has chosen an all-women transition team, appointed Dean Fuleihan as First Deputy Mayor, selected 400 New Yorkers to his 17 Transition Committees, and selected Jessica Tisch to remain as NYPD Commissioner.
Overall, the initial feedback from B&W staff and insiders is the Mayor-Elect’s choices constitute a diverse array of experts. Not only are many veteran experts included, but many organizers and activists that have previously not been included now have a seat at the table. B&W’s staff based in NYC have worked closely with many of the Mayor-Elect’s choices, particularly on housing, transportation and early childhood issues.
It’s, as of yet, unclear how the Mayor-Elect intends to use these Committees with total number of people selected being noticeably smaller than Mayor Adam’s committee selections at 800 people versus the 400 chosen by Mamdani. Compared with prior administrations, the transition process has been significantly parred down but is unique in its wholistic focus to include New Yorkers from all walks of life from grass roots, neighborhood-based activists to experts in their field from prior administrations or major corporations. One major development of note is the inclusion of people from the Democratic Socialists of America for the first time in NYC history.
Our NYC Team is happy to offer more in-depth insights into transition team picks and early appointments upon request. This is an opportunity to make new connections and share key information. The administration is currently looking for ideas to be submitted to determine which platform policies to prioritize first. Clients can submit these ideas to the subcommittees or select individuals with assistance from B&W staff.
In the last month since the election, Mayor-Elect Mamdani has been in the news including his meeting with President Trump, choosing to reappoint Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, and supporting Congressman Hakeem Jefferies. Mayor-Elect Mamdani has also appointed Dean Fuleihan to serve as First Deputy Mayor, who previously served as Director of the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget and as First Deputy Mayor under Mayor de Blasio. Dean is widely respected for his steady management and previous municipal experience. Mamdani will also retain Elle Bisgaard-Church as his Chief of Staff, ensuring continuity and oversight in the Mayor’s Office. These first few events can provide limited insight for what clients might expect from a Mamdani Administration. Overall, the feedback has been that it’s clear the Mayor-Elect is signaling a strong willingness to work together with perceived political adversaries regardless of ideology.
With respect to the meeting with Trump, Mamdani has shown a willingness to go beyond campaigning with friends and sit down with perceived adversaries for the good of the public. One thing to draw away from this meeting is that, despite the prior rhetoric, neither Trump nor Mamdani want to fight right now. Fears of seeing troops mobilized in New York are not as present as before the meeting.
With respect to Commissioner Tisch, Mamdani’s choice to reappoint her has signaled confidence in continuing her tenure and the reforms she was already pursuing. Despite the concerns brought on by defund the police rhetoric of his erstwhile compatriots, the Mayor-Elect seems to favor continuity over dramatic changes in this area.
Finally, Mamdani released a public statement of support for Hakeem Jeffries and said no to his challenger, Che Osse. The initial read of this is that Mamdani is prioritizing people who can get legislation passed and things done while he’s comfortable saying no to friends and supporting those who support his cause. This is in the context that Osse’s bid has caused considerable discord within the DSA who ultimately has declined to support a challenge against Jeffries but are supporting challenges against Congressmen Goldman and Torres.
Traditionally, the first 100 days of an administration is a flurry of activity and appointments for an incoming Mayor. As of now, nothing has been heard of for Mamdani’s first 100 but we can reasonably expect Mayor Mamdani to meet with all commissioners and make appointments to fill any vacant commissioner seats, announce his plans on the Agency of Public Safety and Community Involvement, and find and use laws that haven’t been fully utilized to tackle affordability. On this front, there will likely be a litany of small actions before bigger items are addressed.
One date to keep an eye out for is January 16th which is the City’s preliminary budget due date. It is not traditionally expected for any mayor to meet this deadline, particularly during a transition but we can normally expect this to be released near February 1st though the actions of outgoing Mayor Adams may delay this further.
We can also expect Mayor Mamdani to advocate for additional revenue in the upcoming New York State budget process. Several pillars of his platform rely on him working with Governor Hochul, the Assembly, and Senate to provide funds related to free bussing and childcare. Former Assemblyman Mamdani is familiar with this process and may be seen testifying or participating in other ways not typical of recent administrations. Based on conversations with people familiar with Hochul’s upcoming agenda, it would seem the Mayor and the Governor are aligned on providing funding for childcare.
Finally, the news that City Councilmember Julie Menin has recently clinched the race for NYC Council Speaker may affect the Mayor’s first 100 days. Public discourse has identified Menin as a potential counterbalance to possible excesses of a Mamdani government while her support from 36 other council members, including many Mamdani friends and allies, presents a unified front within the City Democratic Party which may foster a more collaborative relationship between the Council and Mayor. Menin is well known as a particularly and reasonable elected official embodying an “adult in the room” approach.
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