LIVE: Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani makes an announcement

Key Concepts

• Health & Human Services Focus: The core theme revolves around improving access to healthcare and social services for vulnerable New Yorkers.
• Equity & Dignity: A central principle is ensuring all New Yorkers, regardless of socioeconomic status, are treated with dignity and have equal access to resources.
• Government Transformation: The incoming administration aims to fundamentally change how the city government operates, prioritizing proactive solutions and responsiveness to community needs.
• Leadership Appointments: The announcement of Helen Artega as Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, Steve Banks as Corporation Counsel, and Ramsey Kasim as Chief Counsel.
• Whole-of-Government Approach: The need for collaboration across all city agencies to address complex challenges.
• Focus on Frontline Workers: Recognizing and supporting the essential role of city employees, particularly those in healthcare and social services.

New Leadership Appointments & Vision for New York City

This press conference detailed the appointment of key leadership figures within the incoming mayoral administration, outlining a vision centered on equity, health, and a transformative approach to city governance. The overarching message was a commitment to serving New Yorkers who have historically been marginalized and overlooked.

I. Introduction & The Need for Change

The speaker began by framing the current state of New York City as “anything but prosperous,” despite indicators of wealth. He argued that the true measure of a nation’s success lies in the absence of poverty and the prevalence of health, highlighting the significant disparities within the city. He emphasized a desire to change not only how well-being is measured but also who is tasked with measuring it. He stated, “The great web de boys once said we should measure the prosperity of a nation not by the number of millionaires but by the absence of poverty and the prevalence of health. By that measurement our city is anything but prosperous.”

II. Helen Artega – Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services

The announcement of Helen Artega as Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services was presented as a pivotal moment. Artega’s background as CEO of New York City Health and Hospitals Elmhurst, particularly her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, was emphasized. Her tenure at Elmhurst was described as “transformative,” with consistent improvements in patient care and support for frontline workers. The speaker highlighted her deep connection to the community, stating she grew up understanding the needs of New Yorkers “with less” who are “often treated with less.” Artega’s appointment is intended to bring empathy and a commitment to dignity to the city’s health and human services initiatives. Artega herself stated, “I see you cuz your struggles are mine. I am who I am because of them.” She also shared a personal story about her father’s death due to lack of insurance and her own survival during COVID at Elmhurst, underscoring her commitment to the role.

III. Steve Banks – Corporation Counsel

Steve Banks was appointed as the city’s Corporation Counsel, a role described as the city’s lawyer, managing hundreds of attorneys and representing the city in court. His extensive experience as former attorney and chief of Legal Aid, and later as Commissioner of the Department of Social Services under Mayor de Blasio, was highlighted. He was credited with overhauling the shelter system and helping over 175,000 New Yorkers find permanent housing. He was described as “the most effective social services director in New York City history.” Banks emphasized his unique perspective, having litigated against the Law Department for 33 years as a Legal Aid lawyer and later being represented by it. He intends to engage frontline staff to understand their perspectives and implement the mayor’s agenda. He noted, “I have a unique perspective on the law department…I litigated against the law department…and was represented by the law department.” He also acknowledged the need to increase staffing within the Law Department.

IV. Ramsey Kasim – Chief Counsel

Ramsey Kasim was named Chief Counsel, bringing experience from CUNY and as a senior policy advisor for President Biden. His background includes arguing cases before the Supreme Court. He was presented as a strong advocate for those “too often abandoned by our legal system.” Kasim emphasized his personal connection to New York City, having immigrated from war-torn countries and finding stability here. He stated, “New York City was really my first stable and permanent home. And this is an opportunity for me to repay that debt.” He pledged to defend the rights of all New Yorkers.

V. Administrative Priorities & Future Actions

The speaker outlined several key priorities for the administration, including:

• Addressing Healthcare Access: Ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare for all New Yorkers.
• Improving Public Transportation: Focusing on improving the reliability and efficiency of the city’s bus system, impacting over a million riders.
• Supporting City Workers: Prioritizing the concerns of city employees and delivering on commitments to improve their working conditions.
• Reforming the Law Department: Increasing staffing and restoring the Law Department’s role as a champion of equal rights.
• Removing Horse Carriages: Following through on a pledge to remove horse carriages from Central Park, collaborating with unions and community leaders.

The speaker also addressed potential challenges, including navigating a possible adversarial relationship with the federal government, and pledged to defend the rights of New Yorkers through both dialogue and legal action.

VI. Conclusion

The press conference concluded with a reaffirmation of the administration’s commitment to serving all New Yorkers, particularly those who have been historically marginalized. The appointments of Artega, Banks, and Kasim were presented as evidence of this commitment, signaling a shift towards a more equitable and responsive city government. The speaker’s closing remarks emphasized the importance of empathy, dignity, and a relentless focus on the needs of the city’s most vulnerable residents. He stated his hope that New Yorkers who have long felt on the margins will feel they now have leaders in their corner.