TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Zohran Mamdani has been elected mayor of New York City, the most populous city in the United States. He will take office on January 1, 2026, at the age of 34, becoming the youngest mayor in nearly a century.
His election is historic: Mamdani is the first Muslim mayor of New York City, the first of Indian descent, and the first mayor born in Uganda.
Mamdani will oversee crucial aspects of city life, including the public school system, the police force, transportation networks, and infrastructure, while shaping policies that affect the city’s 10 million residents across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island.
His term lasts four years, with the possibility of re-election for a second term and eligibility for a non-consecutive third term.
What Are Mamdani’s Powers and Responsibilities?
As the chief executive officer of New York City, Mamdani will lead the largest municipal workforce in the United States, overseeing more than 300,000 employees and managing an annual budget of $115 billion.
A key responsibility is to prepare the city’s annual budget, supervise tax revenue, and determine how funds are allocated to various agencies and departments.
However, proposals to raise taxes cannot be executed solely by the mayor; they require approval from the governor and the City Council.
Beyond financial management, Mamdani will have broad administrative authority, including enforcing state laws and overseeing critical services such as the police, fire department, and numerous other agencies.
The mayor also has the power to appoint key personnel, selecting deputy mayors and commissioners who lead major departments under the authority of Article 43 of the New York City Charter.
Mamdani will serve as an ex-officio member of the boards of prominent cultural institutions, including the American Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
He also holds legislative powers, including the ability to sign or veto bills approved by the City Council, though any veto can be overridden by a two-thirds majority.
What Challenges Will Mamdani Face?
Mamdani’s authority is tempered by structural and political constraints. Tax policy changes require approval from the state legislature, and any city law must be approved by the City Council, which can override his veto.
He will appoint members to the Rent Guidelines Board, which determines rent adjustments for regulated apartments, but the board’s decisions are limited by legal parameters that restrict direct political influence.
Transportation policy may also be a point of friction. MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber expressed skepticism about proposals for free bus services, emphasizing that benefits should primarily target low-income communities rather than affluent areas.
What Are Mamdani’s Salary and Privileges?
The mayoral position offers an annual salary of about $258,750 (approximately Rp 4.3 billion), a significant increase from Mamdani’s previous $142,000 (Rp 2.3 billion) as a New York State Assembly member. The role also includes access to the historic mayoral residence, Gracie Mansion.
What Is His Policy Agenda and Potential Impact?
Mamdani’s position gives him significant influence over policy decisions in New York City. His platform emphasizes support for lower-income and minority communities, which has been a central theme of his campaign.
Programs he intends to implement include rent freezes, government-owned affordable supermarkets, free bus services, free childcare, and doubling the minimum wage. These initiatives are planned to be funded by higher taxation on large companies.
While his progressive policies face resistance from some wealthy New Yorkers, their successful implementation could deliver substantial benefits to marginalized communities.
Mamdani’s agenda signals a potential shift in New York City’s approach to social and economic policies, aiming to address inequality and improve living conditions for lower-income and minority residents.
Ditya Rasyadiputra contributed to the writing of this article.
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