First major challenge shows mayor can manage crises effectively
Mayor Proves Management Skills During First Major Crisis
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced his first major management test in late January when a significant winter storm blanketed the city. The mayor’s response drew strong reviews from political observers and city workers alike, marking an early victory for the young administration. Before the storm arrived, Mamdani met with top officials and noted that his three immediate predecessorsMayors Michael Bloomberg, Bill de Blasio and Eric Adamshad all mishandled snowstorm responses due to poor coordination and appearing aloof from recovery efforts. Determined to avoid similar pitfalls, Mamdani’s team reviewed historical newspaper headlines documenting these failures and posted them in City Hall as motivation for staff. The mayor deputized Deputy Mayor Julia Kerson to lead interagency coordination while ramping up public communications through television, radio, social media and press conferences.
Bold Visible Leadership During Recovery Efforts
As snow accumulated on Sunday, Mamdani put on a custom jacket embroidered with “The City of New York” and personally picked up a shovel to clear snow in Brooklyn and Queens. Video of the mayor digging out motorists circulated widely on social media, reaching audiences his staff hadn’t directly targeted. The administration’s emergency management approach proved effective. City workers salted and plowed streets efficiently, preventing gridlock and keeping essential services operational. Compare this to struggles in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., where snow response faltered. A headline in City & State New York read “OK Zohran, so you aced the storm.” Even Benny Polatseck, who served in Eric Adams’ administration and had been critical of Mamdani, acknowledged the mayor’s strong performance. Zach Iscol, the Adams-appointed emergency management commissioner who continues under Mamdani, praised the team: “I know this city is in great, great hands.”
Communication Strategy Drives Record Signup Surge
Mamdani prioritized public engagement through online content creators and social media platforms much like his successful campaign. His administration focused on driving signups to Notify NYC, the city’s free emergency alert system. The platform received approximately 70,000 new subscribers during the past week, with 35,000 joining in a single daythe largest single-day enrollment in the program’s history. The mayor’s staff deployed hundreds of additional sanitation workers and extended shifts to clear crosswalks and bus stops. The administration also called on residents to serve as paid emergency snow shovelers, contributing to roughly 500 New Yorkers per day participating in clearing efforts since the initiative launched.
Cold Deaths and Ongoing Challenges
Not all aspects of the response escaped criticism. At least 13 people died from cold exposure, many known to the city’s Department of Homeless Services. Critics argued that Mamdani’s shift away from Eric Adams’ policy of using police to clear homeless encampments contributed to the death toll. Billionaire hedge fund executive Bill Ackman tweeted: “What about the ten homeless who died?” Mamdani responded that Code Blue protocol alone is insufficient and announced additional warming centers and shelter placements. Parents of public school students also complained when the city didn’t declare a snow day, instead offering remote learning. Mamdani’s staff noted the placement of more than 600 homeless individuals in shelters since the prior week and opening of 20 warming buses and 18 enhanced warming centers citywide. The mayor emphasized: “If you see someone out in the cold, call 311, so we can get them help.” For Mamdani, the storm proved an important early test of governing capability. New York mayoral history includes numerous snowstorm failures, including under John Lindsay, who faced criticism after a blizzard killed over 40 people. Bradley Tusk, who served in Bloomberg’s administration, offered perspective: “His youth and energy served him well publicly. Obviously the deaths were tragic, but it’s hard to blame him for it.” As another potential nor’easter approached for the weekend, Mamdani’s team remained vigilant. The successful snow response positioned the mayor favorably with New Yorkers evaluating his broader policy agenda, particularly on affordable housing and police reform that define his platform.
