Early executive orders targeting junk fees housing justice and ending predecessor policies signal administration priorities
When Zohran Mamdani took office as New York City mayor on January 1, 2026, observers waited to see which campaign promises he would tackle first. His initial days revealed a mayor moving rapidly to establish his administration’s policy direction through executive orders targeting consumer protections, housing justice, and reversal of predecessor policies. These early actions signal how Mamdani intends to use executive authority to advance his agenda during his first 100 days and beyond.
Consumer Protection Against Deceptive Practices
One of Mamdani’s first priorities was addressing junk fees that drain resources from working New Yorkers. On January 5, 2026, Mamdani signed executive orders in partnership with Attorney General Letitia James to combat deceptive hidden fees and subscription traps. The orders establish a citywide junk fee task force and empower city agencies to crack down on businesses hiding charges until consumers finalize purchases. Mamdani emphasized that New Yorkers deserve complete pricing transparency before money leaves their accounts. Too many residents face blindsiding subscription charges they never knowingly authorized, making essential goods and services less affordable during a sustained affordability crisis. The executive order directs the city to use all available legal tools and authorities to enforce compliance with existing consumer protection laws.
Fighting Subscription Traps
A companion executive order specifically addresses subscription tricks that trap consumers. The order aims to ensure companies cannot easily hide auto-renewal terms in dense terms-of-service agreements. By requiring clear disclosure and easy cancellation mechanisms, Mamdani’s administration targets what consumer advocates identify as one of the fastest-growing sources of consumer fraud affecting household budgets across income levels.
Sweeping Revocation of Predecessor Orders
Mamdani also moved quickly to undo policies from his predecessor. One of his first actions as mayor revoked all executive orders issued by former Mayor Eric Adams on or after September 26, 2024, the date Adams faced federal corruption indictment on bribery and campaign finance charges. This sweeping action eliminated numerous Adams-era policies across city agencies. Notably, this included the October 2024 executive order establishing an Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain Technology that Adams championed. The revocation reflects Mamdani’s skepticism toward blockchain initiatives and his desire to redirect technology resources toward different priorities aligned with his administration’s values.
Housing Justice as Defining Priority
Mamdani’s housing-focused initiatives emerged prominently in his early days. On January 1, 2026, he revitalized the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants and appointed longtime housing advocate Cea Weaver as director. Weaver brings two decades of experience from organizations like Housing Justice for All and the New York State Tenant Bloc. Her track record includes leadership in passing New York’s landmark 2019 tenant protection laws. This appointment signals Mamdani’s commitment to aggressive tenant advocacy, though it also prompted criticism from real estate industry leaders who fear the city might move toward more restrictive housing regulations.
Creating New Administrative Structures
Beyond executive orders, Mamdani created new government offices reflecting his priorities. On January 2, 2026, he announced the Office of Mass Engagement, led by Tascha Van Auken. This office applies campaign-style community organizing to city governance, working within City Hall and across agencies to drive community participation in policy decisions. Van Auken, who ran Mamdani’s grassroots campaign that knocked on an estimated 3 million doors, brings expertise in democratic mobilization to institutionalize community engagement. Similarly, on January 2, Mamdani appointed his election attorney Ali Najmi to chair the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary. This position will guide mayoral selection of city judges, with Najmi committed to engaging a broader spectrum of the legal community in the judicial appointment process.
Public Safety Messaging and Crime Statistics
On January 6, 2026, Mamdani joined Governor Hochul and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to announce that 2025 was the safest year in recorded New York City history regarding gun violence. The city finished 2025 with 305 murders, down 77 from the prior year. There were fewer shootings and shooting victims than any previously recorded year. Mamdani used the occasion to present his administration as committed to public safety while pursuing different strategies than his predecessor. This announcement represented a notable alignment between Mamdani’s progressive police reform agenda and measurable crime reduction results.
Lillian Bonsignore’s FDNY Swearing-In
On January 6, 2026, Mamdani swore in Lillian Bonsignore as the 37th FDNY Commissioner. Bonsignore brings more than three decades of service, including decades as an EMS chief. Mamdani praised her wealth of experience and vision while Bonsignore committed to leading every department member with support and advocacy. Her appointment reflects the mayor’s belief that the fire department’s most critical work involves emergency medical services.
Early Administration Challenges and Opportunities
These early executive actions reveal Mamdani’s priorities for his first months: consumer protection, housing justice, democratic participation, and measuring public safety outcomes. By revoking Adams-era policies, he signals a distinct governing philosophy. By creating new offices, he institutionalizes campaign commitments. By signing consumer protection orders alongside the state attorney general, he demonstrates willingness to work with other elected officials across party lines.
Authority Links for Understanding Early Actions
For comprehensive information about executive orders and mayoral authority, consult the Wikipedia article on the Mayor of New York City. Details on consumer protection laws appear at the Federal Trade Commission website. Housing advocacy organizations’ perspectives are available at the New York Housing Justice Alliance. Crime statistics and public safety information are reported by the NYPD.
