New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s campaign succeeded on the back of a massive grassroots movement of tens of thousands of volunteers energized by his message of affordability. His new administration doesn’t want to leave that movement behind.
On Friday, Mamdani will sign an executive order creating a new Office of Mass Engagement, to be headed by the mastermind behind his campaign’s field operation, Tascha Van Auken. The office will oversee existing city units including The Public Engagement Unit, The Mayor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships, NYC Service and the Civic Engagement Commission.
“For too long, city government has only listened to the wealthy and well-connected while
working New Yorkers remain further and further disconnected from those elected to serve them,” Mamdani said in a statement. “The Office of Mass Engagement will fundamentally change this, creating a deeper connection between City Hall and community organizations, faith-based groups, and everyday New Yorkers looking to make their voices heard.”
Van Auken oversaw the campaign’s field operation during the primary and general campaigns, which reached more than 90,000 volunteers. The campaign engaged young and new voters who said they’ve been discouraged and demoralized from participating in traditional politics.
The idea behind the office is to harness that movement and give it a formal voice at City Hall. “We are all too familiar with wanting to participate in City government and not knowing where to go,” Van Auken said in a statement. “At worst, when New Yorkers need support – when they are facing eviction, when they are denied unemployment, when they need to find care for a loved one – they do not know where to go. We will demystify government so all New Yorkers can be active participants and have the resources they need to thrive.”
Van Auken is a committed member of the Democratic Socialists of America. Previously, she led the campaigns of state Sen. Julia Salazar and Assembly Member Phara Souffrant Forrest.
