On January 1, 2026, Zohran Mamdani was inaugurated as the first Muslim mayor of New York City. Shortly after taking office, he signed three executive orders aimed at addressing the city's housing crisis, which include measures to enhance tenant protections and expedite housing development. These initiatives align with Mamdani's campaign promise to freeze rents for nearly one million rent-stabilized apartments in the city.

Cea Weaver, a tenant organizer and housing advocate, has been appointed as the director of the newly revitalized Mayor's Office to Protect Tenants. This office will focus on defending tenants' rights and intervening in cases of illegal housing conditions. The office's first action will involve legal intervention in the bankruptcy proceedings of Pinnacle Realty, a housing group facing significant violations and complaints, with the goal of providing immediate relief for affected tenants.

Mamdani also established two task forces: the LIFT Task Force (Land Inventory Fast Track) and the SPEED Task Force (Streamlining Procedures to Expedite Equitable Development). The LIFT Task Force will prioritize the use of city-owned land for housing development, while the SPEED Task Force aims to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles that hinder housing construction and affordability. Both task forces will be overseen by Deputy Mayor Leila Bozorg.

In addition to his housing initiatives, Mamdani revoked several executive orders issued by former Mayor Eric Adams, who faced federal indictment in September 2024. Among the rescinded orders were those that expanded the definition of antisemitism and prohibited city agencies from boycotting or divesting from Israel. Mamdani's actions were framed as necessary to restore public trust in city leadership.

While some Jewish leaders criticized the revocations, arguing they could exacerbate antisemitism, others, including the New York Civil Liberties Union, supported Mamdani's decisions as a move towards more equitable governance. Mamdani has expressed his commitment to maintaining the Mayor's Office to Combat Antisemitism, emphasizing the importance of addressing antisemitism and anti-Jewish hate crimes while advocating for equal rights for all citizens.

Mamdani's administration marks a significant shift in New York City's approach to housing and social justice, reflecting a commitment to prioritize the needs of working-class residents and address systemic issues within the city's housing landscape.