His administration is still forming as he works to fill top positions and steer his ambitious agenda to tackle the city’s affordability crisis.

Since his election, Mamdani’s transition has faced scrutiny over the pace of appointments. Some critics question whether the slower process reflects his limited experience managing a massive city bureaucracy. “He wants to broaden his coalition,” said a member of Mamdani’s team, highlighting tensions between hard-left advisors and compromise-driven staff.

Despite delays, several appointments have been praised as “sane, sober choices.” Mamdani emphasized, “We are going to be building out a team that New Yorkers will see being the ones who will help to make the decisions that will shape their lives and their ability to afford living in this city.”

Even before taking office, Mamdani has remained active. He joined rallies with Sen. Bernie Sanders, supported Starbucks workers on strike, distributed hot chocolate to tenants to highlight rent proposals, met daycare workers about universal childcare, and traveled to Washington, DC, for a meeting with President Donald Trump.

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Mamdani’s early days show a careful balancing act between experience and progressive support. While transitions are slow, the focus on credible appointments may strengthen trust. Citizens will watch closely how quickly his team can implement policies for city affordability.