Mayor Mamdani Launches Office of Mass Engagement to Boost Civic Participation in NYC

### What’s happening
– Mayor Zohran Mamdani established the Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement.
– Tascha Van Auken was appointed as its Commissioner.
– The office’s initiatives take effect immediately.

### Why it matters
– New Yorkers will have better access to participate in city decision-making.
– This office aims to include voices from historically marginalized communities in policymaking.

### Key details
– The Office of Mass Engagement will organize mass engagement campaigns.
– It will coordinate with the Public Engagement Unit and other city agencies.
– The office seeks to create clear and accessible channels for public feedback.
– Tascha Van Auken’s appointment was announced on January 2, 2026.
– The executive order requires public feedback to shape city policies and programs.

The Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement (OME) is a new initiative aimed at reshaping the relationship between New Yorkers and their government. Officially launched on January 2, 2026, the OME, led by Commissioner Tascha Van Auken, aims to enhance civic engagement by mobilizing citizens and ensuring their perspectives inform decision-making.

In his opening remarks, Mayor Mamdani emphasized the importance of community voices in governance, stating that typically, engagement efforts have failed to yield genuine feedback. The establishment of the OME is meant to change that dynamic, offering various platforms for New Yorkers to share their insights, especially those from marginalized communities. This approach intends to facilitate a more inclusive policymaking process, where public concerns are integrated into city services.

Van Auken, previously recognized for her grassroots organizing achievements during the Mamdani campaign, described the OME’s mission as creating a government that actively listens and adjusts to its constituents’ needs. The office will host events aimed at inspiring community involvement while ensuring feedback mechanisms foster transparency in how public input influences policy.

As part of its structure, the OME will oversee key public engagement entities, such as the Public Engagement Unit and the Mayor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships. This consolidation aims to streamline engagement efforts and enhance the effectiveness of the city’s outreach initiatives.

The success of the OME will be evaluated by its ability to turn community feedback into realistic policy changes rather than by merely counting meetings or surveys. The creation of the OME reflects Mayor Mamdani’s commitment to reforming civic engagement and making governance more accessible to all New Yorkers.

This initiative aligns with earlier discussions regarding the importance of transparency and inclusion in city governance, ensuring that ongoing efforts address the needs and preferences of diverse communities across New York City (Source: https://getlocalpost.com/2026/01/05/new-mayors-office-launches-initiative-to-boost-civic-engagement-and-inclusivity/).