NEW YORK January 1, 2026 – In his first major move following a midnight swearing-in ceremony, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has appointed Mike Flynn as the new Commissioner of the Department of Transportation (DOT), signaling a focus on revamping the city’s street design and public transit infrastructure.
The announcement came during Mamdani’s inaugural event beneath City Hall on January 1, where he highlighted Flynn’s alignment with his vision for urban mobility. “It is an honor to have Mike here…as we embark on an administration that will take seriously the responsibility & the opportunity we have to make this streetscape and the public transit of the city we call home the envy of the world,” Mamdani stated during the ceremony.
Flynn, a veteran of the DOT, previously served as a director under former Mayor Bill de Blasio, where he contributed to initiatives like street design manuals and the expansion of bus lanes. Supporters, including transportation advocate Gridlock Sam Schwartz, Flynn’s former boss, praised the pick, noting that Flynn and Mamdani are “in sync when it comes to street design and bus lanes.”
The Mayor’s Office shared the news via a post on X (formerly Twitter), urging residents to “Watch now — Mayor Mamdani makes new appointment” with a link to a live broadcast of the event. The post, published shortly after 9:56 PM ET on January 1, has garnered thousands of views and sparked discussions on social media about the direction of the city’s transportation policies.
Mamdani, a democratic socialist who campaigned on progressive reforms including improved public transit and pedestrian-friendly streets, was sworn in as New York City’s 112th mayor in a subterranean ceremony at City Hall, marking the start of his administration. The appointment of Flynn, confirmed by multiple sources including local media outlets, underscores Mamdani’s intent to prioritize sustainable and equitable urban planning.
City officials released a press statement detailing Flynn’s role, emphasizing his experience in transforming New York’s roadways. As DOT commissioner, Flynn will oversee critical areas such as traffic management, bike infrastructure, and subway integration, amid ongoing challenges like congestion and climate resilience.
Reactions to the appointment have been mixed, with transportation advocates welcoming the choice while some critics question Flynn’s past tenure during a period of rising crime and infrastructure delays. Mamdani’s team has not yet announced further cabinet picks, but more are expected in the coming days as the new administration settles in.
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