NEW YORK, NY January 2, 2026 – In a move aimed at enhancing civic participation and inclusivity, New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced the appointment of Tascha Van Auken as the inaugural commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement (OME). The announcement, made via the mayor’s official X account on Saturday, underscores a commitment to amplifying voices from underserved communities and integrating public input into city governance.
“Today, I appointed Tascha Van Auken as commissioner to the Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement,” Mamdani stated in the post. “OME will organize participation across this city, proactively reach people who’ve been shut out, and make sure public feedback shapes how we design policies, deliver services, and make decisions. New Yorkers deserve a government that actually listens and responds to what you need.”
Mamdani, who assumed office following the 2025 mayoral election, has prioritized affordability and equity for working-class New Yorkers, as reflected in his bio on X: “Fighting every day to deliver a city that working New Yorkers can actually afford.” The creation of OME aligns with this vision, positioning it as a hub for grassroots involvement in policy-making.
Tascha Van Auken, whose background includes experience in community organizing and public advocacy, was not immediately available for comment. Her role will involve spearheading initiatives to engage marginalized groups, potentially through town halls, digital platforms, and targeted outreach programs.
Reactions to the announcement on X were swift and varied. Supporters praised the move as a step toward more responsive government, with one user exclaiming, “My mayor!!!!” and another expressing pride. Critics, however, voiced skepticism, with comments ranging from concerns about resource allocation to pointed political barbs. One reply speculated a “short-lived mayorship,” while others included inflammatory language questioning the mayor’s priorities.
This appointment comes amid broader efforts by the Mamdani administration to reform city services, including housing affordability and public safety. City Hall officials have indicated that further details on OME’s operations will be released in the coming weeks, inviting New Yorkers to participate in shaping its agenda.
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