NYC Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani Doubles Down on Rent Freeze, ‘Sanctuary City’ Promises

The mayor-elect also pledged to discontinue the sweeps of homeless encampments across the city.

New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is doubling down on two of his core campaign pledges: freezing rents for regulated apartments and preserving the city’s “sanctuary” immigration policies.

On Dec. 4, the self-described democratic socialist hosted a “Hot Chocolate, Frozen Rent” event in a Manhattan neighborhood home to thousands of rent-controlled tenants. After greeting residents and handing out hot chocolate, Mamdani reiterated his vow to freeze rents for roughly 2 million New Yorkers living in rent-controlled apartments, where rates are set by the government rather than the market.

As mayor, Mamdani will have sole authority to appoint the nine members of the powerful Rent Guidelines Board, which determines rent adjustments each year for rent-controlled units. Several members’ terms are due to expire, and having his hand-picked board members in place would, in theory, put Mamdani in a better position to advance his agenda.

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When asked whether he had secured assurances that incumbent Mayor Eric Adams would refrain from making last-minute appointments to the rental board before leaving office, Mamdani said the issue did not come up when he spoke with Adams earlier this week.

“We did not have that conversation,” he told reporters. “But I continue to be confident in the promise that I made to freeze the rent for two million New Yorkers.”

The mayor-elect also addressed the city’s response to recent protests over intensified federal immigration enforcement, as well as allegations that the New York Police Department (NYPD) has not fully complied with sanctuary-city policies limiting cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

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Mamdani said he would instruct police leadership to fully adhere to existing “sanctuary” rules and “ensure that we never again open the door on the idea of the NYPD doing civil immigration enforcement.”

“I think the NYPD’s job is to keep order, but it’s not to assist immigration agents in the work that they are doing,” he said, referring to recent confrontations between police officers and anti-ICE protesters.

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Mamdani also confirmed that he plans to maintain a police force of 35,000 officers, the staffing level reflected in the current city budget. Doing so would require hiring roughly 1,000 more officers to address current shortages.

The mayor-elect further pledged to discontinue the sweeps of homeless encampments across the city, a signature initiative of the Adams administration.

“If you are not connecting homeless New Yorkers to the housing that they so desperately need, then you cannot deem anything you’re doing to be a success,” Mamdani said of the Adams policy, which has faced scrutiny for failing to move displaced individuals into permanent housing.

“We are going to take an approach that understands its mission is connecting New Yorkers to housing—whether it’s supportive housing, whether it’s rental housing, whatever kind of housing it may be.

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“Because what we have seen is the treatment of homelessness as if it is a natural part of living in this city, when in fact, it’s more often a reflection of a political choice being made.”

An audit by New York City Comptroller Brad Lander suggested that between March and November 2022, the city removed 2,308 people from homeless encampments, yet only 90 accepted temporary shelter afterward.

Lander, who ran unsuccessfully against Mamdani and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in this year’s Democratic mayoral primary, called it a “policy failure.”

Mamdani did not provide detailed plans for how his administration would secure housing for homeless New Yorkers. Lander has recommended ending encampment sweeps, expanding single-room options in safe-haven shelters, and connecting unsheltered individuals directly to supportive housing without requiring them to first enter the shelter system.

According to city data, officials received more than 45,400 complaints about encampments during the first 11 months of 2025.

Mamdani Administration Mobilizes Full Citywide Response as Major Winter Storm Approaches

January 24, 2026

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What you should know

• A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for New York City from 3 a.m. Sunday, January 25 Until 6 p.m. Monday, January 26

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NEW YORK, NY –  Under the leadership of New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, New York City agencies are fully mobilized and coordinating a citywide response ahead of a potentially historic winter snowstorm and prolonged period of extreme cold forecast to begin Sunday, January 25.

NYC Emergency Management issued a hazardous travel advisory for Sunday and Monday following the Winter Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service. Forecasts call for heavy snow, dangerous travel conditions and temperatures colder than any sustained period the city had experienced in eight years. The Warning is in effect for Sunday, January 24 from 3 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“As the storm approaches, our city is ready. My administration is fully mobilized, with agencies working hand in hand around the clock — from salting and plowing our streets to staying in constant communication with one another and with the public,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “Our mission is straightforward: keep New Yorkers safe. I am deeply grateful to the  city workers who will be out in the cold and snow through the night and into tomorrow, showing up for this city when it matters most.”

Mamdani urged New Yorkers to stay informed by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692, avoiding unnecessary travel, and remaining home where possible.

“We will get through this storm the way we always do – by looking out for one another,” he said.

Multiple agencies ― including the FDNY, NYPD, Parks Department, Department of Transportation, the New York City Housing Authority, and NYC Emergency Management― are prepared to respond to storm impacts.

NYC Emergency Management’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will activate in person at 7 a.m. Sunday, bringing together leadership from city agencies, utilities and transportation partners  to coordinate the City’s response in real time.

The National Weather Service forecasts 10-12 inches of snow, with localized totals up to 14 inches. Snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour expected Sunday afternoon and evening, with a possible transition to sleet and freezing rain Sunday evening. Below-freezing temperatures are expected to persist throughout the week, creating ongoing hazardous conditions.

Warming Centers

As dangerously cold temperatures move through New York, the city has opened warming centers in all five boroughs to provide safe, heated indoor spaces for New Yorkers in need. Centers will be open through at least Monday evening at the following locations; all located high schools scheduled to be closed Monday for a scheduled professional learning day:

Bronx

Gompers Campus, 455 Southern Boulevard

DeWitt Clinton Campus, 100 West Mosholu Parkway

Manhattan

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School, 120 West 46th Street

Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics Campus, 260 Pleasant Avenue

Brooklyn 

Midwood High School, 2839 Bedford Avenue

Urban Assembly for Law and Justice, 283 Adams Street

Queens

Jamaica Campus, 167-01 Gothic Drive

Long Island City High School, 14-30 Broadway

Staten Island 

Curtis High School, 105 Hamilton Avenue

New Dorp High School, 465 New Dorp Lane

The City’s Response: Already Underway and Continuing Around the Clock

The Department of Sanitation began pre-salting streets, highways and bike lanes Friday and will deploy approximately 2,000 workers on 12-hour shifts. Plowing operations will begin once snow accumulation reaches 2 inches with 700 salt spreaders and 2,200 plows deployed citywide. Operations will be monitored in real time to ensure equitable service across all neighborhoods.

DOT crews will staff East River bridges, Parks Department teams will assist with snow removal and downed trees, and NYPD and FDNY will maintain full emergency response capability. Nonessential city work has been canceled Sunday to focus  on storm response.

The Department of Homeless Services has relaxed intake procedures and is conducting intensified outreach across all five boroughs. Outreach teams are working around the clock to connect homeless  New Yorkers with  shelter, warming centers and lifesaving services. New Yorkers are urged to call 311 if they see anyone in need of assistance.

Public School Athletic League activities, special education Weekend Academy, and other programming in school buildings will be closed on Sunday.

Transportation and Utility Partners Coordinating Closely

The MTA will operate  a regular Sunday subway and bus schedule with service adjustments as conditions require.  LIRR and Metro-North will operate reduced schedules Sunday and Monday. Travelers should check MTA channels for  real-time updates.

Air travelers should expect significant disruptions, with hundreds of flight cancellations anticipated.

NYC Ferry expects an early shutdown Sunday due to whiteout conditions, while Staten Island Ferry service will continue as long as visibility safely allows.

Con Edison and National Grid have mobilized crews and secured mutual aid to respond quickly to outages, with no major impacts anticipated at this time.

SAFETY TIPS

• Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the city will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including NotifyNYC. Sign up for emergency notifications online or call 311. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on social media.
• Allow for extra travel time. New Yorkers are urged to use public transportation.
• If you must drive, use extra caution. Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.
• Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.
• Four-wheel drive vehicles may make it easier to drive on snow-covered roads, but they stop less quickly than other vehicles.
• Pedestrians should exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces. Wear sturdy boots that provide traction to reduce slipping. Use handrails when using stairs.
• Seniors should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls.
• Have heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections.
• Outdoor workers, such as those in construction and utilities, face risks from cold-related health impacts. Employers should implement safe work practices, provide appropriate protective equipment, and train workers on recognizing cold-related disorders, prevention strategies, and proper treatment.
• Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.

CITY AGENCY & PARTNER ACTIONS

Department of Buildings 

• DOB is reminding all builders, contractors, crane operators, and property owners to secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment, keep their sites clear of ice and snow, and to follow all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) prescribed regulations and recommendations for helping ensure worker safety.
• DOB will be performing random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the city. If sites are not secured, the department will take immediate enforcement action — issuing violations and Stop Work Orders, where necessary.
• Sign up for DOB Weather Advisories to learn more about securing your buildings and construction sites during periods of severe weather.

Department of Citywide Administrative Services 

• DCAS’ Fleet team remains on call 24/7 as part of the City’s Tow Truck Task Force to respond to any city vehicle needs.
• DCAS has provided agencies with flexibility and discretion around scheduling through Tuesday, supported by ongoing health and safety communications to Agency Personnel Officers and Citywide Occupational Safety and Health (COSH) Officers.
• DCAS Facilities, Maintenance, and Construction has staff, equipment, and supplies deployed for snow removal and de-icing, prioritizing PSACs (911 call centers and emergency supplies), NYCEM facilities, courthouses, and emergency coordination hubs citywide.
• DCAS Procurement stands ready to activate emergency contracts, and the DCAS Storehouse has extended hours to support freeze coverage, weekend delivery of rock salt and calcium, and rapid deployment of emergency resources as needed.

Con Edison

• Con Ed has mobilized crews across New York City and Westchester County ahead of the approaching winter storm.
• The company urges the public to prioritize safety by staying clear of downed wires, which may be live, and reporting them immediately to Con Edison or by calling 911.

Department of Correction

• DOC has activated its’ Emergency Operation center (EOC) to ensure communication is streamlined and updates are provided in real time.
• The DOC maintenance staff continues salting and brining roads and has snowplows on hand to operate as needed.
• To ensure staff can get to work safely, the Department is providing free shuttle bus service to members of service to and from Rikers Island.

New York City Fire Department 

• FDNY has additional Fire Chief Officer coverage for Staten Island, Rockaway and South Brooklyn.
• FDNY is increasing staffing at engine companies to five firefighters.
• FDNY has activated its thawing apparatus, which is crucial to ensuring access to working fire hydrants.
• The Department has added staffing to rescue companies and marine units.
• FDNY has increased ambulance availability by adding additional ambulances from our voluntary hospital partners.
• The Department has canceled scheduled training and assigned those members to the field, including instructors.

Ferries

• NYC Ferry anticipates an early shutdown on Sunday due to expected whiteout conditions on the waterways. Any planned service changes will be announced via ferry.nyc and the NYC Ferry app on Sunday.
• The Staten Island Ferry will continue operating as long as visibility safely allows.

Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

• The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is informing New Yorkers about how they can stay safe and warm, including by sharing recommendations on preparing for the winter storm, and what to do if you lose heat or hot water in your home.

New York City Housing Authority 

• NYCHA will activate  its virtual Emergency Operation Center on Sunday, January 25, to provide support to heating response teams to minimize the extent of unplanned heat and hot water outages throughout the storm.
• The Authority is also increasing around-the-clock staffing — including frontline heating, operations, and skilled trades staff — and preparing mobile boilers for rapid deployment across the city.
• NYCHA residents experiencing emergencies should call 911. NYCHA residents in need of non-emergency assistance should call the Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771 or submit work tickets through the MyNYCHA application.

Department of Housing Preservation and Development 

• HPD is increasing staffing levels to respond to heat complaints through next Tuesday to support storm response efforts.
• HPD proactively conducted property owner outreach, emailing reminders about heat requirements and snow/ice removal to more than 48,000 owners and agents connected to over 110,000 buildings.
• Using new and traditional media, HPD will direct tenants without heat to contact 311 if their landlord is unresponsive.

Department of Homeless Services

• DHS continues to implement enhanced Code Blue procedures across the system.
• Responding to any emergencies during a Code Blue is an all-hands-on-deck operation. During a Code Blue, 311 is routed to 911 so first responders can mobilize quickly to reach the person in need.
• Outreach teams are conducting intensified efforts across the five boroughs to connect the most vulnerable New Yorkers on their priority list to shelter and lifesaving support.
• DHS workers are connecting homeless New Yorkers  to shelter, drop-in or warming centers, and other critical support.
• All DHS facilities, including shelters, Safe Havens, stabilization bed sites, and drop-in centers have an open-door policy during this time.
• DHS has relaxed normal intake procedures across the shelter system and outreach teams have the ability to directly place New Yorkers at Safe Haven and stabilization bed sites.
• DHS is closely coordinating with hospitals to assess need and capacity in order to better streamline immediate access for at-risk New Yorkers.
• DHS also coordinates borough-level Code Blue outreach efforts with partner agencies, including DSNY and the Parks Department, to connect unsheltered individuals to a range of resources and services.
• New Yorkers should call 311 if they see anyone in need of assistance.

NYC Health + Hospitals

• NYC Health + Hospitals will be in constant communication to ensure adequate staffing and that patients know their options for care.
• Health + Hospitals has been performing rapid discharges at all hospitals to ensure that patients are able to be home during the storm, and to allow for additional patients who might access health care services on Sunday and Monday.
• Should the storm intensify, the agency will consider postponing, rescheduling, or shifting virtually some clinical appointments to ensure patient safety.

Libraries 

• All New York City public libraries in all three systems—New York, Brooklyn, and Queens—will be  closed on Sunday.
• The status for Monday will be determined on Sunday.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

• The MTA is closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure safe, reliable service. MTA employees will be poised to respond to any weather-related issues.
• The MTA is operating a regular Sunday subway and bus service schedule with articulated buses removed from service and chains added to tires on others that remain in service. Sunday and Monday LIRR and Metro-North commuter rail schedules will include reduced service.
• Check new.mta.info for the latest service updates, and to use caution while navigating the system.

New York City Public Schools 

• NYCPS has stress tested log in systems and ensured students went home with proper equipment and materials for a possible remote learning day. The agency has notified relevant external technology vendors to ensure increased capacity for our systems.
• NYCPS facilities teams are prepared to shovel and de-ice school buildings, ensure adequate heating and backup power protocols, and have emergency supplies in place.
• NYCPS has and will continue to communicate with parents – including creating and disseminating communications and relevant updates in all NYCPS languages, including letters, emails, SMS messages, social media messaging, robocalls, and website updates.
• Public School Athletic League activities, special education Weekend Academy, and other programming in school buildings have been canceled for Sunday. Extended use permits issued for Sunday are also canceled.

OTI/311

• 311 is adding extra call center staffing across all shifts for an increase in call volume.
• 311 is working with City agencies to ensure up-to-date content is in the 311 systems.
• New Yorkers can also reach 311 on their Web site https://portal.311.nyc.gov/
• New Yorkers can also find the app on Apple Store or Google Play.

New York City Parks Department 

• The Parks Department has pre-salted pathways ahead of the storm.
• Parks has activated over 1,000 staff, over 160 salt spreaders and 250 snow blowers and brushes for snow removal on our more than 2,000 miles of pathways across the city. Many parks paths require staff to manually hand shovel.
• The department has prioritized parks adjacent to transportation hubs and civic centers, high-traffic sidewalks and malls, and jointly operated playgrounds adjacent to schools.
• Once perimeter sidewalks are complete, Parks staff will work on interior pathways.

New York Police Department 

• The NYPD will post major road and bridge closures across social media.
• The NYPD Highway Division will continue to escort Sanitation trucks to help clear snow and debris.
• The NYPD Community Affairs Bureau is actively working with New York City Public Schools on preparing emergency warming centers.

Department of Sanitation  

• DSNY began applying brine to highways, streets, and bike lanes starting Friday morning.
• Plows will begin operating when two inches of snow accumulate, which may happen as early as 9 a.m. Sunday. Residents will be able to track the progress of DSNY snow removal vehicles at nyc.gov/PlowNYC
• DSNY’s snow-fighting operations will be tracked via DSNY’s state-of-the-art BladeRunner 2.0 system from our command center, meaning snow equity for all New Yorkers.

 Department of Transportation 

• Alternate Side parking is suspended for Monday.
• Meters are still in effect.