Policy Wins, Unkept Promises, Divided Public: 100 Days Of Mayor Mamdani

NEW YORK, NY— Mayor Zohran Mamdani reached the 100-day mark with early policy wins, stalled signature promises and a divided public still weighing his leadership.

A Marist Poll released this week found 48 percent of residents approve of Mamdani’s performance, while 30 percent disapprove and 23 percent remain unsure.

The same poll showed nearly 75 percent view him as hardworking and 61 percent consider him a good leader.

“Too often we’ve seen New Yorkers regard City Hall as something that is at best uninterested in the struggles of their life,” Mamdani said at a recent news conference. “And we have sought to show an administration that is ambitious, that is unapologetic, and that is relentless.”

Early wins and visible action

Within days of taking office, Mamdani secured a major commitment from Gov. Kathy Hochul to expand free child care, including funding for care for 2-year-olds. The program is expected to launch with 2,000 seats and expand significantly in its second year.

City officials also moved quickly on consumer protection and public safety initiatives, including the creation of an Office of Community Safety and enforcement actions targeting hidden fees and labor violations.

Mamdani has maintained a constant public presence, appearing at community events, religious gatherings and press briefings while promoting his agenda through social media and city agencies.

Along with mayor, he might also be considered the City’s unofficial commissioner of social media.

Signature promises still in progress

Several cornerstone campaign pledges remain unresolved.

Mamdani promised to freeze rents for nearly 1 million stabilized apartments.

He appointed six of nine members to the Rent Guidelines Board, which is now weighing potential increases. A final vote is expected in June.

He also pledged free bus service citywide.

Transit officials have pushed back on the feasibility, and Mamdani acknowledged the plan will not move forward this year, though he said he remains “absolutely committed” to it.

Plans for city-owned grocery stores and a broader affordability agenda are still in development.

Budget gap and political friction

A $5.4 billion budget deficit looms over the administration’s agenda.

Mamdani has urged state lawmakers to approve new taxes on wealthy residents and corporations, warning he may raise property taxes if Albany does not act. City Council leaders have rejected that approach, proposing alternative savings without new taxes.

The disagreement has set up a high-stakes budget battle ahead of the legally required June 30 deadline.

Governing challenges and criticism

The mayor’s first months included operational tests, including severe winter storms that left 19 New Yorkers dead and prompted complaints about snow and trash removal.

His handling of homelessness has also drawn scrutiny.

After initially signaling an end to encampment sweeps, Mamdani reinstated them under pressure during extreme cold, while continuing to face criticism from advocates over the lack of a comprehensive housing plan.

“The Mamdani administration has yet to really articulate a plan,” said Alison Wilkey of the Coalition for the Homeless. “What we’ve seen is disappointing.”

Political momentum and risks

Mamdani has shown early political influence, helping shape local races and policy debates. At the same time, his involvement in contested elections and policy disputes has strained relationships with some Democratic allies.

He has also navigated heightened tensions around public safety, protests, and religious and political divisions, including an increase in reported hate incidents during his first months in office.

A city still waiting

Mamdani plans to mark 100 days in office with a rally-style event in Queens.

The gathering is scheduled for Sunday, at the Knockdown Center, a live music venue in Maspeth.

An aide said Mamdani will deliver remarks reflecting on his first three months in office and outlining priorities for the months ahead, joined on stage by New Yorkers.

The mayor is expected to highlight early actions taken since January, including expanding child care programs, launching street safety efforts such as a “pothole blitz,” and pursuing legal action against landlords over rental discrepancies.

“I will always leave the grades to New Yorkers themselves,” Mamdani said when asked about his performance.

With major decisions looming on rent, the budget, and long-term policy goals, the next phase of his administration will test whether early momentum can translate into lasting change.