Who Is NYC’s Mom-And-Pop Czar?

NEW YORK, NY — Mayor Zohran Mamdani appointed Delia Awusi as the city’s first “Mom-and-Pop Czar,” tasking her with helping small businesses navigate city government and expand.

Awusi will work across agencies and report to Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su, coordinating support for ultra-small businesses, family-run shops and long-standing neighborhood stores.

“Mom-and-pop businesses give every block, every neighborhood, every borough its unique identity,” Awusi said. “Our smallest businesses have unique needs and now, they have a champion to look out for them in City Hall.”

The role centers on reducing hurdles small business owners face with permits, inspections and fines, while improving coordination between agencies, including the New York City Department of Small Business Services.

Awusi brings more than a decade of experience supporting small businesses, including her work with the Business Outreach Center Network, where she provided financial counseling, technical assistance and access to capital for local entrepreneurs.

She has worked closely with immigrant-owned and family-run businesses and is also a small business owner.