Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team convened with representatives from outgoing Mayor Eric Adams’ administration this week, despite ongoing public tensions between the two leaders. Adams confirmed the meeting during a Thursday event in Manhattan, pledging a smooth transfer of power while acknowledging he would leave significant unresolved issues for his successor.
Adams likened the transition to former Mayor Bill de Blasio handing him “the baton” of governance, adding that his team had shared extensive information with Mamdani’s staff. However, the mayor’s actions contrast with his cooperative tone: In recent weeks, he has moved to expand NYPD staffing, influence rent-control decisions, and designate the Elizabeth Street garden in Nolita as a protected park—measures at odds with Mamdani’s policy priorities.
Mamdani criticized these last-minute moves, stating Adams’ park designation would make affordable housing development at the site “nearly impossible” and accusing the mayor of “cementing a legacy of dysfunction.” Nevertheless, he described the transition process itself as collaborative.
The meeting at City Hall included Adams’ chief staff and transition lead Camille Joseph-Varlack. Notably, sources revealed several members of Adams’ communications team have expressed interest in joining Mamdani’s administration. Mamdani’s transition spokesperson, Dora Pekec, called the discussions “productive” and emphasized ongoing cooperation.