Zohran Mamdani’s NYC mayor inauguration broke tradition with sprawling crowds, seven-block party, and “tax the rich” chants amid New Year’s festivities. Midnight oath at City Hall subway station by AG Letitia James, using historic NYPL Quran and grandfather’s; wife Rama Duwaji held it. New Year’s Day City Hall steps repeat before tens of thousands in cold, with AOC, Bernie Sanders attending.
Sanders swore Mamdani, stressing working people unity against ultra-wealthy division. Block party opened access beyond elites, per strategist Nomiki Konst.
Unity and tax messages
Speeches in English, Spanish, Hebrew, Greek with multifaith leaders emphasized solidarity over individualism. Comptroller Mark Levine, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams joined; Levine noted pride in Quran, Bible, Hebrew Bible oaths. Mamdani vowed to foster solidarity, make city belong to more residents daily.
Core theme: tax wealthy, corporations fairly. Mamdani pledges 11.5% corporate rate (from 7.25%, matching NJ), 2% hike on $1M+ earners – needs governor approval.
Immediate housing actions
Housing central to affordability; freeze rents on stabilized units (half rentals). Hours post-inauguration, Brooklyn rent-stabilized building unveiled three executive orders: task forces for city land housing inventory, development spurs. Deputy Mayor Leila Bozorg stressed tenant protection, bad landlords pursuit, more affordable builds without waiting.
Source: Al Jazeera
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