Mamdani Appoints Sherif Soliman as Budget Director Following Election Win

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has officially appointed Sherif Soliman as the budget director for his incoming administration, a key position within City Hall’s hierarchy that will play a pivotal role in executing the mayor’s ambitious affordability agenda. Soliman, a seasoned local government professional with a background in the de Blasio administration, is set to manage New York City’s substantial budget, which totals approximately 5 billion. This appointment comes at a time of potential economic uncertainties, as Mamdani aims to implement a series of costly programs outlined during his campaign.

In a press conference held at the Pomonok Houses in Queens—Soliman’s childhood residence—Mamdani emphasized the significance of budgeting as a reflection of political priorities and vowed to prioritize the needs of the general populace over those of a privileged few. He expressed confidence in Soliman’s qualifications for this critical role and his enthusiasm for returning to public service.

Soliman brings a wealth of experience to the position, having previously served as the commissioner of the Department of Finance under Mayor de Blasio and as chief policy officer in Mayor Adams’ administration. He stepped down from his role at CUNY in late 2023 to accept this new challenge.

The incoming budget director faces significant hurdles as forecasts indicate that Mamdani’s administration may encounter multi-billion dollar budget deficits in the near term. A recent report from the Independent Budget Office projected a 0 million budget gap upon Mamdani’s inauguration on January 1. Additionally, the administration must navigate the complex financial landscape influenced by potential federal funding changes, particularly amidst ongoing political tensions.

As Soliman prepares to take on these challenges, he aims to work closely with current officials, including Mayor Adams’ Office of Management and Budget Director Jacques Jiha, to assess revenue projections and necessary expenses. The preliminary budget, he notes, will reflect Mamdani’s priorities while maintaining fiscal balance.

Moreover, Mamdani’s campaign promises include ambitious initiatives such as free buses across the city and complimentary childcare services, which are expected to incur substantial annual costs—approximately 0 million and billion, respectively. Balancing these initiatives with fiscal realities will be a central focus for Soliman as he strategizes ways to enhance efficiency within government operations.

The response to Soliman’s appointment from within the Office of Management and Budget has been largely positive, with staff expressing encouragement regarding his extensive experience. City Council Finance Chairman Justin Brannan, who is concluding his term, praised Soliman’s integrity and professional acumen, asserting that his leadership will herald a new era focused on affordability in city governance.

As Mamdani’s administration continues to take shape, the mayor-elect has yet to finalize appointments for key roles, including schools chancellor and other deputy mayors. However, the selection of Soliman marks a significant step in establishing a leadership team committed to enacting transformative fiscal policies within one of the largest urban centers in the United States, positioning New York City to navigate both current challenges and future opportunities.

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