New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has dismissed the entire advisory board of the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, a prominent group of philanthropists and business leaders who had supported various city initiatives through fundraising and strategic guidance. The move, announced earlier this week, has sparked debate over the mayor’s approach to governance and priorities.
The Mayor’s Fund board members, who served without compensation, played a key role in channeling private contributions to city programs addressing issues such as housing, child welfare, and other social services. The fund has collaborated closely with nearly 50 city agencies and contributed millions annually to both public and private sector projects. Among those removed from the board were notable figures including Richard Born of BD Hotels, Jeffrey Gural, chairman of GFP Real Estate, Alex Katz from Blackstone Inc., Edward Skyler of Citigroup and former Bloomberg deputy mayor, and James Whelan of the Real Estate Board of New York.
In a letter to the outgoing members, Mamdani acknowledged their service but indicated the city is entering a new phase: one that demands the government more closely reflect the communities it serves. Dora Pekec, a senior aide to Mamdani, characterized the action as part of “building a new Mayor’s Fund” focused on involving those directly affected by city policies in decision-making processes. She added that a new board would be named later this year.
Critics argue that the dismissals were motivated by class and racial considerations, noting that the outgoing board comprised established, wealthy professionals. Some view Mamdani's broader policy agenda, which includes a proposed tax on luxury second homes valued at $5 million or more, as part of a pattern of targeting affluent New Yorkers. The mayor has also faced backlash for perceived ideological leanings, with detractors describing his governance approach as divisive and dismissive of the business community. Supporters, however, suggest he is attempting to realign city governance to be more equitable and inclusive.
Mamdani’s tenure has included other contentious moves, such as the formation of an 18-person committee to advise on judicial nominations, which drew criticism for lacking Jewish representation in a city with a significant Jewish population. Jewish legal organizations publicly protested the appointments, highlighting concerns over the exclusion of Jewish attorneys and judges from a panel described by the mayor’s office as “truly reflective of New York City.”
The mayor has also attracted attention for his outspoken criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him a “war criminal” in a video related to a question of whether New York police could enforce an arrest if Netanyahu visited the city. This stance has drawn scrutiny regarding Mamdani’s relationship with different ethnic and political constituencies.
Additionally, Mamdani’s upcoming attendance at the 25th anniversary ceremony for the September 11 attacks has become a point of contention. Over 66,000 people signed a petition requesting he stay away, citing concerns over his perceived disrespect. Mamdani, who was nine years old at the time of the attacks, has affirmed his intention to participate and emphasized unity in remembrance.
The dismissal of the Mayor’s Fund advisory board pauses a key channel through which private resources have supported New York City’s social programs, with the future of the fund and its activities uncertain as the administration prepares to appoint new members later this year.