Mayor Faces Dissent from Allies Over Homelessness Policy
There’s some serious unrest among Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s allies in the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Reports indicate that over 200 members of NYC-DSA signed a resolution criticizing the mayor for deciding to halt sweeps of homeless encampments during a recent cold snap.
A grassroots movement within the organization, which has around 12,000 members, is advocating for “alternative, non-lethal actions” instead of pushing homeless individuals off the streets. The resolution expressed sorrow over the deaths of several homeless New Yorkers during the extreme weather, stating, “New York City – DSA stands with homeless New Yorkers.”
They also voiced concerns about right-wing media using this tragedy to further disenfranchise the homeless. Initially, Mamdani had pledged to end street sweeps, a practice supported by his predecessor, but reversed his stance earlier this month after a tragic increase in outdoor deaths attributed to hypothermia.
Under the new policy, outreach workers are now required to engage with homeless individuals for seven days before any encampment can be dismantled. However, this shift hasn’t gone over well with many DSA colleagues. The organization’s website proudly proclaims, “We have elected Zoran Mamdani Mayor of New York City!” yet there’s a call for members to “Please participate.”
In a private chat, members expressed frustration, labeling Mamdani a “class enemy.” One participant noted, “As soon as someone is elected to public office, that person is a class enemy. If only they were good people.” Others were disheartened, believing this issue was something Mamdani would never compromise on.
Some members mentioned they might not have supported Mamdani’s campaign—or even joined DSA—had they known he would shift his stance so readily. Additionally, there was anger directed at co-chairs Gustavo Gordillo and Grace Moser for defending the mayor’s approach in a recent interview, which some felt was a departure from DSA principles.
Neither City Hall nor NYC-DSA has commented on the unfolding situation. In his defense, Mamdani asserted that his policies would ultimately be more effective than those of the previous administration. “My team and I made the decision to suspend the previous administration’s policies as we begin to develop our own policies that will yield far better outcomes for our city,” he said during a press event.
Homeless advocacy groups, including the Homeless Coalition, expressed outrage over the reversal, releasing a statement alongside the Legal Aid Society that labeled Mamdani’s broken promise regarding homeless sweeps as deeply concerning.
