Mayor-elect Mamdani appoints key aides, with Banks as first legal aid lawyer in corporation counsel role.

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has named Steve Banks as corporation counsel, Ramzi Kassem as a high-ranking city attorney, and Helen Arteaga as deputy mayor for Health and Human Services, citing her personal ties to Elmhurst Hospital. Banks, a former de Blasio aide, will be the first legal aid lawyer in the role. Arteaga, CEO of Elmhurst Hospital, will lead health and human services. The health commissioner and schools chancellor roles remain unfilled. Mamdani, set to be sworn in at midnight on January 1, will be joined by public speeches from AOC and Bernie Sanders. The new administration emphasizes progressive values, equity, and redefining city well-being.