New York Mayor Mamdani Faces Transparency Test Over AI Records

Mamdani pledged openness, but his administration is slow-walking release of documents on controversial city AI programs

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Shortly after winning the mayoral election, Zohran Mamdani pledged a 'period of transparency' for New York City government. However, more than two months into his term, Mamdani's administration is slow-walking the release of public records related to the previous mayor's use of AI technology, including voice cloning and a chatbot program. The new administration cites a backlog of public records requests, but transparency advocates argue these types of contracts and agreements should be released by default.

Why it matters

Mamdani campaigned on a platform of open and accountable government, so his handling of these AI-related public records requests will be an early test of his commitment to transparency. The use of AI in government services raises important questions about privacy, bias, and the appropriate use of taxpayer funds that the public deserves to understand.

The details

More than two years ago, NBC New York's I-Team filed public records requests seeking contracts, agreements, and audio files related to former Mayor Eric Adams' use of AI voice cloning technology and a now-canceled 'MyCity' chatbot program. The Adams administration repeatedly delayed releasing these records by citing a backlog of requests. Now, the Mamdani administration is taking a similar stance, suggesting the large number of outstanding public records requests is preventing the immediate release of the AI-related files.

  • In 2024, the I-Team filed public records requests for AI-related contracts and documents.
  • The Adams administration delayed releasing the records until the end of his term in 2026.
  • Three weeks ago, the I-Team began asking the Mamdani administration to produce the files.
  • The city said a decision on whether to release the records will likely be made by April 9, 2026.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The newly elected mayor of New York City who campaigned on a platform of transparency and accountability in government.

Eric Adams

The former mayor of New York City whose administration used AI technology, including voice cloning, and delayed the release of related public records.

Jenna Lyles

A spokesperson for Mayor Mamdani who said the administration is working to complete the backlog of public records requests as quickly as possible.

Rachael Fauss

A senior policy advisor for the good government watchdog Reinvent Albany who argued that government contracts and agreements should be released by default.

Ray Legendre

A spokesperson for the city's Office of Technology and Innovation who said they have reopened a public records request related to the 'MyCity' chatbot program.

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What they’re saying

“This will be a period, like the campaign we ran and the City Hall to come, defined by transparency.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (Social media post)

“These are the public's records and they should be released by default. This contract with the AI company, for example, is a good example of the type of record that shouldn't be hiding in the shadows. It should be out for everybody to see.”

— Rachael Fauss, Senior Policy Advisor, Reinvent Albany (Interview)

“In the spirit of good faith and greater transparency, OTI Legal has reopened this request and is continuing its search for additional records beyond your original request for records pertaining to Microsoft and the Chatbot.”

— Ray Legendre, Spokesperson, Office of Technology and Innovation (Email)

What’s next

The Mamdani administration has indicated a decision on whether to release the AI-related records will likely be made by April 9, 2026, the deadline set in the most recent public records request extension notice.

The takeaway

Mayor Mamdani's handling of these public records requests related to his predecessor's use of AI technology will be an early test of his commitment to the transparency and accountability he promised during his campaign. Transparency advocates argue these types of government contracts and agreements should be released by default, and the public deserves to understand how taxpayer funds were used for these controversial AI programs.