Mayor Mamdani Names Delia Awusi Mom-and-Pop Czar

New role to advocate for New York City's smallest businesses at City Hall

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:38am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a carefully arranged display of premium business objects such as a vintage cash register, a hand-carved wooden sign, and a small potted plant, all set against a clean, monochromatic background to symbolize the character and craftsmanship of mom-and-pop shops.A conceptual still life celebrating the unique character and community-driven spirit of New York City's mom-and-pop businesses.NYC Today

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today announced the appointment of Delia Awusi as the administration's Mom-and-Pop Czar, a new role focused on helping ultra-small businesses navigate city government and get the support they need not only to stay open, but to grow. Awusi will report directly to Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su and work across City agencies to strengthen support for family-run stores, intergenerational neighborhood businesses, and other mom-and-pop shops.

Why it matters

Mom-and-pop businesses are the backbone of many New York City neighborhoods, but they often struggle to navigate the complexities of city bureaucracy. This new role is designed to give the smallest businesses a stronger voice at City Hall and ensure they receive the support they need to thrive.

The details

In this role, Awusi will coordinate support across agencies, sharpen City Hall's focus on very small businesses, and ensure neighborhood business owners have a stronger voice in city government. She brings over a decade of experience supporting small businesses in New York City, including working closely with entrepreneurs to provide technical assistance, financial counseling, and access to capital.

  • Mayor Mamdani announced the new role on April 8, 2026.

The players

Zohran Kwame Mamdani

The Mayor of New York City who created the new Mom-and-Pop Czar role.

Delia Awusi

The newly appointed Mom-and-Pop Czar, who has over a decade of experience supporting small businesses in New York City.

Julie Su

The Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice, who Awusi will report to in her new role.

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What they’re saying

“Mom-and-pop businesses give every block, every neighborhood, every borough its unique identity. Our smallest businesses have unique needs and now, they have a champion to look out for them in City Hall.”

— Delia Awusi, Mom-and-Pop Czar

“Delia understands that mom-and-pop shop owners pour their hearts into their businesses and deserve government that respects and values them. That includes government agencies that are predictable, accessible, and consistent.”

— Julie Su, Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice

What’s next

Awusi will begin her new role immediately, working to streamline city processes and advocate for the needs of ultra-small businesses across New York City.

The takeaway

This new Mom-and-Pop Czar position represents a significant step forward in supporting the small, family-owned businesses that are the lifeblood of many New York City neighborhoods, ensuring they have a stronger voice and better access to city resources.