New York City Appoints Mom-and-Pop Czar to Support Smallest Businesses

Delia Awusi named to new role focused on helping family-run stores and neighborhood shops navigate city bureaucracy.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:38am

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New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani has appointed Delia Awusi as the city's first-ever Mom-and-Pop Czar, a new role aimed at advocating for the needs of ultra-small businesses and helping them navigate city government. Awusi, who has over a decade of experience supporting small businesses in NYC, 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 role demonstrates New York City's commitment to supporting the small, family-owned businesses that give neighborhoods their unique character and identity. By elevating the needs of the smallest enterprises, City Hall is taking an important step to ensure these vital community anchors can not only survive, but thrive.