Mayor Mamdani Celebrates DSNY's Municipal Madness Victory

New York City's first-ever municipal competition crowns the Department of Sanitation as champions for cleaning up illegal dumping

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:46am

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A dynamic, abstract painting of a sanitation worker in motion, with overlapping geometric shapes and brushstrokes in shades of blue, green, and orange, conveying the fast-paced, hardworking nature of the Department of Sanitation.The vibrant celebration of the Department of Sanitation's Municipal Madness victory showcases the agency's tireless efforts to keep New York City's streets clean and safe.NYC Today

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) as the winners of New York City's inaugural 'Municipal Madness' competition, which challenged city agencies to complete various public service tasks. DSNY was recognized for its efforts to clean up illegal dumping in the Soundview neighborhood of the Bronx. The mayor praised all the participating agencies, including the Department of Transportation and Parks Department, for their hard work in addressing quality-of-life issues across the city.

Why it matters

The Municipal Madness competition was part of the mayor's 'pothole politics' approach to governing, focusing on delivering public services and addressing small, everyday problems for New Yorkers. By highlighting the work of city agencies, the mayor aims to build trust in local government's ability to meet both big and small needs of the community.

The details

Over the past 100 days, the city showcased a new approach to governing, with agencies competing to complete tasks like fixing potholes, upgrading catch basins, and installing waste bins. DSNY was crowned the winner for its efforts to clean up illegal dumping in Soundview. The mayor joined DSNY workers to kick off the cleanup effort, though he could only stay for the first quarter of the work.

  • The Municipal Madness competition took place over the past two weeks.
  • The mayor celebrated his first 100 days in office during the event.

The players

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who launched the Municipal Madness competition to highlight the work of city agencies.

Commissioner Gregory Anderson

The head of the Department of Sanitation, which was crowned the winner of the Municipal Madness competition.

Commissioner Mike Flynn

The commissioner of the Department of Transportation, which had a disappointing showing in the competition with only two fixes on the bracket.

Commissioner Tricia Shimamura

The commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation, whose agency had 11 fixes on the board but still came up short of the win.

Bronx Gems

A local performance group that entertained the crowd at the Municipal Madness event.

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What they’re saying

“Well, Mayor, as a lifelong Mets fan, I can tell you I'm always pulling for the underdog, but I won't sugarcoat it. Two early outs for Team DOT and Municipal Madness is not the outcome we envisioned, and it's not the outcome that we've been working all year toward.”

— Commissioner Mike Flynn, Department of Transportation

“Look, every day is a good day when you're working for the Parks Department, and even though we came short in this round, I do have a message that summer is coming, and there's always another game ahead.”

— Commissioner Tricia Shimamura, Department of Parks and Recreation

“Absolutely. I mean, it's great to win only two weeks in, and I want to thank the team here at Sanitation for everything they do every day. As the head coach of the 10,000-member Department of Sanitation, I am thrilled to be here at this table representing the winners of Municipal Madness.”

— Commissioner Gregory Anderson, Department of Sanitation

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.