Introducing the Key Hire

In a significant move for his incoming administration, New York City’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, has announced a pivotal addition to his staff: the long-time chief advisor, Elle Bisgaard-Church. Known among campaign circles as the “chief architect” of Mamdani’s controversially progressive proposal, Bisgaard-Church’s role is set to redefine how the city’s emergency response system addresses non-violent incidents.

The Controversial Proposal

Bisgaard-Church, an Ivy League-educated political strategist, has garnered both support and criticism for her vision—replacing police officers with social workers in response to non-life-threatening 911 calls. This initiative, part of the broader Department of Community Safety proposal, is intended to shift the focus towards mental health professionals, particularly in high-traffic areas such as subway stations. Estimated to cost approximately $1.1 billion, this ambitious plan aims to reshape the city’s approach to public safety.

The Architect Behind the Vision

Coming from a background affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), Bisgaard-Church’s influence over Mamdani’s campaign has been both extensive and profound. Having previously served as his chief advisor during the campaign and his tenure in the state assembly, she has been instrumental in crafting and communicating his vision for a community-focused safety department.

Throughout the development of the Department of Community Safety, Bisgaard-Church engaged with various stakeholders, including mental health professionals and public safety officials from other cities. Her collaboration even extended to discussions with former NYPD Chief of Department Rodney Harrison, highlighting a willingness to bridge traditional law enforcement approaches with modern social services.

Building Alliances and Community Engagement

In addition to her role in devising policy, Bisgaard-Church played a vital part in establishing weekly meetings with the New York City DSA chapter during the campaign. This effort was aimed at fostering collaboration and ensuring that the grassroots organizations that supported Mamdani’s candidacy remained engaged and influential in his administration.

A Vision Rooted in Advocacy

In a recent interview, Bisgaard-Church spoke passionately about her motivations, expressing deep concern for the visible struggles of the city’s homeless population. “I still feel daily, deeply ashamed to live in a place where we allow people to sleep on concrete at night,” she remarked. Her sentiments resonate with many who advocate for systemic change and illustrate a fundamental belief that societal issues, including homelessness and mental health crises, are political choices that can be addressed through policy reform.

Early Motivations and Political Activism

Bisgaard-Church’s path to political activism was shaped significantly by witnessing the success of democratic-socialist candidates in the 2020 elections, particularly in Brooklyn and Queens. This inspired her to seek a position within Mamdani’s team while he served as a state representative. Initially arriving in New York for a public affairs fellowship, she had anticipated a conventional career in government or non-profit work.

A Low-Profile, High-Impact Strategist

Despite maintaining a low profile, Bisgaard-Church’s impact on the DSA and her pivotal role in Mamdani’s campaign is undeniable. Her history with the organization includes helping to establish a legislative analysis team and drafting guiding documents on how the DSA should engage with elected officials—a testament to her commitment to shaping the intersection of policy and grassroots activism.

Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Change

In her remarks following her appointment, Bisgaard-Church conveyed a sense of purpose, describing her role as “the honor of a lifetime.” She expressed her determination to work closely with Mamdani to fulfill what he has termed an “affordability agenda,” aiming to demonstrate the tangible benefits of a well-run City Hall for all New Yorkers.

Mamdani’s team has yet to respond to inquiries about the direction of the incoming administration, but the selection of Bisgaard-Church indicates a commitment to progressive change and the centrality of social issues in future policy-making.