Day One for NYC

A practical manual for governing from day one.

Day One for NYC is an independent, nonpartisan resource designed to help a new mayoral administration hit the ground running. It is not affiliated with any campaign or candidate. Our goal is to give the public — and incoming leaders — clear, actionable information about how the City of New York works, the powers of the mayor, and the steps needed to govern effectively from day one.

What We Cover

  • Key levers of mayoral power and how to use them
  • Critical appointments and confirmation processes
  • Important citywide calendars and legal deadlines
  • Tools, reports, and resources for informed decision-making

Why This Matters

  • The first 100 days of a new administration set the tone for the next four years.
  • Understanding the scope of mayoral power — and its limits — helps prioritize urgent actions.

Our Approach

  • We collect, organize, and synthesize public information.
  • We present it in an accessible, plain-language format.
  • We continuously update this resource to keep it relevant.

Scope of Mayoral Power

Understand the mayor’s key powers, limits, and how NYC government actually works. A comprehensive, plain-language overview for transition staff, advisors, and anyone who needs a clear picture of how the mayor can govern from day one.

Read the Overview →

Levers Navigator

Browse and search the specific tools and processes the mayor can use to govern. Explore the full list of “levers” — from budget controls to rulemaking to land use decisions — with detailed explanations of each.

Browse Levers →

Appointments Navigator

See the high-impact roles the mayor appoints — and why they matter. From deputy mayors to agency commissioners and board seats, appointments shape the city’s priorities and execution.

View Appointments →

Calendars & Deadlines

Track the citywide dates that drive policy and operations. Stay ahead of budget milestones, legislative deadlines, land-use reviews, and other critical timelines that shape the mayor’s first 100 days and beyond.

See Calendars →

Resource Library

Find curated resources to deepen your understanding. Access reports, legal references, process guides, and other nonpartisan tools to help you navigate NYC’s governance landscape.

Explore Resources →

Get Involved

Help strengthen this public transition resource. Whether you can contribute research, share feedback, or connect others to the project, your involvement helps improve its impact.

Learn How to Get Involved →