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Mamdani taps ex-NYC DSA co-chair as ‘nightlife mayor’
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has appointed Eric Thor, a former co-chair of the city’s Democratic Socialists of America chapter, to lead the Office of Nightlife. The role is intended to improve conditions for nightlife workers, make event permits easier for small events and strengthen a programme aimed at reducing late-night venue raids.
Thor is active in the East Williamsburg and Bushwick club scene, but his salary has not been confirmed; a city job listing gave a range of up to $151,101. The Office of Nightlife was established by law in 2017 to connect venues, residents and city agencies, with a 12-member advisory board. Hospitality Alliance director Andrew Rigie, who chairs that board, said he was caught off guard by the appointment and questioned why the board had not been consulted.
In short
- Mamdani appointed former DSA co-chair Eric Thor as New York’s nightlife director.
- Thor’s priorities include worker conditions, permits and reducing venue raids.
- The hospitality industry’s advisory board chair said he was surprised by the choice.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Thor’s experience in the local club scene and his past organising work may help him understand the pressures facing nightlife workers and independent venues. A leader with direct knowledge of the scene could advance the office’s aims of simplifying permits and reducing disruptive raids, while the mayor retains authority to appoint city officials.
The case against
The advisory board was created to connect nightlife businesses, residents and city agencies, so its chair’s concern about not being consulted raises a fair question about whether relevant stakeholders were heard. Given the office’s broad remit, critics could reasonably seek a transparent account of Thor’s qualifications, the appointment process and his salary, and assurances that he will represent the range of interests affected.
Explained simply
New York’s Office of Nightlife was created by law in 2017 to bring music venues, residents and city agencies together. It also has a 12-member advisory board, chaired by hospitality industry representative Andrew Rigie.
The office is meant to address practical issues for nightlife businesses and workers, including event permits and late-night enforcement. Its work matters to venues and neighbourhoods across the city, where officials must balance a lively nightlife with residents’ concerns and the needs of workers.