Overview
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the appointment, framing it as a push to keep artists in the city by addressing affordability pressures.
- The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment oversees permitting, licensing and incentives, and includes the Film Office, NYC Media and the Press Credential Office.
- Espinal previously served in the New York State Assembly and on the City Council, representing Bushwick, Brownsville, Cypress Hills and East New York.
- He resigned his council seat in 2020 to become executive director of the Freelancers Union and has advocated for independent workers.
- His record includes leading the repeal of the cabaret law and supporting the Freelance Isn’t Free Act, with specific new initiatives under his leadership not yet announced.