New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has named Rafael Espinal to lead the office of media and entertainment.
Espinal, a former New York City Council member and Freelancers Union executive director, will be responsible for advancing the Mamdani administration’s agenda to “ensure New York City remains a place where artists and creatives can afford to live and work,” according to the mayor’s office. He will report to Julie Su, deputy mayor of economic justice.
The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment — which includes the film office, NYC Media, press credential office and programs and initiatives — oversees tasks such as coordinating with labor unions as well as permitting, licensing and incentives for filming in the city.
“You cannot tell the story of New York City without the artists who have shaped it. Yet, the cost-of-living crisis is driving creatives out of our city. That is a loss we cannot afford,” Mamdani said in a statement. “As commissioner, Rafael Espinal will support our creatives and help ensure New York remains a place where every artist can call home. He has led this work nationally fighting for the rights and protections of independent workers — and he will bring that fight right here to New York City.”
Espinal served on City Council from 2014 to 2020, representing the neighborhoods of Bushwick, Brownsville, Cypress Hills and East New York, and stepped down to lead the Freelancers Union. He previously served in the New York state assembly from 2011 to 2013.
“I look forward to supporting our creative industries, expanding opportunities, and ensuring that the city remains a home for artists,” Espinal said.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source variety.com ’
