The former homeless services commissioner could be appointed as corporation counsel, leading the city’s Law Department in Mamdani’s administration.
Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect of New York City, is reportedly considering Steven Banks, a former de Blasio administration official, for the role of corporation counsel, the city’s top lawyer, sources told The Post.
Banks, a self-described social justice attorney, served as the commissioner of the Department of Social Services (DSS) under former Mayor Bill de Blasio, managing a budget of $12 billion and overseeing 16,000 employees. As DSS commissioner, he was responsible for the city’s welfare programs and homelessness services, the largest of its kind in the U.S.
Insiders say that Banks has become the front-runner for the role, though the appointment is not yet finalized. One source said, “Mamdani is being pushed to make him corp counsel.”
Banks, a Legal Aid Society veteran, is known for his advocacy in pushing the city’s “right to shelter” law, a controversial policy that guarantees shelter for homeless people. His tenure as DSS commissioner was also marked by financial scandals and criticism over the conditions of homeless shelters contracted by the city.
Earlier this year, Banks stepped down as special counsel at the prestigious law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, and currently lists himself as a “public interest social justice attorney” on his LinkedIn.
While Mamdani’s transition team has declined to comment on the possible appointment, insiders say that appointing Banks would be in line with Mamdani’s approach of bringing experienced government veterans into his administration.
This is the latest in a series of moves by Mamdani, who has already appointed Dean Fuleihan, a former de Blasio budget director, as his first deputy mayor. Mamdani’s team also includes several veterans from previous mayoral administrations, underscoring his commitment to continuity and experienced leadership in New York City government.
