Tricia Shimamura Takes Helm as NYC’s New Parks Commissioner Under Mayor Zohran Mamdani
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has named Tricia Shimamura as the city’s new Parks Commissioner. The appointment comes as part of a push to improve green spaces and make the city more livable for residents. Mamdani also took the opportunity to recognise outgoing commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa for her long-standing dedication to the city.
Shimamura brings a wealth of experience to the role. She began her career as a social worker before moving into government positions, including deputy chief of staff for former U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney. Later, she served as director of community affairs for then-Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine.
Her work extended to disaster recovery when she joined FEMA after Superstorm Sandy, focusing on Manhattan’s East Side. In March 2024, she became Manhattan Borough Commissioner for NYC Parks, where she led responses to the Inwood Hill Park fires and oversaw waterfront development projects. Before this, she spent years as Columbia University’s director of government relations. Mamdani selected Shimamura to strengthen the city’s parks system, calling it a key part of making New York more affordable and accessible. The mayor has also committed to allocating at least 1% of the city’s budget to parks, reversing years of stalled funding under the previous administration.
With Shimamura now in charge, the city aims to expand and improve its public green spaces. The new commissioner’s background in public service and disaster response is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of NYC Parks. The mayor’s budget pledge signals a renewed focus on maintaining and upgrading the system for all residents.
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