Mayor Adams Announces “Commissioner For A Day” To Give Young People Opportunity To Experience City Government Leadership

June 7, 2023

Over 60 Senior Administration Officials and Agency Heads to Be Paired with Young People to Offer Hands-On Experience in Government and Civic Engagement  

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the city’s inaugural “Commissioner for a Day” initiative that will provide young people from across the five boroughs with the opportunity to experience the inner workings of city government and civic engagement from members of the Adams administration. Over 60 agency heads and senior leaders in the administration will be paired with a New Yorker between the ages of 13 and 24 for half a day, where they will attend meetings, learn about policy, and, after, hear directly from Mayor Adams.

“Thanks to all participating in ‘Commissioner for a Day,’” said Mayor Adams. “By shadowing a commissioner or senior member of this administration, young New Yorkers are seeing what it takes to run the greatest city in the world. This is where leadership begins, and I hope every young person is inspired to go into public service in the years to come. There is no higher calling than serving your fellow New Yorkers, and today I’m proud of every participant for coming in to see for themselves how we do it.”

“The young people attending ‘Commissioner for a Day’ represent the next generation of New York City’s changemakers, eager to learn firsthand about civic engagement and creating change within our city,” said Chief of Staff Camille Joseph Varlack. “Our mayor, myself, and leaders across the administration are opening our doors to engage with young people, learning from and with them, all in an effort to show the importance of city government. I am confident that among our over 70 participants we’ll find future commissioners, government officials, and even chief of staffs in the making.”

“‘Commissioner for a Day’ is a one-of-a-kind engagement initiative that gives young people — many of whom have been impacted through the criminal justice system, are living in foster care, or who otherwise have not been afforded these kinds of leadership development opportunities — the tools they need to exercise their civic muscle, sharing their insights with and learning from city government’s most powerful leaders,” said New York City Chief Engagement Officer Betsy MacLean. “As the city’s first-ever chief engagement officer, I am proud to lead this initiative and set an important precedent about who’s at the table as we work together to shape our city’s future.”

“Commissioner for a Day” is led by the Office of Engagement and the city’s chief engagement officer. Participants were nominated by the New York City Administration for Children Services, the New York City Department of Education, the New York City Department of Homeless Services, the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, and the New York City Police Department. The program intentionally sought out a diverse group of participants, including young people in foster care and probation, as well as those who are justice-involved and those currently experiencing homelessness.