Queens Borough President Donovan Richards joins The Perez Notes for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of New York City’s largest borough and the political shifts reshaping its leadership.
We break down the state of affordable housing development in Queens, the projects moving forward, and the obstacles that remain. Richards also reflects on Zohran Mamdani’s groundbreaking win, what it signals for the progressive movement, and how it will influence borough-wide priorities.
We take a deep look at the NYC Council Speaker’s Race, the alliances forming behind the scenes, and what Queens stands to gain—or lose—depending on the outcome. And Richards offers a candid assessment of Mayor Eric Adams’ legacy and Speaker Adrienne Adams’ impact, especially on equity, development, and representation in Queens.
A must-listen episode for anyone tracking the political direction of New York City and the future of Queens.
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#NYCPolitics #DonovanRichards #Queens #AffordableHousing #ZohranMamdani #SpeakersRace #EricAdams #AdrienneAdams #NYC #QueensPolitics #ThePerezNotes
🎙️ Lorelei Salas joins The Perez Notes for a powerful conversation on why New York City needs an Office of Economic Justice — and how it would function under Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s administration.
Salas breaks down how this office could protect low-income New Yorkers, enforce fair-market practices, and reshape the city’s approach to economic equity. We explore how it would coordinate with existing agencies, fill long-standing gaps in oversight, and become a cornerstone of Mamdani’s progressive agenda.
Lorelei Salas brings unmatched expertise to the discussion:
• Federal Oversight: Former Supervision Director at the CFPB, where she led major examinations of financial institutions.
• Consumer Protection: A career spent fighting predatory financial and consumer practices.
• NYC Leadership: Commissioner of the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (2016–2021).
• Community Advocacy: Senior roles in NY State Government and early legal work with Make the Road NY and Catholic Migration Services.
If you want to understand where economic justice fits in the next chapter of NYC policy — this is the episode.
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#ThePerezNotes #NYCPolitics #EconomicJustice #ZohranMamdani #LoreleiSalas #CFPB #ConsumerProtection #NYC #ProgressivePolicy
In this episode of The Perez Notes, Daily News City Hall reporter Chris Sommerfeldt joins Roberto Perez for a deep dive into the shifting landscape of New York City politics.
We break down Jesse Tisch staying on as NYPD Commissioner, how the Mamdani administration is taking shape, and what this means for policing, power, and early governing signals. Chris also examines Mayor Eric Adams’ relationship with the press corps, the 2025 congressional races reshaping New York’s political map, the growing weight of the DSA, and the high-stakes battle for the NYC Council Speakership.
If you want smart, sharp, inside-the-room analysis of City Hall and the forces defining the next chapter of NYC politics, this is the episode.
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more
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#NYCPolitics #CityHall #ChrisSommerfeldt #DailyNews #NYPD #JesseTisch #ZohranMamdani #MamdaniAdministration #EricAdams #PressCorps #CongressionalRaces #DSA #SpeakerRace #NYCCouncil #ThePerezNotes
Henry A. Garrido, Executive Director of District Council 37, joins Roberto Perez to unpack the NYC Council Speaker’s race, the results of the mayoral election, and the political shift under Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. Garrido also reflects on Mayor Eric Adams, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and what these changes mean for New York’s workers, unions, and the future of city governance.
🎙️ New York Times reporter Ben Orozco joins The Perez Notes to unpack the Somos el Futuro conference, the political rise of Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, and the latest maneuvering in the New York City Council speaker’s race.
From the Bronx to Albany, we break down the personalities, power plays, and shifting coalitions shaping New York politics today — and what it all means heading into 2025.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows.
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🎙️ In this episode of The Perez Notes, Cea Weaver, Executive Director of Housing Justice for All and the New York State Tenant Bloc, joins Roberto Perez to break down Zohran Mamdani’s victory and what it means for the future of affordable housing in New York.
Weaver reflects on Eric Adams’ record on housing, Bill de Blasio’s legacy, and the ongoing fight to secure stronger tenant protections, good cause eviction, and real investments in affordability. With over a decade of experience organizing and shaping housing policy, Weaver offers a clear-eyed look at what’s next for tenants, advocates, and lawmakers across the state.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows.
🔗 linktr.ee/thepereznotes
#CeaWeaver #ThePerezNotes #ZohranMamdani #HousingCrisis #AffordableHousing #EricAdams #BilldeBlasio #NYPolitics #TenantsRights #HousingJusticeForAll
🎙️ In this episode of The Perez Notes, former FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh joins Roberto Perez for a wide-ranging conversation on New York City politics, leadership, and public service.
Kavanagh reflects on the mayoral election results, the transition of power, and her groundbreaking tenure as the first woman to lead the FDNY. She discusses the challenges and milestones of diversifying the department — including graduating the largest class of women firefighters in nearly 30 years — and shares her broader thoughts on the intersection of politics, leadership, and civic responsibility in today’s New York.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows.
🔗 linktr.ee/thepereznotes
#LauraKavanagh #ThePerezNotes #NYPolitics #FDNY #NYC #EricAdams #Leadership #WomenInPublicService #FireDepartment #PublicService
🎙️ Amit Singh Bagga, campaign manager for Yes on Affordable Housing and a seasoned Democratic strategist, joins The Perez Notes to unpack New York City’s ballot proposals, the fight for affordable housing, and the City Council’s role in driving reform. Bagga explains how this year’s initiatives could reshape opportunity and housing equity across the five boroughs.
#AmitSinghBagga #ThePerezNotes #NYPolitics #AffordableHousing #CityCouncil #BallotProposals #NYC
🎙️ Assembly Member Alex Bores joins The Perez Notes to discuss his campaign for Congress, his vision for New York, and his thoughts on the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. Running to succeed longtime Congress Member Jerry Nadler, Bores shares his path to victory, the issues driving his campaign, and how he plans to bring tech-savvy, forward-thinking leadership to Washington.
#NYPolitics #ThePerezNotes #AlexBores #Congress2025 #JerryNadler #AIPolicy #NewYork
🎙️ State Senator Gustavo Rivera joins The Perez Notes to discuss the Somos El Futuro Conference, the mayoral race, his endorsement of Zohran Mamdani, and why he says Eric Adams is a one-term mayor. Rivera also shares his candid thoughts on former Governor Andrew Cuomo and the shifting landscape of New York politics.
#NYPolitics #ThePerezNotes #GustavoRivera #ZohranMamdani #EricAdams #AndrewCuomo
🎙️ In this episode of The Perez Notes, I sit down with Brian Romero, who’s filing to run for the open seat in New York State Assembly District 34, aiming to succeed Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, his former boss now seeking a State Senate seat.
A proud member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), Romero discusses his decision to enter the race, his connection to NYC-DSA, and his vision for building a more equitable Queens. We dive into the issues driving his campaign—from housing and labor rights to public safety and progressive governance.
🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about politics, policy, and the next generation of leadership in New York.
#NewYorkPolitics #Queens #DSA #ThePerezNotes #BrianRomero #NYAssembly #ProgressivePolitics
🎙️ Ligia Guallpa: Fighting for New York’s Immigrant Workers
In this episode of The Perez Notes, Roberto Perez speaks with Ligia Guallpa, Executive Director of the Workers Justice Project (WJP) — and one of New York City’s most influential voices for immigrant and low-wage workers.
The daughter of a former day laborer and garment worker, Ligia shares how her personal story fuels her fight for justice, dignity, and safe working conditions. Under her leadership, WJP has organized construction workers, day laborers, and domestic workers, built two Brooklyn worker centers, and helped form Laborers’ Local 10, a union empowering immigrant workers across the
In this episode of The Perez Notes, I sit down with Vilda Vera Mayuga, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). We break down the agency’s wide-ranging work — from enforcing labor laws and protecting workers’ rights to ensuring fair business practices across New York City. Commissioner Mayuga sheds light on policy priorities, how the city approaches enforcement, and the complex issues facing street vendors today.
From wage theft to vendor licensing, this conversation explores how DCWP balances consumer protection, worker justice, and economic opportunity in one of the most diverse cities in the world.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
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In this episode of The Perez Notes, I sit down with New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams for a wide-ranging conversation. We discuss Mayor Eric Adams’ decision not to seek re-election, the state of the Democratic Party in New York, Zohran Mamdani’s endorsement, the impact of Trump-era policies, and the challenges around housing and governance in the city.
In this episode of The Perez Notes, I sit down with Kenny Burgos — former Assemblymember and now CEO of the New York Apartment Association — for a deep dive on housing in New York City. We break down the affordability crisis, the policies that could reshape the city’s future, and how housing will play a decisive role in the upcoming mayoral election. Burgos brings his perspective from the Bronx to the broader citywide conversation on affordability and policy.
The Perez Notes – Interview with Holly Pretsky
This week on The Perez Notes, I’m joined by Holly Pretsky, City Editor at City & State NY, to break down the latest in New York politics. We dive into the fast-moving NYC mayoral race, unpack the week’s biggest political news, and take a closer look at the campaigns of Andrew Cuomo, Eric Adams, and Zohran Mamdani.
Holly brings her sharp reporting and editorial insight from City & State to help us cut through the noise and examine what’s really shaping the race for City Hall and the broader dynamics of New York power.
🎙 Don’t miss this wide-ranging conversation on the candidates, the campaigns, and the stakes for the city’s future.
🎙 The Perez Notes | Richard Carranza: Leading America’s Largest School Systems
In this episode of The Perez Notes, I sit down with Richard A. Carranza — former New York City Schools Chancellor, former Superintendent of Houston ISD, and former Superintendent of San Francisco Unified School District.
Carranza reflects on his three decades in education leadership, from the challenges of running the nation’s largest school system with 1.1 million students, to his proudest moments and toughest decisions as NYC Chancellor. We dive into his tenure in Houston and San Francisco, the lessons he carried across cities, and his perspective on what it means to lead during times of crisis and change.
Now serving as Chief of Strategy and Global Development for IXL Learning and founder of Carranza Educational Consulting, LLC, Carranza looks back on the defining moments of his career and shares what’s next in his journey.
📌 Tune in for a candid conversation on education, leadership, equity, and the future of America’s schools.
In this episode of The Perez Notes, Jagpreet Singh of DRUM joins to discuss Zohran Mamdani’s campaign, the growing political power of NYC’s South Asian community, and their fight for immigrant rights, voter registration, and representation ahead of November’s general election.
Dr. Ashwin Vasan: Public Health, Mental Health & NYC’s Recovery
In this episode of The Perez Notes, former NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan joins Roberto Perez for a deep dive into the state of public health in New York City. We discuss the city’s mental health crisis, its ongoing recovery from COVID-19, and the lessons learned from leading the Department of Health through unprecedented challenges. Dr. Vasan reflects on his career in public service, shares insights on strengthening community health, and offers his perspective on the future of public health in a post-pandemic world.
Dr. Ashwin Vasan, former NYC Health Commissioner, joins The Perez Notes to reflect on his proudest moments leading the city’s public health response, the meaning of Zohran Mamdani’s primary win for South Asians, and how his work as a physician, epidemiologist, and advocate continues to shape public health in NYC and beyond.