Zohran Mamdani Appoints Rafael Espinal to Lead New York City’s Media and Entertainment Office

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,…