A key figure from Zohran Mamdani’s campaign is stepping into a powerful role within his incoming mayoral administration. Elle Bisgaard-Church, a long-time advisor to Mamdani, has been chosen as his chief advisor, effectively carrying her influence from the campaign trail directly into City Hall.
Bisgaard-Church is widely considered the driving force behind Mamdani’s controversial proposal to replace police officers with social workers for certain 911 calls. Dubbed the “chief architect” of the Department of Community Safety, she spearheaded the plan to address non-violent emergencies, particularly within the city’s subway system, with a focus on mental health support.
The proposal, estimated to cost $1.1 billion, wasn’t developed in isolation. Bisgaard-Church engaged with mental health experts, public safety officials from other cities, and even a former high-ranking NYPD official, Chief of Department Rodney Harrison, during its creation.
A relative newcomer to the political landscape, Bisgaard-Church’s background is rooted in progressive activism. She’s closely affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), and actively fostered collaboration between Mamdani’s campaign and the New York City DSA chapter through regular meetings.
Her motivations, she revealed in a recent interview, stem from a deep dissatisfaction with the city’s social inequalities. Bisgaard-Church expressed a profound sense of “shame” regarding homelessness and a firm belief that the situation is a result of political choices, not inevitability.
Bisgaard-Church’s path to New York City wasn’t a direct one. Initially arriving through a public affairs fellowship, she initially envisioned a career within traditional government agencies after working with various nonprofits. However, the success of several democratic-socialist candidates in 2020 inspired her to join Mamdani’s team.
Known for maintaining a low profile and rarely offering public comment, Bisgaard-Church has quietly built a reputation as a strategic force. She played a crucial role in securing the DSA’s endorsement for Mamdani’s campaign, and previously helped shape the organization’s approach to working with elected officials.
Upon her appointment, Bisgaard-Church expressed her gratitude and commitment to delivering on Mamdani’s promises. She aims to focus on affordability and demonstrate the potential of a well-managed City Hall to improve the lives of New Yorkers.
Her influence is undeniable, and as she transitions into her new role, the city will be watching to see how her vision for a reimagined public safety system unfolds.
