New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio enters office with strong progressive credentials, similar to those of Los Angeles’ recently-termed-out Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Can New York find lessons from the Los Angeles political experience?
Peter Dreier, assuming a common thread in the progressive tradition between New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, examines the Los Angeles’ recent political record for lessons that can inform the details of the nascent de Blasio Administration.
Many of the ten points outlined by Dreier in the article will apply in planning and development controversies that will inevitably arise for the de Blasio administration, such as “develop a thick skin” and “Each major issue requires a campaign.” Dreier also targets also several recommendations that will require a holistic, even regional, planning focus, such as “Insist that big NYC-based foundations advance a new urban/suburban egalitarianism” and “Use your national platform to build coalitions with other urban mayors around a federal metropolitan agenda.”
FULL STORY: Ten Lessons for New York City From Los Angeles

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