New York City Politics: Governing Gotham

Most experts consider economic development to be the dominant factor influencing urban politics. They point to the importance of the finance and real estate industries, the need to improve the tax base, and the push to create jobs. Bruce F. Berg maintains that there are three forces which are equally important in New York City politics:

• Economic development.
• The city’s relationships with the state and the federal governments, which influence taxation, revenue, and public policy responsibilities.
• New York City’s racial and ethnic diversity, resulting in calls for representation, recognition, and equity in the delivery of services.

Berg’s focus is on all three forces, as well as the interplay among them.

            Along the way, Berg covers a range of topics, including the Dinkins, Giuliani, and Bloomberg administrations; the battles over sports arenas; party politics; rising immigrant groups and the role of their leaders; changes to the city’s charter; and New York City politics in the post-9/11 era.

            An engaging look at the complex nature of urban politics, this book is the only one of its kind to offer a comprehensive narrative of the challenges, frustrations, and successes of New York’s governing institutions, and their prospects for meeting the city’s long-term needs.