The Brian Lehrer Show Meet the Future First Deputy Mayor
Nov 13, 2025
Dean Fuleihan, the incoming first deputy mayor in the Mamdani administration and a seasoned city official, shares his drive to tackle New York's affordability crisis and promote universal childcare. He reflects on past successes, like the rapid implementation of essential programs during his previous tenure. Laura Nahmias, a Bloomberg News reporter, analyzes Fuleihan's stabilizing influence at City Hall and delves into political dynamics between past and current governors, emphasizing the urgent need for strategic fiscal planning amid evolving city challenges.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Immigrant Roots Shaped Public Service
- Dean Fuleihan traces his public service drive to his immigrant family and their emphasis on giving back.
- He credits family political debates and diverse perspectives for shaping his collaborative approach to government.
How Universal Pre-K Was Implemented Fast
- Fuleihan recounts the fight to implement universal pre-K quickly despite initial resistance from state leadership and education officials.
- He highlights strong community and legislative support that enabled rollout in two years, albeit not statewide.
Political Alignment Makes Big Policy Feasible
- Fuleihan argues the political alignment with Governor Hochul on child care changes the dynamic from 2014 and makes progress more achievable.
- He stresses that shared goals plus legislative support make implementation feasible if leaders coordinate funding choices.