Max Politics

Citizens Budget Commission leaders Andrew Rein and Ana Champeny joined the show to help break down what New Yorkers need to know about the New York City budget, the city's fiscal health as of December 2023, and debates over saving, cutting, and spending. They help illuminate challenges facing Mayor Eric Adams and the City Council as they determine city spending priorities discuss spending on the migrant crisis, federal pandemic funding "cliffs," and much more. (Episode 424)

Matt Wing, former communications director under Governor Andrew Cuomo, joined the show to discuss crisis communications, governing while under investigation, and more. In light of the federal investigation involving Mayor Eric Adams' campaign and administration, Wing discussed his experience in the governor's office amid a federal investigation into the Cuomo administration's handling of the Moreland Commission to Investigate Public Corruption, how he thinks Adams and his team are handling the current situation, and much more. In addition to the Cuomo administration and campaign, Wing has also advised or worked for Kathryn Garica, Uber, Bill de Blasio, and others. (Episode 423)

Dr. Basil Smikle Jr. — a political strategist, Director of the Public Policy Program at Hunter College, and former Executive Director of the New York State Democratic Party – joined the show to discuss the upcoming 2024 elections, particularly how Democrats should approach key House races in New York and the presidential contest, as well as other political themes. (Ep #422)

Howard Slatkin, executive director of Citizens Housing and Planning Council and a longtime official at the NYC Department of City Planning, joined the show to explain zoning's role in how New York City got into its current housing crisis and how zoning reform is essential - but not enough - to get the city out, as well as other key pieces of housing policy to increase supply and affordability. (Episode #421)

New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams joined the show to discuss several major challenges facing the city, her top legislative priorities, her relationship with Mayor Eric Adams, and more (Episode #420)

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander joined the show for a wide-ranging conversation on the work of his office, city contracting and oversight, the migrant crisis, budget challenges, the affordable housing crisis, and much more. (Ep #419)

The most-watched City Council race in the 2023 general election is between two sitting City Council Members, Democrat Justin Brannan and Republican Ari Kagan, who are facing each other in the new 47th Council District of Southern Brooklyn after fallout from the redistricting process. The district includes Coney Island, Bay Ridge, and Bath Beach. Council Members Kagan and Brannan joined the show for a lively debate with under a month to go until Election Day: November 7, 2023. (Ep 418)

There's a push for "rails and trails" in Queens via the QueensLink proposal to reactivate a portion of an old rail line to connect the M and A trains for additional mass transit while also adding new park space. Two leaders of the QueensLink, Andrew Lynch and Mike Scala, joined the show to discuss the proposal and its competitor, QueensWay, which would only create parkspace. (ep 417)

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, a Democrat, joined the show to discuss the release of his Comprehensive Plan for Brooklyn, which covers a lot of ground on health, housing, transit, climate, and more. Reynoso explained his enthusiasm for doing comprehensive planning and what he hopes will come from the release of this document. The conversation largely focused on housing growth and how the comprehensive plan will impact how Reynoso tries to influence adding new housing across the borough. (Ep 416)

Dan Garodnick, Director of the New York City Department of City Planning, joined the show to discuss the Adams Administration's plan to rezone the city and pursue more housing everywhere. It's the "City of Yes" zoning proposal for "housing opportunity" and will ultimately need City Council approval at the end of the lengthy public review process set to launch soon. (ep 415)