A Change in Land Use Leadership in New York City

A new speaker of the New York City Council is expected to change the way development negotiations play out for local councilmembers.

1 minute read

January 12, 2018, 1:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Sally Goldenberg offers insight into the potential political effects of a new council speaker in New York City.

The newly elected speaker, Ryan Johnson, has "indicated he will take a more active role in the Council’s land use negotiations," according to Goldenberg.

For context, the previous speaker, Melissa Mark-Viverito, had a "hands-off style" that proved to be an obstacle to Mayor Bill de Blasio's goals for housing and development. "Mark-Viverito, whose term as speaker ended on Dec. 31, agreed with much of the mayor's agenda," according to Goldenberg. "But she gave the other 50 legislators control over the future of development in their districts, allowing them to reject unpopular residential projects and, in recent cases, attempt to block proposals that don't even require public input."

Goldenberg also details how former Mayor Michael Bloomberg and former Council Speaker Christine Quinn negotiated the minutia of development deals, often trading down zonings in nearby neighborhoods to deliver an approval.

During de Blasio's term, several high-profile projects have been shot down by local councilmembers. Although Johnson has said he will support local councilmembers, but also introduced the idea that he might overrule them on occasion.

Wednesday, January 3, 2018 in Politico

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

3 hours ago - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

4 hours ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

5 hours ago - Cities Today