Max & Murphy

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)

Checking in on the halting progress on NYC's ambitious Streets Plan law, which mandates a major buildout of bus lanes, bike lanes, and pedestrian space. Guests: New York City Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, chair of the transportation and infrastructure committee, and leading advocates Danny Harris of Transportation Alternatives and Danny Pearlstein of Riders Alliance. (Episode 414)

City Council Member Rita Joseph, a Brooklyn Democrat and chair of the Council's Education Committee, joined the show to discuss what she's most focused on ahead of the start of the 2023-2024 school year, a variety of pressing education-related issues, and more.

Part 2 with City Council Republican Leader Joe Borelli of Staten Island, discussing the most competitive fall general elections for City Council and several pressing New York City issues. (Ep 412)

In part one of a two-part interview, City Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli, a Staten Island Republican, joined the show to discuss major issues facing the city, how Mayor Adams is doing, and more. (And stay tuned for part two on races to watch in the fall City Council general election and more.) (Ep 411)

The new leaders of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) - CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt and Board Chair Jamie Rubin - joined the show to discuss the present and future of public housing in New York City. Home to more than 500,000 New Yorkers, many NYCHA properties are in deep disrepair, but there are a number of efforts in motion to address at least some of the $78 billion in physical needs at the authority.

City Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr., a Bronx Democrat who chairs the Council's powerful land use committee, joined the show to discuss how he approaches committee leadership, the push for more housing in New York City, zoning changes afoot, public safety and the new NYPD commissioner, the new city budget, and more. (Ep 409)

City Council Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Shahana Hanif & Lincoln Restler, both Brooklyn Democrats, joined the show to discuss the Caucus' top priorities, their votes against the new city budget, their criticisms of Mayor Adams, and more. (Ep 408)

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams on the New City Budget, Longstanding Crises, & His Political Future (Episode 407)

Westchester County Executive George Latimer, a Democrat, joined the show to discuss what's happening in his county, suburban politics north of New York City, differences between Westchester and Long Island, and more.

NYC Comptroller Brad Lander joined the show to discuss city budget negotiations, the items he's most focused on as Mayor Adams and the City Council craft the new budget, the city's economic and fiscal health, and more.

State Senator Julia Salazar, a Brooklyn Democrat and democratic socialist, joined the show to discuss state housing policy negotiations, the Legislature's failure to pass a housing plan, and her ongoing push for Good Cause Eviction legislation.

State Senator Brian Kavanagh, a Manhattan Democrat and chair of the Senate housing committee, joined the show to discuss the lack of a state housing policy deal during the 2023 legislative session and what comes next. (Episode 403)