The Brian Lehrer Show

Sunnyside, NY - Queens Blvd - 7/6/06 (Chris &AmyCate/flickr)

Urban Conversations: Strengthening the Middle Class

Friday, June 01, 2007

Is an urban middle class still possible in the 21st century? As income disparity becomes more pronounced, studies show middle-class neighborhoods are disappearing from many American cities. Two panels discuss how today's urban leaders try to ensure their cities remain – or become – livable for middle-income families.

Today's show is a time-delayed broadcast of a live event at The New School.

Listen to the whole show

Livable Cities for the Urban Middle Class

Panelists Hon. Shirley Frankin, mayor of Atlanta, GA; Hon. Adrian Fenty, mayor of Washington, DC; Hon. Thomas R. Suozzi, Nassau County Executive (D); and Ester Fuchs, professor of international and public affairs and political science, the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) at Columbia University and former advisor to Mayor Bloomberg; discuss the national picture for the urban middle class.

A Viable New York City for Working Families

Panelists Nicole Gelinas, contributing editor to the Manhattan Institute's City Journal; Dan Cantor, executive director of the Working Families Party; Dennis Walcott, New York City deputy mayor for education and community development; and Andrea Batista Schlesinger, executive director of the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy; look what New York City can, and should, do to strengthen its middle class.