New Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives

Please join us in congratulating Professor J. Phillip Thompson, who has been appointed as Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives for New York City.

Speaking at the appointment, Mayor Bill de Blasio said, “Phillip is one of the foremost experts on how to better serve and lift up low-income neighborhoods, and has spent decades fighting in the trenches for progressive causes. He will make sure our agencies are working together to make New York City the fairest big city in the nation. As New Yorkers, we’re all very lucky he decided to come home."

Thompson oversees the Housing, Community and Economic Development group in DUSP. He began working at MIT in 2002, and his interests in American Politics with a focus on urban politics, race and ethnic politics, political economy and urban policymaking have produced a wide range of publications. Thompson’s work focuses on community participation, community development strategies, as well as labor unions and their relationship to community building efforts in low-income neighborhoods. Recently his work has focused on race and its role in electoral politics as well as failure of progressive leaders to fully account for structural racism in campaign messaging.

Speaking to Thompsons's legacy of public service, First Lady Chirlane McCray commented, “As a scholar, activist and public servant, Phil Thompson has never shied away from the tough challenges that affect our communities – from economic, racial and health disparities to environmental justice and affordable housing. I’m confident that Phil, as our new Deputy Mayor, will serve the people of New York City well, and I look forward to working with him on the issues that matter most to our City.”

“Philip Thompson is a dedicated public servant and a visionary leader who has demonstrated a real commitment to utilizing community-led strategies to address the challenges facing poor and working class New Yorkers,” said George Gresham President of 1199SEIU.  “It’s one thing to tell communities what they need, but true leaders work hand in hand with community members to find answers and craft meaningful solutions. I look forward to working with Philip Thompson to help improve conditions for working men and women throughout New York City.”