City Hall convenes leaders for 2016 talk

[hrmjustin]

Sally Goldenberg

As part of his bid to lure the Democratic National Convention to New York City in two years, Mayor Bill de Blasio convened a group of business executives and labor leaders Thursday afternoon to pitch the idea of forming a host committee, administration officials told Capital.

The 30 or so New Yorkers met with de Blasio and several of his senior aides—including Alicia Glen, the deputy mayor for housing and economic development—to hear a detailed proposal on the convention, which included ideas for incorporating all five boroughs into an affair that would take place at the Barclays Center in downtown Brooklyn.

The attendees at Thursday's meeting also addressed the impact of the convention on the city's economy and tourism, as well as fundraising, which is a critical component in winning the event.

"It was basically a way to socialize the idea of a host committee with New Yorkers who are civic-minded and creative," said Peter Ragone, a senior de Blasio aide who attended the session.

http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/city-hall/2014/07/8550050/city-hall-convenes-leaders-2016-talk