How Did Ed Koch Faced After The Financial Problems Of New York City

Merima Gacevic

5/6/23

HIS 276

Final Paper After the financial problems that New York City faced in the 1970s, it needed a deep cleaning financially and a mayor willing to change NYC for the better. So, when Ed Koch became mayor in 1978 that’s exactly what he planned to do and he accomplished that goal. Then the mayors that came after him, Dinkins and then Giuliani were inspired to change New York City. The key contributions between the three mayors were that they all were faced with their challenges which piggybacks to their successors. Ed Koch mended the financial crisis but left Dinkins with the issue of upcoming racial tension, which then left Giuliani with fixing the ongoing crime. Ed Koch became mayor in 1978 and was until1989.

He was a compassionate mayor wanting to “bring people together not only for the sake of this city but for the sake of the country” (“Remembering David Dinkins, NYC’s Only Black Mayor | NYT News”). NYC however was in a state of criminal turmoil, rise in crime due to the crack epidemic and the city was again in a recession. During his time in office Dinkins launched programs to extend library services as well as finally revitalizing times square through the 42nd Street Project. He also funded the building of Asher Stadium which as said, “two weeks of US open generates more revenue to the economy of the city than the Yankees, Mets, Knicks and Rangers combined in a half-season” (“Remembering David Dinkins, NYC’s Only Black Mayor | NYT News”). He funded the NYPD by hiring more cops, to reduce the crime rate in NYC, which he is successful in doing. As Dinkins said, “Crime went down more quickly in our administration that it ever was” (“Remembering David Dinkins, NYC’s Only Black Mayor | NYT News”). In his time in office, he also focused on diversity. He appointed more people of color in city hall, which also took the time to serve those in

As most New Yorkers know, Giuliani was very active during the 9/11 attacks as well as after. According to the New York Times, “He ran for his life as the towering twin symbols of his frequent boast -- the Capital of the World -- collapsed, leaving a new and heartbreaking skyline visible from the windows of City Hall. Then he saw the return of fear.” (NYT, 2001) He was so-called “more than a mayor”, during the aftermath by attending the funerals of those who passed, comfort those who survived, he showed a compassion for the people of New York, and he was seen almost like a hero. However, he didn’t run for another term due to his health and Michael Bloomberg was his