/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69374035/05.21.2021_23_shaun_donovan_1.0.jpg)
Donovan, 55, brings a long resume of government service, heading the city Department of Housing Preservation and Development under Mayor Mike Bloomberg before becoming Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and then director of the Office of Management and Budget under President Barack Obama.
The Brooklyn resident is a proud policy wonk, shaping his campaign around a 200-page tome called “The Plan for the City of New York.” His dozens of proposals include the concept of the “15-minute city,” in which every New Yorker has quick access to local quality schools, food shopping, parks and transit. And he highlights his experience developing affordable housing in partnership with community groups in areas recovering from disinvestment and abandonment.
Donovan’s bid is being bolstered by an independent ad campaign mostly bankrolled by his father, who has poured millions into the effort.
Website: shaunfornyc.com
Positions
THE CITY sent three multiple-choice surveys to every Democratic and Republican mayoral candidate on the ballot for the June 22 primary, starting in February. See how Shaun Donovan answered below.
NYPD
-
Should the NYPD uniformed force be downsized beyond currently planned levels?
Yes, redirect a substantial share of NYPD operating resources to other city agencies
No, maintain police officer headcount at roughly current levels
No, increase the number of NYPD officers
"We need to dramatically reduce their role.... We need to reimagine the way we respond to violence well beyond policing."
from Central Brooklyn Political Action Association forum, Nov. 18, 2020 -
Should the NYPD respond to 911 calls involving people in severe emotional distress?
Yes, where the call suggests a risk to others’ safety
Yes, under most or all circumstances
No, NYPD officers should not respond to these calls
“We have to completely transform the way we respond with an alternative 911 that ensures that we're sending out trained professionals.”
from Community Voices Heard forum, Feb. 26, 2021 -
Should NYPD officers reside in the five boroughs?
Yes, all officers should reside in the five boroughs by the end of the new mayor’s term
Any new NYPD officer must live in the five boroughs but existing officers may live elsewhere until retirement
NYPD officers should be able to live in any of the counties currently authorized
"We...need a residency requirement so that our police officers reflect the communities they live in."
from Twitter, Jan. 31, 2021 -
Should the NYPD commissioner have final say on disciplining officers for conduct violations?
The commissioner should retain decision-making authority in all cases
The commissioner should retain decision-making authority in some cases
Decisions should be made by a newly empowered Civilian Complaint Review Board
The mayor should have the final say in all cases
"Hold individual officers responsible for bad acts that too often go unpunished today, including by following the determinations of the Civilian Complaint Review Board and by enforcing a clear, publicly available set of disciplinary standards"
from The Root, Feb. 10, 2021
Education
-
Should admission to existing specialized high schools continue to depend on a single Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT)?
Yes, keep the SHSAT
Keep the SHSAT but also require additional admissions measures
No, abolish the SHSAT
"I believe that we can take that on modify the test and, if necessary if we don't get results, get rid of it, but we should also recognize that there are just eight specialized high schools in the city...there are roughly 400 high schools."
from Columbia Law School education panel, Jan. 27, 2021 -
Should New York City have more charter schools?
Yes, advocate for more charter schools
No, discourage more charter schools
Advocate for more charter schools under stricter conditions than currently apply
"As Mayor, I will consider advocating to lift the cap to increase the number of high-quality charter schools under stricter conditions than what is currently in place. Charter schools are a small but critical part of the educational landscape in New York City that has piloted innovations and are disproportionately chosen by Black and Latinx families; where they are performing well, they must be allowed to continue to serve the families who have picked them as the best option for their children."
from THE CITY interview, Feb. 8, 2021 -
Should middle school admissions remain limited to students attending school in or residing in a district?
Yes
Allow applicants outside the district, through set-asides or other means
No
-
Should public school parent associations continue to be able to raise unlimited sums?
Yes, keep fundraising as is
Yes, but a system is needed to share funds between schools with many wealthy families and those with many poor families
No. Limits or further ground rules are needed for fundraising
COVID Recovery
-
Should New York consider mandatory vaccinations (with appropriate medical exemptions) if voluntary uptake of COVID vaccines does not reach sufficient levels?
Yes
Yes, for health, education, law enforcement and other workers interacting with the public
No
-
Should the Open Streets program, including outdoor dining, become permanent?
Yes, ban vehicular access to current open streets
Yes, and expand the program to include more streets
No
He said he would make the Open Streets program permanent and take a “holistic and justice-driven approach" instead of the current police oversight of the vast majority of Open Streets.
from Streetsblog, Dec. 14, 2021 -
Should NYC provide economic relief to undocumented immigrants who do not qualify for federal aid?
Yes, ongoing aid for the needy
Yes, one-time assistance
No
At a Heroes Act hearing in Congress last year, Donovan said federal policies should give immigrants access to the help they need to keep their families afloat.
from Heroes Act hearing, House Financial Services Committee, July 23, 2020 -
Which statement most closely reflects your view of Mayor de Blasio’s approach to school reopening?
Schools have reopened for in-person/hybrid learning too quickly
Schools have reopened for in-person/hybrid learning too slowly
Schools have reopened at an appropriate pace
Transportation
-
Should New York proceed as soon as possible with congestion pricing, charging vehicles to enter central Manhattan?
Yes, supporting current plan to capture funds for the MTA
Yes, while pursuing city control over the revenue
No, or further evaluation is needed
"My administration will vocally support congestion pricing and work with the state and federal government to implement it as soon as technically feasible."
from Streetsblog, Dec. 16, 2020 -
Should New York City gain control of its subway and bus systems?
Yes, while splitting bridge and tunnel toll revenue with LIRR and Metro-North
Yes, provided the city also gains full control of bridge and tunnel toll revenue
No
"We don't have a pathway to be able to take over the subways, but we should have a mayor that has more power over the subways."
from District Council 37 forum, Jan. 26, 2021 -
What course will you chart for the city-funded NYC Ferry system?
Continue or build on current NYC Ferry service and expansion plans while keeping fare at $2.75, providing additional dollars to step up service
Alter NYC Ferry service or expansion plans while continuing $2.75 fare
Raise or change NYC Ferry fare to help support existing and expanded service
Raise or change NYC Ferry fare while reevaluating routes and/or service
"I do see ferries as having a critical role.... I don't mind that we subsidize them given that we subsidize cars more than anything else.... I think the question has to be, are they equitably distributed and where is their demand?"
from Forum on the Future of Transportation, March 25, 2021 -
Choose the statement that best describes your position on bike lanes:
NYC needs to expand its bike lane network into underserved areas, even where lanes have met some local resistance
Expand bike lanes, while being responsive to local objections in deciding where to put the lanes
Alter or remove existing lanes where warranted
“You start to change that conversation not just with what you’re taking away in terms of cars, but what you’re adding in terms of options.”
from Bike New York forum
Housing
-
Which statement describes your preferred approach to spending the city’s affordable housing dollars?
Focus city funding on development projects that mix affordability at a range of incomes, using rents paid by higher earners to help cover costs for the lowest-income tenants
Focus city funding on 100% affordable development projects for the lowest-income tenants, even if that may create fewer units overall
Scale back city subsidies to affordable housing development, focusing resources on helping renters pay for existing housing
"Necessary investments in affordable housing are long overdue. As Mayor, I will.... Create a new mixed-income model that includes deeply affordable units."
from Twitter, Feb. 4, 2021 -
Do you intend to “upzone” (increase permitted building size) areas of low-density neighborhoods to promote affordable and other housing development?
Yes, as part of area-wide rezonings
Yes, for specific blocks or properties
No, the city is already overbuilt
"We, more and more, have seen political divisions in this city stop the potential to grow our economy and to create more affordable housing.... The only way we’re going to be able to solve that is to have a mayor who can create what I would call a progressive coalition for equitable growth."
from Bloomberg Opinion, March 1, 2021 -
Should NYCHA continue toward its goal of placing half of its apartments into private management under the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program?
Yes, this is the best way for NYCHA to upgrade its deteriorating apartments
Yes, but keep a substantial number of apartments out of RAD to maintain oversight of those apartments by the monitor
No, NYCHA should not rely on private firms to manage its buildings
“RAD does not require privatization. It is a way to get Section 8 resources into public housing...we need a reset on RAD.”
from Housing Conservation Coordinators' forum, Dec. 8, 2020 -
Should surplus funds received by the city from Battery Park City — an estimated $400 million over 10 years — be steered exclusively to NYCHA?
Yes, NYCHA needs a dedicated revenue stream to pay for much-needed apartment upgrades
Yes, but split the money between NYCHA and other affordable housing programs
No, 100% of this money should continue to be dedicated to general affordable housing programs
Immigration
-
Should non-citizens be allowed to vote in local elections?
Yes, permanent residents (green card holders) only
Yes, all New Yorkers, regardless of their immigration status, should be allowed to vote
No
Citing his father as an example, Donovan agrees with allowing noncitizen New York City residents to vote in municipal elections.
from Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats questionnaire, March 10, 2021 -
Should government cash assistance be available to low-income undocumented immigrants?
Yes
Yes — special pandemic assistance only
No
"Under my Equity Bonds program, any child born into poverty, regardless of immigration status, can go to school knowing that ~$50,000 is waiting for them before entering the workforce or pursuing higher education."
from , Jan. 19, 2021 -
Should NYC pay for attorneys to represent New Yorkers facing deportation in immigration court?
Yes, immigrant New Yorkers facing deportation should have a right to counsel
Continue existing city funding sponsoring legal services for immigrant New Yorkers held in detention
No
Donovan's campaign says he supports more resources and funding for legal services to help immigrants.
from City & State NY/Documented, April 12, 2021 -
Do you support measures to legalize basement and attic apartments?
Yes, revise building codes to allow current illegal apartments to be compliant
Yes, revise building codes and encourage conversions through financing, counseling or other means
No
Labor
-
With hundreds of thousands of low-wage workers facing extended unemployment, which of the following would you make your top priority for investing federal aid dollars?
Wage subsidies to help employers bring back and retain their employees
Extended unemployment benefits to all impacted people
Access to loans for entrepreneurs and worker cooperatives
Government jobs in underserved communities to rebuild local economies
"We will deploy capital to small businesses in neighborhood commercial areas, dispersing small loans to viable retail businesses to help them retool and expand as New York City emerges from the pandemic-driven recession."
from The Plan for the City of New York -
Should New York reclassify gig workers — including food deliverers and Uber drivers — as employees?
Yes, require companies to classify workers as their employees
Yes, give workers flexibility to decide whether they are classified as employees or independent contractors
No
“I will work to ensure that all workers are paid fairly, are able to secure their pay without hassle or cheating and have access to benefits — whether they are a freelancer, an employee, or an undocumented worker.”
from Community Service Society NY questionnaire -
Which statement best describes your approach to bargaining with municipal labor unions?
The mayor is working for voters and taxpayers, who must come first in bargaining with city employees
Municipal employees keep the city running and the mayor should put their needs first
Mayors should strive to find a balance between taxpayers and workers, even when that leaves everyone unhappy
Donovan's campaign says he will save money while “avoiding layoffs by establishing a general hiring freeze — excluding teachers and essential public safety positions — as well as a general wage freeze, and by consolidating pension and benefit funds, starting with all non-uniform and non-UFT funds.”
from The Plan for the City of New York -
New York has been a leader in increasing the minimum wage. Should the state increase it above $15 an hour in the first two years of your term?
Yes, and be indexed to inflation so the wage automatically rises each year
Yes, but not indexed to inflation — the wage should come under review before future increases
No
Donovan’s campaign says he will create “a wage board to set fair terms for compensation” for climate adaptation workers that replicates “the successful process to increase the minimum wage in New York State."
from The Plan for the City of New York
Criminal Justice
-
Will you direct the NYPD to stop arrests for drug possession?
Marijuana only
Marijuana and one or more other drugs
No
“I am certainly for decriminalizing certain substances.... I do have some concerns about decriminalizing completely into all substances. ... I do have concerns about the devastation I've seen with highly, highly addictive and deadly drugs where even small amounts can have life-altering consequences and even cause death.”
from VOCAL-NY’s Mayoral Candidate Forum, March 17, 2021 -
Should NYC stay on course to close all jails on Rikers Island by 2027?
Yes, build all new planned smaller borough-based jails on the current timeline
Yes, build new smaller borough-based jails but consider changes to plans or timeline
Reevaluate closing Rikers
Close Rikers, but build no new jails
“I would finally close Rikers within my time as mayor.”
from Uptown Community Democrats Present: NYC Mayoral Candidate Forum, Jan. 15, 2021 -
Should NYC ban solitary confinement within jails?
Ban solitary confinement entirely
Maintain current plan to allow minimum 10 hours per day out of cells
No
“I think they need [penal institutions] to be something else. Reimagining them is going to be a powerful part of that, and that includes getting rid of solitary confinement.”
from NYC Criminal Justice and Reentry Mayoral Forum, April 5, 2021 -
Which of the following would you choose as your top priority in addressing individuals charged with a crime and awaiting trial:
Promote use of city supervised release programs for more people
Promote release without supervision programs for more people
Promote pretrial jail for more people who currently must be released
Leave the current system as is
“While supervised release is a good step for reducing the harms and costs of jail, it should not be used for those who do not require supervision, because community supervision (including more intrusive forms like parole and probation) can become trip-wires to more incarceration and counterproductive involvement with the justice system.”
from Statement to THE CITY, April 29, 2021
Taxes
-
The next mayor will inherit well documented inequities in property tax assessments. What will you do?
Respond without impacting overall tax dollars collected, even if that means some will pay more than before
Respond without increasing anyone’s tax burdens in the process — potentially reducing tax dollars collected
Maintain existing property tax assessment system
“My focus is really on making the system simpler and more transparent, but also more equitable, so that we are not disproportionately putting the burden of property taxes on rental housing, particularly in the lowest income, Black and Brown communities."
from New York Daily News, April 11, 2021 -
Should NYC resume collecting taxes on stock transfers?
Yes
No
"This would make New York the only state to impose such a tax, which would be easily avoidable by moving stock transaction processing to other locations, such as New Jersey, which is already ideally positioned to support this type of operation."
from Statement to THE CITY, April 29, 2021 -
Should New York impose a “pied a terre” tax on homes that are not a primary residence?
Yes, for all part-time residents (less than 180 days a year)
Yes, for international owners only
No
"We should be looking at our property tax system, which is actually the most regressive tax in the city. And looking not just at a pied-a-terre tax, but at more fundamental reform in the property tax system."
from Citizens Budget Commission Mayoral Candidate Forum, Feb. 25, 2021 -
Will you further tax the ultra wealthy?
Yes, increase the income tax rate for those who earn more than $5 million annually
Yes, increase the income tax rate for those who earn more than $10 million annually
No additional taxes
Donovan proposes working with the adminstration and Congress to ensure that the wealthy pay their fair share of the tax burden, including by rolling back Trump tax cuts on the wealthy.
from The Plan for the City of New York
Borough Edition
-
The Bronx: Do you support building a stadium for the NYCFC soccer club next to Yankee Stadium?
Yes, I will do whatever I can to make this happen
Yes, but only if a deal can be reached with no public subsidy or tax breaks
No
“I think there is a great model. Mayor [David] Dinkins built Arthur Ashe stadium [at Flushing Meadows in Queens] as a national model. There was no public subsidy, but there was also an ongoing return to New Yorkers from the earnings.... I think we can do it just as we did with Arthur Ashe Stadium.”
from THE CITY interview, May 17, 2021 -
Brooklyn: Do you support the National Grid’s proposal to expand its natural gas facilities, including building a pipeline through parts of Brownsville, Bed-Stuy, Bushwick, and Williamsburg?
Yes
Yes, but the proposed route requires more review
No
“This project is in direct opposition to my goals to reach net zero emissions by 2050. And in addition, I've heard real concerns from residents about the project, the root of the project, the disruption that it would cause and I'm deeply concerned about that.”
from THE CITY interview, May 17, 2021 -
Manhattan: Do you support commercial rent control?
Yes — I’m ready to work toward implementing a system
Let’s study the issue and see if any model could possibly succeed in Manhattan
No, commercial rent control does not work
“The problem is that commercial rent control is a very blunt tool. It would protect large chain stores that can afford the rent…. I would say is that they can see of our storefronts is one of the most important problems we have right now and, you know, the business owners, as well as property owners, are really struggling to fill those spaces.… It's possible that commercial rent control, it certainly isn't going to help fill those vacancies.”
from THE CITY interview, May 17, 2021 -
Queens: The Sunnyside Master Plan envisions 12,000 affordable homes, a new regional rail station, 60 acres of open space and more to be built atop a platform over the western Queens rail yard. Will you work to realize the plan?
Yes, as planned
Yes, but the project’s cost, scale, community input or other fundamentals need revisiting
No
“We need to look at a few things. One is to go back and make sure there was a field full process for community input....The other issue is that we have to reevaluate it in the light of the COVID recovery…and particularly, what resources are we able to access from the federal government.... I think it's possible to build, to create the plan more quickly.”
from THE CITY interview, May 17, 2021 -
Staten Island: Will you commit to restoring 24/7 half-hour service on the Staten Island Ferry? If so, when?
Yes, immediately after taking office
Yes, within my first term
No
“The Staten Island ferry is an absolutely essential lifeline for residents of Staten Island to be able to commute. And with the city really this fall reopening … it's going to be absolutely critical that we have that service in place as quickly as possible.”
from THE CITY interview, May 17, 2021
Leadership
-
Should NYC’s next mayor appoint campaign contributors to boards, commissions and other posts?
Yes, potentially to any type of position
Yes, only to advisory or other groups without decision-making authority
No
“I want to be very clear that every appointee in the Donovan administration would have to meet strict qualifications for the role. And so, I want to be very clear that making a contribution should have absolutely nothing to do with the appointment, but I don't think it should disqualify someone from that.”
from THE CITY interview, May 16, 2021 -
Should city officials be able to raise funds from private donors for affiliated nonprofit entities?
Yes, as currently permitted
Yes, adding disclosure of the nonprofits’ spending and recipients
No
-
Which of the following leadership styles will best serve NYC’s next mayor?
The decider — centralize decision-making with the mayor and close advisers
The delegator — hire top talent to run agencies and rely on their judgment
The partner — make decisions in coordination with the City Council
"At a moment where there are so many things to fix in New York City, where we need to get so many things done at once at once, it's the only way we're really going to improve that repair and rebuild the city quickly. And is very different from the way we see Mayor de Blasio lead these last eight years, when he's been unwilling to listen to his commissioners and to allow them to go get big things done.”
from THE CITY interview, May 16, 2021 -
Should NYC’s next mayor veto any bills presented by the City Council?
Never — bills should only come to a Council vote following mayoral agreement
Only under extraordinary circumstances
As often as necessary
Homelessness
-
NYC is legally required to guarantee a “right to shelter.” Should related agreements be updated?
Renegotiate “right to shelter” into a “right to housing” to invest in permanent solutions
Keep “right to shelter” but lower existing barriers to families seeking shelter
Keep “right to shelter” as already agreed to
"If I were mayor, we would end street homelessness in New York City. And we would do it by reimagining the right to shelter as a right to housing."
from Mayoral Candidates Meet Homeless New Yokers, Feb. 12, 2021 -
Should hotels remain residences for homeless people post-pandemic?
Yes, hotel capacity is needed for temporary or permanent housing
Keep current city plan to phase out hotels for the homeless by 2023
No, end homeless hotels as soon as possible
Donovan cites the Times Square Hotel, converted into a 652-unit permanent supportive housing development for formerly homeless adults. Donovan promote “single-occupancy units for permanent supportive housing.”
from The Plan for the City of New York -
Should the NYPD play a role in response to people living on the streets and in the subway system?
Yes, generally
Yes, specifically when public safety risks arise
No, NYPD should not be involved in homeless response
“I know that we need a totally different way to respond in this city and so my plan calls for an alternative to 911 but it goes well beyond that as well. It is really investing in the teams that we need to respond but also creating real infrastructure for mental health care around this city.”
from Caring & Compassionate New Deal for NYC forum, March 17, 2021 -
Should NYC’s next mayor close the 30th Street shelter, the main point of entry into the system for single men?
Yes, completely close within the next mayor’s term(s)
Close but keep ready and available to handle surges in demand
Keep the 30th Street shelter open as is
Climate Change
-
By 2024, big NYC buildings will have to meet energy efficiency targets or face fines. Which one of the following should the next mayor prioritize to make sure they don’t fall short?
Help owners finance upgrades
Institute a cap-and-trade program that lets owners buy credits to offset their emissions
Revise the law’s timeline or penalties
None — Local Law 97 is solid as is
"Not only am I going to accelerate implementation of Local Law 97, get the tools and resources like PACE to every building that needs it. But we’re also going to lead with our public buildings. We’re going to make sure that public housing is a model around the world for sustainable, green housing."
from City & State NY, April 23, 2021 -
What should the next mayor’s top priority be for neighborhoods in the most vulnerable flood zones?
Limit new development and enable owners to sell properties to the city
Invest in elevating and fortifying homes and other buildings
Construct protective infrastructure such as seawalls and restore wetlands
No new action
"I support flood buyouts and resettlement strategies for high-risk areas in addition to other adaptation and resilience efforts."
from NY1, April 13, 2021 -
NYC’s current mayor vowed to ban gas hook-ups in new construction by 2030. Are you on board?
Yes
Yes, and move the goal sooner and/or make strides to phase out fossil fuels in existing buildings
No
Donovan says he wants to see "all public and private buildings in New York City run on pollution-free electricity, phasing out the use of fossil fuels, including gas and oil, in all buildings."
from Campaing website -
The newly revived organic waste recycling program will be available only in some community districts and only on demand. Should that change?
Maintain the program as is
Expand organic waste collection to all New Yorkers, but keep it optional
Expand organic waste collection to all New Yorkers and make it mandatory
Get rid of the program
"We’ve got to lead the country in recycling. And we’re going to do that by bringing back organics recycling and making sure it works everywhere."
from City & State NY, April 23, 2021
Building NYC Better
-
What route should NYC’s mayor take to expand access to broadband internet at home?
Create a publicly owned and operated municipal broadband network
Build on the existing city plan inviting companies to build out low-cost service
New state law requiring $15/month broadband for low-income customers is sufficient
Donovan´s campaign said his administration would “work with the state government to pass a Universal Broadband For All bill, which will enshrine grantmaking to increase competition as well as provide grants and incentives to internet service providers” that invest in communities with limited or no access to broadband.
from Campaign website -
Should real estate developers be allowed to construct bigger buildings if they pay for elevator installation at nearby subway stations without access?
Yes, with the MTA maintaining the elevators
Yes, only if the developer also commits to providing ongoing maintenance
No
-
Should new real estate development require approvals beyond those that currently exist under the city land use review process?
Yes, require additional review
Stick with existing procedures and customs
The process needs fewer obstacles to development
The Donovan campaign said his administration “will enact land use reforms to update outdated zoning regulations, encourage inexpensive housing development on an expansive and equitable basis, and expedite processes to increase affordability.”
from The Plan for the City of New York -
Which of the following should NYC’s next mayor do first about sidewalk sheds attached to buildings?
Champion, sign and enforce a City Council bill that would require property owners to complete facade repairs within 90 days
Review existing building codes and enforcement to ensure the Department of Buildings doesn’t go overboard in requiring sheds
Focus on managing the current facade inspection and repair system
Quality of Life
-
Should the mayor’s office crack down on short-term rentals from services like Airbnb, which are illegal under state law if the owner is not present during the stay?
Yes, large-scale professional operators only
Yes, all illegal rentals
No, let Airbnb be
-
Should NYC be home to full-fledged gambling casinos?
Yes — including Manhattan
Yes — not including Manhattan
No
-
Should city government open public restrooms as a widely available amenity?
City should launch effort to deploy and maintain public restrooms
No city restroom program, but incentivize business establishments to make their restrooms available to the public
No
-
A new law creates 4,000 new street vendor licenses over 10 years, most outside Manhattan. Should the city:
Expand the number of licenses further
Keep the number of licenses as set
Evaluate impact of new vendor licenses on businesses before further action
Candidates
Meet Your Mayor
Answer questions on the big issues facing NYC and find out which candidates agree with you most.