In 1978, Edward I. Koch assumed control of a city beset by crime, fiscal distress and racial tensions. By the end of his mayoral tenure, and despite the Wall Street crash of 1987, his administration had begun rebuilding neighborhoods and infrastructure. Koch's efforts convinced many New Yorkers to embrace a new political order subsidizing business, particularly finance, insurance and real estate, and privatizing public space.

The Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at New  York University welcomes the former mayor on Thursday, Oct. 14, from 5 p.m.-to-7 p.m. for  a discussion about his legacy with NYU Polytechnic Institute historian Jonathan Soffer, author of the newly published book Ed Koch and the Rebuilding of New York City, which views Koch’s odyssey through personal and mayoral papers, authorized interviews, and oral histories.

This free public event will be held at NYU Wagner's home in the Puck Building, 2nd Floor, 295 Lafayette Street, (@ Houston), in lower Manhattan.  The forum is co-sponsored by Wagner and Polytechnic.

RSVP is required.