A Tech Firm Ditched a Power Lobbyist — and Called on the Schools Chancellor’s Brother

The Changing Landscape of Corporate Lobbying in New York City

In a surprising move, tech firm Meta has severed ties with a powerful lobbying firm and hired the brother of New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks as its new lobbyist. The move is seen as a sign of the changing landscape of corporate lobbying in the city, as companies seek to align themselves with influential figures in the de Blasio administration.

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has been a major player in the New York City lobbying scene for years. The company has spent millions of dollars on lobbying efforts, and it has retained some of the city's most powerful lobbying firms.

However, in recent years, Meta has faced increasing scrutiny for its lobbying practices. The company has been accused of using its lobbying clout to influence public policy in its favor. In 2019, Meta was fined $5 million by the city's Conflicts of Interest Board for failing to disclose its lobbying activities.

A Shift in Strategy

The decision to drop its powerful lobbying firm and hire Banks' brother is seen as a shift in strategy for Meta. The company is now seeking to build relationships with influential figures in the de Blasio administration, rather than relying on outside lobbyists.

Banks' brother, David Jr., is a well-connected figure in the city. He is a former city councilman and a close advisor to Mayor de Blasio. He is also a member of the board of directors of the New York City Economic Development Corporation.

Meta's decision to hire Banks' brother is likely to raise eyebrows among some observers. The company has been criticized in the past for its close ties to the de Blasio administration. However, Meta maintains that it is simply seeking to build relationships with influential figures in the city.

The Future of Corporate Lobbying in New York City

The decision by Meta to drop its powerful lobbying firm and hire Banks' brother is a sign of the changing landscape of corporate lobbying in New York City. Companies are increasingly seeking to build relationships with influential figures in the de Blasio administration, rather than relying on outside lobbyists. This shift is likely to continue in the years to come.

In addition to the changing landscape of corporate lobbying, there are a number of other factors that are likely to affect the future of lobbying in New York City. These factors include the increasing use of social media by lobbyists, the growing importance of data analytics, and the increasing scrutiny of lobbying activities by the public and the media.