Local Politics Meets D.C. Policy
7 July 2017 Local Politics Meets D.C. Policy
This summer, Rotimi Adeoye 18 is helping New York City officials navigate policy challenges as a legislative intern in the citys Office of Federal Affairs in Washington, D.C.
Ive always been interested in learning about local government, so its been a great experience so far being able to learn about how city of New York functions in relation to the national government, says Adeoye, whose work entails conducting legislative and legal research. I am looking forward to learning more about NYC and learning more about the types of public policies the city has put into place to create a better city for the people of New York.
Working closely with Mayor Bill de Blasios team on Capitol Hill, Adeoyes internship is a rare opportunity to examine how Americas largest city advocates for its interests on the national stage, as just one of three cities across the nation with such a department.
Many of the issues NYC Federal Affairs handles surround making the lives of people in NYC better helping families, students, and making sure every person in New York has equal opportunity, explains Adeoye, who cites health care, education and federal funding as key focuses of the department. So looking at things from the aspect of helping peoples livelihood has been an important skill I have learned being a civic leader in the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning at HWS.
Adeoye, a political science major who says his research in the department is extraordinarily helpful, joins de Blasios team after several internships in governmental affairs. His policy and research experience previously led him to Angerholzer Broz Consulting, the Truman National Security Project, and Kevin Strouse for U.S. Congress. Adeoye says he is grateful for his introduction to campaign strategy while working with the Strouse campaign and at Truman.
On campus, he is a member of HWS Debate, social chair of Chi Phi Fraternity, vice president of HWS Votes and winner of HWS Hackathon. In 2016, he served as a College Debate Delegate, a national recognition of key leaders engaging young voters.