De Blasio’s Progressive Agenda Pulls Plug on Iowa Presidential Forum

Mayor Bill de Blasio's forum in Iowa has been canceled.

In a statement Tuesday from The Progressive Agenda Committee, Executive Director Geri Prado said the group will refocus its efforts on new ways to bring the concerns of “everyday people” to leaders and candidates at all levels of government.

“For the past several months, addressing inequality has become more and more a central part of the Democratic presidential contest – most recently on display during Friday’s forum in South Carolina. Some of these issues have even made their way into the GOP contest,” Prado said. “It is clear other efforts beyond the previously-planned presidential forum will more effectively advance the cause of fighting income inequality.”

De Blasio announced plans for a bi-partisan presidential forum focused on income inequality after a gathering of progressive leaders at Gracie Mansion last April.

But it was never clear how the event would be run or if any candidates would attend, especially after de Blasio endorsed Hillary Clinton for president last month. 

He’s also been criticized for focusing on national issues and taking trips beyond the five boroughs while the administration struggles with issues like homelessness in New York City.

The event was scheduled for Dec. 6 at the University of Iowa.

During an interview with NY1 News on Tuesday, de Blasio dodged a question about the status of the event, only saying, "We'll have more to say on that soon."

About an hour later, Prado's statement said the event was cancelled and that The Progressive Agenda planned to announce a new leadership council in the weeks to come.

A spokeswoman for the group did not respond to an inquiry about whether that leadership council will include de Blasio.