In this chapter, the bustling streets of early 20th-century New York City set the stage for a wave of young reformers inspired by the ideals of Progressivism. Energized by the investigative journalism of muckrakers like Lincoln Steffens and Jacob Riis, these activists set out to tackle the unchecked corporate power and deep-seated political corruption that gripped the city. They believed that, if properly directed, democracy could serve as a powerful engine for social improvement. Nowhere was the need for reform more apparent than in New York, where the chaos and graft of city government made it a focal point for change.
At the heart of this movement stood the Bureau of Municipal Research, founded by William H. Allen, Henry Bruère, and Frederick A. Cleveland. The Bureau broke new ground by applying scientific management and empirical analysis to city administration. Rather than simply swapping out corrupt officials, they pushed for a more systematic overhaul, emphasizing efficiency and businesslike practices. Their investigations exposed fraud, such as payments for supplies that never arrived, and their detailed reports paved the way for a new era of municipal reform.
The Bureau’s reputation soared after an investigation led by John Purroy Mitchel confirmed widespread corruption and led to the ousting of dishonest officials. Among its most significant contributions were the introduction of the city’s first municipal budget and the practice of itemized spending, both of which brought a new level of transparency to government operations. The Bureau’s Training School for Public Service drew in idealistic university graduates, including a young Robert Moses, who was initially captivated by the Bureau’s sense of purpose.
However, Moses soon grew disillusioned with what he saw as the Bureau’s obsession with procedure at the expense of real action. His drive to revitalize neglected areas like Riverside Park clashed with the Bureau’s more cautious, methodical approach. Moses’s impatience and direct criticism put him at odds with senior staff, creating friction within the organization. Despite these setbacks, he found an ally in Mary Louise Sims, a dedicated secretary who supported his ambitions. In the end, Moses’s abilities did not go unnoticed. Mayor Mitchel appointed him as an advisor to the Civil Service Commission, giving Moses the opportunity to pursue meaningful reforms and turn his vision into reality.