Thomas Main

Thomas Main is a Professor at the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs at Baruch College, City University of New York (CUNY), where he teaches in the Department of Public Affairs. His academic work focuses on American politics, urban governance, and public policy, with particular expertise in homelessness policy, constitutional studies, and contemporary political movements.

Education

• Ph.D. in Politics from Princeton University
• Two-year MPA (MPA II) in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Cambridge, MA
• B.A. in Disciplines of the Humanities from the University of Chicago

Research Interests

Professor Main's scholarly work spans several interconnected domains within political science and public administration. His primary research focuses on liberal democracy and its contemporary challenges, examining how illiberal movements threaten democratic institutions. He has extensively studied bureaucracy and public administration, particularly through the lens of New York City's government agencies like the Human Resources Administration.

A significant portion of his career has been devoted to urban politics and homelessness policy, with deep expertise in New York City's approaches to homelessness from the Koch administration through the de Blasio era. He also maintains a strong focus on constitutional studies, exploring both historical interpretations of the American founding and contemporary debates about constitutional relevance.

His recent work has examined the rise of the alt-right movement, analyzing its ideological foundations, rhetorical strategies, and potential impacts on American democracy. This research combines political theory with empirical analysis of media and online discourse.

Scholarly Contributions

Professor Main's extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on urban policy challenges, particularly homelessness, while evolving to address emerging threats to democratic governance. His scholarly trajectory shows movement from detailed case studies of New York City policy to broader theoretical examinations of democracy's vulnerabilities. A unifying thread throughout his work is the examination of how political ideas translate into concrete policy outcomes, and how institutional structures shape political possibilities in urban settings.

Honors and Awards

• Outstanding Academic/Researcher, American Society for Public Administration New York Metro Chapter (2024)
• Certificate of Recognition, Baruch College (2014)
• Appreciation for 20 years of service, Baruch College
• Fourth Annual Celebration of Faculty Scholarship and Creative Achievement, Baruch College (2006)
• Certificate of Recognition for Recipients of Major Institutional Grants for Public Service, City University of New York (2005)
• Second Annual Celebration of Faculty Scholarship and Creative Achievement (2004)
• Multiple Earhart Fellowships (1986-1988, 1993-1994)
• Multiple Bradley Fellowships (1992-1994)

Teaching and Service

Professor Main teaches Capstone Seminars in the Marxe School and has maintained an active teaching schedule across multiple courses including Public Affairs, Citizenship and Public Affairs, and Governing New York City. His service to the institution includes chairing the Capstone Committee and serving on numerous faculty committees including the SPA Personnel and Budget Committee, Faculty Senate, and various curriculum committees. He has also contributed to public discourse through frequent media appearances and op-eds in major publications.

Current Research

Professor Main is currently working on multiple book projects, including a history of welfare politics in New York City and an analysis of illiberalism and democratic discourse. His research continues to bridge academic scholarship with practical policy concerns, maintaining his long-standing focus on New York City governance while expanding to address national political challenges.