Levin has been greatly helped in passing his initiatives by his strong relationship with new Haven Superintendent of Schools John Don, but especially by his friendship with DeStefano, the city's mayor.
Stephen Pryor, the policy advisor to the mayor and a 1993 Yale graduate, lauds Levin's initiatives and his influence on the University.
"The mood has changed," he said. "The city has bottomed out and it is well on its way to recovery."
Pryor called the College St. conflict a "minor bump in the road" and said the city is well on its way to a "renaissance."
Levin said he also wants to turn his attention to campus issues, like changes in meal plans and the construction of a student center:
Geoffrey D. Glasser, the editor-in-chief of the undergraduate Yale Daily News, said Levin's city-wide inititatives are almost complete. He predicts that Levin will now shift his focus to student life on campus.
"You will see Levin change back to Yale within the next two years," said Glasser