As leader of Capalino’s lobbying team, Ashley Thompson DiNardo plays a strategic role in assisting our clients with legislative action, public sector funding, and land use matters. She has played a vital role in securing the approvals of projects such as the Times Square pedestrian plazas, expanding UPS’s business operations, the Fair Futures campaign to secure funding for individuals aging out of foster care, and Two Trees’ River Ring development.
Getting things done in New York’s political and regulatory environment can be incredibly complicated, and Ashley has a proven track record building meaningful relationships with communities and civic stakeholders. Combining her lobbying expertise with actionable strategic insights, Ashley has a unique ability to develop comprehensive strategies for her clients and knows what it takes to achieve this success.
Prior to joining Capalino, Ashley spent over six years working in New York City government, developing an understanding of the legislative, budget, and land use processes. Most recently, Ashley served as a legislative representative to Mayor Bill de Blasio, where she worked on key legislative priorities, including a package of bills to support the Mayor’s “Vision Zero” traffic safety initiative, the establishment of the City’s first comprehensive cultural plan, and “Avonte’s Law,” and worked to secure support for major land use initiatives.
Ashley’s knowledge of municipal government was first developed during her experience working in the City Council. She began her career as a legislative aide to former Council Member and Land Use Chair Melinda Katz. As Chief of Staff to Councilmember Stephen Levin from 2010 to 2014, Ashley managed discretionary budget allocations, oversaw the development of legislative initiatives, and worked closely with community groups and City agencies to navigate complicated land use matters in the district.
Ashley received a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Communications from Emerson College in Boston, MA. She currently resides in Brooklyn.
