As a candidate in 2013, fresh off his Democratic primary win, Bill de Blasio appeared before the Association for a Better New York, using the powerful perch to outline in new detail how his mayoralty would seek to end income inequality.

The speech was well received by the group of the well-heeled and civil-minded, who had generally eyed him with suspicion, given his campaign rhetoric.

Since then, the mayor has used his appearances before the association to unveil major new initiatives, including plans to address homelessness and to improve the performance of schools.

Carol Kellermann, the president of the Citizens Budget Commission, a nonpartisan group, agreed, but added that “it would have been better, even better, if he specifically urged the audience” — some of whom are donors to Democrats and Republicans alike — “to express their concerns to particular New York House members who are in favor or on the fence about voting against the legislation.”