Actually the article just seems to be quoting Mayor Lee's concerns about 'blacks' being pushed out of the city. Agreed that it isn't very clearly worded but I think it conveys that it was the Mayor mentioning "blacks" not the reporter so it is possible self-interest is not involved here. Or am I misreading it?

Quote :

Mayor Lee acknowledged that he was worried that some groups were being priced out of the city, mentioning black residents, whose population has declined along with those of families.