Personality
Queens lawmakers capitalize on congestion pricing
It was a great week for one of our Real Estate Power 50 Vicki Been, who was appointed deputy mayor on Thursday, while others, like Councilman Kalman Yeger, aren't doing so hot. Let us know who you think had the best and worst week!
New York State
Policy
Going green through congestion pricing
Congestion pricing may be intended for raising revenue rather than reducing pollution, but it will have environmental benefits and it is is potentially just the first step towards lower carbon emissions and getting polluting cars off the roads.
New York State
Policy
How six state upstate economic development projects have fared
New York has put millions upon millions of dollars into flashy new projects, sadly most of them haven't fared too well, or well at all.
New York State
Policy
Buffalo’s billion-dollar Band-Aid
Most of Buffalo, New York's largest and most costly individual projects have produced underwhelming results, whereas some of the smaller-scale, lower-profile programs are actually generating a lot of growth – or, at least, the potential for it.
New York City
Policy
New York City to pass water tank reforms
In a rebuke of city health officials, the New York City Council plans to pass seven new laws tightening oversight and regulation of thousands of rooftop drinking water tanks, citing evidence of contamination, widespread neglect, and lax oversight by agency officials.
New York State
Politics
Cuomo’s pay hike, Foye’s promotion and no to President de Blasio
New Yorkers aren't pleased by the prospect of a president Bill de Blasio, Governor Andrew Cuomo and the Legislature finalized the budget that was passed last weekend, the smoking age may be raised, and more in this week's headlines.
Campaigns & Elections
Politics
The free-for-all to replace Rep. Jose Serrano
New Yorkers are bound to see an intense race for New York’s 15th Congressional District, now that Rep. José E. Serrano has announced his retirement, here are all of the people gunning for his seat, and those who are still on the fence about entering the race.
New York City
Policy
Automated Decision Systems under study
During the New York City Council’s Committee on Technology hearing on Thursday, co-chairs of the ADS Task Force briefed council members on their work, but provided few details about progress made.
New York City
Opinion
Pied-à-terre tax died for ridiculous reasons
Every New Yorker sitting on a delayed subway should know that some of the blame rests with the ultra-rich, luxury real estate developers and their lackeys in Albany, who killed the pied-a-terre tax, writes Ben Adler.
New York City
Opinion
De Blasio’s mixed record with public sector unions
Labor and union leaders are doubtful that New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is fit to be president — despite the fact that he has yet to announce that he is running — due to his mixed record with public sector unions.
New York State
Personality
What’s next for labor in Albany?
New York Democratic lawmakers, Jessica Ramos, Marcos Crespo, Andrew Gounardes, and Peter Abbate share what their post-budget legislative priorities are for labor.
New York State
Policy
New York hits the brakes on e-bikes
A proposal that would have allowed localities to decide for themselves whether to legalize e-scooters and throttle e-bikes – which, unlike pedal-assist e-bikes, are still illegal in New York — was quietly dropped from the finalized budget crafted by Governor Andrew Cuomo and Democratic legislative leaders, despite increasing support at both the city and state level.
New York State
Opinion
State budget jeopardized public financing of elections
For progressives hoping for a full Albany transformation, New York’s new state budget was sobering because the public financing of elections was put in real jeopardy by being left up to a commission, writes Ross Barkan.
New York State
Politics
Why New York is relying on commissions to make policy
Public financing, compensation and the price of congestion tolls are heated issues. Is convening commissions to hammer out their details the right approach?
Andrew Cuomo
Policy
Mixed results for organized labor in state budget
After the 175.5 billion state budget passed, union leaders say they will continue to push for their legislative priorities in the coming weeks.
New York State
Personality
Zellnor Myrie, a “Mariano Rivera” in the state Senate
Brooklyn state Sen. Zellnor Myrie outlines what he and his allies are hoping to accomplish during the remainder of the legislative session.
New York State
Policy