Campaigns & Elections
Opinion
To combat dark money, New York needs fair elections
State senator Julia Salazar makes the case for comprehensive campaign finance reform, with a public financing system, to keep big money out of politics.
Education
Opinion
City Council underfunds CUNY Mexican Studies Institute
CUNY Mexican Studies Institute should be funded as much as its Puerto Rican and Dominican counterparts.
NYPD
Opinion
Holding law enforcement accountable begins with full repeal of 50-a
This law shields police officers from public scrutiny at the expense of accountability, transparency and safety.
New York City
Opinion
New York City should require green roofs
Urban farms, reduced pollution, lower energy costs, even sound-proofing – what’s not to like?
Gun Control
Opinion
The high stakes of NYC’s U.S. Supreme Court gun control case
The decision could signal how a more conservative court will interpret the Second Amendment.
New York City
Opinion
Instant runoff voting would tame the overloaded public advocate race
A candidate in a crowded field can win with little actual support. Here’s how to fix it.
New York City
Opinion
What the most unequal state taught Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Living in New York has taught Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez that big tax hikes on the rich would mitigate the state’s worst problems.
New York State
Opinion
It’s time to reform New York’s machine-controlled judicial system
State Senate Democrats should lead the way in fixing how we pick judges.
NYPD
Opinion
New York should regulate law enforcement use of facial recognition technology
The risk for unfairly targeting minorities or stifling free speech is high.
Bill de Blasio
Opinion
How Bill de Blasio seeking the national spotlight backfires
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio's efforts in seeking the national spotlight often backfire, while Gov. Andrew Cuomo is better at looking like he’s doing his day job.
New York City
Opinion
Why we need more technologists in politics
Tech literacy in government needs to be improved.
Criminal Justice
Opinion
New York needs a new criminal discovery law
New York’s discovery law allow district attorneys to withhold police reports and other key evidence until a trial begins. Prosecutors should instead be required to expeditiously turn over discoverable evidence, write state Sen. Jamaal Bailey and Assemblyman Joseph Lentol.
Opinion
City & State’s best political commentary of 2018
Some pieces respond to the news but are worth reading long after.
MTA
Opinion
After Cuomo's union giveaways, why the shock over fare hikes?
Cuomo didn’t help hold down MTA labor costs when he could have.
MTA
Opinion
The MTA is using fare evasion as an excuse for its failures
If the subways don't improve, the talk won’t be about evading fares. It will be about people evading New York City altogether.
Bill de Blasio
Opinion
Build a real firewall between consulting and lobbying
We’re crucifying Trump’s allies for what’s business as usual in Albany.
New York City
Opinion
There’s no excuse for New York’s pitiful election system
New York is disenfranchising its voters. Democrats need to stop it.
Eric Adams
Opinion
How NYC can take a bite out of climate change
New York City can fight climate change by minimizing meat’s carbon footprint.
New York State
Opinion