Albany Agenda
Policy
Bill to add AI disclaimers appears ready to pass this session
Albany lawmakers have moved swiftly after Meta’s AI chatbot made fake allegations against them.
Policy
Policy
Where could there be a new casino in NYC?
Proposals have popped up in every borough – and outside the city.
Albany Agenda
Policy
Tech watchdog fears social media regulation bill could harm minors’ privacy
The Surveillance Technology Oversight Project argues that the SAFE for Kids Act’s age verification requirements could result in social media giants collecting even more sensitive data.
Albany Agenda
Policy
State releases details of $239 billion budget
The Division of the Budget also projects a “structural deficit” that could reach $7.25 billion in three years.
Transportation
Policy
New York’s major capital plans for commuter rail, subways and buses
Here’s a look at the biggest projects being taken on by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, New Jersey Transit and Amtrak.
MTA
Policy
Cracking down on fare evasion on New York’s subways and buses
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is taking steps to stem a problem that cost the transit agency $690 million in lost revenue last year.
MTA
Policy
The sometimes overlooked tech behind the MTA
From countdown clocks to signal modernization, here’s how the transit system is making much needed improvements.
Transportation
Policy
Congestion pricing is (probably) a month away. Is New York City ready?
Advocates say transit improvements and strong public reporting will make congestion pricing a success, and maybe even win over skeptics. That is, assuming New York acts fast.
New York State
Policy
Assembly has reservations about the Harvey Weinstein bill
Members believe the legislation could have unintended consequences for communities of color.
Heard Around Town
Policy
Council passes bills to fortify parking garage safety
The legislation follows a Lower Manhattan collapse that killed one person and injured five others last year.
New York City Council
Policy
Speaker Adams and Mayor Adams clash over City Council oversight of City Hall
The Council speaker is advancing legislation to give the council veto power over some mayoral appointments, but the mayor's newly-announced Charter Revision Commission could delay that.
Transportation
Policy
New York’s slow progress moving to EVs highlights obstacles cities face
While the city has struggled to build public chargers for electric vehicles, it has made strides in electrifying its own fleet.
Heard Around Town
Policy
Mayor Adams touts tech solutions at Smart City Expo
Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer also previewed a new RFP process that will give the private sector greater input on government projects.
Policy
Policy
Business zoning overhaul approved by key City Council committee
The City of Yes for Economic Opportunity will move forward with a few modifications.
Albany Agenda
Policy
Hochul makes end-of-session push for social media bills
The governor used dire language to describe the impact of algorithms on kids’ mental health.
Budget
Policy
Library leaders warn of branch closures if mayor’s budget cuts aren’t reversed
The presidents of the New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library and Queens Public Library said the planned $58.3 million budget cut would lead to severe staff shortages.
Albany Agenda
Policy
Advocates rally for MENA bill as NY session winds down
People who are Middle Eastern and North African shouldn’t be categorized as white by the state, advocates say.
New York City
Policy
New data: Demand for IDNYC cards increased during migrant influx
Asylum-seekers had been struggling to get appointments, but that shortage has begun to ease in recent weeks.
Albany Agenda
Policy
Progressives launch campaign to get upstate cities to opt in to ‘good cause’ law
The state budget’s “good cause” eviction protections only apply automatically to tenants in New York City, but other cities can choose to opt in to the regulations.
Education
Policy