Policy
New York City Council
Exclusive
Unions urge City Council not to override Mamdani’s ‘buffer zone’ veto
UAW, 1199SEIU and NYSNA are among the signees to a letter reiterating their opposition to the vetoed bill establishing “security perimeters” outside educational facilities.
Energy & Environment
With CLCPA rollbacks imminent, lawmakers continue push for packaging bill
Sponsors recently introduced new concessions to the legislation, but opponents still aren’t on board.
Events
Hochul’s housing commissioner touts environmental review reforms at affordable housing event
The governor announced a preliminary budget deal at the same time City & State brought together stakeholders to discuss affordable housing policy.
Campaigns & Elections
New state bill seeks to protect mail-in votes received late
An upcoming decision from SCOTUS could overturn a state law that allows mail-in ballots be counted if they are postmarked by Election Day but received days later.
Transportation
No, WE want free buses
The City Council is pushing to expand the Fair Fares program for low-income New Yorkers through automatic access and by covering all transit costs. The Mamdani administration is not enthused.
Policy
Lawmakers, local electeds make final budget plea for more housing vouchers
Municipalities and local governments say more is needed to combat increased homelessness, but housing has not been a main focus of this year’s budget negotiations.
Housing
Seeking SEQR, with Mamdani’s housing commissioner
A Q&A with HPD boss Dina Levy, who visited Albany while the budget’s being negotiated.
Campaigns & Elections
Claire Valdez calls for a rent freeze – and universal rent control
The DSA-backed congressional candidate is going a step further than Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Childcare
Childcare providers and lawmakers want $500M to eliminate waitlists
Providers say Gov. Kathy Hochul’s plan to achieve universal childcare is promising, but millions more are needed to support the workforce to make it a reality.
Policy
A limit on informal ICE collusion is nixed from budget talks
Lawmakers and the governor had been at odds over informal local cooperation with immigration agents in civil and criminal matters
Upstate
Upstate mayors want youth justice funds faster
The mayors of Albany, Syracuse and Rochester are calling on state lawmakers to allow some Raise the Age money to go directly to community organizations.
Housing
Progressive NYC Council Members call for action on deed theft
After Council Member Chi Ossé was arrested protesting last week, his colleagues are joining his call to Gov. Kathy Hochul.
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Policy
Council considers options after Mamdani vetoes buffer zone bill
The bill initially passed the City Council with 30 votes but 34 votes are needed to override the mayor’s veto.
Heard Around Town
And just like that, Eric Adams’ last PMMR is out
The Preliminary Mayor’s Management Report evaluates city agency performance.
Budget
Heastie doesn’t hate the budget player, but hates the budget game
The Assembly speaker said the current process is too tilted in favor of the governor and supports a change in theory – if not in practice.
Budget
Upstate Dems push for pied-à-terre tax outside NYC
State lawmakers outside the city want in on a proposed tax for luxury second homes.
Energy & Environment
Hochul’s non-compromise on climate rollbacks
Gov. Kathy Hochul gave little ground in her latest meeting with legislative leaders. Members aren’t biting.
Policy
Report: Gig work has become a full-time, closely monitored gig
A new report by the Community Service Society is calling for state-level protections for gig workers from algorithmic management.
Budget
Lawmakers pass fifth extender as budget talks lag
Leaders continue to slowly plod through policy items holding up the late spending plan.
Policy
What happened to New York’s climate goals?
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s new play to roll back parts of the climate law is only the latest chapter in the state’s nonlinear path toward climate victories.
