Policy

Policy

A unanimous vote on the $116 billion FY 2026 New York City budget

It’s been a pretty divisive year in city politics, but the mayor and the City Council are united in their enthusiasm for this year’s spending plan.

New York City

‘Freeze the rent’ dominated the Democratic mayoral primary. This year, tenants are staring down a rent hike.

The city’s Rent Guidelines Board is poised to approve a rent hike on rent-stabilized tenants on Monday. Presumptive Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani will argue it’s the last one New Yorkers will see for the next four years.

New York City

Adams and Adams announce $116 billion FY 26 NYC budget

The agreement includes funding for immigrant legal services, extended library hours at 10 branches, a universal child care pilot and new staff to enforce e-bike regulations.

Events

Calling for responsible growth as downstate gears up for new casinos

Both state Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo and Assembly Member Carrie Woerner spoke at City & State’s Trailblazers in Casinos and Sports Betting event.

Energy & Environment

Environmentalists are not on board with Hochul’s new nuclear plant

Green energy advocates were quick to denounce the governor’s plan to build a nuclear facility to provide zero-emission energy as a distraction from real clean solutions

New York City

What does the future hold for Hart Island?

Journalists were given a tour of the potter’s field, and upcoming plans will outline potential improvements to the island.

Policy

Court of Appeals upholds Kingston’s rent control policies

The decision from New York’s highest court will likely embolden other upstate cities that want to adopt rent control but have been scared off by lawsuits from landlord groups.

Policy

Zohran Mamdani’s 3 bills

The democratic socialist Assembly member has championed ambitious reforms, with limited success in getting them enacted into law.

Policy

Hochul promises ‘fight’ over immigration, but has little to show for it

After the arrest of NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, the governor announced funding already included in the state budget and declined to back a measure to increase legal representation for immigrants in court.

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Energy & Environment

As session ends, Assembly acts on environmental legislation

The Assembly eliminated incentives for natural gas hook-ups and is expected to pass a bill to reduce plastic waste.

Immigration

Amid increased ICE raids, state Legislature fails to act on sanctuary state bill

The New York for All Act, which would prevent local law enforcement from collaborating with federal immigration authorities, didn’t even make it to a vote in the state Senate.

Albany Agenda

Heading home, here’s what lawmakers got done in the last legislative week

The state Senate and Assembly passed hundreds of bills in the final days of the legislative session. These are some of the most important.

Albany Agenda

Former Assembly Member Daniel O’Donnell on track to join state parole board

During his long career in the state Legislature, O’Donnell supported expanding parole – and soon, he’ll get to decide who deserves it.

Policy

Parole and sentencing reform left out of omnibus prison reform bill

Criminal justice advocates are chafing at the exclusion of measures they say are necessary to respond to Robert Brooks’ death in a truly meaningful way.

Health Care

Religious groups urge Hochul to kill Medical Aid in Dying bill

The controversial Medical Aid in Dying legislation has finally made it through both the Assembly and the state Senate, but the governor could still veto it.

Albany Agenda

The bills to watch in the final week of session

Prison reforms, a packaging reduction bill and the Grieving Families Act could all come up for a vote before the Legislative session ends.

Policy

NYC Council charter commission wants to up funding for oversight agencies

The 17-member panel is concerned about making sure the watchdogs can keep investigating.