Heard Around Town
Policy
Office to residential conversions – again – a focus of Adams and Hochul
The governor also previewed a goal of 800,000 new housing units over the next decade, presenting a united front with the mayor
New York City
Policy
New York Nonprofits say they’re suffering the worst staffing shortage in years
Organizations blame the shortfall on post-COVID-19 upheaval, a wage rise in Starbucks-type jobs and not enough public funding to offer higher salaries.
Heard Around Town
Policy
NYC budget watchdog warns of fiscal cliff
The Citizens Budget Commission had a dreary outlook at their budget briefing this week.
Heard Around Town
Policy
Seeing houses of worship as promoters of Eric Adams’ housing agenda
The mayor’s chief adviser Ingrid Lewis-Martin suggested at City & State’s Building Bridges interfaith event that churches, mosques and synagogues could play a role in helping her boss achieve his goal of building 500,000 new housing units in the next ten years.
New York City
Policy
Eric Adams puts his own spin on universal pre-K
The administration is expanding special education and paying teachers more – and throwing shade at Bill de Blasio in the process.
New York City
Policy
MTA spending $1 million a month for private security guards amid crackdown on fare evasion in subway system
Stopping turnstile jumpers while addressing safety is slowly paying off, New York City Transit and police leaders testified before a joint hearing of the City Council transportation and public safety committees Monday.
Politics
Policy
A guide to the most powerful state Legislative committees
What are the various committees in the state Senate and Assembly? How do they work?
New York State
Policy
New York recommends masking again. Will mask-weary schools comply?
The state health and education departments issued guidance in line with the CDC following an uptick in respiratory illnesses and COVID-19.
Heard Around Town
Policy
Port Authority head promotes a ‘big role’ for biometrics at airports
Executive Director Rick Cotton said that customers should be able to opt in to programs that use biometric technology like facial recognition.
New York State
Policy
City & State summit discusses technology in government and push for modernization
Key issues addressed were adopting consumer-centric practices, streamlining services and data centralization.
New York City
Policy
How is New York City fighting COVID-19 now?
As the city does away with some of the weapons in its pandemic response arsenal, these are the ones New York is relying on now.
New York City
Policy
Eric Adams picks a number: 500,000 new homes in the next decade
The mayor announced a plan to streamline residential development in New York City.
Heard Around Town
Policy
NYC Council ‘still waiting’ to see a plan on mayor’s plan for severe mental illness
Eric Adams and his team have been doing a media blitz, explaining and defending last week’s announcement.
Education
Updated
Policy
What really happened with the New York City Department of Education Budget?
The City Council has blamed the DOE and Mayor Eric Adams for budget cuts it signed off on and knew about for months.
New York City
Policy
City & State summit seeks solutions to unfolding affordable housing crisis
Key issues addressed were increasing housing supply, rezoning and the city’s response to future tax exemption plans.
New York State
Policy
Poll: New Yorkers want public power
As lawmakers prepare to head back to Albany, left-leaning pollster Data for Progress found support for legislation that came close but failed last session – with some caveats.
New York City
Policy
New York City’s municipal staffing shortage won’t solve itself
A new report from city Comptroller Brad Lander offers recommendations to address hiring and retention issues, including appointing a chief talent officer.
Ask the Experts
Policy
Will Eric Adams’ mandate to involuntarily hospitalize mentally ill persons work?
Mental health professionals offered mixed reviews on the mandate which already has caused a backlash with advocates for persons suffering from mental illness.
New York State
Policy
The MTA’s labor contract is expiring – if the authority didn’t have enough financial problems already.
CEO Janno Lieber said he can’t negotiate without clear aid from state and federal governments.
New York City
Policy