Energy & Environment
Policy
Mayoral hopefuls tout their green thumbs
The crowded field of candidates in New York City’s upcoming June primary discussed their plans for the environment in a new Earth Day video.
New York State
Policy
Gas plant in Newburgh tests limits of NY’s landmark climate law
Can the state meet its ambitious green energy goals if it permits an increased burning of fracked gas?
NYPD
Policy
Should cops have to live in NYC?
It could improve community relations, but unions object and even some reform advocates are unenthused.
NYPD
Policy
Why New York City hasn’t gotten police overtime under control
The NYPD has blown past its nominal cap for years without consequence.
New York State
Policy
Vaccine passports raise equity, privacy concerns
New York’s Excelsior Pass can’t be equitable until vaccinations are equitable, some advocates say.
Budget
Policy
Budget vote exposes Democratic divisions
Some moderates voted against the revenue bill, while Democratic Socialists changed their vote at the last minute.
Nonprofits
Policy
What’s in store for New York nonprofits in the state budget
Boosted pay for human services workers, support for Asian American organizations and more.
Budget
Policy
Cuomo, Legislature agree on $212B state budget
State lawmakers scored major victories on taxes, education funding and aid for undocumented immigrants.
Budget
Policy
Does the state budget rise to the moment?
Vulnerable people like undocumented immigrants can still fall through the holes of an expanded safety net.
Labor
Policy
NYC’s labor contracts set to expire amid fiscal crisis
The next round of bargaining will be pivotal to the city’s financial recovery.
Labor
Policy
Labor hasn’t found its NYC mayoral candidate yet
If unions coalesce around a candidate, they could resume their traditional role as kingmakers.
Housing
Policy
Dueling proposals to convert commercial properties into housing
The plan is enmeshed in state budget negotiations, with a gap between Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris.
New York State
Policy
In pot deal with Cuomo, the Legislature has the power
Between Democratic supermajorities and mounting crises, the governor seems to have caved on some major sticking points on legal weed.
Budget
Policy
NYC mayoral contenders propose direct cash assistance
A majority of Democratic candidates want to give more money to New Yorkers.
Homelessness
Policy