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Blog
Transportation
What to Look For in the MTA's November 2022 Budget Update
November 21, 2022
The MTA should seize the opportunity and runway created by federal aid to implement efficiency-focused operating reforms and restructure its long-term debt.
Blog
City Budget
Unnecessary Increase
Despite 18,000 Vacancies, NYC FY 2023 Executive Budget Adds 3,000 New Positions
May 04, 2022
Rather than add positions, the City should redistribute available vacancies across departments, within agencies, or across agencies.
Blog
City Budget
18,000 Vacant City Jobs Is More Than Enough
Vacancy Reduction Should Not Impede Hiring; How NYC Manages Will
March 30, 2022
Any staffing issues are the result of management, system, and labor market challenges, not a shortage of available positions
Blog
City Budget
Six Fast Facts about the NYPD's Preliminary FY2023 Budget
March 18, 2022
Public safety is a top issue for New Yorkers, and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) budget continues to garner attention and interest.
Blog
Transportation
What to Look for in the February 2022 Update to the MTA’s Financial Plan
February 22, 2022
The MTA will release an update to its operating budget Thursday. Here, we identify some critical items on which to focus.
Blog
State Budget
Balancing the State Budget – Halfway There, But Running Out of Gas?
December 19, 2011
The Governor should avoid more new taxes as the way to close the rest of the budget gap and instead focus on containing spending growth in Medicaid, pensions, education, and economic development.
Blog
Taxes
The Tax Hike’s Silver Lining
December 07, 2011
If the temporary personal income tax hike is the price we pay for long-term reforms that enhance infrastructure, encourage job growth, make the state and local tax system more equitable, and reduce future pension costs, then it is a price worth paying.
Blog
Capital Spending
The Dos and Don’ts of PPPs
December 04, 2011
Dos and Don’ts for the use of PPPs, or "P3s" adapted from the CBC's 2008 report, “How Public-Private Partnerships Can Help New York Address Its Infrastructure Needs.”
Blog
Public Workforce
Another Good Idea to Save the City Money
October 27, 2011
The New York City union welfare funds could also use some "depoliticizing, professionalizing and streamlining."
Blog
Public Workforce
What Concessions?
August 28, 2011
A close look at the agreements between Mayor Bloomberg and city unions reveals that jobs were not saved by labor concessions but through diverting other resources or creating new risks in the budget.
Blog
Public Workforce
State Agreement Is a Template to Avoid City Layoffs
June 22, 2011
Following the template provided by Governor Cuomo and the CSEA can produce $1.4 billion in savings for New York City in fiscal year 2012 – more than enough to avert layoffs and other cuts.
Blog
Capital Spending
When Will the Capital Budget Cuts Really Arrive?
December 09, 2010
Failure to impose fiscal austerity on the infrastructure agenda is evident in growing levels of capital commitments.
Blog
Public Workforce
A Closer Look at Paterson's Proposed Layoffs
October 31, 2010
Review Governor Paterson's plan to lay off state workers and allow additional positions to be vacated.
Blog
Capital Spending
Mind the Gap
Funding Repair and Maintenance of New York City Infrastructure
July 26, 2010
Past neglect has created a need for nearly $5.6 billion in repair of existing facilities in New York City in order to bring them to satisfactory condition, known as a "state of good repair." Yet the City's capital budget allocates only about half, with the gap especially large for streets, hospitals, and parks.
Blog
Public Workforce
The Public and Private Sector Wage Disparity: An Update
May 24, 2010
The labor market case for more generous retirement benefits for public sector workers is no longer valid.
Blog
Capital Spending
New York City Capital Spending: A Retrospective
April 21, 2010
Analyzes the impact of capital investments under Mayor Bloomberg.
Blog
Economic Development
End the Empire Zones Program and Adopt Excelsior
March 24, 2010
Explains why Empire Zones were ineffective and argues in favor of the improved features of Excelsior tax credits.
Blog
Pensions & Benefits
Christmas Bonuses
January 20, 2010
Each December, some NYC uniformed retirees receive a "variable supplement fund" payment in addition to their pensions.