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Blog
City Budget
Less Spending, More Saving
Benchmarks to Assess the NYC Financial Plan
November 13, 2019
Four things the upcoming budget should do to put the city on better financial footing.
Op Ed
City Budget
Vote yes on a rainy day fund for New York City
New York Daily News
October 21, 2019
When New Yorkers head to the polls to vote, they will find five important ballot proposals, but one in particular is worth supporting because it would make an important change to how the city manages its budget.
Blog
Public Workforce
Four Facts about New York City Full-Time Employees
October 17, 2019
Here are four facts about full-time NYC employees in fiscal year 2019.
Blog
Transportation
NYC Ferry Comparative Analysis
October 07, 2019
Among large urban ferry systems, NYC Ferry's subsidy is second highest.
Blog
Taxes
Personal Income Tax Revenues in New York State and City
August 13, 2019
PIT revenues are a significant - and volatile - part of State and City budgets.
Blog
City Budget
When the Smoke Clears
Despite Continued Economic Strength, NYC Spent More Than It Received in 2019
June 30, 2019
The City’s spending obligations in fiscal year 2019 were $255 million greater than the revenues collected. How is this possible when State law and the City Charter require balanced budgets?
Op Ed
City Budget
The Rainy Day Fund New York Needs
The Gotham Gazette
June 10, 2019
Most New Yorkers are unaware they will have the opportunity this fall to vote to dramatically change their city government.
Op Ed
City Budget
What de Blasio, City Council should do with $800 million
Crain’s New York Business
May 22, 2019
While de Blasio and Council Speaker Corey Johnson have both stressed the importance of preparing for an eventual economic downturn, the mayor's proposal falls short of what's needed.
Blog
Education
Adopted Budget Continues Unequal Access to a Sound Basic Education
May 22, 2019
It will cost NYS school districts approximately $62.6 billion to provide a sound basic education to all students, yet several districts will not have enough funding.
Blog
Taxes
Pied-à-Terre Tax
Appealing but Problematic
March 13, 2019
The pied-à-terre tax is appealing politically because it is levied on wealthy people with means to pay and nonresidents who do not vote. Nevertheless, it is problematic for several reasons.
Op Ed
Education
No, New York Shouldn't Add Billions in New Education Funding
What the state really needs to do is focus aid on districts that need it
March 11, 2019
Albany should target the distribution of school aid to districts that need it, rather than ensure that almost every district gets more no matter its circumstance.
Blog
Education
Funding a Sound Basic Education in 2020
March 07, 2019
Despite significant funding increases over the past decade, some districts in New York State still do not have the resources to provide a sound basic education.
Blog
City Budget
PEGging It Right
Guidelines for the PEG Process
March 05, 2019
For the first time since taking office, Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced plans to implement a Program to Eliminate the Gap (PEG), which requires agencies to generate savings through expense reductions or revenue enhancements. The de Blasio administration previously eschewed PEGs in favor of Citywide Savings Plans (CSPs); in contrast to the PEG, agency participation in the CSP was voluntary. Pursuing a PEG presents both a challenge and an opportunity. This blog proposes three guidelines for the process: 1) identify significantly more than $750 million in savings, 2) encourage recurring savings through efficiency, and 3) follow agencies’ leads.
Blog
City Budget
NYC Revenues in a Recession
Quantifying the Potential Shortfall
February 26, 2019
The potential shortfall from a recession comparable to the last two recessions could be substantial: between $15 billion and $20 billion below projections over three years.
Blog
City Budget
Sound Strategy, Sound Future
Recommended Approach for the City’s Preliminary FY 2020 Budget
February 01, 2019
A thriving economy has allowed the City to increase spending by $20 billion since fiscal year 2014. The City should undertake a necessary course correction with this four-part strategy:
Blog
State Budget
Governor Cuomo’s Third Budget: Priorities for Fiscal Year 2013-14
December 17, 2012
Four important challenges face state leaders as they prepare the next budget for FY2014 in Medicaid, Education, Economic Development and Local Government Relief.
Blog
Education
Stretching New York’s Education Dollar: Improving Pupil Transportation Aid Formulas
December 12, 2012
School districts in New York spent $1,100 per pupil on average on transportation in 2010, more than any other state and 140 percent above the U.S. average of $459.
Blog
City Budget
Why the Latest PEG Is Not Likely to Be the Last in NYC's Budget
December 05, 2012
This blog explains why a savings plan, known as the "PEG" is necessary in the Nov 2013 NYC budget modification, examines the savings, and offers broader perspective on the city's fiscal challenges.
Blog
Education
How Spending per Pupil in New York State Varies Among Districts
September 19, 2012
New York school spending is, on average, well above the national norm, but the statewide average masks wide variation among districts.
Blog
State Budget
How Sick Leave Can Be Bad for a Locality's Fiscal Health
(And Health Insurance May Be Even Worse)
July 01, 2012
“Excusable” borrowing appears now to be growing, extending to accrued sick leave and vacation days that are claimed by departing employees without money having been set aside to pay for them.