Topics Perspectives
Staying Focused
Sign up for our free newsletter, and we'll make sure you never miss a beat.
How New York’s Maximum-Security Women’s Prison Has Failed to HALT Solitary Confinement

A landmark reform law was meant to overhaul carceral punishment in New York. Getting prisons to follow it has been an uphill battle.

Sara G. Kielly   ·   September 25, 2024
NYC Mayor Eric Adams stands at a podium at REBNY gala superimposed over shot of One Bryant Park
Eric Adams Is ‘Getting Stuff Done’ on Climate Law — For the Real Estate Lobby

The mayor is putting New York City’s landmark climate and jobs law in jeopardy, our columnist argues.

Pete Sikora   ·   September 25, 2023
Big Buildings Get a Pass for Pollution if Eric Adams Doesn’t Close His New Corporate Loophole

By liberally allowing landlords to purchase renewable energy credits, the new Adams rule would defang Local Law 97.

Pete Sikora   ·   December 23, 2022
Adams Takes First Big Step on Climate Law, Yet Bigger Questions Loom

The city announced key proposed rules, making progress but also leaving a massive loophole unaddressed, our columnist writes.

Pete Sikora   ·   October 7, 2022
The Failure to Ban Gas in New Construction is a Bad Sign for New York’s Climate Law

The state’s own expert council, tasked with planning the law’s implementation, told the legislature to pass a gas ban this year. They were ignored.

Pete Sikora   ·   June 21, 2022
Our Group of Freelancers Took on Albany’s Byzantine Legislative Process. Here’s How We Won.

An organizer for the Freelance Solidarity Project describes how getting a bill passed through Albany takes “running into a brick wall repeatedly, waiting for a tiny crack to show.”

Eric Thurm   ·   June 15, 2022
Perspective: It’s Time to Take a Clearer Look at Bail Reform

In the raucous debate over bail reform, simple facts have fallen out of sight.

Bryce Covert   ·   May 9, 2022
Perspective: Joe Biden, Eric Adams and the Myth of Policing Our Way to Safety

In 2016, the NYPD and federal prosecutors staged a massive “gang bust” that derailed the lives of dozens of young people — including me — while failing to improve public safety. Why is Eric Adams doubling down on this failed strategy?

Kraig Lewis   ·   February 28, 2022
The Real Way to Get Guns Out of Schools

Putting more police officers and metal detectors in schools won’t solve the crisis of youth gun violence. We need to invest in community-based programs to address the root causes of the violence.

Freddy Medina   ·   January 24, 2022
I Know What It Means to Strike at Rikers

I helped organize a strike at Rikers during the first wave. Those striking now are not to be ignored.

David Campbell   ·   January 14, 2022
Meet The New York City Taxi Drivers Protesting Outside City Hall

Many drivers will face financial ruin if the city cannot help them refinance their debts. Below are eleven of their stories.

Daniel Efram   ·   October 8, 2021
Cab Drivers Are Drowning in Debt. The City’s Plan Won’t Help.

The city’s taxi agency has ignored drivers’ demands and proposed a plan that the comptroller warns ‘would spend more money to forgive less debt.’

Wen Zhuang   ·   September 23, 2021
Nobody knows it, but Bill de Blasio is America’s best climate mayor

And that’s still vastly short of what’s needed.

Pete Sikora   ·   August 31, 2021
Renters Powered India Walton’s Upset Win

Renters broke decisively for India Walton in Buffalo’s June Democratic primary, favoring an affordable housing advocate with a tenant-centered housing platform over a developer-friendly incumbent.

Russell Weaver   ·   August 17, 2021
The Promises and Failures of the “Cancel Rent” Movement

Where does the housing justice movement go from here?

Cea Weaver   ·   July 30, 2021
The World’s Most Important Local Climate and Jobs Law is in Eric Adams’ Hands

Elected with real estate industry support, soon-to-be Mayor Adams faces a critical choice on New York’s landmark buildings emissions law.

Pete Sikora   ·   July 9, 2021
“I watch the roaches and I envy them.” After 34 years, Billy Blake leaves solitary confinement

As New York turns the page on solitary confinement, a reflection on what three decades in solitary cost one man.

Vaidya Gullapalli   ·   July 7, 2021
Abolish the EDC

The Economic Development Corporation manages city land in the service of private profit. We need a new approach.

Avi Garelick and Andrew Schustek   ·   June 28, 2021
What Shaun Donovan’s Record Reveals about His Approach to Housing Crises

Donovan has a progressive housing platform. But does it match his record?

Duncan Bryer   ·   June 15, 2021
Albany Just Blew it on Climate, Again

Only big, strong, mean grassroots campaigns can turn this around

Pete Sikora   ·   June 12, 2021
1 2