Gotham Gazette

The Place for New York Policy and politics

David Jones

David Jones

  • Will Office Conversions Actually Produce Affordable Housing? They Should, But State Leaders Must Act

    Gov. Hochul signs a bill for hotel to housing conversions (photo: Michael Appleton/Mayor's Office)


    In 2016, the City Council adopted mandatory inclusionary housing (MIH), city legislation requiring for the first time that in any rezoning or other regulatory change that created or expanded the right to build apartments — in a neighborhood, or in a single building — at least 20% of the new housing had to be affordable, and affordable in perpetuity.  

    The foundational concept was simple: if government gives a developer

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  • Survey Shows Extent of Suffering, Challenges for Low-Income New Yorkers

    food line NYC

    A line for emergency food (Michael Appleton/Mayor's Office)


    Low-income New Yorkers are doing worse financially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic than they were during the Great Recession, according to survey findings being released Friday by the Community Service Society (CSS), a non-profit focused on disadvantaged New Yorkers.

    The Unheard Third is an annual survey conducted by CSS in partnership with Lake Research and named based on the third of voting-age New Yorkers who live in low-income households that are often overlooked by politicians.

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  • Keys to 'Inclusive Economic Recovery' in New York City Include Investments in CUNY and Workforce Development, Experts Say

    reyna rob program

    Considering an inclusive recovery in New York City (photo: William Alatriste/City Council)


    As the COVID-19 public health and economic crises continue, so does the conversation about recovery. This past week, the Center for an Urban Future (CUF), a nonprofit think tank focused on economic opportunity and equitable growth, hosted a digital discussion, “Ensuring an Inclusive Economic Recovery in NYC,” featuring several public policy experts.

    Jonathon Bowles, the executive director of CUF, opened the discussion saying “the immediate priorities are clear: keep people

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  • Max & Murphy Podcast: Post-Presidential Campaign, De Blasio Faces Final 2+ Years as Mayor

    hunters point 600

    (photo: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office)


    October 2, 2019 - Max & Murphy Podcast: Post-Presidential Campaign, De Blasio Faces Final 2+ Years as Mayor

    Bill de Blasio has abandoned his short-lived presidential campaign and returned to New York City for the final two years, three months of his second and final term as mayor. Several experts -- Errol Louis of NY1, Sally Goldenberg of Politico, and David Jones of the Community Service Society and MTA Board -- joined the show to discuss the mayor's status and

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