March 11, 2010 · www.gothamgazette.com

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Archives: Searchlight on the City Council

Doubts Grow About City's Capital Spending

March 10, 2010—The capital budget has almost doubled during Bloomberg's tenure. Budget experts now wonder whether that was such a smart investment.

Bloomberg Moves to Change the City Charter — But How?

March 8, 2010—In naming a commission to revise the City Charter, the mayor put everything on the table. That means term limits, but what else? Douglas Muzzio looks at charter change past and present.

Council Increases Penalty for Dumping

March 4, 2010—The City Council approved bills to improve New York's environment, including one increasing penalties for dumping in the waterways and another encouraging green technology.

Quinn Promises to Create Jobs

February 19, 2010—In her fifth state of the city, Council Speaker Christine Quinn said she would hone in on one thing in 2010: jobs.

Charter Commissions Since 1989

March 8, 2010—Placeholder

Council Targets Gang Initiations

February 12, 2010—The City Council approved legislation to crack down on gang initiations. But will it target innocent minority youth instead?

Stated Meeting: Council Creates Path to Citizenship

February 4, 2010—The City Council is considering a proposal aimed at helping some immigrant children in foster care remain in the country.

Bloomberg's Bluff

February 1, 2010—The mayor warns that Gov. Paterson's budget would force the city to cut 8,500 teachers, reduce police to 1985 levels, and end street cleaning. Scary stuff, but maybe that's just the point.

A Barrage of Bills

February 8, 2010—Former Councilmember Alan Gerson introduced more legislation than any other councilmember in the last session.

Penning Legislation: The Winners and Losers

February 8, 2010—Find out who has sponsored the most bills in the last session at the City Council -- and who has the least.

Stated Meeting: The Council's New Order

January 22, 2010—Kicking off a new term, the City Council finalized its new committees yesterday -- but not without drama. See who is in and who is out.

Bloomberg Delivers Muted State of the City

January 21, 2010—The State of the City was a speech not an extravaganza this time around, but the mayor did offer plans to improve juvenile justice and help New Yorkers weather the recession.

Living Wages by Councilmember

January 15, 2010—Want to know where your councilmember stands on the living wage issue? Check out Gotham Gazette's survey.

The Living Wage After Kingsbridge

January 15, 2010—In the aftermath of the Kingsbridge Armory debate, a more widespread bill on living wages may not come as easily as some expect.

Stated Meeting: 2010 City Council's First Day

January 7, 2010—The new City Council, flush with 13 new members, re-elected Council Speaker Christine Quinn. But the vote was not without emotion and drama.

Bloomberg: Take III

January 4, 2010—Can the mayor escape the curse of the third term? How will he deal with more combative public officials and a feistier City Council? And what does he plan to do in the next four years anyway?

Stated Meeting: Broadway Triangle Approved by Council

December 22, 2009—The City Council approved a controversial rezoning, which community members cast as a political deal despite its promise of affordable housing.

New York City Council Races Get More Competitive

December 16, 2009—Incumbency remained a huge advantage in the 2009 City Council contests, but it was not quite the ticket to victory it once was. Just ask five defeated council members and several others who managed to eke out only narrow victories.

Stated Meeting: Kingsbridge Armory Defeated by the Council

December 15, 2009—In a rare move against a major project, the City Council rejected a proposal to redevelop the Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx, putting the debate over paying living wages under a citywide spotlight.

Stated Meeting: Green Building Bills Approved by the Council

December 10, 2009—The City Council passed legislation requiring energy audits for large buildings -- a move that some critics say weakens a key part of the mayor's sustainability plan.

Stated Meeting: Clearing the Way for Open Grills

December 1, 2009—The City Council yesterday banned those opaque sheets of metal used as security gates on businesses around the city, but the measure will not go completely into effect until 2026. Council also approved its final legislative response to the deadly fire at Deutsche Bank in 2007.

Stated Meeting: Easing Parking Rules and Opposing Gas Drilling

November 17, 2009—In its first meeting since the election, City Council took aim at the administration's policies on issuing traffic tickets, passing four bills, including one the mayor has vowed to veto. The council also approved a new police academy and went on record against drilling for natural gas in the city's watershed.

The Fight over Paid Sick Leave

November 16, 2009—Amid worries about H1N1, City Council considers a bill requiring employers to give workers paid sick leave. Is this a needed public health measure or another burden on struggling city businesses?

Bloomberg and Quinn: Chapter 2

November 9, 2009—For four years, the mayor and speaker have played as a team. Now, though, some members want City Council to be more assertive. Can Quinn lead them in this new era?

Stated Meeting: Hines Midtown Tower Approved

October 29, 2009—The City Council approves a 1,000 foot tower in Midtown, which will include additional space for MoMA, a hotel and luxury residences. The council also took aim at mortgage foreclosure consultants.

Stated Meeting: Council Bans Flavored Tobacco

October 15, 2009—Just weeks after the federal government banned flavored cigarettes, the City Council goes a step further.

Unions Flex Their Political Muscles

October 13, 2009—Labor has long wielded influence in heavily unionized New York. But last month's Democratic primary raised hopes -- and fears -- that the city's unions may be more powerful than ever.

Stated Meeting: Graffiti Cleanup and Rezoning Sunset Park

October 1, 2009—The City Council attempts to make graffiti cleanup faster and rezones a large swath of Sunset Park.

Stated Meeting: Sitting in Smog on the Way to School

September 18, 2009—The City Council approved a bill yesterday making a student's ride to school a little cleaner. Check out that and more in this week’s Searchlight on City Hall.

Real Estate's Last Stand

September 14, 2009—The real estate market is reeling but that has not stopped the industry from doling out $2.5 million to candidates for citywide office this year and more to various council contenders.

Stated Meeting: City Council Requires Pharmacies to Translate

August 21, 2009—Handing out its own prescription for language access, the City Council approved legislation Thursday requiring large pharmacy chains to provide translation services in the city's most popular languages.

Stated Meeting: Coney Island Gets a Facelift

July 30, 2009—In an attempt to revitalize an area long known as "America's playground," the City Council approved a 27-acre redevelopment plan to turn Coney Island into a year-round destination, full of retail, hotels and entertainment.
Call it Las Vegas a la Brooklyn.

Tony the Stowaway

July 27, 2009—Despite a miniscule budget and little name recognition, Tony Avella thinks he can parlay his maverick reputation into victory in the Democratic primary for mayor. Most experts think that’s laughable.

Replacing Miguel Martinez

July 20, 2009—Miguel Martinez pleaded guilty to felony charges, resigned from City Council and faces years in prison. But his closest advisors still get to help pick his successor.

Forgiving Penalties, Observing Muslim Holidays

July 1, 2009

Holidays were the topic of conversation at the City Council yesterday, with the body approving a three-month penalty forgiveness period for environmental fines as well as a resolution that urges the city schools to give students two Muslim holidays off.

The King of Discretionary Dollars

June 25, 2009—Who's the king (or queen) of pork this year? It’s time for our annual look at which City Council members got the most funding for their district, borough or favorite cause.

Doling Out Pork

June 19, 2009—Who is slated to hand out the most member items this year? Find out before the City Council approves the new $59.4 billion budget today.

Who Got What - FY 2010

June 19, 2009

Council and Mayor Reach Budget Deal

June 16, 2009

The City Council and the Bloomberg administration reached a budget deal last night, which will preserve the city's six-day library service but also raise the sales tax.

Though the agreement, which was solidified with the quintessential handshake, was announced two weeks before the city's budget deadline of July 1, it comes with a cloud of uncertainty since all of the city's proposed tax increases, worth a total of $887 million in revenue, need approval from the State Legislature. Though city officials say the state Assembly is ready to move the legislation forward, the State Senate is mired with political infighting over which party is in control, and it is in the process of settling the dispute in a courtroom.

City Left on the Sidelines as Senators Feud

June 22, 2009—With the State Senate mired in tragedy, soap opera and farce, reforms, budgets and more hang in the balance. We report from Albany and City Hall on the policies at stake.

Stated Meeting: Dumbo's Dock Street Project Approved

June 11, 2009—In a rare move, the City Council approved a development project despite the vocal opposition of the local council member. Councilmember David Yassky opposes the project, known as Dock Street Dumbo because, he says, it will permanently taint the view of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Endangered Community Boards

June 8, 2009—Those 59 local groups face funding and staff cuts, but some fear the worst is yet to come. Will Mayor Michael Bloomberg try to restructure or even eliminate the boards?

Council and Mayor Reach Revenue Deal

June 2, 2009

The City Council and the Bloomberg administration have reached an agreement on a tax revenue package, which will increase the city's sales tax by .5 percent and tax clothing purchases over $110.

The move represents the first step towards a budget agreement at City Hall, which must be approved by the City Council by July 1. The administration and the council have not yet agreed on a spending plan , which could reduce the city's workforce by 13,541 positions and slash spending at all city agencies, from the Police Department to the Fire Department.

Public Hospitals in Critical Condition

May 28, 2009—Four clinics are set to shut, four mental health programs in New York City public schools won't be around next year, and three satellite pharmacies are about to fill their last prescriptions.

Stated Meeting: Keeping Eyes on the Tenant Watch List

May 21, 2009—Patrick and Tari Kelly had no idea they were blacklisted.
They were Midtown subletters for two years, until their temporary landlord decided to renovate the building. They moved to Queens and six years later tried to relocate again to Washington Heights.

Bill Thompson Hopes for an Upset

May 11, 2009—Can an affable but quiet career politician topple a popular mayor with billions of dollars at his disposal? Bill Thompson thinks he can. But how?

Stated Meeting: Scratching Out Etching Acid

May 7, 2009—Carving out another obstacle for graffiti "vandals," the City Council approved legislation Wednesday requiring that merchants selling etching acid keep purchasers' personal information for a year.

Bloomberg's Budget Revival

May 4, 2009—The mayor's new budget sounds some familiar themes and gives a starring role to the sales tax. Will election year critics give it a thumps up or a thumbs down?

Role Reversal: Contributions from Candidates

April 30, 2009

Just two candidates currently running for public advocate or city comptroller contributed to the Working Families Party last year, according to the Campaign Finance Board. Coincidentally, they were the same two candidates who received the party’s endorsement.

Council members John Liu, a comptroller candidate, and Bill de Blasio, who is running for public advocate, each doled out $10,000 to the third party last October, both saying it to went to fight against the extension of term limits.

About six months later, though, their contributions may have been rewarded with an influential endorsement from the group, opponents allege. A Working Families Party spokesman said the donations did not curry any favor at the endorsement table. The group based its decision on merit, said spokesperson Dan Levitan, calling Liu and de Blasio brave for standing up against the term limit extension.

City Gears Up for Green Buildings

April 23, 2009

Perfectly timed for Earth Day, the Bloomberg administration and the City Council introduced a package of legislation yesterday that seeks to improve energy efficiency in large commercial buildings and could require about 20,000 buildings to improve their use of electricity.

The plan hopes to reduce the city's carbon footprint by 5 percent -- roughly comparable to the carbon emissions generated by Oakland, Calif.

A combination of updating the energy code and creating efficiency and lighting benchmarks, the energy plan already has racked up criticism from a wide array of interest groups, including the real estate industry and tenants rights advocates. Many are concerned over the financial impact of the legislation.

The Bronx Family Feud

April 13, 2009

The call of "Don't forget to vote on April 21st" practically overpowers the latest Hot 97 hits pulsing from an audio store on the corner of Fordham Road and Jerome Avenue in the west Bronx.

Evening rush-hour riders depart from the screeching number 4 train, slide down two flights of stairs to the street to get a flyer, a handshake and a wide, mustached smile.

"I am running for Bronx borough president in two weeks," Assemblymember Ruben Diaz Jr. says, stretching out his hand.

Running might be an overstatement. For Diaz, who practically has a set of keys to borough hall already, walking would be a better characterization.

Tracking Stimulus and Unattended Idlers

April 10, 2009

Fiscal crises don't stop the legislative process, which can be fueled at a faster rate in an election year.

Here is a sample of bills introduced at the City Council lately, some of which are destined to drift about in legislative purgatory The council is ready to consider bills that include requiring food inspector grades be posted to mandating a super majority for tax hikes.

Stated Meeting: Council Moves to Protect Access to Clinics

April 3, 2009—In an attempt to clear a path for patients at reproductive clinics, the City Council approved legislation strengthening the city's clinic access law, allowing police to arrest protesters that harass those seeking medical care.

Council Extends Rent Stabilization

March 25, 2009

Rent stabilized tenants can rest assured their apartments will remain on regulated rolls for another three years.

The City Council approved a three-year extension of rent stabilization by a vote of 48 to 2 on Tuesday -- action that has been pro forma since the 1960s. Council members Jimmy Oddo and Vincent Ignizio, both Republicans from Staten Island, voted against the extension.

Priced Out: Council Looks to Keep Apartments Affordable

March 18, 2009

The signs of eviction -- abandoned furniture dotting the hallways, renovation crews climbing stories with paint cans in tow -- characterize the latter years of Terry Bocanelli's stint on the West Side of Manhattan.

A resident there for more than 15 years, Bocanelli's 31st Street apartment building has become a revolving door: rent stabilized tenants leave and higher income residents swoop in. The newer transplants bring more than their belongings. They bring with them higher rents.

Council Takes a Bite Out of Bed Bugs

March 12, 2009

The City Council tried to bite bed bugs back Wednesday when it unanimously approved legislation spurring the city to investigate the epidemic.

The bill requires the city form a task force to make recommendations on how to stop infestations currently ravaging apartments citywide.

The council also approved legislation requiring the registration of debt collectors, the reinstatement of a waterfront advisory board and an increase in fees for waste transfer station operators.

A City Council Scorecard: Who's Engaged and Who's Not?

March 9, 2009—Which City Council member skips a third of all meetings, and who never misses one? Who is the chamber's top naysayer? And which committee chair held just six meetings in three years?

Stated Meeting: Clerk Battle and Food Allergies

February 27, 2009—In a borough against borough battle over a well-paid political patronage position at City Hall Thursday, Queens won when the City Council approved the appointment of a Woodside resident to the post of city clerk.

Another State of the City

February 17, 2009

Council Speaker Christine Quinn, quite out of character, opposed the Bloomberg administration on two issues last week.

First, she led the council in overriding a mayoral veto of residency requirements for the city's largest municipal workers union. A day after, Quinn announced a plan to solve the city's fiscal woes: increase income taxes for the richest New Yorkers.

The proposal puts the speaker at odds with her governing partner, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who suggested in his preliminary budget that the city increase and broaden the city sales tax to close a $4 billion deficit.

So far, it seems Quinn has a more crowded corner.

For the past three budget cycles, the mayor and the speaker have had relatively mild-mannered -- even affable -- budget negotiations. With about five months to go in the negotiation process, they are already at odds.

Stated Meeting: Residency Redux and Inspecting Water Tanks

February 12, 2009—In a rare disagreement with the Bloomberg administration, the City Council Wednesday overrode a mayoral veto of a bill that would allow certain municipal employees to live outside of the city after working for two years.

Meet the Independent Budget Office

February 10, 2009—Have any questions about the administration’s new preliminary budget? Ronnie Lowenstein of the Independent Budget Office will join Gotham Gazette City Hall reporter Courtney Gross to answer your questions live. Check back here at 2 p.m. to participate.

Fix the Budget

February 9, 2009—Play Balance, Gotham Gazette's new game and see if you can fill New York's $4 billion budget gap. Cut, tax or spend -- as long as you make it balance.

An Election Year Budget

February 2, 2009—The mayor calls for job cuts, a higher sales tax, hundreds of teacher layoffs and all-around slashing. How will such a gloomy plan play out in an election year?

Stated Meeting: Shutting Engines At Schools

January 29, 2009—If you're idling you car engine near a school, City Council wants you to shut it off. That's the message the council sent Wednesday when it passed two bills bolstering the city's ability to issue tickets for engine idling citywide and reducing the time a driver can idle near school grounds. The council also passed legislation that enables the city to track construction contractors' safety records and requires safety managers at sites with problem contractors.

From Parking to Playgrounds

January 23, 2009

More than 230 pieces of legislation were introduced in 2008, most of which won't ever become law.

We waded through some of those bills to give you a roundup of those that were proposed more recently. Council members have proposed legislation spanning the policy spectrum, from banning the sale of dust remover to minors to regulating parking permits for teachers.

A Recovery Package From Bloomberg

January 16, 2009

Trumpeting, both literally and metaphorically, New Yorkers' ability to get through tough times, Mayor Michael Bloomberg revealed a nine-part "recovery package" during his annual State of the City address Thursday, confirming to many attendees that the 2009 campaign season has started.

Meticulously orchestrated and equipped with its own theme ("New Yorkers. Together."), the mayor's address was accompanied by came with a small marching band brandishing the Brooklyn Dodgers label, a chorus from a Brooklyn elementary school and a documentary short courtesy of Ric Burns, which retold stories of triumph against tragedy in New York City.

The address, which the mayor usually uses to lay out his policy agenda for the coming year, focused primary on getting the city through the current recession, including a j proposal to bring in 400,000 positions. The mayor also focused on quality of life crimes, in an attempt to keep the city from reverting back to the 1970s, when core city services were cut amid an economic downturn.

Stated Meeting: Council Approves Firearm Reporting

January 8, 2009—If police officers pull their triggers the City Council will now be put on notice under legislation passed unanimously by the council on Wednesday.

The 2009 Race: How Term Limits Changed the Political Landscape

January 5, 2009—The extension of term limits uprooted the 2009 political landscape. Or did it? Many incumbents may now face challengers who hope anger over the extra term will work to their advantage.

The Council Passes Budget Cuts

December 18, 2008

After six weeks of debate, the City Council approved a 7 percent property tax hike and approximately $500 million in spending cuts on Thursday to address a budget deficit that continues to widen as an economic recession grips the nation.

The property tax hike was approved by a vote of 33 to 18 with critics arguing a tax increase would further fray the empty pockets of New Yorkers.

Stated Meeting: Tax Bills on the Floor

December 9, 2008—The City Council has its own solution to New York's fiscal crisis: Don't tax New Yorkers. Tax tourists.

The Public Speaks on Budget Cuts

November 25, 2008

For David De Porte, the Department for the Aging's intergenerational program doesn't just provide him with companionship. It gives him a set of eyes.

De Porte, a blind lifelong resident of the West Village, meets with teenage volunteers who help him shop for groceries, fill out paperwork and check prescriptions at the drug store.

Stated Meeting: Trendy, Endangered Neighborhood Rezoned

November 19, 2008—New York City's most "endangered neighborhood" was rezoned by the City Council today in an attempt to stave off gentrification and boost affordable housing.

Queens Development Plans Approved

November 17, 2008—After much debate and opposition, the City Council Thursday approved a plan to develop Willets Point, a polluted industrial area of Queens. To win support, the administration agreed to provide more affordable housing on the site and to protections for local businesses.

The Conflicts at the Conflicts of Interest Board

November 10, 2008—As the steward of City Hall integrity, the Conflicts of Interest Board was thrust into the limelight during the term-limits debate. A look at how it balances government ethics and private interests.

Term Limits Extension Gets Final Signature

November 3, 2008

Scores of New York City residents filed into the mayor's side of City Hall -- a rare space for such a public spectacle -- for the city's final hearing on term limits Monday morning.

Despite the relentless opposition and at times piercing criticism, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, as expected, signed a term limits extension into law just before 2 p.m., effectively allowing dozens of term-limited officials, including himself, to seek another four years in office.

City Council Approves Term Limits Extension

October 24, 2008—In its most divisive vote in recent memory, the City Council approved an extension of term limits clearing the way for nearly two thirds of its members, several borough presidents, the comptroller, public advocate and Mayor Michael Bloomberg to run for a third term.

Thursday afternoon’s vote reverses two referenda approved in the 1990s and drastically changes the circumstances for next year's city elections.

Stated Meeting: Waterfronts and East Harlem

October 14, 2008—All of the city's attention may be turned to term limits, but at its stated meeting on Tuesday -- in addition to introducing legislation that would extend the limit from two to three terms -- City Council unanimously approved a bill to develop a master plan for the city's waterfronts.

Stated Meeting: Tax Breaks for Industry

September 29, 2008—Looking to save millions –albeit years from now – the City Council approved legislation on Wednesday that revises the city’s industrial and commercial development incentive program to further limit what type of projects can receive a tax break.

Disclosure Bill's Uncertain Future

September 22, 2008—Mayor Michael Bloomberg's disclosure bill went pretty much unnoticed when it was introduced in June.

Third Term's The Charm

September 15, 2008

term limits illustration
Once again, city officials are flirting with the idea of extending term limits from two to three terms. How could they go about changing the law, and what might be the consequences?

Stated Meeting: Crane Safety Beefed Up

September 8, 2008—After a fatal accident the same day, the City Council passed several bills to increase safety at construction sites that operate cranes.

Stated Meeting: Cooling City Streets

August 18, 2008—The burst of cool air aimed at luring impulse buyers off of city streets will now come with a cost.

Prayer or Violation? The City Council's Invocation

August 11, 2008

From Saving Energy to Preventing Choking

August 4, 2008

Stated Meeting: Construction Legislation Moves Forward

July 28, 2008—The City Council approved three additional construction safety items last week in an effort to improve conditions at works sites across the city.

Measuring Constituent Complaints: Round One

July 14, 2008

Street Vending to School Parking

June 23, 2008

Stated Meeting: First Steps for Building Revisions

June 16, 2008—Moving on the first pieces of legislation since a package of proposals was introduced last week, the City Council unanimously approved a bill requiring the city publish construction fatalities on its web site and notify the state of disciplinary action against industry professionals.

Safety on Site -- or In Sight?

June 9, 2008

Stated Meeting: A New Fire Code and Surplus

June 2, 2008—After a three-year review, the City Council unanimously approved a revised fire code on Wednesday. The code was last revised in 1913. In response to changing times, the update requires more informative evacuation plans and includes construction sites into fire safety management.

A Better Budget Outlook… To Some

May 27, 2008

Stated Meeting: The Next Round on E-Waste

May 19, 2008—With the City Council in the thick of budget hearings, there were not many bills to vote on at the May 15 stated meeting. The measures the council did pass, though, dealt with three persistent city problems: solid waste, traffic and construction safety.

Once Again, Quinn Tries to End the Funding Furor

May 12, 2008—Faced with rebellious members and continuing reports about alleged abuses in the way City Council uses its discretionary funds, the speaker last week came up with a new plan. Will it end the furor?

Stated Meeting: Harlem Rezoning Approved

May 5, 2008—Harlem's low-story buildings and epic institutions will now get a so-called facelift -- at least in the view of city officials and some developers -- as the City Council approved a rezoning plan for the neighborhood's busiest boulevard last week.

Allergens to Parade Rules

April 28, 2008

Meeting Amid Scandal

April 21, 2008

Bogus Groups in the City Budget

April 7, 2008

Stated Meeting: An End to E-Waste

March 31, 2008—In a rare sign of confrontation with the Bloomberg administration, the City Council at its Stated Meeting Wednesday overrode a mayoral veto prohibiting income discrimination in housing and approved electronic waste legislation the mayor is known to oppose.

The Council and Congestion Pricing: Part II

March 24, 2008

Stated Meeting: Budget Cuts and E-Waste

March 17, 2008—Following the Bloomberg administration's lead, the City Council approved a 4.3 percent cut in its operating budget for fiscal year 2009 in response to a looming budget deficit and trying fiscal times.

Bed Bugs to Base Jumping

March 10, 2008

Stated Meeting: Green Carts Come to Town

March 4, 2008—Though it scaled back a bill to create green carts, the City Council approved legislation Wednesday creating this new class of street vendor.

A Permanent Address: Regulating Residency Requirements at the City Council

February 25, 2008

Stated Meeting: Wasting Electronics

February 19, 2008—After two years and tons of computers strewn to the curb, the City Council overwhelmingly approved legislation that requires manufacturers to recycle certain types of electronic waste.

Ringing in the New Year With Legislation

February 11, 2008

Stated Meeting: Housing Discrimination

February 4, 2008—A simple search on Craigslist reveals that many apartments across the five boroughs will not accept applicants if they pay their rent with government assistance. "No programs," reads a listing for a one-bedroom apartment in an elevator building near Prospect Park.

A Bad News Budget

January 28, 2008—After years of budget surpluses, the mayor released a spending plan last week that calls for chopping expenses. The question on everyone's lips: How bad will it get?

State of the City

January 22, 2008—Maybe his thoughts are elsewhere but in his speech Mayor Michael Bloomberg offered many familiar proposals but few major new ideas for New York City.

Bagging Plastic Pile-Ups

January 11, 2008

Green Carts to Horse Carriages

January 4, 2008

How City Council Expresses Its Opinions

December 31, 2007—Council members make resolutions all year-round. But the council's resolutions often have no more impact than the promises the rest of us make for the New Year.

Stated Meeting: Columbia Gets Approval

December 26, 2007—In what some called a rush to approval, the City Council lifted the final obstacle for Columbia University to expand its campus into Manhattanville in West Harlem at its stated meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 19.

Stated Meeting: Savoring the Brooklyn Sugar Plant

December 13, 2007—The sign is iconic, rising above the East River reminding passersby that 3 million pounds of sugar were once produced there on a single day.

Getting Paid: Debating the Council's Outside Income and Salaries

December 10, 2007

Committee Assignments and Stipends

December 7, 2007

Stated Meeting: Capping Carbon

December 3, 2007—Watch out exhaust-spilling sports utility vehicles. Move over inefficient light bulbs. The New York City Council wants to replace you with more energy efficient technology.

Stated Meeting: Restricting Council Ads

November 19, 2007—Members of the City Council can say goodbye to their "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Hanukkah" holiday greetings in local media. Under new rules approved by the City Council at its stated meeting on Thursday, members will no longer be able to give well wishes in the local media at the taxpayer's expense, which some groups contend only boosts a member's visibility and serves no public purpose.

Stormwater Fixes

November 13, 2007

Bagging Plastic Bags

November 5, 2007

November 6, 2007 General Election Results

November 6, 2007

Stated Meeting: Preserving Neighborhoods

October 30, 2007—Residents of two very different neighborhoods can look to the City Council this week with either appreciation or dismay after it approved a landmark designation for the private courts and row houses of Sunnyside Gardens and a rezoning for the brownstones of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.

Stated Meeting with a State Agenda

October 29, 2007—Council Speaker Christine Quinn called an unannounced City Council meeting Tuesday morning, rushing council members into the chamber to give the state Legislature the go-ahead to approve a tax credit for small business owners.

Stated Meeting: Con Edison Rates and Reporting on Pesticides

October 23, 2007—In its latest evidence of displeasure with Con Edison, the City Council approved a resolution endorsing Council Speaker Christine Quinn's efforts to become an active party in the debate over the utility's proposed rate hike. At its stated meeting on October 17, the council also approved stricter reporting standards on the city's use of pesticides, closed a tax exemption loophole for a housing program and approved several modifications to the budget.

Adding Up: How Much Members Spend on Ads?

October 15, 2007—City Council members spend tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars on advertising, according to a new report. A look at who buys the most ads and why.

Biking On The Boss's Dollar

October 9, 2007

Stated Meeting: Replacing Street Signs to Taking Recyclables

October 1, 2007—At its stated meeting on September 25, the City Council cracked down on the lax replacement of missing and damaged street signs as well as the unauthorized removal of curbside recycling.

Next Round in the Cell Phone Fight

September 24, 2007

September 18, 2007 Primary Election Results

September 19, 2007—The following Primary Election results are based on the unofficial vote tally as reported by the New York City Board of Elections. The results below are subject to change as the official count is made public.

Curbing to Cutting Trees

September 17, 2007

Stated Meeting: Rezoning Jamaica

September 11, 2007—With the exception of three Queens council members, the City Council overwhelmingly approved a rezoning plan for Jamaica, Queens on Monday. Councilmember Thomas White, who represents part of Jamaica, did not attend the meeting. A staffer said White is out of town, and their office was unaware the vote was coming up.

September 11, 2007

Paralyzing Peeping and Blasting Explosive Regulations

September 4, 2007

Stated Meeting: Making Room in Litter Baskets

August 27, 2007—New Yorkers will have to keep their residential trash out of public litter baskets or face a fine of up to $400 under legislation unanimously approved by the City Council.

The City Clerk – Wait, Who?

August 20, 2007

Searchlight: Land Use and an Indicted Council Member

August 13, 2007

A Divided Council Confronts Congestion Pricing

August 6, 2007—The 51 members will eventually have to weigh in on any plan to reduce New York’s traffic. We report on who stands where in a sharply divided council.

Stated Meeting: Cell Phones, Yes, Markers, No

July 30, 2007—In muted gesture of defiance of the Bloomberg administration, the City Council last week approved legislation guaranteeing a student's right to take a cell phone to and from school, despite a Department of Education ban on the devices inside school property.

Quinn’s Rule

July 23, 2007—In 19 months as speaker, Christine Quinn has opened up the council and forged a partnership with the mayor. But her most difficult tasks could lie ahead.

Clean Energy to Cough Syrup

July 9, 2007

‘Imperfect’ Campaign Finance Bill Wins Approval

July 2, 2007

Dividing the Wealth: Who Gets the Council’s Discretionary Funds?

June 25, 2007—Our analysis of City Council figures reveals which members did best in capturing funds for projects in their districts – and who did not fare as well.

Who Got What

June 25, 2007

Sealed with a Kiss: The 2008 Budget

June 18, 2007—Basking in the hefty surplus, the mayor and City Council smoothly reached agreement on taxes and spending. But as with any budget, some groups were left out.

What the Campaign Finance Bill Would Do – and Not Do

June 11, 2007—The latest efforts to restrict campaign contributions have been widely hailed – but would the new law even be in effect in time for the 2009 elections?

Stated Meeting – Street Names Sparks Heated Debate

June 4, 2007—Despite a demonstration on the steps of City Hall and apparent racial division among its members, the City Council excluded the revered and rebuked Sonny Carson from a street-naming bill at its stated meeting on May 30, turning a normally routine procedure into a controversy. The council also – and much less contentiously – adopted a bill to strengthen the repair process for the city's most dilapidated buildings and a measure requiring building owners to submit up-to-date floor numbering lists to the fire department.

Rights in Restaurants, Banning Markers

May 21, 2007

Stated Meeting: Protecting Fire Fighters

May 14, 2007—At the city council’s stated meeting on May 9, the council members unanimously approved a bill requiring that the fire department be notified of any substantial changes in existing buildings. During the meeting, which also featured the long-delayed swearing in of new City Councilmember Mathieu Eugene and continued debate over whether to rename a street for black activist Sonny Carson, the council passed a resolution in favor of a federal program that would provide money to help those who responded to and worked or lived near the World Trade Center collapse on September 11, 2001. A number of new bills were announced as well.

Stated Meeting City Council April 23, new bills

May 7, 2007—At each of the City Council's stated meetings, council members introduce bills, most of which will never become laws (for the process by which bills become laws, click here). As a regular feature, Gotham Gazette discusses some of the legislation proposed at each meeting.

Stated Meeting - Bicycle Taxis, Baseball Bats, and Budget Boom

April 30, 2007—On April 23, the New York City Council overrode two mayoral vetoes and so instituted new restrictions on pedicabs and banned metal baseball bats from high school sports leagues. In addition to these somewhat contentious votes, the council had the pleasure of doing what some say it does best: spend money. The members voted unanimously to approve an additional $1.8 billion in spending in this year’s budget. They also passed resolutions on the 9/11 cleanup, school funding and the Virginia Tech massacre.

Housing Repairs and a Street Fight

April 23, 2007

Stated Meeting -- Protecting

April 16, 2007—The City Council last week passed a bill that would protect "educational whistleblowers", setting up another conflict with Mayor Michael Bloomberg just two weeks after he rejected its plan to regulate pedicabs.

The Council's Budget Response

April 9, 2007

Stated Meeting -- Maintaining Mitchell- Lama

April 2, 2007—The City Council passed bills intended to keep affordable housing available, and to protect the safety of construction workers at its most recent stated meeting on March 28, 2007. It also approved its budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

New Bills -- Government on the Web, Parking, and Illegal Hotels

March 26, 2007

Metal Bat Ban, Benefits for Domestic Patners, and Chocolate Milk

March 19, 2007

Nightlife, Pedicabs, and the N-word

March 5, 2007

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz 2007 State of the Borough Address

February 19, 2007

Queens Borough President Helen M. Marshall 2007 State of the Borough Address

February 19, 2007

Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer 2007 State of the Borough Address

February 19, 2007

Staten Island Borough President James P. Molinaro 2007 State of the Borough Address

February 19, 2007

Bronx Borough President 2007 State of the Borough Address

February 19, 2007

Speaker Christine C. Quinn: State of the City Address: February 15, 2007

February 15, 2007

New Bills -- Domestic Partnerships, Wetlands, and Skinny Models

February 12, 2007

Do-It-Yourself Regulation: Stated Meeting 2/1/2007

February 5, 2007—New construction is often regulated only by the companies doing the building. The City Council is trying to cut down on abuses.

New Bills -- Bike Safety, Public Housing, Subsidized Transportation

January 22, 2007—At each of the City Council's stated meetings, council members introduce bills, most of which will never become laws. As a regular feature, Gotham Gazette discusses some of the legislation proposed at each meeting.

MAYOR BLOOMBERG'S 2007 STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

January 17, 2007

Council's First Meetings of 2007: Environmental Issues and City-Owned Buildings

January 15, 2007

Tax Breaks For Affordable Housing

December 21, 2006—Developers in many parts of Manhattan and the Brooklyn would get a property tax exemption only if one fifth of the apartments in a new project are affordable, according to a bill passed by the City Council this month and awaiting the mayor's signature, and approval by the state legislature. The law would also create a fund to finance affordable housing.

Long Term Planning in New York City -- Challenges and Goals

December 12, 2006—Mayor Michael Bloomberg outlined the major challenges facing New York City as it tries to develop a 25-year sustainability plan, and its goals in forming such a plan, in a speech at the Queens Museum of Art on December 12, 2006.

New Bills -- Fake IDs, Commuter Vans, Rescue Workers

December 11, 2006

Stated Meeting – Cleaner, Accessible Taxis; Faster Lobbying Reform

December 11, 2006—The City Council passed four bills designed to make taxis accessible to disabled riders and less harmful to the environment at its stated meeting on December 6, 2006. Council members who spoke in favor of the bills said their long-term goal is for every single taxi in the city to be environmentally friendly and accessible to the disabled. Today, less than one percent of all the city's taxis are so-called clean air vehicles – either hybrid-electric models, or vehicle that use efficient compressed natural gas as fuel. Only 81 of the more than 13,000 taxis in New York are wheelchair-accesible.

Stated Meeting: Electrical Code, Property Taxes

December 4, 2006—The City Council passed a bill making various changes to the electrical code at its most recent stated meeting on November 29, 2006. Under the bill, balconies, decks and porches would be required to have outlets, a safety measure intended to cut down on the dangerous practice of stringing extension cords from indoor outlets. The expiration of electricians' licenses would be staggered to avoid the annual backlog that starts December 31, when every single license in the city expires. Several other changes would also be made regarding the processing of applications and other documents, and the operation of emergency generators.

New Bills -- Nightlife Legislation, Tighter Agency Oversight, and Disclosure on Slavery

November 27, 2006

The City Council Votes Itself A Raise

November 20, 2006—The City Council voted to give elected officials raises last week, over the objections of those who argue that reforms should have been part of the deal.

New Bills -- Pay Raises, Veterans and the Police Department, Bicycle Lanes

November 6, 2006At each of the City Council's stated meetings, council members introduce bills, most of which will never become laws (for the process by which bills become laws, click here). As a regular feature, Gotham Gazette discusses some of the legislation proposed at each meeting.

2006 Election Results

November 8, 2006

Economic Incentives, for Council Members and Businesses; City Council Stated Meeting, Oct. 25, 2006

October 30, 2006

New Bills – Saving Middle-Income Housing and Improving Nightlife Safety

October 18, 2006

Stated Meeting – Helping Low-Income Homeowners – 10/11/2006

October 16, 2006—The council unanimously expanded an existing law that reduces property taxes exemption for low-income senior citizens and disabled New Yorkers who own their homes. Currently, seniors and disabled people must have incomes must have incomes of less that$32,400 to be exempt from paying part of their property tax. Council now has raised that limit to $34,400 for this year and will gradually increase that to $37,400 in 2009. To receive the maximum benefit, the homeowners have to have income of $24,000 or less now. That will go up to $29,000 in 2009.

New Council Bills -- Nightlife Safety and Property Tax Breaks

October 4, 2006 At each of the City Council's stated meetings, council members introduce bills, most of which will never become laws (for the process by which bills become laws, click here). As a regular feature, Gotham Gazette discusses some of the legislation proposed at each meeting.

New York City Council Stated Meeting -- September 27, 2006

September 27, 2006

New City Council Bills -- Commuting, Smoking, and Drinking

September 20, 2006

New York City Council Stated Meeting -- September 13, 2006

September 13, 2006

Election Results: Minor Races

September 13, 2006

2006 Primary Election Results

September 13, 2006

New City Council Bills -- Conserving Energy, Limiting Noise

August 24, 2006

New York City Council Stated Meeting -- August 16, 2006

August 17, 2006—Every two weeks the New York City Council meets for its Stated Meeting to introduce and pass legislation. As a regular feature, Gotham Gazette covers these meetings and posts a summary of the bills passed.

New City Council Bills

July 26, 2006

New York City Council Stated Meeting – July 19, 2006

July 20, 2006

New York City Council Stated Meeting – June 29, 2006

June 29, 2006

New City Council Bills - June 13, 2006

June 21, 2006—The New York City Council introduced 20 new bills, including efforts to rid the city of illegal guns, clean-up graffiti, lower gasoline taxes, and protect the city’s drinking water.

City Council Stated Meeting - June 13, 2006

June 13, 2006

Non-City Income for New York City Council Members

June 12, 2006

2006 City Council Stipends

June 12, 2006

New City Council Bills

May 31, 2006

City Council Stated Meeting - May 24, 2006

May 24, 2006

New City Council Bills

May 17, 2006—At its most recent meeting, City Council members proposed 27 new bills, including measures to create handicap accessible taxis, give out more food vendor licenses, require the mayor to share data from 311-call line with the public, and to ban politicians from using taxpayer money to buy ads in local newspapers.

City Council Stated Meeting - May 10, 2006

May 10, 2006

New City Council Bills

May 4, 2006—The City Council introduced 57 new bills, including measures to prevent gas stations from changing prices several times a day, create a more ethnically diverse Fire Department, and ban the sale of violent video games to minors.

City Council Stated Meeting - April 26, 2006

April 26, 2006

New City Council Bills

April 13, 2006

New York City Council Budget Response

April 6, 2006

City Council Stated Meeting - April 5, 2006

April 5, 2006—The New York City Council approved construction of a new Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.

New City Council Bills

March 30, 2006

City Council Stated Meeting - March 22, 2006

March 22, 2006—The City Council proposed a $50.7 million operating budget to cover the body's salaries and expenses. It also remembered former Councilmember Robert Dryfoos.

City Commission for Economic Opportunity

March 8, 2006—Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced the appointment of 32 civic leaders to the New York City Commission for Economic Opportunity, a public-private initiative charged with devising strategies to increase economic opportunity and reduce poverty in the city.

City Council Stated Meeting - March 1, 2006

March 1, 2006—The City Council overrode its first mayoral veto under the leadership of Speaker Christine Quinn.

Quinn-ing the City Council

February 23, 2006—Speaker Christine Quinn fired 61 members of the New York City Council staff - and hired a new team.

City Council Stated Meeting - February 15, 2006

February 15, 2006

City Council Stated Meeting -- February 1, 2006

February 1, 2006

Mayor Michael Bloomberg's 2006 State of the City Address

January 26, 2006

City Council Stated Meeting - January 18, 2006

January 18, 2006—A complete list of appointments of New York City Council Standing committees.

City Council Committee Assignments

January 18, 2006

District 5: Garbage Stations, Water Tunnel Shaft, and Affordable Housing

January 9, 2006

District 13: Improving Education and Reforming the Department of Buildings

January 9, 2006

District 2: Planning for a Better - And Quieter - Community

January 9, 2006

District 4: Creating Open Space and Solving Transportation Woes on the East Side

January 9, 2006

City Council Stated Meeting – January 4, 2006

January 5, 2006

Speaker Christine Quinn's Address to the City Council

January 4, 2006

Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum's 2006 Inaugural Address

January 3, 2006

Comptroller William Thompson Jr. 2006 Inaugural Address

January 1, 2006

Mayor Bloomberg’s 2006 Inaugural Address

January 1, 2006

City Council Stated Meeting - December 21, 2005

December 21, 2005—In its final meeting of 2005, the City Council passed more than a dozen new bills including a new noise code.

City Council Stated Meeting - December 8, 2005

December 8, 2005—The City Council overrode three vetoes from Mayor Bloomberg; the council rejected a landmark in Brooklyn, instituted parking regulations on a Hindu holiday, and gave public administrators $32,000 raises.

City Council Stated Meeting - November 30, 2005

November 30, 2005—The City Council rejected the Landmark Preservation Commission's decision to designate a Brooklyn warehouse as an official city landmark.

City Council Stated Meeting - November 16, 2005

November 16, 2005—The City Council amended the Campaign Finance law to allow more donations from labor unions. It also adjusted the property tax rates to give relief to homeowners.

City Council Stated Meeting - October 27, 2005

October 27, 2005—The City Council approved $1.3 billion in spending over the next 40 years to help develop the West Side of Manhattan. It also voted $31,000 for public administrators, court appointed city workers.

City Council Stated Meeting - October 11, 2005

October 11, 2005—The City Council voted to override to vetoes from Mayor Michael Bloomberg - enacting legislation to provide health care to grocery workers and to eliminate parking meter regulations on Sundays.

City Council Stated Meeting - September 28, 2005

September 28, 2005—The City Council passed legislation aimed at creating job centers for immigrant day laborers. It also added the Hindu festival of Diwali to the long list of parking holidays.

City Council Stated Meeting - September 15, 2005

September 15, 2005—The City Council passed legislation on "green buildings," human rights, and workplace safety.

City Council Races -- Selective Newspaper Endorsements

September 13, 2005

City Council Stated Meeting - August 17, 2005

August 17, 2005—The council passed a bill that requires grocery stores to give their employees health care. It also overrode vetos from Mayor Michael Bloomberg on food stamps and affordable housing.

Mayor's Testimony Before the Financial Control Board On The City's Health

July 28, 2005

City Council Stated Meeting - July 27, 2005

July 27, 2005—The council passed a measure to permit free parking on Sundays. It also approved tax exemptions for landlords who remove lead-paint from buildings and passed rent assistance for senior citizens and the disabled.

City Council Stated Meeting - June 30, 2005

June 30, 2005—The City Council approved a $50.2 billion budget, the largest in city history. It also passed bills on hybrid taxis, fireworks, and the Jamaica Bay.

City Council Stated Meeting - June 23, 2005

June 23, 2005—The City Council abandoned a vote on the proposed waste management plan, but it passed bills that give tenants the right to buy their buildings, expand food stamp programs, and protect dogs in kennels.

City Council Salaries and Stipends - 2005

June 20, 2005

City Council Stated Meeting - June 8, 2005

June 8, 2005—The City Council blocked a key aspect of Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposed waste management plan, which would ship the city's garbage out of the city by rail or barge.

City Council Stated Meeting - May 25, 2005

May 24, 2005

City Council Stated Meeting - May 11, 2005

May 11, 2005

City Council Stated Meeting - April 20, 2005

April 20, 2005

City Council Stated Meeting - April 12, 2005

April 12, 2005

Innovative Leadership

April 4, 2005—Mayor Michael Bloomberg's address at the conference "Urban Conversations: U.S. Mayors and Innovative Leadership." March 30, 2005

City Council Stated Meeting - March 23, 2005

March 23, 2005

City Council Stated Meeting - March 9, 2005

March 9, 2005

New York City Council Speaker Gifford Miller State of the City

February 24, 2005—Speaker Miller's 2005 State of the City address. The speech outlines the Speaker's priorities and his belief in New York City's future. The Speaker also discussed his new proposal for rezoning the West Side of Manhattan. The remarks were delivered to a live audience at Council Chambers, City Hall at approx. 12:00 PM.

City Council Stated Meeting - February 16, 2005

February 16, 2005

City Council Stated Meeting - February 2, 2005

February 3, 2005

City Council Committees - 2005

January 27, 2005

Mayor Michael Bloomberg Testifies About Governor George Pataki's Proposed Budget

January 24, 2005

Testimony by New York City Council Speaker Gifford Miller On Governor George Pataki's Proposed Budget

January 24, 2005

City Council Stated Meeting Report: January 19, 2004

January 20, 2005

New York City Council STATED MEETING - FEBRUARY 12, 2003

February 12, 2003

New York City Council STATED MEETING - FEBRUARY 26, 2003

February 26, 2003

New York City Council STATED MEETING - MARCH 12, 2003

March 12, 2003

New York City Council STATED MEETING - MARCH 26, 2003

March 26, 2003

New York City Council STATED MEETING - APRIL 9, 2003

April 9, 2003

New York City Council STATED MEETING - APRIL 30, 2003

April 30, 2003

New York City Council STATED MEETING - May 5, 2003

May 5, 2003

New York City Council STATED MEETING - May 14, 2003

May 14, 2003

New York City Council STATED MEETING - May 28, 2003

May 28, 2003

New York City Council STATED MEETING - June 05, 2003

June 5, 2003

New York City Council STATED MEETING - June 12, 2003

June 12, 2003

New York City Council STATED MEETING - June 25, 2003

June 25, 2003

New York City Council STATED MEETING - July 23, 2003

July 23, 2003

New York City Council STATED MEETING - August 19, 2003

August 19, 2003

New York City Council STATED MEETING - September 17, 2003

September 17, 2003

New York City Council STATED MEETING - September 30, 2003

September 30, 2003

New York City Council STATED MEETING - October 15, 2003

October 15, 2003

New York City Council STATED MEETING - October 24, 2003

October 24, 2003

New York City Council STATED MEETING - November 6, 2003

November 6, 2003

New York City Council STATED MEETING - November 19, 2003

November 19, 2003

New York City Council STATED MEETING - December 3, 2003

December 3, 2003

New York City Council STATED MEETING - December 15, 2003

December 15, 2003

New York City Council STATED MEETING - February 4, 2004

February 4, 2004

New York City Council STATED MEETING - March 10, 2004

March 10, 2004

New York City Council STATED MEETING - March 24, 2004

March 24, 2004

New York City Council STATED MEETING - April 21, 2004

April 21, 2004

New York City Council STATED MEETING - May 5, 2004

May 5, 2004

New York City Council STATED MEETING - May 19, 2004

May 19, 2004

New York City Council STATED MEETING - June 7, 2004

June 7, 2004

New York City Council STATED MEETING - June 28, 2004

June 28, 2004

New York City Council STATED MEETING - July 21, 2004

July 21, 2004

New York City Council STATED MEETING - August 12, 2004

August 12, 2004

New York City Council STATED MEETING - September 9, 2004

September 9, 2004

New York City Council STATED MEETING - October 27, 2004

October 27, 2004

New York City Council STATED MEETING - September 28, 2004

September 28, 2004

New York City Council STATED MEETING - October 13, 2004

October 13, 2004

New York City Council Stated Meeting - November 10, 2004

November 10, 2004

New York City Council STATED MEETING - November 10, 2004

November 10, 2004

Governor George Pataki's Remarks: 2005 Budget Address

January 18, 2005—Governor's Remarks: 2005 Budget Address

Speaker Gifford Miller's Response to Mayor’s State of the City Address

January 12, 2005—Speaker Gifford Miller's Response to Mayor’s January 11, 2005 State of the City Address

2005 State of the City Address -

January 11, 2005—The following is the text of Mayor Bloomberg’s State of the City Address as delivered at Hostos Community College in the Bronx

State of the State, Governor George Pataki

January 6, 2005—Pataki's January 5, 2005 State of the State speech.

City Council Stated Meeting - January 5, 2005

January 6, 2005

City Council Stated Meeting - December 15, 2004

December 16, 2004

City Council Stated Meeting - December 7, 2004

December 8, 2004

Who Is Term Limited Out of Office in 2005?

December 2, 2004

City Council Stated Meeting Report - Nov. 23 2004

November 23, 2004

2004 NYC General Election State Legislature Candidates

October 14, 2004

2004 NYC General Election Judicial Races

October 14, 2004

2004 General Election Results

November 2, 2004

NYC Primary Day 2004 - State Legislative Races

September 15, 2004

2004 New York Judcial Races

September 9, 2004

2004 Primary Election Results

September 14, 2004

State Senate District 34 - Bronx/Westchester

October 11, 2004—The New York State Legislature has been called the most dysfunctional legislative body in the country. A look at why the system is broken, how it hurts New York, and why it won't be fixed anytime soon.

From Cop To Councilmember

November 20, 2003

State Of City Address

February 4, 2003—In a speech entitled "A Fare Share for New York," City Council Speaker Gifford Miller called on Albany and Washington to help the city solve its fiscal crisis. Miller wants the State Legislature to approve a tax on commuters and absentee landlords and to restore proposed cuts to education, Medicaid, and transportation. He is asking the federal government to release $3 billion in disaster aid for the September 11 attacks and enact an $80 billion revenue sharing program for local governments. Miller also launched a new web site to help New Yorkers lobby politicians. Read the text of Miller's speech and an op-ed in response to President George W. Bush's economic plan.

New York City Council Stated Meeting Report

January 30, 2003—On January 29, 2003, the New York City Council passed five bills that it called "good government legislation" and a bill to require the schools chancellor to submit quarterly reports on spending. Also the council postponed a vote on a measure that would expand education opportunities for welfare recipients, but promised to override the mayor's veto on a bill that would ban cell phones in theaters and concert halls. "Ringing cell phones and loud, one-sided conversations offer only headaches," said Councilmember Phil Reed. Read the details.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg's 2003 State Of The City Address

January 23, 2003—In his annual address, Mayor Michael Bloomberg outlined his vision for making government more accountable, fighting crime, and stimulating the economy. He also called on New Yorkers to make sacrifices for a better future. "Taxes and frugality," the mayor said, "are far better than crime, filth and abandonment." Read the full text of his speech.

The Bloomberg Budget - In His Own Words

November 14, 2002—When Mayor Michael Bloomberg presented his recent budget plan, he said that he knew of no major company leaving the city, that closing 32 senior citizen centers was an "inconvenience," and that his plan to tax people who do not live in the city "is not a commuter tax." An edited transcript of the mayor's remarks.

Budget Modification Signed Into Law

November 14, 2002—Mayor Bloomberg has signed a budget agreement to close a $1.1 billion budget gap. Last week, the City Council approved a property tax increase of 18.5 percent by a vote of 41 to 6. Click here, for budget details and how each council member voted.

Vision For 21st Century Lower Manhattan

December 12, 2002—Remarks by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg given at the Regent Wall Street Hotel, December 12, 2002.

Mayor Bloomberg's Education Reform

January 15, 2003—In an address on January 15, Mayor Michael Bloomberg unveiled the details of his new education plan. The mayor said students will be taught a uniform curriculum of reading, writing, and math in smaller classrooms. He will also end the separate administration of high schools and lower grades and replace the 32 community school boards with parental advisory boards, whose members must have a child in a school in that district.

New York City Council Redistricting

January 13, 2003—An official plan to redraw the 51 City Council districts is now on the table and hearings will resume in February. Links to proposed City Council district maps and an updated schedule of public hearings.

Letter From 27 City Councilmembers Calling On Speaker Gifford Miller To Raise Taxes To Pay For Children's Programs

March 25, 2002

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg Announces Housing Plan For New York City's 21st Century Neighborhoods

December 10, 2002—Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced a $3 billion plan to create and preserve more than 65,000 homes and apartments in neighborhoods over the next five years. Approximately 25,000 new housing units would be built and an additional 38,000 would be preserved in existing buildings. The mayor also called for new ways to streamline the city's zoning and construction regulations to encourage housing construction. Read a transcript of the mayor's speech and see the details of the mayor's plan, entitled "New Marketplace: Creating Housing for the Next Generation" (in PDF format) from the city's web site.

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December 11, 2002

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December 16, 2002

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December 16, 2002—Gerard


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