Commentary

Original essays, new research and data analysis on many of the biggest questions facing New York and other cities

Two officials stand at a podium beside a screen reading 'The Adams Budget Crisis’

Budget

Evaluating Mamdani’s Diagnosis of New York City’s Budget Deficit

Paul Francis Feb. 03 2026

A bicycle and bundled belongings sit against a graffiti-covered wall

Homelessness

Continue Encampment Sweeps — But Do Them Right

Jody Rudin Feb. 03 2026

People walk dogs past illuminated fountains with a bridge behind them

Technology

Technology Transformation Will Make or Break Progressive Governance

Paul Salama Jan. 29 2026

Costumed children trick-or-treat on a brownstone stoop at dusk

Podcast

Reducing Crime by Improving Neighborhoods

Jamie Rubin Jan. 28 2026

Visitors stand on a glass observation deck high above the city

Neighborhood Life

Observation Decks for All New Yorkers

Moses Gates Jan. 28 2026

An aerial view of cars crossing a busy Tokyo intersection

Streets

Tokyo and London are Test-Driving Waymo. New York, Take Notes.

Sarah M. Kaufman Jan. 28 2026

Children climb a chain-link fence beside a park ballfield

City Planning

Urban Design as Social Infrastructure

Julia D. Day Jan. 28 2026

Silhouetted figures stand amid smoke on a street at night

Immigration

How Off the Rails Is ICE? A Q&A With Former DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson

Vital City Jan. 27 2026

Snow-covered police cars sit parked with the Empire State Building beyond

Immigration

What ICE’s Recklessness Teaches Us About Real Policing

Brandon del Pozo Jan. 27 2026

Julie Menin on Leading the City Council, Working with Mayor Mamdani, and Tackling Challenges Facing the City

interview

Julie Menin on Leading the City Council, Working with Mayor Mamdani, and Tackling Challenges Facing the City

New York Editorial Board Jan. 26 2026

Police in tactical gear stand amid a crowd of people

Immigration

Trump’s Unconstitutional Coercion

Erwin Chemerinsky Jan. 22 2026

A hand holds an open box containing a handgun and keys

Gun Violence

How Criminals Get Their Guns

Anthony A. Braga Jan. 21 2026