Commentary

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

A man sitting by a statue of a man reading laughs as someone presses their hand into his face

What Makes a Great City Work?

Gotham’s Boundless Ingenuity

Edward Glaeser Jun. 26 2024

A red neon sign in the shape of a dress shoe with the word "repair" written in light blue neon within it

What Are We Afraid Of?

Cause to Worry, Reason to Act

Stijn Van Nieuwerburgh, Arpit Gupta Jun. 26 2024

A line of protestors linking hands during the 1991 Crown Heights riot

What Are We Afraid Of?

Whither the Black Exodus?

Errol Louis Jun. 26 2024

A bin of miniature American flags on a 2 for $5 sale

Where Do We Go From Here?

Truth in Budgeting, ASAP

Andrew Rein, Ana Champeny Jun. 26 2024

Orange smoke floats across the New York City skyline at dusk

data

How We're Really Doing

Vital City, Kirsten Burr Jun. 26 2024

A man creates a miniature scale model of New York City, holding up one of the buildings

What Are We Afraid Of?

‘We Need to Make More New Yorks’: A Conversation With Richard Florida

Vital City Jun. 26 2024

A watercolor illustration of cars driving down Second Avenue in Manhattan

culture

Postcards from the Past

Harry Siegel Jun. 26 2024

The Toy House of Marvelous Milestones float is seen at the 94th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City

Where Do We Go From Here?

Six Ideas for Improving Affordability in New York

Vicki Been, Ingrid Gould Ellen Jun. 26 2024

Editors’ Note

Setting the Stage

Editors’ Note

Elizabeth Glazer, Greg Berman Jun. 26 2024

A woman blowing up a round yellow pool float on a crowded beach

Setting the Stage

The Public Square

Ted Alcorn Jun. 26 2024

A woman lounges with her eyes closed on a lawn chair inside a restaurant with two other figures in the background

Where Do We Go From Here?

Build More Homes for Families

Alicia Glen Jun. 26 2024

Shadows of people and infrastructure are cast upon a mural depicting a circus

What Makes a Great City Work?

The Golden Age of Crime Reduction Is Now

John K. Roman, Elizabeth Glazer Jun. 26 2024