Mayoral candidate Bill de Blasio's quest to reduce New York City's growing inequality is an admirable one, and a message that has clearly resonated with voters. But do local leaders have the tools to achieve such goals?
"Few would argue that inequality isn’t a real and growing problem," writes David Freedlander. "But it is also a national problem. Can cities, states, and municipalities address it meaningfully on their own?"
During his campaign, de Blasio has proposed higher taxes to fund universal pre-K and building more affordable housing to help reduce inequality. But even if he were successful in pursuing such policies, would they have a demonstrable impact?
"If a mayor really wanted to reduce inequality, he would have to take measures that are not currently on the table, like vastly boosting the wages of the city’s workforce, creating a spillover effect in other industries, creating a citywide living wage and reducing or eliminating the debt load of New York residents, according to Jack Rasmus, a professor of economics at St. Mary’s College of California."
FULL STORY: Can Bill de Blasio Fix New York’s Income Inequality?

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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