Covid-19’s ‘Monumental’ Effects on Small Businesses: A Q&A with Urban Scholar Rachel Meltzer

Will small businesses survive the pandemic? And what can and should government do to help them weather the tough months ahead?

Covid-19Seth MoncreaseNovember 17, 2020UM march23-past

If Government Doesn’t Work for Black Americans, It Doesn’t Work.

Inequality harms us all. Fair and fairly enforced rules promote economic growth that is strong, stable, and broadly shared.

Racial Equity, Covid-19Seth MoncreaseNovember 11, 2020UM march23-past

The Covid Election: An Undaunted City Makes Early Voting History

Photographer Matias Campa records New Yorkers' historic early voting march to the polls.

Covid-19, PoliticsSeth MoncreaseNovember 3, 2020Photography, UM march23-past

The Pandemic Torpedoed New York City’s Budget. Now What?

In a pandemic-induced emergency, is it a good idea to give City government limited leeway to borrow to cover operating expenses?

Covid-19, EconomySeth MoncreaseOctober 28, 2020Covid-19, UM march23-past

Why Covid-19 Is a Housing Crisis, Too: A Q&A with Urbanist Alex Schwartz

The pandemic has put tenants, landlords, and local governments in a financial vise. Are there ways to ease the squeeze?

Housing and Homelessness, Covid-19Seth MoncreaseOctober 21, 2020UM march23-past

Non-Profits Led by People of Color Confront the Crises of a Watershed Year

In the current unprecedented climate, nonprofits led by people of color have become the vanguard of crisis response in their communities. Yet even as they perform urgent new work, many face profound challenges to their long-term financial stability.

Covid-19, Racial Equity, Immigrant VoicesSeth MoncreaseOctober 14, 2020UM march23-past

Make Covid-19 Safety For Workers the Law

As economic activity continues to increase, it’s time to enact essential, enforceable State workplace safety laws specifically related to Covid-19.

Covid-19Seth MoncreaseOctober 7, 2020Richar Blum, public health, workers, New York City, UM march23-past

Putting Out The Dumpster Fire Of New York’s School Reopening

There can no longer be any doubt that the City’s plan for reopening schools is falling apart. But there’s a way of saving this school year so that children who need the most get it.

Covid-19, Education, Children, Families, YouthSeth MoncreaseSeptember 30, 2020UM march23-past

For Safer Streets, Invest In Community Anti-Violence Groups

Community violence prevention organizations have produced real results in reducing gun violence. They deserve more resources, support, and respect from policymakers looking for community-based approaches to public safety.

Covid-19, JusticeSeth MoncreaseSeptember 23, 2020Covid-19, Justice, UM march23-past

Hospital Care in Black and White: How Systemic Racism Persists

In New York City, skin color helps determine where a patient receives hospital care. It’s a form of systemic discrimination that undermines the health of Black New Yorkers.

Covid-19, Inequality and Poverty, Racial EquitySeth MoncreaseSeptember 16, 2020UM march23-past

Paycheck Guarantees: What Workers – Especially Black Workers – Need Now

A paycheck guarantee program would help an economy that has been hemorrhaging jobs and also address the profoundly racialized impact of the Covid-19 crisis.

Racial Equity, Inequality and Poverty, Covid-19Seth MoncreaseSeptember 9, 2020UM march23-past

Hudson Yards: Another Crisis, Another Bill?

As a result of the coronavirus, New York City faces a $9 billion loss in tax revenue and hard choices to make for the city’s future. Public employee layoffs and drastic service cuts are options under discussion to balance the City budget if significant federal relief doesn’t come through.

Covid-19Seth MoncreaseJuly 22, 2020UM march23-past

Child Care in the Time of Covid-19: Lessons for the City’s Re-opening

The experience of emergency child care centers serving the children of essential workers at the height of the pandemic offers insights about re-opening New York’s early education programs.

Covid-19, Children, Families, Youth, EducationSeth MoncreaseJuly 15, 2020UM march23-past

100 (+) Days Of Solitude: What’s Been In Your Lockdown Library?

Our colleagues tell us what they’ve been reading during the powerful, disturbing days we’ve all just been through.

Can Digital Learning Be Culturally Responsive and Equity-Based? Yes.

If they aren’t careful, the City might sacrifice their commitment to educational equity in the name of emergency modes of on-line learning. It doesn’t have to be that way.

Covid-19, Education, Racial EquitySeth MoncreaseJuly 1, 2020UM march23-past