Economy
Why Are Accessory Dwelling Units Stalled in Albany?
Gov. Kathy Hochul backed down on including accessory dwelling units in her 2022 budget after a suburban backlash to higher-density housing that some claimed would be the "death of the suburbs."
Central Hudson Is Broken. Can New York Fix It?
Legislators are investigating. Advocates want to put utilities in public hands. People behind on their utility bills are in trouble. Regulators have a lot of power to act—if they choose to.
The Donut Effect: How Remote Work Is Transforming the Hudson Valley
A sea change in how Americans work is affecting how and where they live—and putting intense new pressures on housing and communities. Can the Hudson Valley keep up?
Federal Funds Will Be Used to Address Housing Crisis in Westchester
The funds will go toward upgrades to affordable units in southwest Yonkers, where two-thirds of residents are unable to afford the cost of living.
Fatimah Found a Home. What About Her Neighbors?
Uncritical media coverage of patchwork solutions to systemic problems can blind us to more transformative action.
The Future of Work Is Green
Climate action and the clean energy transition will bring a wave of new jobs to New York. Is the Hudson Valley workforce ready for them?
With Mandates Lifted, Small Businesses Face New Challenges
The worst of the pandemic hardships are over. Now what?
Massive Development in Saugerties Raises Concern Among Locals
A new proposal would build housing, lodging, amusement parks, and a tech park at Winston Farm. The town supervisor appears in favor, but some fear the impacts.
The Little Schooner That Might
Sail freight is desperately romantic. True believers think it could help solve the climate crisis. Is it a real solution?
Rethinking How New York Buys Food
Legislation introduced by Senator Michelle Hinchey would allow municipalities to buy from more socially conscious food producers.
What Happens When Amazon Comes to Town
The country’s largest employer is building two facilities in the Mid-Hudson Valley. That’s not necessarily a good thing.
Yes In My Backyard
How accessory dwelling units could address the affordable housing crisis in New York.
Upstate Dairy Farms Are Facing an Uncertain Future
As the dairy industry looks west to commercial farms, small-scale farmers in the Northeast are faced with an ultimatum: go big or go home.
Renters Looking for Relief Have Been Caught in Red Tape
When it comes to distributing federal rental relief funds, New York is playing catch up.
Industrial Development Agencies Compete to Cut Business Breaks with ‘Legal Corruption’
Critics accuse IDAs throughout New York State of granting businesses competitive tax breaks in exchange for unclear returns.
Is It a Restaurant Labor Shortage, or a Broken Restaurant Industry?
Amid fears of a labor shortage in restaurants, two narratives have emerged. One blames workers for being lazy; the other highlights low pay, poor treatment, and scant benefits.
New York Moves to Ban Delta-8 THC, In Blow to CBD Market
Products containing the cannabis compound have become popular in recent years. But a lack of regulation and clear federal standing have caused some states to ban it.
Nail Salon Workers Are Transforming Their Industry After the Pandemic
Wage theft, long hours, and a lack of personal protective equipment have plagued nail technicians for decades. But there’s a growing worker-led movement for change.
Public Housing in Hudson Is Falling Apart
Conditions at Bliss Tower and Columbia Apartments are notoriously poor. But an ambitious plan to demolish and replace the buildings is in the works—though there’s a long road ahead.
The Pandemic Has Intensified the Fight Over Gig Workers
The long struggle to reclassify gig-economy laborers as employees of the companies they work with has taken on new urgency after a year of job losses, poor health outcomes, and overall instability.