Nick Garber
@nickgarber.bsky.social
Politics reporter, New York Focus | Formerly Crain's New York, NYC Patch | Tips: nick[at]nysfocus.com, or DM for Signal
Pinned
๐ฐ๐๐Today's my first day at @nysfocus.bsky.social, where I'll be covering the people and policies shaping New York, the Mamdani agenda in Albany, and hopefully lots of other big, weird, complicated stories.
Get in touch: nick[at]nysfocus.com.
Get in touch: nick[at]nysfocus.com.
๐ฐ๐๐Today's my first day at @nysfocus.bsky.social, where I'll be covering the people and policies shaping New York, the Mamdani agenda in Albany, and hopefully lots of other big, weird, complicated stories.
Get in touch: nick[at]nysfocus.com.
Get in touch: nick[at]nysfocus.com.
January 20, 2026 at 4:00 PM
๐ฐ๐๐Today's my first day at @nysfocus.bsky.social, where I'll be covering the people and policies shaping New York, the Mamdani agenda in Albany, and hopefully lots of other big, weird, complicated stories.
Get in touch: nick[at]nysfocus.com.
Get in touch: nick[at]nysfocus.com.
State people, please get in touch (and NYC people, please stay in touch!) and add me to your lists: nick[at]nysfocus.com.
January 12, 2026 at 1:14 PM
State people, please get in touch (and NYC people, please stay in touch!) and add me to your lists: nick[at]nysfocus.com.
๐ฅProfessional news๐ฅ: after 3 great years, Friday is my last day at Crain's New York.
Next week I'm joining @nysfocus.bsky.social as a politics reporter, covering the people and policies shaping New York, as well as the Mamdani agenda in Albany. Can't wait to tackle some big, thorny stories.
Next week I'm joining @nysfocus.bsky.social as a politics reporter, covering the people and policies shaping New York, as well as the Mamdani agenda in Albany. Can't wait to tackle some big, thorny stories.
January 12, 2026 at 1:14 PM
๐ฅProfessional news๐ฅ: after 3 great years, Friday is my last day at Crain's New York.
Next week I'm joining @nysfocus.bsky.social as a politics reporter, covering the people and policies shaping New York, as well as the Mamdani agenda in Albany. Can't wait to tackle some big, thorny stories.
Next week I'm joining @nysfocus.bsky.social as a politics reporter, covering the people and policies shaping New York, as well as the Mamdani agenda in Albany. Can't wait to tackle some big, thorny stories.
New: Mayor Mamdani is starting to shake up NYC's approach to economic development:
โข Enlisting Lina Khan to interview potential heads of the Economic Development Corp.
โข Putting EDC under a new deputy mayor
โข Talking with EDC about city-owned grocery stores:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
โข Enlisting Lina Khan to interview potential heads of the Economic Development Corp.
โข Putting EDC under a new deputy mayor
โข Talking with EDC about city-owned grocery stores:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Mamdani shakes up cityโs economic development approach, with Lina Khanโs input
The mayor put the Economic Development Corp. under a new deputy mayor, and enlisted Khan to interview potential leaders.
www.crainsnewyork.com
January 8, 2026 at 3:05 PM
New: Mayor Mamdani is starting to shake up NYC's approach to economic development:
โข Enlisting Lina Khan to interview potential heads of the Economic Development Corp.
โข Putting EDC under a new deputy mayor
โข Talking with EDC about city-owned grocery stores:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
โข Enlisting Lina Khan to interview potential heads of the Economic Development Corp.
โข Putting EDC under a new deputy mayor
โข Talking with EDC about city-owned grocery stores:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
The City Council has a new website & leaflets blasting the mayor's housing ballot questions as giveaways to developers.
Some ethics experts say they comes dangerously close to electioneering. A council member called them a "waste of taxpayer dollars"
Story:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Some ethics experts say they comes dangerously close to electioneering. A council member called them a "waste of taxpayer dollars"
Story:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
September 19, 2025 at 12:43 PM
The City Council has a new website & leaflets blasting the mayor's housing ballot questions as giveaways to developers.
Some ethics experts say they comes dangerously close to electioneering. A council member called them a "waste of taxpayer dollars"
Story:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Some ethics experts say they comes dangerously close to electioneering. A council member called them a "waste of taxpayer dollars"
Story:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
here's the ad, which is technically issue-neutral since the group behind itโthe Coalition for New York's Futureโis nonprofit.
@opennewyork.org and the Charter Commission itself are expected to mount their own efforts. Labor unions are considering a vote-no campaign.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeZg...
@opennewyork.org and the Charter Commission itself are expected to mount their own efforts. Labor unions are considering a vote-no campaign.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeZg...
Affordable Housing Is on the Ballot
YouTube video by Coalition for New York's Future
www.youtube.com
August 29, 2025 at 12:15 PM
here's the ad, which is technically issue-neutral since the group behind itโthe Coalition for New York's Futureโis nonprofit.
@opennewyork.org and the Charter Commission itself are expected to mount their own efforts. Labor unions are considering a vote-no campaign.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeZg...
@opennewyork.org and the Charter Commission itself are expected to mount their own efforts. Labor unions are considering a vote-no campaign.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeZg...
NYC's pro-housing ballot measures are getting a boost from the city's biggest businesses.
The Partnership for NYC, through an affiliate, is spending $750K on a campaign about the Charter questions, including TV ads already airing. More campaigns will follow:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
The Partnership for NYC, through an affiliate, is spending $750K on a campaign about the Charter questions, including TV ads already airing. More campaigns will follow:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Business lobby puts up money to boost pro-housing ballot measures
The Partnership for New York City is putting money behind the charter revision questions that would speed housing reviews.
www.crainsnewyork.com
August 29, 2025 at 12:13 PM
NYC's pro-housing ballot measures are getting a boost from the city's biggest businesses.
The Partnership for NYC, through an affiliate, is spending $750K on a campaign about the Charter questions, including TV ads already airing. More campaigns will follow:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
The Partnership for NYC, through an affiliate, is spending $750K on a campaign about the Charter questions, including TV ads already airing. More campaigns will follow:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
the Manhattan Plaza Capital Trust will be set up as a charity and governed by a three-person board โ but with no explicit limits on how the money can be spent
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Times Square casino bidder offers millions to an affordable housing complex. Tenants are wary
SL Green and Caesars surprised Manhattan Plaza tenants by pledging $1.5 million a year for the Hellโs Kitchen development.
www.crainsnewyork.com
August 6, 2025 at 1:33 PM
the Manhattan Plaza Capital Trust will be set up as a charity and governed by a three-person board โ but with no explicit limits on how the money can be spent
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
the efforts by SL Green, Caesars Palace and Roc Nation to woo Manhattan Plaza tenants have included multiple visits by Alicia Keys, a Roc Nation artist who grew up in the complex.
August 6, 2025 at 1:33 PM
the efforts by SL Green, Caesars Palace and Roc Nation to woo Manhattan Plaza tenants have included multiple visits by Alicia Keys, a Roc Nation artist who grew up in the complex.
New: the developers of the Times Square casino bid are trying to win over the influential affordable housing complex Manhattan Plaza with an unusual $22.5M gift, plus a cut of annual profits.
Tenants aren't sure what to make of it.
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Tenants aren't sure what to make of it.
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Times Square casino bidder offers millions to an affordable housing complex. Tenants are wary
SL Green and Caesars surprised Manhattan Plaza tenants by pledging $1.5 million a year for the Hellโs Kitchen development.
www.crainsnewyork.com
August 6, 2025 at 1:33 PM
New: the developers of the Times Square casino bid are trying to win over the influential affordable housing complex Manhattan Plaza with an unusual $22.5M gift, plus a cut of annual profits.
Tenants aren't sure what to make of it.
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Tenants aren't sure what to make of it.
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
skinny "sliver" buildings legalized by City of Yes are starting to take shape, beginning with a recently sold UES townhouse that could become a 15-story tower, CJ Hughes reports:
www.crainsnewyork.com/real-estate/...
www.crainsnewyork.com/real-estate/...
Skinny UES development site with towering potential sells for $8M
Architect Nory Hazaveh bought the site, which could support a 15-story โsliverโ tower from Taconic Partners.
www.crainsnewyork.com
July 30, 2025 at 1:20 PM
skinny "sliver" buildings legalized by City of Yes are starting to take shape, beginning with a recently sold UES townhouse that could become a 15-story tower, CJ Hughes reports:
www.crainsnewyork.com/real-estate/...
www.crainsnewyork.com/real-estate/...
NYC's office-to-apartment conversions are booming, w/ 44 known projects slated to produce 17K homes, per a new @nyccomptroller.bsky.social report
But the design of the 467m tax break means the city may spend billions on conversions that would've happened anyway
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
But the design of the 467m tax break means the city may spend billions on conversions that would've happened anyway
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
โOffice conversion boom on track to create 17K homes, comptroller finds
The 467-m tax break may produce much-needed housing but at a cost of $5B in tax revenue.
www.crainsnewyork.com
July 17, 2025 at 1:37 PM
NYC's office-to-apartment conversions are booming, w/ 44 known projects slated to produce 17K homes, per a new @nyccomptroller.bsky.social report
But the design of the 467m tax break means the city may spend billions on conversions that would've happened anyway
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
But the design of the 467m tax break means the city may spend billions on conversions that would've happened anyway
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
the Big, Beautiful Bill includes long-sought changes to affordable housing funding that could boost NY developers and create some 73K extra housing units statewide over 10 years.
BUT... that silver lining could evaporate if Trump's huge HUD cuts are passed:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
BUT... that silver lining could evaporate if Trump's huge HUD cuts are passed:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Trump law boosts New York housing, but looming cuts could blow it up
The One Big Beautiful Bill expanded the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, but cuts to federal housing programs could devastate renters.
www.crainsnewyork.com
July 9, 2025 at 6:30 PM
the Big, Beautiful Bill includes long-sought changes to affordable housing funding that could boost NY developers and create some 73K extra housing units statewide over 10 years.
BUT... that silver lining could evaporate if Trump's huge HUD cuts are passed:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
BUT... that silver lining could evaporate if Trump's huge HUD cuts are passed:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
So why spend all the money for Mealy and other council incumbents? Theyโre likely to win but might be nervous, so itโs an easy way to curry favor.
โThe best is where Iโm not even taking a gamble, but it kind of feels like I am,โ said a PAC strategist.
ebx.sh/5Y76KI
โThe best is where Iโm not even taking a gamble, but it kind of feels like I am,โ said a PAC strategist.
ebx.sh/5Y76KI
Why are corporate giants pouring millions into low-profile council races?
Real estate developers and labor groups are backing little-known City Council candidates in hopes of gaining influence.
ebx.sh
June 18, 2025 at 1:08 PM
So why spend all the money for Mealy and other council incumbents? Theyโre likely to win but might be nervous, so itโs an easy way to curry favor.
โThe best is where Iโm not even taking a gamble, but it kind of feels like I am,โ said a PAC strategist.
ebx.sh/5Y76KI
โThe best is where Iโm not even taking a gamble, but it kind of feels like I am,โ said a PAC strategist.
ebx.sh/5Y76KI
The beneficiaries of PAC money are an odd bunch: archrivals Airbnb and the hotel union HTC are backing the same Queens candidate. And no council candidate is getting more money than Darlene Mealy, whoโs been accused of rarely showing up to her job.
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
June 18, 2025 at 1:07 PM
The beneficiaries of PAC money are an odd bunch: archrivals Airbnb and the hotel union HTC are backing the same Queens candidate. And no council candidate is getting more money than Darlene Mealy, whoโs been accused of rarely showing up to her job.
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Below the radar of the mayoral race, corporate giants & others have spent a record $11M on City Council primaries. Among them: a little noticed PAC whose #1 funder is Bill Ackman.
I spoke to super PAC strategists about why that money is flowing to some unexpected candidates.
t.co/mYq8sf5h8h
I spoke to super PAC strategists about why that money is flowing to some unexpected candidates.
t.co/mYq8sf5h8h
Corporate giants are pouring millions into low-profile council races
Real estate developers and labor groups are backing little-known City Council candidates in hopes of gaining influence.
www.crainsnewyork.com
June 18, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Below the radar of the mayoral race, corporate giants & others have spent a record $11M on City Council primaries. Among them: a little noticed PAC whose #1 funder is Bill Ackman.
I spoke to super PAC strategists about why that money is flowing to some unexpected candidates.
t.co/mYq8sf5h8h
I spoke to super PAC strategists about why that money is flowing to some unexpected candidates.
t.co/mYq8sf5h8h
candidates are barred from coordinating with PACs; experts say there's no reason to think Brannan will break rules by speaking at hearing.
Still, he faces competing pressure to oppose the casino rezoning (by neighborhood groups) or support it (by the HTC union)
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Still, he faces competing pressure to oppose the casino rezoning (by neighborhood groups) or support it (by the HTC union)
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Coney Island casino puts leading comptroller candidate in hot water
At a June 12 hearing, Justin Brannan will grill the same casino developers spending thousands to boost his campaign.
www.crainsnewyork.com
June 4, 2025 at 7:05 PM
candidates are barred from coordinating with PACs; experts say there's no reason to think Brannan will break rules by speaking at hearing.
Still, he faces competing pressure to oppose the casino rezoning (by neighborhood groups) or support it (by the HTC union)
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Still, he faces competing pressure to oppose the casino rezoning (by neighborhood groups) or support it (by the HTC union)
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
New: the Coney Island casino bid has put @justinbrannan.bsky.social in an unusual political pickle.
At a council hearing next week, Brannan may question the same casino developers spending $30K on an outside super PAC to support his comptroller campaign:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
At a council hearing next week, Brannan may question the same casino developers spending $30K on an outside super PAC to support his comptroller campaign:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Coney Island casino puts leading comptroller candidate in hot water
At a June 12 hearing, Justin Brannan will grill the same casino developers spending thousands to boost his campaign.
www.crainsnewyork.com
June 4, 2025 at 7:01 PM
New: the Coney Island casino bid has put @justinbrannan.bsky.social in an unusual political pickle.
At a council hearing next week, Brannan may question the same casino developers spending $30K on an outside super PAC to support his comptroller campaign:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
At a council hearing next week, Brannan may question the same casino developers spending $30K on an outside super PAC to support his comptroller campaign:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
new: the Adams administration has filed its response to the lawsuit seeking to overturn City of Yes. City lawyers say doing so would "cause havoc" in the housing market with many projects already underway, and also say the complaint is riddled with errors:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Overturning City of Yes would cause โhavocโ for housing market, city tells judge
The Adams administration urged a judge not to gut the landmark zoning plans.
www.crainsnewyork.com
June 2, 2025 at 4:23 PM
new: the Adams administration has filed its response to the lawsuit seeking to overturn City of Yes. City lawyers say doing so would "cause havoc" in the housing market with many projects already underway, and also say the complaint is riddled with errors:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
we have a new super PACโManhattan City Council candidate Rachel Storch is being boosted by an independent expenditure funded by Jessica Tisch's brother, Sam. Sam's wife Eliana is an officer.
Storch is opting out of matching funds and has raised $433K:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Storch is opting out of matching funds and has raised $433K:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Billionaire Tisch family boosts Manhattan council candidate with a super PAC
East Side candidate Rachel Storch will benefit from an independent expenditure funded by Sam Tisch.
www.crainsnewyork.com
May 28, 2025 at 8:39 PM
we have a new super PACโManhattan City Council candidate Rachel Storch is being boosted by an independent expenditure funded by Jessica Tisch's brother, Sam. Sam's wife Eliana is an officer.
Storch is opting out of matching funds and has raised $433K:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Storch is opting out of matching funds and has raised $433K:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Exclusive: DoorDash has formed a super PAC and plans to spend $2M on City Council primaries, fresh off its $1M donation to the pro-Cuomo PAC.
It's considering supporting possible speaker candidates Julie Menin and Kevin Riley, plus 4 open-seat contenders:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
It's considering supporting possible speaker candidates Julie Menin and Kevin Riley, plus 4 open-seat contenders:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
DoorDash banks $2M to boost council candidates, after big Cuomo donation
The delivery giant is supporting likely speaker candidates and four other โpro-local economyโ contenders.
www.crainsnewyork.com
May 27, 2025 at 11:37 PM
Exclusive: DoorDash has formed a super PAC and plans to spend $2M on City Council primaries, fresh off its $1M donation to the pro-Cuomo PAC.
It's considering supporting possible speaker candidates Julie Menin and Kevin Riley, plus 4 open-seat contenders:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
It's considering supporting possible speaker candidates Julie Menin and Kevin Riley, plus 4 open-seat contenders:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
new, long-awaited data on NYC's 485x housing tax break validates some early fears: zero projects proposed with 100+ units and only 2 in Lower Manhattan, where wage rules are higher.
Developers have signaled interest in 118 total projects worth 2,600 units:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Developers have signaled interest in 118 total projects worth 2,600 units:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
May 27, 2025 at 5:38 PM
new, long-awaited data on NYC's 485x housing tax break validates some early fears: zero projects proposed with 100+ units and only 2 in Lower Manhattan, where wage rules are higher.
Developers have signaled interest in 118 total projects worth 2,600 units:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Developers have signaled interest in 118 total projects worth 2,600 units:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
the Adams administration says it quietly stopped doing business with Cushman & Wakefield in the wake of the lease scandal involving Jesse Hamilton and others.
Instead, the city is extending its contract with another firm, CBRE, as it seeks 5 long-term brokers:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Instead, the city is extending its contract with another firm, CBRE, as it seeks 5 long-term brokers:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Adams administration seeks new brokers after Cushman & Wakefield lease scandal
Cushman & Wakefield is no longer representing the city, which is looking for five new tenant representatives.
www.crainsnewyork.com
May 19, 2025 at 4:43 PM
the Adams administration says it quietly stopped doing business with Cushman & Wakefield in the wake of the lease scandal involving Jesse Hamilton and others.
Instead, the city is extending its contract with another firm, CBRE, as it seeks 5 long-term brokers:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Instead, the city is extending its contract with another firm, CBRE, as it seeks 5 long-term brokers:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
interestingly Uber's support for Yanna Henriquez in Queens' District 21 pits them against the one other big-money group involved in that race: REBNY, whose PAC is backing rival candidate Shanel Thomas-Henry
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
May 15, 2025 at 9:30 PM
interestingly Uber's support for Yanna Henriquez in Queens' District 21 pits them against the one other big-money group involved in that race: REBNY, whose PAC is backing rival candidate Shanel Thomas-Henry
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Uber is the latest corporate giant planning to spend in this year's city elections. A new filing shows its PAC has $2.5M and already spent $92K in support of five City Council candidates.
They're supporting pols who favor "access to transportation."
Story:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
They're supporting pols who favor "access to transportation."
Story:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Uber dumps $91K into council races, plans to spend $2.5M
Uber is the latest tech giant spending to influence this yearโs city elections.
www.crainsnewyork.com
May 15, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Uber is the latest corporate giant planning to spend in this year's city elections. A new filing shows its PAC has $2.5M and already spent $92K in support of five City Council candidates.
They're supporting pols who favor "access to transportation."
Story:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
They're supporting pols who favor "access to transportation."
Story:
www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...