What's the [DATA] Point?

What's the [DATA] Point? is a podcast by Citizens Budget Commission and Gotham Gazette on New York State and City policies.

 

It's hosted by Ben Max, Executive Editor of Gotham Gazette, and Andrew Rein, President of the Citizens Budget Commission, and produced by Kevin Medina and William J. Rice.

 

Stream below or download on your phone via iTunes, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.

 

Episodes

$1.5 billion, with

August 16, 2017
This week's datapoint is $1.5 billion - the amount of money that can be raised by the congestion pricing plan known as MOVE NY. The plan introduces tolls to the East River bridges, a surcharge on taxis and for-hire vehicles, and lays out specific plans for using the funding to improve transportation across the city.

$17 Billion, with NYCHA Chair and CEO Shola Olatoye

August 10, 2017
This week's data point is $17 billion - the capital needs for rehabilitating the nation's largest housing authority. NYCHA Chair and CEO Shola Olatoye joins the podcast to discuss strategies for addressing these capital needs and to review progress implementing NextGenNYCHA, its strategic plan.

2008

August 03, 2017
This week's datapoint is 2008 - the year in which NYC's economy entered the Great Recession. Special guest John Breit, former chief risk advisor to Merrill Lynch, shares with us his unique perspective on the recession and on the risks of the City's investments in the pension funds.

100,000, with Alicia Glen

July 27, 2017
This weeks data point is 100,000 - the number of “good-paying jobs” the de Blasio administration says it will foster over the next 10 years. Special Guest Alicia Glen, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development, discusses the news jobs plan, as well as commercial development, affordable housing, and NYC's competitiveness.

30 Days, with Jamison Dague

July 13, 2017
This week's data point is 30 days - the period in which MTA New York City Transit will conduct a "top-to-bottom" review to identify changes necessary to improve its performance. CBC's Director of Infrastructure Studies Jamison Dague discusses underinvestment and how resources are being directed in the capital plan with Ben Max and Maria Doulis.

$32.5 Billion, with Janno Lieber

July 06, 2017
This week's data point is $32.5 billion - the value of Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA's) capital plan for 2015 to 2019. Special guest MTA Chief Development Officer Janno Lieber discusses the MTA's capital priorities and how the authority can improve management of its mega-projects.

$780 Million

June 29, 2017
This week's data point is $780 million - the value of contracts involved in the alleged bid-rigging and corruption scandal involving State economic development programs. Special guest New York State Comptroller Tom Dinapoli discusses his proposal for independent review and reform of state procurement practices with Ben Max and Maria Doulis, and Dave Friedfel reviews what else did-- and didn't-- happen in this legislative and budget session.

44%, with Alyssa Katz

June 22, 2017
This week's data point is 44% - the share of New Yorkers who are satisfied with New York City municipal services. Listen to Ben Max, Maria Doulis, and special guest Alyssa Katz of the Daily News discuss the findings of CBC's Citywide Resident Feedback Survey.