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Posts tagged “Local Government”

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What Does New York City's Public Advocate Do?
A citywide office with no vote on the council it sits in, no department to run, and first place in line if the mayor's job opens up. Here's the actual job.
Tomer Rozenberg · August 22, 2026 · 3 min read
For ResidentsLocal GovernmentAccountability
Community Boards vs. Your City Council Member
One is elected and votes on laws and budgets. One is appointed and only advises. Here's what each actually decides in New York City, and who to call for what.
Tomer Rozenberg · August 12, 2026 · 3 min read
For ResidentsLocal GovernmentCity Council
What Does a Borough President Actually Do?
Not the mayor of a fifth of the city. Here's what New York's five borough presidents actually control now, after the Supreme Court took most of the job away.
Tomer Rozenberg · August 10, 2026 · 4 min read
For ResidentsLocal GovernmentAccountability
How to Get Your Issue Onto a Community Board Agenda
A stop sign, a liquor license, a park in bad repair. Here's how New York City's 59 community boards actually decide what to hear, and how to get on the list.
Tomer Rozenberg · August 8, 2026 · 4 min read
For ResidentsLocal GovernmentPublic Comment
How to Run for Local Office: A Beginner's Guide
Running for local office is more achievable than most people assume. Here's how the path works, from picking a seat to getting on the ballot.
Tomer Rozenberg · June 30, 2026 · 4 min read
For ResidentsLocal GovernmentVoting & Ballots
What Your Property Tax Bill Actually Pays For
Your property tax bill is one big number hiding a map of local priorities. Here's where the money usually goes, and where you actually get a say in it.
Tomer Rozenberg · June 27, 2026 · 4 min read
Budgets & SpendingLocal GovernmentFor Residents
Participatory Budgeting: When Residents Decide
A city handed residents real money and let them decide how to spend it. Participatory budgeting is one of the clearest examples of effective participation.
Tomer Rozenberg · June 26, 2026 · 4 min read
Budgets & SpendingLocal GovernmentFor Residents
What Does a School Board Do, and Why It Matters
A school board controls one of the largest budgets in your town and hires the person who runs the schools. Here's what the job actually involves.
Tomer Rozenberg · June 22, 2026 · 4 min read
For ResidentsSchool BoardsLocal Government
What Does a City Council Member Actually Do?
They write your local laws, control the city budget, and unstick your problems with city hall. Here's what a council member really does between elections.
Tomer Rozenberg · June 20, 2026 · 5 min read
For ResidentsCity CouncilLocal Government
Zoning, Explained: How It Shapes Your Rent
Zoning is the dullest item on the agenda and one of the most powerful. It quietly decides what gets built, who can live where, and what you pay.
Tomer Rozenberg · June 10, 2026 · 4 min read
Zoning & HousingLocal GovernmentFor Residents
What Does a Mayor Actually Do?
The mayor is the face of city hall, but the job varies wildly by city. Here's what a mayor actually controls, and what the council holds instead.
Tomer Rozenberg · June 6, 2026 · 4 min read
For ResidentsLocal GovernmentAccountability

Posts tagged “Local Government”

What Does New York City's Public Advocate Do?

Community Boards vs. Your City Council Member

What Does a Borough President Actually Do?

How to Get Your Issue Onto a Community Board Agenda

How to Run for Local Office: A Beginner's Guide

What Your Property Tax Bill Actually Pays For

Participatory Budgeting: When Residents Decide

What Does a School Board Do, and Why It Matters

What Does a City Council Member Actually Do?

Zoning, Explained: How It Shapes Your Rent

What Does a Mayor Actually Do?