The overall impacts from COVID-19 will likely cause significant harm to governmental finances at the local, county, and state levels. Officials at all levels have been warning that the loss of sales tax receipts, casino proceeds, income taxes, and property tax payments could create staggering budget shortfalls. Federal aid, they argue, is the only way to … [Read more...] about Is Binghamton in a Strong Financial Position to Weather this Crisis? Yes. But it’s Not Because of You Know Who.
Broome Community Land Trust Announces New Ambassador Program; Interested Residents Have Until May 8 to Apply
Earlier this week, a small coalition of housing justice advocates in Broome County announced a new paid opportunity for residents that are passionate about expanding safe, healthy, affordable housing choices in the area. The group, the Steering Committee of the emerging Broome Community Land Trust (CLT), is now seeking applications for its first-ever … [Read more...] about Broome Community Land Trust Announces New Ambassador Program; Interested Residents Have Until May 8 to Apply
The Rental Housing Crisis is Coming: Its Up to Local Governments to Act Now to Protect Our Most Vulnerable Renters
There is a coming crisis in the rental housing market, particularly among those tenants who are not receiving any public subsidy but who were, before the crisis, already financially insecure. Thanks to the 90-day eviction moratorium here in NY, which the Governor signed on May 20th, we have a little breathing room, but not much. We need to design, launch, … [Read more...] about The Rental Housing Crisis is Coming: Its Up to Local Governments to Act Now to Protect Our Most Vulnerable Renters
The Rot of the Broome Republican Machine: Hatred, Fear, and Dead Cats
Last week on the radio, Mayor David went full-on Trump, calling the entire slate of Council Democratic candidates police-hating "agitators, protesters, and obstructionists," and that I'm the radical extremist behind the curtains pulling all the strings. I didn't hear the original rant, but when folks told me of the Mayor's comments, I was both shocked at the … [Read more...] about The Rot of the Broome Republican Machine: Hatred, Fear, and Dead Cats
Binghamton City Council Members Livingston and Taylor Express Frustration over Joint Sewage Treatment Plant Secrecy; Demand Mayor David Share Key Information and Updates with the Public about his Privatization Plan
The following is the official press release issued on October 30 by Binghamton City Councilmembers Dan Livingston and Conrad Taylor, both of whom have expressed strong opposition to Mayor David's proposal to privatize operations and management at the joint sewage treatment plant. Binghamton Councilmembers Dan Livingston and Conrad Taylor spoke … [Read more...] about Binghamton City Council Members Livingston and Taylor Express Frustration over Joint Sewage Treatment Plant Secrecy; Demand Mayor David Share Key Information and Updates with the Public about his Privatization Plan
Republican City Electeds Come out of the Closet: “We’re Bullies and Hypocrites”
I was on the road the last two days for work, serving as a resource at a conference for local government employees from Republican and Democratic administrations across New York to help brainstorm effective strategies to transform vacant housing to neighborhood assets with a focus on equity, sustainability, and justice. My phone started lighting up … [Read more...] about Republican City Electeds Come out of the Closet: “We’re Bullies and Hypocrites”
Binghamton City Council President Tom Scanlon Refuses to Allow Discussion on Good Government Reform Proposals
Throughout the year, local reporting and community activism shined a spotlight on a number of unethical and illegal actions taken by City Assessor Scott Snyder over the last few years that generated significant financial benefits for Mayor Rich David. Some of the local reporting even resulted in internal investigations by the City Attorney's Office, an … [Read more...] about Binghamton City Council President Tom Scanlon Refuses to Allow Discussion on Good Government Reform Proposals
Binghamton’s Assessment is Broken and Inequitable; but Working Just Fine for Landlords of Student Rentals and Wealthy Downtown Developers
The primary revenue source for the City of Binghamton--as with most local governments--comes from local property taxes. For example, in 2019, the City collected $35 million in local property taxes, which alone covered more than half of the $64.5 million general fund operating budget. [Yes. Worst intro ever. I know. But trust me: the research and graphics … [Read more...] about Binghamton’s Assessment is Broken and Inequitable; but Working Just Fine for Landlords of Student Rentals and Wealthy Downtown Developers
Mayor David Promises No Sewer Rate Increase, but Quietly Proposes (Another) Sewer Rate Increase
- Come next summer, the sewer rates will be 35% higher than in January 2017, thanks to Mayor David - According to his own statements and as reported by multiple local media outlets--including WNBF radio, the Press and Sun newspaper, and WBNG--Mayor Rich David promised no increases to the sewer rates. But a simple review of the 2020 proposed budget shows … [Read more...] about Mayor David Promises No Sewer Rate Increase, but Quietly Proposes (Another) Sewer Rate Increase
City Assessor Snubs Council: Refuses Bipartisan Request to Appear and Answer Questions about Assessment Changes that Save Mayor David Thousands a Year in Property Taxes
While the local newspaper and TV media outlets* have completely ignored the mounting evidence of improper actions between the City Assessor and Mayor Rich David, City Council members have been quietly continuing the conversation at business meetings and work meetings the last two months. In fact, at the April 15 work session meeting, there was unanimous … [Read more...] about City Assessor Snubs Council: Refuses Bipartisan Request to Appear and Answer Questions about Assessment Changes that Save Mayor David Thousands a Year in Property Taxes
