The fact that NYC is keeping families hungry because they can no longer process SNAP applications on time should be bigger news. Some of this is due to the mayors absolute mishandling of staffing at city agencies. Some of this is because the state no longer has a waiver from the USDA to process recertification applications without an interview (among other flexibilities) https://citylimits.org/2022/12/19/over-half-of-nycs-food-stamp-applicants-left-waiting-as-staffing-shortage-deepens/

This quiz is quite difficult but it does feature my subway stop. Perfect procrastination for the urban sociologist during the week before holiday break https://projects.thecity.nyc/nyc-subway-quiz

CUNY’s tuition is still relatively low compared to the costs of other public universities. It is housing costs and family obligations that frequently cause students to drop out. Many of our students work full time, take 5-6 classes a semester to maintain financial aid eligibility, and take care of family. I am in constant awe of them but none of this is sustainable and underscores the need for affordable housing. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/18/realestate/college-housing-homeless-students.html

Would like to thank the Internet for coining the term nepo baby and making my classes on mobility tables that much more amusing. The exercise of trying to classify influencers on an occupational prestige scale is also a hit! https://www.vulture.com/article/what-is-a-nepotism-baby.html?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=social_acct&utm_content=nym&utm_term=curalate_like2buy_8ulK2dIq__07c0ea3c-3f90-4e90-9f64-0880db4032d8

Getting a CLT off the ground during a global pandemic is an immense undertaking. Really eye opening reporting on how the Philly Land Trust has persevered while losing their visionary leader to illness and dealing with broken promises by the local housing authority https://shelterforce.org/2022/10/25/new-philly-land-trust-was-promised-dozens-of-homes-hows-it-going/

Recently I have been thinking a lot about what it would take for building owners in NYC to comply with Local Law 97 which caps carbon emissions of buildings larger than 25,000 sq.ft. The real estate lobby here is incredibly powerful and they are already fighting hard to make it possible for owners to buy Renewable Energy Credits in lieu of retrofitting their properties. Some owners do not even believe the law will ever be enforced. https://www.thecity.nyc/2022/12/1/23486293/nyc-building-owners-ahead-local-law-97?utm_campaign=mailchimp&utm_source=daily&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_source=THE+CITY&utm_campaign=6d2b6cc4b2-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_10_27_12_14_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_aa6c8f62b7-6d2b6cc4b2-4500287