Power Failure

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New York City's municipal government is the largest and most complex in the nation, with an annual operating budget of $29 billion and a capital budget of $4 billion. Employing around 360,000 full-time workers, the Office of the Mayor alone has about 1,600 employees and a budget of $135 million. The Police Department, with over 25,000 officers and a budget of $1.5 billion, exemplifies the city's vast organizational structure. To navigate this complexity, Charles Brecher and Raymond Horton provide a comprehensive guide to the political workings of the city, covering the period from 1960 to the present. They delve into the political machinery behind City Hall, exploring electoral politics, budgetary policy, and service delivery. The operation of the Office of the Mayor and the City Council is examined, including member salaries and notable mayoral races. The authors focus on New York's persistent financial challenges, such as the mid-1970s crisis with a billion-dollar deficit and the impact of collective bargaining on budget integrity. They analyze the property tax system, highlighting the unfair burden on renters and businesses. Additionally, they evaluate service delivery across various departments, revealing inefficiencies despite high local taxes. This essential volume offers valuable insights for New York City residents and anyone interested in urban governance.