New Report Evaluates de Blasio Administration’s Quality-of-Life Record

Even as spending skyrockets, progress under de Blasio has largely stalled

NEW YORK, NY — When New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio took office in 2014, he promised to “put an end to economic and social inequalities that threaten to unravel the city we love.” But almost six years later, his record is mixed, with few substantial wins to show for his time in office. In a new Manhattan Institute issue brief, fellow Alex Armlovich evaluates the de Blasio administration’s record on several key quality-of-life measures tied to the administration’s major policy initiatives: income inequality and job growth, pedestrian and traffic safety, welfare enrollment, crime, and proficiency in public schools.

Key findings of the report include:

• Income inequality is up from 2014.
• Vision Zero, after years of progress, has recently seen a regression, with a rising number of pedestrian traffic fatalities.
• Welfare enrollments have declined, following a modest initial increase through 2015.
• There is still substantially more violent crime in public housing than in the rest of the city.
• Fewer than half of public-school students are proficient in math and English.

The revolution de Blasio promised on the campaign trail has not come to fruition, but the city has also not seen any substantial regressions in public safety, welfare policy, and education. Amid this unremarkable record, the massive spending increases of this administration are difficult to defend, argues Armlovich.

Click here to read the full report.