This report summarizes the effects of Mayor Michael Bloomberg's plan to reduce homelessness in the city. The Mayor expanded homelessness prevention efforts as an attempt to decrease the number of people in the city's homeless shelters. The savings on shelter costs will be used to further fund prevention. However, despite these efforts, the number of homeless families in the city has risen, and spending on both prevention and shelters have grown.
This supplement provides further information to accompany Inside the Budget No. 157, which summarized the effects of Mayor Michael Bloomberg's plan to reduce homelessness in the city. This report lists the amount of homelessness prevention spending that is provided by agencies and programs. These agencies and programs include the Human Resources Administration, the Department of Homeless Services, the Administration for Children's Services, and legal assistance contracts.
Appendix - Methodological Notes - Provides background information and additional detail regarding the assumptions and methodology used in IBO's analysis of the Chapter 96 reopener legislation.
The legislature in Albany is currently considering a bill that would allow certain public emploees to retire at age 55 rather than 62 without a loss in pension benefits. IBO estimates that the bill would
increase the city's pension and fringe benefit costs by $68.1 million in the first year after accounting for savings from hiring entry-level replacements.
Before Mayor Bloomberg established the 311 call line, the city relied on 40 help lines in order to handle complaints. IBO reviews the amount of spending for 311 call lines and provides more information on the call center.
This report provides IBO's analysis of the Mayor's Preliminary Budget for 2009 and Financial Plan through 2012. The report includes our own economic and revenue forecasts and examines the Bloomberg
Administration's key budget proposals. It also highlights some of the fiscal issues facing the city, questions that become increasingly difficult as resources become more scarce.
The Department of Education's 2005-2009 five year capital plan intended to add more seats and repair and upgrade school buildings. IBO invesitgates the costs of the plan as it changes.