News Summary
New York City is grappling with serious economic issues according to the ‘Blueprint for New York’ report. Business leaders express concerns over high costs, excessive regulation, and sluggish job growth under one-party government control. The report highlights a 55% rise in state spending since 2018 and underscores that only 2% of business owners feel represented by the state government. Without significant reforms, fears of continued economic decline loom over the state’s future.
New York City is facing significant economic challenges, as highlighted by a recent report titled “Blueprint for New York.” The assessment, produced by the New York State Economic Development Council and The Business Council of New York, indicates that the state is in an “economic freefall” due to one-party control of the government. The report asserts that high costs, excessive regulation, and sluggish job growth are pushing businesses and residents to leave New York.
Over 500 business leaders and 40 associations participated in statewide forums, providing insights that shaped the report’s findings. Specifically, the report underscores that businesses are struggling under the weight of high expenses and substantial government regulations, which they perceive as burdensome.
Since the Democrats gained full control of the state government in 2018, state spending has surged by more than $90 billion, reflecting a 55% rise. Business leaders claim that this financial expansion has resulted in an increase in taxes, mandates, and regulatory complexity. They note that New York currently has over 300,000 regulations, containing more than 17 million words, making it exceptionally challenging for businesses to ensure compliance.
Job growth in New York over the past decade stands at only 7.3%, noticeably lower than the national average of 12%. In contrast, states like Florida and Texas have outpaced New York, achieving job growth rates of 24.9% and 20.3%, respectively. This discrepancy in job growth highlights the state’s ongoing economic struggles.
Furthermore, the report reveals concerning sentiments among business owners regarding their relationship with the state government. Only 2% of business owners surveyed feel that the state government represents their interests, and an equally small 3% assert that state lawmakers have a strong understanding of their industries. This disconnect has led to frustrations within the business community, prompting calls for legislative change.
In light of this report, State Senator Tom O’Mara has described the findings as a “wake-up call and a call to action” for the upcoming legislative session. Business leaders are urging lawmakers to focus on replacing cumbersome regulations, lowering costs, and preserving New York’s competitive edge to avert further economic decline. The report emphasizes that a new approach is essential to rejuvenate New York’s economy and bolster support for its businesses and workforce.
The report has sparked a conversation about the future of New York’s economy and the necessary steps to create a more favorable environment for both businesses and residents. Without significant change, there are fears that the state’s economic challenges will persist, hindering growth and prosperity.
Overall, the findings in the “Blueprint for New York” highlight the urgency of addressing the economic issues facing the state, as stakeholders from various sectors implore the government to implement reforms that could help reverse the current trajectory of New York’s economy.
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times: NYC Economy and Jobs
- Wikipedia: Economy of New York (state)
- The New York Times: AI Investment and Economic Growth
- Google Search: New York economy 2025
- Reuters: US Consumer Finances and Economic Outlook
- Google Scholar: New York economic challenges
- McKinsey: New York 2040 – Time to Reinvent Again
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Economy

Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.