http://hdl.handle.net/2451/28471 Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:48:07 GMT 2026-04-03T22:48:07Z http://hdl.handle.net/2451/75585 Title: Mass Worker Education: Governing from the Shopfloor Authors: Vgontzas, Nantina; Pinto, Sanjay Abstract: This brief proposes a framework for “mass worker education” that builds democratic governance from workers’ everyday struggles on the shopfloor. Centering the role of peer educators–workers versed in labor processes, legal rights, and relational dynamics–it argues that worker-led education can generate shared analysis of exploitative practices, support experimentation with organizing tactics, and deepen strategic reflection on building collective power. The brief proposes leveraging expanded capacity at NYC’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) to institutionalize peer education as a core tool of labor standards enforcement and worker organization, with a pilot in warehousing and parcel delivery operations developed in partnership with unions and community groups. It also outlines city-state collaboration to expand the scope of co-enforcement and links mass worker education to participation in assemblies that shape policy on data, technology, and other sector-wide concerns, paving the way toward mass sectoral governance. Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2451/75585 2026-02-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2451/75584 Title: Affordability, Dignity, and Democratic Control: Towards Transformative Municipal Governance In New York City Authors: Baiocchi, Gianpaolo; Brady, Marnie; Carlson, H. Jacob; Chan, Yuly; Patros, Tyson Abstract: This working paper series grows out of an extraordinary political opening in New York City: the election of Mayor Zohran Mamdani on a mandate to treat housing, transit, care, and education as social goods. The papers collected here offer “Real Utopian” designs for institutions and policies that are both transformative and feasible, with an eye toward durability, scale, and egalitarianism. Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2451/75584 2026-02-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2451/75575 Title: A Shared Services Cooperative for Childcare Workers Authors: Pinto, Sanjay; Criscitiello, Ra; Kerr, Camille; Saba, Mary Jirmanus Abstract: The Mamdani administration and Governor Hochul’s commitment to universal childcare for children under five creates a rare opening to reshape New York City’s childcare system around equity, quality, and democratic accountability. But expanding public funding into a fragmented sector risks reproducing existing gaps unless implementation builds durable civic infrastructure for worker and provider voice. This brief argues that strengthening democratic accountability should be treated as an implementation requirement, not an add-on. It proposes creating a shared services cooperative (SSC) that gives childcare workers and community-based providers collective capacity, shared back-office supports, and a stronger platform for participation in policy design and oversight. By leveling the playing field for smaller providers while preserving their independence, an SSC can become a cornerstone of a more inclusive, responsive, citywide childcare system. Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2451/75575 2026-02-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2451/75574 Title: The State of Affairs of Accessible Early Childhood Education and Care in NYC Authors: Gerena-Ortiz, Alejandro Abstract: New York City has been facing a steep decline of families with young children, creating a serious issue in population growth with long-term consequences. Experts have provided data as to why that may be and they all hint at the high costs of early childhood education. As a new mayoral term begins, it is time to revise the current systems in place in order to create true universal childcare and ensure New York City can become an attractive place for families to lay their roots. By creating a special taskforce and boosting the already existing programs, the new administration will be able to lay the groundwork for what will be a revolutionizing project for the families of New York. Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2451/75574 2026-02-01T00:00:00Z