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How NYC Became So Unequal

Oct 23, 2025

Location:

CUNY Law School 2 Court Square, Long Island City (Queens) Community Room, Floor 3

Time of Event:

6:30pm

Ever wonder why CUNY is no longer free? Confused why the subway fare keeps rising while service declines? Watch LPE NYC ‘s event for a conversation between Professors Gregory Louis and Mason Williams, moderated by Christy Thornton, as they try to answer these questions and more by charting the history of the political economy of NYC. The speakers examine our city’s path from post-war social democracy to a polity largely controlled by finance capital and real estate. In examining how this neoliberal turn occurred, the panelists provide useful context for New Yorkers interested in organizing to escape the austerity that needlessly deprives our city of so much.