See what stories caught our attention this week, including fire-resistant building developments and a livable wage for New Yorkers.
Fireproofing Neighborhoods
After the major California fires in 2025, builders are looking for ways to make homes fire-resistant. A big challenge is that even if one home is perfect, a neighbor's home can still pose a fire risk. Roy Wright, CEO of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, shared this with Bloomberg Citylab.
The story, highlighted by RTBC Executive Editor Will Doig, focuses on a developer building entire fire-resilient neighborhoods in California. This approach aims to protect whole communities, not just individual homes.
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A Living Wage in New York City
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani campaigned for a $30 minimum wage. While the current minimum wage is $17, a proposal to make this a reality is now before the City Council.
The proposal suggests a gradual increase, reaching $30 by 2030. Editorial Director Rebecca Worby noted that New York City's current minimum wage is lower than in cities like Denver and Seattle. This new proposal would make it the highest in the country.
