New York City is experiencing a significant population decline, with over 114,000 residents leaving annually due to economic hardships linked to current leadership. The Citizens Budget Commission reports that the bottom 40% income group is exiting faster than wealthier individuals, indicating that working families are most affected by rising costs and stagnating wages. A controversial rent freeze has exacerbated the housing crisis, resulting in an increase in vacant apartments while market rents continue to soar. ———————–