Bloomberg Points to “Hopeful” Signs in NYC Economy

Mayor Michael Bloomberg says there are some things to be optimistic about in the city's economy.

In his weekly radio address Sunday, Bloomberg said that 9,500 more city residents had jobs in February than in January. He said that was the first monthly increase in almost two years.

He also said he was confident the city's pattern of years of declining crime rates would continue.

Some have pointed to a recent spate of high-profile crime headlines to ask whether the decades-long reduction is starting to shift as the city struggles with massive budget cuts and a shrinking police force.

Bloomberg said police officers would continue to be put where they are most needed and can do the most good. He also said the city would work to keep illegal guns off the streets.