Policies & Governance

The Policy Panel

Beyond placing buildings, players manage the city through the Policy Panel. This interface allows you to adjust the "software" of the city. These settings affect the simulation globally.

Fiscal Policies (Taxes)

Taxation is your primary income but also the primary source of unhappiness.

• Residential Tax: Low taxes attract immigrants but leave the treasury empty. High taxes generate revenue but cause high-wealth agents to leave.

• Commercial/Industrial Tax: Affects business profitability. Lowering these taxes can act as a stimulus package during a recession.

Social Policies (Regulation)

You can enact city ordinances that change agent logic.

• Minimum Wage:

  • Effect: Sets a floor for salaries.

  • Pro: Reduces poverty for Tier 1 workers.

  • Con: Increases operating costs for businesses, potentially causing bankruptcy.

• Public Transport Subsidy:

  • Effect: Makes buses and trains free or cheap.

  • Pro: Reduces traffic congestion as agents abandon cars.

  • Con: Increases the daily maintenance cost of the city.

Budget Allocation

You can use sliders to adjust funding for services.

• 100% Funding: Services operate at full efficiency.

• 50% Funding: Police cars patrol less frequently; ambulances are slower. This saves money but increases risk.