Near blockchain developers are set to implement a 50% reduction in the network's annual token inflation rate, lowering it to 2.5%. This decision proceeds despite a failed governance vote over the summer, which did not achieve the necessary quorum. The upgrade will commence on October 28 and is expected to take three weeks, contingent on 80% validator adoption of the new software version. The move has sparked debate within the community. Critics, such as staking provider Chorus One, argue that bypassing the governance vote undermines the integrity of the decision-making process. However, supporters highlight that over 90% of participating validators were in favor of the proposal, suggesting broad support among those who voted.