Our work centers on six essential pillars that define thriving New York City neighborhoods.
Our work centers on six essential pillars that define thriving New York City neighborhoods: housing, public space, mobility, economic development, public health, and climate action.
These issue areas are deeply interconnected. Good housing shapes our health and ability to participate in an economy. Public spaces create community and help mitigate climate risks. Mobility connects New Yorkers to jobs, health services, and one another. We seek to shape interdisciplinary approaches to these issues that can build a stronger New York and a more livable city.
Housing
Every New Yorker should be able to afford a healthy home in a neighborhood full of opportunity, connection, and essential services. Our programs explore how to unleash new housing of all kinds, protect tenants from displacement, overcome entrenched opposition, and embrace proven solutions from cities around the world.
Public Space
Parks and plazas are where we come together as New Yorkers, but too many are in rough shape after years of deferred maintenance and neglect. We seek to shape new strategies that strengthen stewardship and ensure every neighborhood has vibrant, safe public spaces.
Mobility
New York City deserves a world-class transportation network and safer, greener streets. Our programs surface transformative ideas to take back our streets, subways, and buses.
Economic Development
We must build an economy that works for all New Yorkers. Our programs investigate how to expand job hubs in and outside of Manhattan, strengthen commercial corridors, and improve transit connections to help every neighborhood grow and thrive.
Public Health
Where you live, how much you earn, the number of trees on your block, and your access to parks, transit, and fresh food influence your health and life expectancy. We seek to foster urban design that improves the health of all New Yorkers.
Climate Action
The climate crisis is a daily reality for New Yorkers who face heat-related illnesses, polluted air from traffic, and storms that damage homes and businesses, and disrupt transit. Our work surfaces climate solutions that protect our neighborhoods and prepare for the challenges ahead.
